Grief does not always look the way we expect.

You might notice:

• A constant sense of tiredness or depletion
• Tightness in your chest, ribs, or throat
• Difficulty concentrating or feeling motivated
• Feeling flat, numb, or disconnected
• Anxiety that seems to come from nowhere
• Changes in appetite or sleep
• A sense that something is “off”, but you can’t quite name it

This is because grief is not just emotional.
It lives in your body and your nervous system.

If it helps to hear this spoken about, I’ve shared more about how grief lives in the body in this short video.

You can also explore more on this in my grief podcasts and related resources.

Grief can arise from many different experiences, including:

• The end of a relationship
• Changes in identity or life direction
• Illness or changes in your body
• Childhood experiences or unmet needs
• Feeling unsafe, unstable, or not fitting in
• Letting go of dreams and future hopes

A lot of people come to therapy because they feel anxious or stressed, and later they discover that grief is also a part of what they’re dealing with.

The death of a pet can bring profound grief. They are woven into our everyday lives, routines, and sense of home. Yet the significance of their loss isn’t always recognised by other people.

I’ve spoken about pet bereavement both on ITV News and in more depth on my podcast, including why this kind of grief deserves to be understood and taken seriously.

I spoke to ITV News about why pet bereavement deserves to be taken seriously, including the need for time off work after the death of a much-loved pet.

In this podcast episode, I explore pet bereavement in more depth, including why the loss can be so painful and how to navigate the grief that follows.

In my work as a somatic therapist in Bristol, we gently include the body in the process.

This means we don’t just talk about what has happened.
We also begin to notice how it is held in your body.

We might explore:

• Where grief shows up physically
• Sensations such as tightness, heaviness, or emptiness
• Patterns in breathing or posture
• The body’s protective responses, such as shutting down or staying on alert

This is done slowly and with care.

There is no pressure to go anywhere you are not ready to go.
Your nervous system sets the pace.

When grief stays unprocessed in the body, it can continue to affect how you feel day to day.

By working with both body and mind:

• The nervous system can begin to settle
• Emotions can move, rather than stay stuck
• You may feel more present and connected again
• There can be a gradual return of energy and clarity

This approach to grief therapy is not about getting rid of grief.
It is about helping it to be held and integrated.

Sessions offer a calm and supportive space where you can:

• Speak freely about your feelings and experiences
• Go at a pace that feels right for you
• Begin to understand your responses with compassion
• Gently reconnect with your body
• Explore patterns linked to grief, anxiety, or relationships

Sometimes the work is quiet.
Sometimes it is emotional.
Often, it’s simply about being understood in what you’re feeling.

If this feels like the right direction for you, you are welcome to get in touch.

You can choose:

• A free 15-minute call
• Or book a full session to begin

Grief is not something to rush or fix.
It has its own rhythm.

But you do not have to go through it on your own.