HCPCBACPBABCPBPSInsurance accepted

When loss changes how the world feels

Grief & Loss Support Across The North East

A space to process grief in all its forms, whether through death, the end of a relationship, or another kind of change, without timelines or pressure.

  • 44 Practitioners
  • 6 North East clinics
  • Free First Pathway call

Understanding grief and loss

Grief does not follow a schedule. Therapy creates a space to move through it.

Grief is the natural response to loss. Bereavement refers specifically to losing a loved one through death, but grief can arise from any significant loss: the end of a relationship, a serious health diagnosis, the loss of a job, a home, or a life chapter you valued. Whatever form it takes, the pain is real and deserves to be taken seriously.

Grief does not follow a neat pattern. You may feel deep sadness one day and numbness the next. Anger, guilt, yearning, and moments of unexpected relief can come and go in no predictable order. All of this is normal. What varies between people is the pace, the shape, and the kind of support that helps them find their way through.

When grief becomes prolonged, overwhelming, or begins to disrupt daily life, therapy can help. A good therapist does not rush grief or tell you to move on. They help you process the loss at a pace that is right for you, work through emotions that feel stuck, and find a way to carry the loss while still living your life.

Common signs

How grief and loss shows up, and what can help

Common signs

  • Persistent sadness, yearning, or feelings of emptiness
  • Anger, guilt, or regret that feels unresolvable
  • Difficulty concentrating or a sense of numbness
  • Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy levels
  • Withdrawing from people and social situations
  • Intrusive thoughts or images related to the loss
  • Loss of interest in life and daily activities
  • Physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, or chest tightness

Therapies that can help

Different people respond to different approaches. Your therapist agrees a personalised plan with you, which may draw on:

The Pathway Team matches you to a therapist experienced in supporting people with grief and loss, at your chosen location.

A simple first move

Not sure where to start? Talk it through with the Pathway Team.

Who you might work with

Therapists with expertise in supporting people with grief and loss

Browse the full team, or let the Pathway Team match you.

When to reach out

You do not need to have reached a low point to ask for support.

If grief is getting in the way of your daily life, your relationships, or your ability to look after yourself, that is reason enough to seek support. You do not need to have reached crisis point. Many people come to therapy not because they cannot cope, but because they want a safe space to process something that feels too big to carry alone.

It is also worth reaching out if you notice that your grief is deepening rather than easing, if you are relying on alcohol or other substances to get through, or if you are having thoughts that life is not worth living. Our Pathway Team can help you find the right support.

Questions before you start

What people usually ask

1 What is the difference between grief and bereavement?

Bereavement refers specifically to the loss of a loved one through death. Grief is the broader emotional response to any significant loss, including the end of a relationship, a serious health diagnosis, job loss, or a major life change. Both are real, both can be overwhelming, and both can benefit from professional support.

2 How long does grief last?

There is no set timeline. Some people find their grief eases within months; for others it returns unexpectedly around anniversaries and milestones, or lingers for years. Prolonged grief, which does not ease with time or significantly disrupts daily life, is a recognised condition that responds well to therapy. There is no point at which you are supposed to feel better.

3 When does grief need professional support?

If grief is overwhelming your ability to function, is not improving over time, or has triggered depression, anxiety, or other difficulties, it is worth seeking support. You do not need to be in crisis. Many people find that having a dedicated space to process their loss makes a significant difference, even when they appear to be coping outwardly.

4 Can grief affect physical health as well as mental health?

Yes. Grief can disrupt sleep, appetite, energy, and immunity. Some people experience physical symptoms such as chest tightness, fatigue, or headaches. The phrase being heartbroken has real physiological foundations. Therapy can help by reducing the anxiety and stress load that grief carries, which in turn supports physical wellbeing.

In the meantime

Small things that can help right now.

  • Let yourself feel it: do not push grief away
  • Stay connected with people even when you want to withdraw
  • Keep a gentle routine for structure and comfort
  • Mark anniversaries in a way that feels meaningful to you
  • Be patient with yourself: grief has no set timeline
  • Ask for help if things are getting harder, not easier

From the blog

Helpful reading on this

Get in touch

Ready to feel heard?

Leave your details and a member of our Pathway Team will be in touch, usually within one working day. Or call us directly on 0191 258 0008.

  • Confidential and judgement-free
  • No obligation, no pressure to book
  • No GP referral needed
Pathway Team available now

How can we help?

100% confidential, and only ever read by our Pathway Team.

Phone lines open Mon to Thu 8.30am to 5pm, Fri 8.30am to 4.30pm

Call Request a callback