Healing Through Loss: How EMDR and Hypnotherapy Can Help You Process Grief
I used to think of grief as simply the loss of a loved one, but over time, I’ve realized it can be so much more. Grief is a deeply personal and often overwhelming experience. Whether it’s caused by the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or a major life transition, grief affects not only our emotions but also our bodies and minds. While traditional talk therapy can help, sometimes grief becomes stuck—replaying painful memories, creating anxiety, or even leading to physical symptoms like fatigue and insomnia.
My Personal Experience with Grief and EMDR
My world was turned upside down when I lost my Grampy and Grandad just over a year apart. I never expected the impact it would have on me—I felt lost, abandoned, sad, hurt, and angry. About a year after both losses, I began having recurring nightmares about death. It became clear that my grief was still deeply affecting me, so I returned to therapy to work through it.
As we unpicked my nightmares and emotions, I realized my nightmares were directly linked to the loss of my grandparents. That’s when I began EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). After just one session, my nightmares stopped. The pain of loss didn’t disappear—I still love and miss them—but I no longer feel completely defeated by my grief. Now, I can remember the happy, positive moments and keep them close.
Healing Through EMDR and Hypnotherapy
Grief is more than just sadness—it can bring overwhelming emotions, physical symptoms, and a sense of being stuck. While time helps, some losses feel too heavy to process alone. EMDR and hypnotherapy are powerful tools that can support healing.
How EMDR Eases Grief
EMDR helps reprocess painful memories so they no longer feel overwhelming. Through guided eye movements, it allows the brain to release stuck emotions, reducing distress and helping with acceptance.
How Hypnotherapy Supports Healing
Hypnotherapy accesses the subconscious mind to ease emotional pain, release guilt or regret, and build resilience. It can also provide a sense of closure and connection, making grief easier to carry.
The Power of Combining Both
Together, EMDR and hypnotherapy help release the weight of grief while preserving love and meaning. For me, EMDR stopped the nightmares and allowed me to remember my grandparents with warmth rather than pain. I have also used EMDR for lots of other losses in my life to help process them and be free from the pain. Whether through EMDR, hypnotherapy, or a combination of both, healing is possible—you don’t have to carry grief alone.