There are five stages a person must go through to completely deal with a loss. Not every individual will display all the symptoms nor at the same time or manner. The stages are 1). Denial, 2). Anger, 3). Bargaining, 4). Grief, 5). Resolution.

Denial or Isolation is when we deny the reality of the situation. We block out the words and hide from the facts. This is a temporary response which carries us through the first wave of pain.

As the masking effects of denial or isolation begin to fade, the painful reality of death surfaces. We are not ready. The intense emotion is deflected and redirected and expressed as Anger. This anger can be aimed at objects, strangers, friends, family or even the doctor treating the terminal illness. Anger can even be directed at the person who left us, leaving us feeling guilty for holding such anger.

The normal reaction to feelings of helplessness and vulnerability is often a need to regain control. Bargaining helps us regain control with thoughts of, "If only..." "If only we sought medical attention sooner. If only we had gotten a second opinion." This is a weaker line of defense to protect us from the painful reality.

Depression can be a reaction to practical implications relating to the loss. Perhaps being worried about finances or that we have spent less time with others who depend on us. Sadness and hopelessness at the thought of not ever seeing or speaking to the person we have lost. It is so important to seek and accept the support you need.

Acceptance is a gift not afforded to everyone, especially if loss was sudden or unexpected. This phase is marked by withdrawal and calm.

There is no right or wrong way to grieve.  There is no certain time limit to grieve. It is a very personal and singular experience. These stages can be experienced in any order than what is listed here, and a person can bounce from one to another and then back to a previous one.

Hypnotherapy can help with the grieving process, especially if you are feeling stuck. Hypnotherapy can't eliminate grief or sadness - it is important to experience some or all of the stages so that your mind can appropriately process the loss. Hypnosis can help you move through the stages with a better understanding and help you to physically and mentally feel calmer and more relaxed. It can help with stress, anxiety, sleep issues and lack of appetite associated with grief.