Healing Grief and Loss
Tragic loss, and the effects of not receiving support was a feature of my family life growing up, affecting all of us differently.
I learnt that unprocessed grief can lead to addiction, eating disorders, chronic insomnia, anxiety and depression.
I trained with CRUSE Bereavement Service in 2014, visiting clients in their own homes, listening, reassuring and supporting those suffering from the devastating effects of grief, often complex or from a long time ago. I learned that often grief does not heal on its own, it can scar people, leaving them emotionally crippled, thus unable to enjoy life and have successful relationships. I worked with many left desolate by the loss of a lifetime partner, but also parents who had lost a child and those who had experienced sudden and traumatic death close to them by accident or suicide.
Talking helped, but, realising they were often unwell, I wanted to offer people systemic relief, looking at their wellbeing as a whole.
I trained in Advanced Reflexology to work directly with grief in all the ways it can manifest: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
I have now worked with many individuals through this healing process through the 3 stages: Shock, Acceptance and Belief.
I also developed Light Dance and began to work with bereaved clients without words but with creative expression.
Talking Therapy
Talking about grief is a very important part of healing. Telling their story without fear of reaction or upsetting others enables people to understand what has happened and begin to recover.
When shock begins to dissolve, emotions rise to the surface. These can range from overwhelming uncontrollable sadness to guilt, anger, regret and the emergence of unresolved issues from the past.
Talking helps find a perspective.
Holistic Reflexology
A Holistic Reflexology Programme works on all the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of grief which may manifest in many ways:
1) SHOCK paralysis, inability to function, uncontrollable crying.
2) ACCEPTANCE resolving difficult feelings, acknowledging the past.
3) BELIEF finding the will to continue to live. Making peace with the loss
Light Dance
For some people expressing themselves through movement and voice can really help them to process their grief.
Individual Light Dance sessions offer the freedom of expression to allow feelings to emerge and find their own form, with gentle support and reassurance.
Finding a unique creative response brings people back to themselves and helps ground their new reality.
" After a lengthy illness, my Mum sadly passed away. This was my first experience of grief and I struggled to process the loss. As a qualified grief counsellor, Jacqueline supported me through each stage, helping me to understand and process my emotions, step-by-step. Her combination of talking therapy and reflexology enabled me to regain my strength and find peace internally.
It was a journey that I will forever be grateful for, and urge anyone who is struggling to process their grief to reach out and begin their own journey. "
Kate P.
" I have been attending Light Dance sessions for over a year, and found these sessions extremely healing and transformative. Jacqueline provides an environment which feels safe and comforting, and her kind and non-intrusive way of working has enabled me to connect with and release deep emotions, specifically relating to grief. I have experienced several painful losses in the past year and these sessions have helped me to process these losses in a way that talking therapies alone have not. Jacqueline has helped me to find creative ways to release the pain through movement, but also through voice and ceremony. It is hard to put into words how powerful and profound this has been in helping me to mourn. Jacquelines gentle manner of working has led me to be much more gentle towards myself when processing challenging emotions. I would highly recommend Light Dance to anyone who is looking for a safe place to address their feelings in a uniquely creative way. "
Nicola M