In any major life transition we experience grief and loss.

Whether it be the end of a marriage, losing a job or moving to a new place, we experience
the similar feelings and grief as we do with death and dying.

Paula M. Peterson LCSW, MSC
Psychotherapist
Ordained Interfaith Minister

Specialized Certifications In:

• Alcohol & Substance Abuse Counseling

SUNY at Stony Brook

• Thanatology:

Death, Dying and Bereavement - Grief Counseling 

• Couples Relationship Therapy

• HIV Counselor/Trainer

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• Some loss is involved in every change.

• Grieving is normal, acceptable and healthy.

• Grieving is highly individualized.

• Loss, though painful, can be a resource
for learning.

Grieving with professional supportive help can be an enduring, overcoming and transformative process.

"Mistakes are the portals for discovery. There are no endings only discoveries."
.............................

An Affirmation Of Those Who Have Lost

"I believe there is no denying it: it hurts to lose.

It hurts to lose a cherished relationship with another,

or a significant part of one's own self.

It can hurt to lose that which has united one with the past,

or that which has beckoned one into the future.

It is painful to feel diminished or abandoned,

to be left behind or left alone.

Yet I believe there is more to losing than just the hurt and the pain.

For there are other experiences that loss can call forth.

I believe that courage often appears, however quietly it is expressed.

The courage to be strong enough to surrender.

The fortitude to be firm enough to be flexible.

 I believe a time of loss can be a time of learning unlike any other.

In the act of saying "good-bye" there is a "hello" to be heard.

For living with loss is about beginnings as well as endings.

And grieving is a matter of life more than of death.

And growing is a matter of mind and heart and soul more than of

body.

And loving is a matter of eternity more than of time.

Finally, I believe in the promising paradoxes of loss:

In the midst of darkness, there can come a little Light.

At the bottom of despair, there can appear a great Hope.

And deep within loneliness, there can dwell a great Love.

I believe these things because others have shown there way-

Others who have lost and then have grown through the losing,

Others who have suffered and then found new meaning.

So, I know I am not alone:

I am accompanied, day after night, night after day."

-- Anonymous