The loss of a child is one of the most devastating experiences a parent can endure. It leaves an indelible mark on the heart and soul, creating a profound sense of grief and sadness. At Connected Brain Counseling, we understand the immense pain of losing a child and are here to support you through this difficult journey.

Understanding Grief

Grief is a natural response to loss. It encompasses a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, confusion, and even guilt. Understanding grief can help you navigate the healing process.

The Stages of Grief

  1. Denial: Initially, it may be hard to accept the reality of your loss. Denial is a defense mechanism that helps numb the shock.
  2. Anger: As the denial fades, it’s common to feel anger. You may direct it towards yourself, others, or even the situation.
  3. Bargaining: You might find yourself dwelling on “what if” or “if only” statements, hoping to change the outcome.
  4. Depression: Deep sadness sets in as you begin to comprehend the full extent of your loss. This stage can feel overwhelming.
  5. Acceptance: Over time, you may come to accept the reality of your loss, finding ways to move forward while keeping the memory of your child alive.

Coping with the Loss of a Child

1. Seek Support

Grieving the loss of a child is not something you should face alone. Seeking support from family, friends, or support groups can provide comfort and understanding. At Connected Brain Counseling, our therapists are here to offer professional support tailored to your needs.

2. Allow Yourself to Grieve

There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Allow yourself to feel the pain and sadness without judgment. Grieving is a personal process that takes time, and it’s important to be patient with yourself.

3. Create a Memorial

Creating a memorial for your child can be a healing process. This could be a physical space, like a garden, or a digital space, like a website or blog, where you can share memories and keep their spirit alive.

4. Engage in Self-Care

Grief can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Engage in self-care activities like exercise, meditation, or hobbies that bring you comfort. Taking care of yourself is essential to the healing process.

5. Professional Counseling

Professional counseling can provide a safe space to express your emotions and work through your grief. Therapists at Connected Brain Counseling are experienced in helping parents cope with the loss of a child, offering compassionate support and effective coping strategies.

The Benefits of Grief Counseling

  1. Emotional Support: Counseling provides a non-judgmental space to express your feelings and emotions.
  2. Coping Strategies: Learn healthy coping mechanisms to navigate your grief journey.
  3. Understanding Grief: Gain insight into the grief process and how it impacts your life.
  4. Building Resilience: Develop resilience and find ways to move forward while honoring your child’s memory.

 

Who Can Benefit from Grief Counseling?

  1. Parents and Siblings: Losing a child affects the entire family. Counseling can help parents and siblings process their grief together.
  2. Extended Family Members: Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and close family friends may also benefit from grief counseling.
  3. Anyone Struggling with Loss: Anyone struggling with the profound sadness of losing a child can find support and guidance through counseling.

 

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Why Choose Connected Brain Counseling?

At Connected Brain Counseling, we provide a compassionate and supportive environment for those coping with the loss of a child. Our experienced therapists are dedicated to helping you navigate your grief journey with understanding and care. We offer personalized counseling services to meet your unique needs and help you find a path to healing.

Coping with the loss of a child is an incredibly challenging journey, but you don’t have to face it alone. Grief counseling can provide the support and guidance you need to navigate this difficult time. At Connected Brain Counseling, we are here to help you find healing and peace.

  1. “Grief and Loss,” American Psychological Association. This resource provides comprehensive information on the stages of grief and coping mechanisms. Learn more at APA.
  2. “Coping with the Loss of a Child,” Mayo Clinic. This article offers practical advice and support for parents dealing with the loss of a child. Check it out at Mayo Clinic

If you are struggling with the loss of a child, don’t hesitate to seek support. Book a free consultation with Connected Brain Counseling today and take the first step towards healing.

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Pauly Munn, MA, LPC

Individual & Couples Counselor; Neurofeedback Clinician; EMDR-Trained (PhD Candidate)

Pauly is a Colorado native who received his MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Regis University, and is a current doctoral candidate for a PhD in Clinical Psychology program at Fielding Graduate University. Pauly is an empathetic counselor who believes in a compassionate, yet direct approach to therapy. Pauly believes his clients are the experts of their experience. Through a collaborative lens, clients who work with Pauly are able to gain meaningful insight into their experience which in-turn provides the essential resources for navigating change and/or healing emotional wounds. Pauly utilizes an integrated trauma-informed lens blended with evidence-based modalities including ACT, CBT, EFT, and more. Pauly specializes in working with adult individuals and couples, with several years of experience working directly with a broad range of presenting challenges including relationship challenges, PTSD & complex trauma, substance use disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, and more. More importantly, Pauly believes in building a safe space in which each and every one of his clients feels seen & heard. Pauly identifies as a Latino-American, and is passionate about conducting therapy utilizing a social justice & diversity-informed lens. Pauly has a strong background working with multicultural identities, and believes in the importance of recognizing our unique differences. Pauly loves staying active through basketball, tennis, volleyball, hiking, dancing, strength training, and more. Additionally, Pauly spends time actively engaging in ongoing research projects in trauma, social justice, and neuropsychology.

Pauly's Specialties

Brianna Herrera, MA, LPCC

Individual & Couples Counselor; Neurofeedback Clinician

Brianna believes in a holistic approach to counseling, integrating mind, body, and spirit in her work with clients. She strives to help clients weave the various aspects of their lives together through a collaborative approach, meeting her clients where they’re at and partnering with them to create lasting change and a greater sense of wholeness in their lives. Brianna seeks to create a grounding and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences with freedom and authenticity. She embraces a variety of evidence-based treatment modalities to best meet her clients’ specific needs and goals, such as trauma-informed CBT, DBT, mindfulness-based techniques, solution-focused therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and humanistic approaches. In her work with couples, Brianna focuses on helping partners improve communication, strengthen their emotional connection, and navigate challenges such as conflict resolution, intimacy issues, and life transitions. She believes that life-giving, functioning relationships are foundational to a person’s sense of well-being. Brianna is certified in facilitating both SYMBIS and Prepare-Enrich couples counseling sessions. In her free time, she can often be found adventuring outside with her husband and pup, hosting a game night, or enjoying time with community.

Brianna's Specialties

Sydney Focht, MA, LPC

Clinical Director & Counselor

I specialize in working with women in their 20s to 50s who struggle with self-worth, self-esteem, and the guilt that often comes with prioritizing themselves. Finding self-trust and the ability to feel worthy of happiness are common topics in my work. My clients tend to put off therapy because they downplay their struggles, describing their pain as ‘not that big of a deal.’ Many of them grew up in households where expressing emotions wasn’t encouraged and they are still looking for security now. My goal is to create a space where you feel completely free to be yourself—no pressure, no expectations. Therapy with me isn’t about either of us being ‘perfect’—it’s more about you feeling safe, seen, and supported as you figure things out in a way that works for you. I prioritize meaningful conversations that get to the heart of the issue, getting to the root and out of surface level conversation quickly. Going through my own therapy has given me a deeper understanding of what it’s like to be in the client’s seat, and it’s made me even more passionate about helping others find the support that truly works for them. My clients describe me as focused, compassionate, nonjudgmental, and down-to-earth. I truly love what I do and that comes through in my work! I’m a person-centered therapist, but I often integrate elements of Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and IFS.

Sydney's Specialties

Cassandra Keller, MA, LPCC

Neurofeedback Clinician & Counselor (EMDR-Trained)

I support adults and teens (15+) who are ready to find relief from trauma, anxiety, depression, or feeling stuck in life, career, or identity transitions. Using a compassionate, trauma-informed, and integrative approach, I help clients reconnect with themselves and move toward balance and resilience. I’m EMDR-trained and draw from person-centered, gestalt, DBT, and somatic practices. Whether we’re working with the nervous system, processing painful memories, or exploring patterns with curiosity, my goal is to create a safe, collaborative space where you feel supported, present, and empowered to grow. I especially enjoy working with athletes, creative people, students, and outdoor adventurers who value resilience, beauty, and balance. Alongside therapy and grounding practices, I also offer neurofeedback as another powerful pathway for nervous system regulation and healing. Outside the office, you’ll often find me climbing, fly fishing, running trails, foraging, or relaxing in the grass under the aspens. My love for movement, play, and nature continually inspires how I show up with clients.

Cassandra's Specialties