GRIEF!

Understanding and Working Through Grief with Cognitive Behavioral Coaching (CBC)

Grief can feel overwhelming, but understanding its stages—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—provides a roadmap for healing. These stages are not always experienced in order but recognizing them helps you stay aware of your emotional journey.

Using Cognitive Behavioral Coaching (CBC), which as a life coach I use, together we can work through each stage by identifying and reframing unhelpful thoughts. In the denial stage, when you are struggling to accept the loss, CBC helps you ground yourself through reflection: What is the truth of this situation? Writing down your thoughts and comparing them to reality can bring clarity.

In the anger stage, rather than bottling up frustration or directing it inward, CBC encourages questioning negative beliefs like "It's unfair" and challenging them with constructive thinking. What can I control, and what actions align with my values?

During bargaining, where guilt and "what ifs" surface, CBC helps shift focus from unrealistic expectations to achievable steps. Replace thoughts like "I should have done more" with "What can I learn from this to move forward?"

In depression, small, manageable actions like scheduling time for self-care or reconnecting with a routine can restore a sense of progress. CBC focuses on breaking the cycle of negative thinking by setting achievable goals that help you re-engage with life.

Finally, acceptance is not about forgetting but integrating the loss into your life. Through CBC, you practice self-compassion and ask, "How can I honor my grief while continuing to grow?"

By applying CBC techniques, you learn to manage your thoughts and emotions, making each step through grief a little more bearable, building resilience and hope for the future.

If you are going through any of these stages, please do message me and we can chat.

Until then, keep safe and grow into your best self.

Cheers

Christine