Grief Isn’t Linear: Understanding the Waves of Loss

Grief is one of the most universal—and misunderstood—human experiences. Many expect it to follow a neat timeline: shock, sadness, acceptance, and then “moving on.” But grief rarely works that way. It’s messy, unpredictable, and deeply personal.

You might feel okay one day, then shattered the next. A song, scent, or memory can send a wave of emotion crashing over you. That doesn’t mean you’re regressing—it means you’re human.

Grief can stem from many losses: a death, a breakup, a miscarriage, a lost job, or even the loss of an identity. All are valid. What matters is honoring the pain instead of rushing to fix it.

In therapy, we explore your grief in a safe, non-judgmental space. You’re not expected to be “strong” or keep it together. We process the meaning of your loss, the impact on your life, and how to move forward while still holding space for what was.

Healing doesn’t mean forgetting. It means learning to carry your loss with tenderness. And it’s okay if that takes time.