Certified Grief Recovery Specialist®
Megan Gredesky, LMFT
Understanding Grief Beyond Death
Are you experiencing conflicting feelings caused by the end of or change in any familiar pattern of behavior? If so, you are experiencing a normal response to loss called grief.
Traditionally, we think of loss as the death of a parent, loved one, or pet. However, there are many experiences that can produce feelings of grief. We grieve for the loss of all relationships we deem significant, no matter how short or long they last. Grief is a universal experience.
Many Experiences Can Cause Grief
Relationship Changes
- Death of a loved one
- Divorce or separation
- Breakup of relationship
- Loss of trust
- Empty nest
Life Transitions
- Moving to a new home
- Starting or ending school
- Graduation
- Retirement
- Career changes
Health & Family
- Infertility struggles
- Pregnancy loss
- Post-partum depression
- Major health changes
- Loss of physical ability
Other Losses
- Financial changes
- Legal problems
- End of creative project
- Loss of pet
- Holiday grief
Just to name a few! Any significant change or ending can create grief.
The Problem with "Just Give It Time"
Our society is not equipped to respond to individuals who are grieving. In response to your grief, have you ever been told:
Unhelpful Messages Society Gives Us:
- "Don't feel bad"
- "Don't cry"
- "You need to be strong for others"
- "Just give it time"
- "Give her some space"
- "He needs to be alone"
- "Just keep busy"
- "At least they're in a better place"
The message is: "Don't feel your feelings," "distract yourself from your feelings," and "bury your feelings with activities."
These messages, although meant to be helpful, can be really inhibiting to your grief recovery process. Without realizing it, you may have come to internalize all of your conflicting feelings around the loss, preventing you from discovering and completing the unfinished emotions that naturally manifest in significant relationships.
The truth: Unresolved grief doesn't heal with time alone. The best time to start recovering from grief is NOW.
What is the Grief Recovery Method?
The Grief Recovery Method® is an evidence-based, action-oriented program that provides concrete tools to guide you in completing what's unfinished in your heart after loss. It's not just about feeling better—it's about taking specific actions to heal.
Using this structured approach, I help you identify incomplete communications, express unfinished emotions, and find a new relationship with your memories. This method works for all types of loss—not just death.
The Process: 7-Week Structured Program
Weeks 1-2: Understanding Grief
- Identify myths about grief
- Recognize incomplete emotions
- Create safe space for expression
Weeks 3-4: Relationship Inventory
- Map the relationship history
- Identify positive and negative moments
- Acknowledge the full complexity
Weeks 5-6: Completion Process
- Draft completion letter
- Express unfinished emotions
- Find forgiveness and peace
Week 7: Moving Forward
- Integration of insights
- New relationship to memory
- Tools for future losses
Why Combine Grief Recovery with Brainspotting?
As one of the few therapists trained in both modalities, I offer a powerful integrated approach:
Brainspotting
Processes the trauma of loss stored in the body, helping release the physiological impact of grief
Grief Recovery Method
Completes the unfinished emotions in the heart through structured action steps
This combination creates deeper, faster healing.
Understanding the Grief Recovery Process
The Grief Recovery Method, developed by the Grief Recovery Institute, is an action-based approach to grief. Unlike traditional grief counseling which focuses on talking about feelings, this method provides specific steps to complete the unfinished emotional business related to loss.
What "Completing" Grief Means
Grief recovery isn't about "getting over" your loss or forgetting someone. It's about discovering and completing the unfinished emotions that naturally occur in significant relationships. This includes things you wish you'd said, apologies you wish you'd made, or acknowledgments you never got to share.
The Structured 7-Week Framework
The program follows a structured 7-week format with specific action steps each week. This includes understanding grief myths, creating a relationship inventory, and working through a completion process. The structured approach gives you concrete tools and a roadmap, rather than just talking about your feelings.
Without realizing it, you may have come to internalize all of your conflicting feelings around the loss, preventing you from discovering and completing the unfinished emotions. The best time to start recovering from grief is NOW.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Grief Recovery different from regular grief counseling?
Traditional grief counseling often focuses on talking about your feelings. The Grief Recovery Method provides specific action steps to complete the unfinished emotional business related to your loss. It's structured, time-limited, and evidence-based.
How long does the Grief Recovery process take?
The structured program is 7 weeks. However, many clients continue with additional sessions to address multiple losses or integrate Brainspotting for deeper healing.
Can this help with old grief from years ago?
Absolutely. Grief doesn't have an expiration date. Many clients find relief from losses that occurred decades ago. The body and heart still hold unfinished emotions, regardless of how much time has passed.
Does this work for losses other than death?
Yes! The Grief Recovery Method is designed to address all types of loss—divorce, job loss, infertility, moves, health changes, and more. Any significant ending creates grief that deserves attention.
Learn More
Recommended Reading
For more information about the Grief Recovery Method, I highly recommend:
The Grief Recovery Handbook by John W. James and Russell Friedman
This foundational book outlines the method and provides insights into the recovery process.
Begin Your Grief Recovery Journey
You don't have to carry this alone. Let's work together to complete what's unfinished.
Schedule Your First Session