Pat - I went the first year. I remember this vividly. The first thing he said to me as I sat down was "you don't have to be a rock in this room", meaning, you can leave super-widow behind. It's not easy. I struggled with even getting my words out, sometimes disjointed, but..your therapist will guide you. I swear, I would leave there in a cold sweat sometimes, but it was worth it. I'm glad I went. I hope it goes well for you! Hugs, Marsha

I haven't been to therapy, but many members here have. Most of them felt it was a great help. I'm glad you have chosen to go. You are very early in this very hard journey through grief. Just try to realize there is no "quick fix" and that your ups and downs will continue for a while. It is referred to here as "roller coaster emotions." A good description. Many here have also attended Grief Share support groups. Look online for available groups in your area. Several said they made good friends by attending. I am over 75 and have been widowed 7 yrs. - after 50 yrs. married. I have several widowed friends - a "built in" support group. My faith in God has also sustained me through the ups and downs of these years. I wish you peace -
Doye

I went to hospice grief counseling soon after Don died. Then many months later I began individual therapy. The key is having a therapist you relate to. My experience was great and I left my sessions feeling empowered. It was fleeting, but I returned as recommended and I grew in strength and understanding. This journey is so much more than the loss of a spouse, but a greater loss of everything planed and every moment changed. There's no reason to not explore the depth of what you are feeling and how to deal with the loss. Sharon

Hi Patricia,
I hope your therapy session goes well today. I saw my therapist for almost 2 years, at first every couple of weeks and then on an as needed basis. She was a huge help. There was much effort required on my part so finding the right person, one that can keep youontrack and moving forward is important. Though I did with mine, some people don't click with the first therapist they go to. If that happens, try another. Finding the right one for you is definitely worth the effort. Mine helped me understand my grief and find a path thru it. She helped me develop people skills I needed. When other changes in my life on top of my loss came along, she saw the depression I had fallen into and helped me work my way out of it. Thru all this she became a trusted friend and I grew the skills and the strength to make more strong friendships. She also helped me make friends with myself. Much of my work with her was strenuous but it was all what I needed to do. Because of her, I have skills now that I use daily and my life and relationships are better because of that. The outcome was worth the effort. I still call her on rare occasions. This is where that friendship comes into play. As with other friends, I may share some issue, ask a question or simply catch up on the good things happening in my life. For me therapy was no "Easy" button but it was exactly what I needed.
Peace and ((hugs))
~John

Hey Patricia,
I haven't been thru any therapy yet. Not sure if I will go that rote or not. I may have to later. right now I do O.K. with the folks here and staying in my faith.
My payer is that you find some peace and relief to help you get thru.
Please take care.
Peace, Tim

I was hesitant to go at first but eventually did. I've been going about two months now and I really really enjoy it. It challenges me at times and then at others she just lets me talk about my day, always asking me about my short term goals so we can learn where to steer our sessions.

Hi-yes I went through therapy when I lost my first wife. (I will likely go to therapy again, or should be now with my current wife battling cancer). It helped me because it was with a person I did not know, meaning that I could say anything without feeling what my friends would think-make sense? Sometimes a complete stranger is important to let all the muck come through.

Thank you to all of you
I think it went good :) most certainly for the first time and I will go back.
Just for my schedule, I'm only going once a month. She helped me find my trigger points. Gave me things to read and recommended a book.

Marsha, she was really sweet and kept telling me just relax and say what you want or feel like saying. And I did so over all, it was pretty good.xxxxxx

Doye... Thank you . That's what I have been saying, I feel like I am on a roller coaster and want off. But the therapist told me , almost the same thing, that I am very early in these stages of grief so it will be awhile before I feel anything like 'normal' xxxxxx

Sharon, I am glad I went. She told me she was impressed that I reached out for help, most people don't and I was surprised cause I know I need help with this cause it hurts to much. xxxxxx

John, I think I have found the right one. She was really nice, her name is Miss Pearl :)
I like your name ,it says a lot *tableforone*
xxxxxx


Thanks Tim, I have always heard, 'everyone grieves different' and I believe that. And I think that's the same with therapy , some people want/need it and some don't
xxxxx


MissingHim, sounds like you have a good plan going. I hope and pray mine works out as well
Xxxxx

Runner Wow! I'm amazed and my heart goes out to you. That has to be really hard. I know without a doubt I would have to be in therapy if I were in your shoes. I'm so sorry.
xxxxx