I have a specialty in working with grief, long term and terminal illness, and bereavement. Before becoming a therapist, I provided support via the Cruse organization and during my training, I provided support to clients at a local hospice. Academically, I have worked in oncology research, speaking to patients with advanced disease along with the people who have provided support to them. These experiences mean I’m comfortable sitting in the discomfort with you.
Grief is complicated and it’s something we don’t talk about enough in society. It can bring up feelings about old relationships, our own feelings of death, fears of the past and anxieties for the future. I understand that a death brings up feelings about the person who has died but also can make you feel confused about your own identity going forward. As a therapist, I work with my clients to talk about the person who has died along with focusing on all these impacts for themselves. When you work with me, you aren’t limited in ‘only’ talking about the bereavement – a loss shakes up your world and I’m there to help you find your feet in all aspects.
The loss of someone or something can be acutely tender and yet difficult to talk about. It might be difficult to find the words, or the words themselves may be difficult to admit. I believe therapy can offer the space to think about the wide ranging impact grief has, no matter how long ago the loss happened. As I say to all my clients, there is no right or wrong thing to say. I offer a space where you can be honest without fear of judgment.
R Starkings Therapy 