Psychologist in Łódź – Grief Support

I often hear this in my office: “I thought time heals all wounds, but the pain just won’t go away. I feel as if a part of me died along with him.” This is one of the most difficult experiences we have to face—the pain of losing a loved one.

Grief is not an illness that needs to be cured, but a natural and necessary process of adapting to a new reality. It is a journey through difficult emotions, memories, and unanswered questions. There is no single “right” way to experience it, and pressure from those around you to “pull yourself together” often only intensifies the suffering.

I’d like to explain what grief is, what its stages are, and how psychological support can serve as a safe haven during this difficult time. The decision to seek support is an act of courage and self-care.

Note: Grief is a process that everyone experiences differently, and there is no set timeframe for it. In this article, I will focus on its natural course and on the signs that may indicate that the pain is becoming overwhelming and that it’s worth seeking professional help.

What is grief, and how does it manifest itself?

Grief is a natural, psychophysical reaction to loss. We most often associate it with the death of a loved one, but it can also involve the loss of health, a job, a relationship, or an idea that is important to us. It is a process that engages our whole being—our thoughts, emotions, body, and soul.

The symptoms of grief can vary widely:

Emotional: sadness, anger, guilt, fear, loneliness, shock, and even relief.
Physical: fatigue, trouble sleeping and with appetite, headaches, chest tightness.
Cognitive: difficulty concentrating, disorientation, intrusive thoughts about the deceased.
Behavioral: crying, social withdrawal, avoiding places associated with the loss, hyperactivity.

Grieving is not a sign of weakness, but proof of the strength of the bond that united us.

Stages of Grief

The grieving process is often described using a model of stages, such as the one developed by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. It is important to remember, however, that this is not a rigid, linear path. We may go through these stages in different orders, revisit them, or experience several at once.

Denial and shock: “That’s impossible; this isn’t happening.” It’s a natural defense mechanism that protects us from pain we’re not ready to face.
Anger and rage: “Why him/her? Why me?” Anger may be directed at the deceased, at oneself, at doctors, at fate, or at God.
Bargaining: “If only I could…,” “If I do X, maybe everything will go back to normal.” This is an attempt to regain control of the situation.
Depression and sadness: When the finality of loss sinks in, we experience deep sadness, a sense of emptiness, and hopelessness.
Acceptance: coming to terms with a new reality and learning to live without a loved one.

How can a psychologist help with the grieving process?

Psychological Support During Grief means offering support during times of grief and creating a safe space to express all emotions, even the most difficult ones. The goal is not to “cure” grief, but to help you navigate it in a mindful and healthy way.

During sessions with a psychologist:

You'll have space to express your emotions: you can cry, get angry, and talk about your feelings of guilt or fear without worry.
You'll come to see your experiences in a more normal light: you'll learn that what you're going through is a natural part of the grieving process.
You'll learn how to cope with pain: you'll discover techniques that will help you function even during the most difficult moments.
You'll find a way to honor a loved one: together, we'll explore ways to preserve the memory of and maintain a connection with the deceased in a healthy way.
You'll start rebuilding your life: step by step, you'll find the strength to redefine your goals and rediscover meaning.

When does grief become complicated, and when is it a good idea to schedule a consultation?

Sometimes the grieving process becomes “stuck.” In such cases , we refer to it as complicated or prolonged grief. I invite you to schedule a consultation if:

Many months (or years) have passed since the loss, yet the pain hasn't subsided and continues to paralyze your daily life.
You have completely withdrawn from social life and avoid any mention of the deceased.
You have a strong, persistent feeling of guilt or anger.
Suicidal thoughts or self-destructive behaviors have emerged.
You're not able to go back to work or take care of yourself and your family.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the mourning period last?

There’s no set rule for this. For some, the intense period of grief lasts a few months; for others, several years. It’s a very personal process. They say that grief never ends, but over time it changes in nature—the pain becomes less intense, and we learn to live with the sense of loss.

How is grief different from depression?

Although the symptoms may be similar, the key difference lies in the dynamics. In grief, sadness often comes in waves, interspersed with moments of normal well-being and happy memories. In depression, the mood is consistently low. Furthermore, in grief, self-esteem is usually preserved, whereas in depression, intense self-criticism and a sense of hopelessness often arise.

Is it normal to feel angry at someone who has died?

Yes, that's completely normal. Anger can stem from feelings of abandonment, unfinished business, or helplessness. It's important to allow yourself to feel this emotion without judging yourself.

How can I help someone who is grieving?

What matters most is being there. Listen without judging; don’t offer “good advice” (“don’t cry,” “pull yourself together”); instead, offer concrete help (shopping, babysitting). Let the person talk about the deceased and their feelings, even if they repeat the same stories over and over.

Will the session be confidential?

Yes. Everything you say is covered by professional confidentiality. I am obligated to protect your data and privacy.

The only exception is if there is an immediate threat to you or someone else—in that case, I may be required to take appropriate action.

In addition, I sometimes participate in supervision—that is, consultations with another psychologist who helps me reflect on my work and supports me in providing you with the best possible care. During supervision, I discuss cases anonymously, without revealing your identity, to protect your privacy.

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Last updated: May 23, 2026 Grief is a deeply personal experience that each of us goes through sooner or later. The grieving process has been described in detail by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, who identified five stages we go through as we try to cope with loss. Although everyone experiences grief differently, understanding these stages can help us navigate