Grief and Healing: Body Awareness and Working with Stuck Grief

Grief is one of the most profound and universal human experiences. It can arise after the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, a major life transition, or even the loss of a sense of self. Society often emphasizes "moving on" quickly, but grief is rarely linear, and the body plays a central role in how we experience and process it.

Integrative body-psychotherapy offers a unique approach: body awareness, emotional presence, and gentle self-care support natural healing. It is also highly effective in working with stuck or complicated grief, where emotions and physical sensations have become blocked or suppressed.

Why Grief Can Become Stuck

Grief doesn't always progress naturally. It can become stuck when:

• The loss is avoided, suppressed, or not fully felt
• The social environment discourages emotional expression ("Don't cry," "Be strong")
• Past traumas or unprocessed emotions interfere with grieving
• The loss is sudden, shocking, or overwhelming

Signs of stuck grief may include: persistent sadness, emotional numbness, suppressed anger or guilt, physical tension, sleep and appetite disturbances, and repetitive thoughts about the loss.

The Role of the Body in Stuck Grief

Grief is deeply embodied, and unprocessed grief can become "held" in the body. Body awareness helps to:

• Notice tension, heaviness, or blocked emotions
• Safely release emotions that have been suppressed
• Restore a sense of presence and control over one's emotional experience

Therapeutic Approaches for Stuck Grief

1. Integrative Body-Psychotherapy
• Cultivates awareness of bodily sensations and emotions
• Uses breath, movement, and presence to release emotional blockages
• Supports safe expression and integration of grief
2. Trauma- and Grief-Focused Techniques
• EMDR or other trauma-processing modalities if grief is intertwined with past trauma
• Sensorimotor or body-oriented approaches to release tension and emotional holding
3. Creative and Emotional Expression
• Journaling, drawing, movement, or vocal expression can help process emotions
• Creative outlets allow unconscious feelings to surface safely
4. Regular Body-Awareness Practices at Home
• Grounding, mindful breathing, gentle stretching or movement
• Checking in with the body throughout the day to notice tension or emotion
5. Support Groups and Therapy Sessions
• Provide a safe and validating environment for expressing grief

Shared experiences reduce isolation and feelings of loneliness