Grief & Loss Counselling
Gold Coast Grief and Loss Counselling Services
Losing someone or something important to you can feel overwhelming, leaving you with emotions that seem impossible to navigate. Whether you’re grieving the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or another significant loss, you don’t have to go through it alone. Grief therapy can provide the support, tools, and understanding you need to process your grief and find a way forward.
Grief is a deeply personal experience, and there is no “right” way to grieve. Some people feel intense sadness, while others experience numbness, guilt, anger, or even relief. Grief may come in waves, feeling manageable one moment and unbearable the next.
Common types of loss that can lead to grief include:
- Loss of identity, dreams, or sense of purpose
- Death of a loved one
- Miscarriage or infertility struggles
- Divorce or the end of a relationship
- Loss of a pet
- Job loss or career change
- Serious illness (personal or a loved one’s)

Signs you may need support for your grief or loss
While grief is a natural process, some people find it difficult to cope with their emotions or resume daily life. Therapy may help if you are experiencing:
✔ Persistent sadness or hopelessness – Feeling stuck in your grief with no sense of relief
✔ Difficulty functioning – Struggling with work, relationships, or daily tasks
✔ Avoidance behaviours – Withdrawing from friends, family, or reminders of your loss
✔ Intense guilt or regret – Feeling responsible for things beyond your control
✔ Anger or resentment – Directed at yourself, others, or the situation
✔ Numbness or detachment – Feeling disconnected from emotions or unable to express grief.
How grief counselling can help
Grief counselling provides a safe, supportive space to express your emotions, process your loss, and develop coping strategies that work for you. Our compassionate, evidence-based approach includes:
- Grief Processing Therapy – Helping you explore and make sense of your emotions
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – Identifying unhelpful thoughts and developing healthier perspectives
- Mindfulness & Self-Compassion Techniques – Reducing distress and fostering healing
- Rituals & Meaning-Making – Finding ways to honour your loss while moving forward
Grief can feel isolating and painful, but you don’t have to face it by yourself. Whether your loss is recent or something you’ve been carrying for years, professional support can help you heal at your own pace.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is not a substitute for professional advice from your qualified health provider.
Michelle van Namen is a registered Psychologist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Life Coach and Integrative Health Practitioner with over 30 years of experience working with human behaviour and improving mental health. Michelle has been trained in a broad range of evidence-based therapies. She has worked in a variety of roles within private practice, corporate organisations, education, research, and community crisis support. Established in 2006, Integrated Health Specialists is her psychology practice located on the Gold Coast, providing individual and couples therapy for adults. Michelle focuses on providing a warm, authentic and non-judgemental therapeutic space to support clients and facilitate healing and personal growth. Read more about Michelle.
BA (Hons) in Psychology: University of Wollongong, 1995
Registered Psychologist with the Psychology Board (AHPRA) PSY0001395059
Member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPI) 15525
Qualifications verified by Psychology Today
Medicare and Health Insurance Provider.




