Notes from the Journey

Feeling Safe, Seen, and Supported in Grief   Why recognition and identity matter when we’re grieving Continuing the conversation on grief, relationships, and inclusion Grief often makes us feel more emotionally exposed. For LGBTQA+ people, this vulnerability can raise important questions about safety, recognition, and belonging, particularly around whether their identity, relationships, or loss will be respected. Support in grief is not just about kindness. It’s also about being seen. At a glance This week’s blog will cover: The importance of recognition and safety in grief support Minority stress and its impact on grieving Why misrecognition can feel especially painful during loss How inclusive support can make a meaningful difference Grief, identity, and the need to feel safe Many people learn to scan for safety in relationships long before grief arrives. After a loss, this awareness can intensify. Some people limit who they talk to, while others feel pressure to explain o...

Grief, Relationships, and LGBTQ+ Experiences   How identity, belonging, and loss can intertwine Exploring grief through an inclusive and relational lens during LGBTQ+ History Month Introduction Grief doesn’t happen in isolation. It unfolds within families, friendships, communities, and social systems. For members of the LGBTQ+ community, these contexts can sometimes be more complex; shaped by experiences of acceptance, rejection, invisibility, or the need to create chosen family. This doesn’t mean LGBTQ+ grief is fundamentally different, but it does mean that the conditions around it can add extra layers to an already painful experience.  I talk about this on my social media ( TikTok , Instagram , Facebook ). At a glance This week’s blog will cover: How relationships and support systems can shape grief experiences The role of chosen family and strained family relationships Disenfranchised grief and feeling unseen in loss Why grief may feel more complicated or lonely for some ...

Grief, Intimacy and Emotional Closeness When closeness feels comforting, and overwhelming Grief often changes how safe closeness feels. You may crave connection one moment and feel the need to pull away the next. These shifts can be confusing and worrying, especially if intimacy once felt grounding or reassuring. At a Glance  This blog will explore: How grief affects emotional and physical intimacy Why closeness can feel complicated after loss Common but rarely discussed experiences How counselling supports safe reconnection A Question Clients Often Ask  “Why does closeness feel different since my loss?” People often ask this when they notice changes in emotional or physical intimacy. You may feel more vulnerable, more cautious, or disconnected from your body. This can lead to fear that something is wrong, or that closeness will never feel the same again. These worries are common, and often deeply misunderstood. This question usually reflects grief’s impact o...

Why Grief Can Strain Even Loving Relationships When love is present, but understanding feels harder to reach Grief has a way of finding its way into the spaces between people. Even in close, loving relationships, you may notice tension, misunderstandings, or a sense of emotional distance that wasn’t there before. This can be deeply unsettling. Many people feel confused or ashamed for struggling in a relationship that matters so much to them. When you’re already grieving, the added worry about a relationship can feel overwhelming. At a Glance  This blog will explore: Why grief can strain even loving relationships How different grief responses create misunderstanding Why love alone doesn’t always bridge the gap How counselling can support relational healing after loss A Question Clients Often Ask  “Why are we struggling when we love each other?” This question is often asked with a heavy heart. People are usually very aware that love, commitment, and care are stil...