Grief & Loss Counselling

Counselling for Grief, Loss & Life Changes

Writer: Tara J Clarke, Holistic Counsellor and Hypnotherapist

Holistic Support for Grief, Loss & Life Changes

Grief and loss can touch every part of your life — your emotions, thoughts, body, relationships, and even your sense of identity.

Whether you’re coping with the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, loss of a job, or any major life change, grief can feel overwhelming, confusing, and isolating. You might feel sadness, anger, guilt, numbness, or even relief — and these feelings can come and go in waves.

At Signs of Abundance Counselling, Hypnosis and Healing, grief counselling is offered both in-person in Palm Cove, Cairns, and online Australia-wide through Microsoft Teams.

How Counselling Can Help

Counselling provides a safe, compassionate space for you to express your feelings without judgement. You are supported to process your grief at your own pace, understand what you are experiencing, and gradually adjust to your new life.

You will learn practical tools to manage intense emotions, reconnect with yourself, and find meaning and hope after loss. Counselling also helps you build resilience to face life’s challenges with greater strength.

About Tara J Clarke

Tara holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling (AIPC) and a Diploma in Holistic Counselling.

Her approach is:

• Strengths-based — focusing on your inner strengths and resources

• Integrative — blending different counselling methods to suit your needs

• Trauma-informed — understanding how past trauma can affect grief

• Person-centred and holistic — focusing on you as a whole person, not just your grief

  
  

Tara uses therapies including:

• Talk therapy

• Narrative therapy (helping you rewrite your story of loss)

• Mindfulness and body-based approaches (helping you feel grounded in your body)

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Solution-focused therapy

  
  

Tara is also a hypnotherapist, and hypnosis can be used alongside counselling to help calm your nervous system and process grief more gently.

Common Experiences of Grief

Grief can look and feel different for everyone, but some common signs include:

• Waves of sadness, anger, guilt, or numbness

• Difficulty sleeping or changes in appetite

• Feeling disconnected or lost

• Trouble concentrating or making decisions

• Physical symptoms like tightness in the chest or fatigue

• Avoiding reminders of the loss or social situations

• Questioning life’s meaning or your beliefs

• Feeling alone, even when surrounded by others

  
  

Remember, grief is a natural response to loss. You are not alone in this.

Grief in Australia

Many Australians experience grief and loss throughout their lives. Sometimes grief comes from death, but it can also come from changes like relationship breakups, moving, or health challenges.

Getting support early can help prevent grief from becoming overwhelming or “stuck.” Counselling encourages healthy coping and healing in a way that respects your unique journey.

Counselling & Hypnotherapy for Grief

Grief can affect your mind, body, and spirit. Sometimes, grief is stored in the body or shows as physical tension or anxiety. Hypnotherapy can:

• Calm your nervous system

• Help you access deep healing and release unprocessed emotions

• Support building new, positive ways of thinking

• Help you feel more relaxed and present

  
  

Counselling and hypnotherapy can be used separately or together, depending on what you feel is best.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What kind of grief can counselling help with?

Counselling can support all kinds of grief — from the death of a loved one, to relationship breakdowns, job loss, or big life changes.

Do I have to be in crisis to start counselling?

No. Many people seek support early to help process their grief and avoid feeling stuck or overwhelmed later.

Are sessions available online?

Yes, sessions are available in-person in Palm Cove, Cairns, and online across Australia via Microsoft Teams.

How long will counselling take?

It depends on your needs. Some people come for a few sessions, while others find ongoing support helpful.

Is counselling confidential?

Yes. Sessions are private and follow Australian counselling ethics, except if there is a serious risk of harm.

Can hypnotherapy help with grief?

Yes, many find hypnotherapy helpful in calming the body and mind, especially when grief feels overwhelming.

You are not alone. If you are feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or having thoughts of suicide, please reach out immediately.

• Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 (24/7)

• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467

These services offer free, confidential support anytime you need to talk.

If you want compassionate, personalised support to help you heal from grief and loss, Tara offers a calm, safe space to walk alongside you. To learn more about Tara’s counselling services, please contact:

Email: signsofabundance@gmail.com

Phone: 0481 336 666 (Australia)

This is not a hotline. Please leave your name, reason for calling, and phone number. Tara will return your call during working hours (between sessions) to discuss your situation and arrange your first appointment.

Grief counselling sessions can be: In person in Palm Cove or online Australia-wide

You don’t have to carry your grief alone. Support is here to help you find hope and healing at your own pace.

References

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2018). Mental health.

This blog is part of the holistic counselling services at Signs of Abundance Counselling, Hypnosis and Healing