Compassionate Grief Counseling in
St. Louis and St. Charles
Finding Hope and Healing in Grief Counseling with Marcia Heckman, PLPC
Virtual sessions available across Missouri
Under the supervision of Amanda Maisel, LPC, MO Lic.#2013011422
When we lose someone we love, our entire world changes. We’re suddenly living in a reality that feels unfamiliar and unfair, trying to figure out how to breathe, function and exist without them.
Grief isn’t just sadness—it’s confusion, longing, anger, exhaustion and love that no longer has a place to land.
Everyday moments become reminders.
The empty chair at the table.
The phone that won’t ring.
The song that once made you smile now stops you in your tracks.
You might wake up each morning hoping it was all a dream, only to feel the weight of it settle over you again. Life moves forward, but it may feel like you can’t. The world keeps spinning while you’re standing still, learning to survive in this “before and after” version of your story.
Mourning a loved one looks different for everyone. Some people cry often; others go numb. Some keep busy to avoid the pain; others sit quietly with it. There’s no right way to grieve, and there’s no timeline. What’s universal is the deep ache of missing someone who mattered.
Understanding Grief and Its Impact
You don’t have to carry that ache alone. Bereavement counseling can offer a space where you don’t have to pretend you’re okay or rush the process. Together, we can explore what this loss means for you—how to honor your love while gently beginning to rebuild your world.
I’m a pre-licensed grief counselor, here to walk alongside individuals and couples as they navigate the heartbreak of loss and the slow, tender process of healing. With compassion, presence, and care, I’ll help you hold space for both the love that remains and the life that still waits for you.
Losing a loved one reshapes our reality in profound ways. The experience of grief is not just an emotional response; it encompasses a wide range of feelings and reactions that can vary significantly from person to person.
Grief can look a lot like sadness, confusion, anger, exhaustion and even love directed toward someone who is no longer here.
These emotions can often feel overwhelming, creating a complex mix of reactions that are difficult to put words to.
Understanding that grief is a natural reaction to loss is crucial. It is essential to recognize that everyone experiences grief differently. This means there is no defined 'normal' when it comes to mourning.
Some people may find themselves captivated by memories of their loved one, while others may feel numb or struggle to cope with everyday life. It’s common for certain triggers—like songs, familiar places, or specific dates—to bring feelings of loss rushing back. Acknowledging these feelings and understanding their significance can be the first step toward healing. For many, it’s an essential reminder that you’re not alone in your experience, and together, we can work through the challenges that grief presents.
The Journey of Mourning: What to Expect
The process of mourning is as unique as the individual experiencing it.
Recognizing that there are various ways to mourn can be comforting and reassuring. Some may cry frequently while others may prefer to avoid facing their emotions altogether. This diversity in how people express grief can lead to feelings of isolation from the people, places and things that used to be so important. It’s vital to remember that there is no right or wrong way to grieve.
As you move through your grieving process, it’s normal for emotions to ebb and flow. One day may feel manageable, while the next may seem overwhelmingly heavy and it’s difficult to even think of getting out of bed. This unpredictability can be daunting, but accepting that it’s part of the journey can help you navigate through. Throughout this time, giving yourself permission to feel, to share, or even to seek comfort in solitude is critical.
The societal expectation of moving on can also add additional stress. It’s important to challenge those notions and remind yourself that healing is not an easy-peasy straight line. Mourning takes time, and allowing yourself to experience your emotions fully can provide the space necessary for processing your loss.
The Role of Grief Counseling in Healing
Grief counseling plays an essential role in helping individuals navigate the aftermath of loss. While friends and family can provide support, they may not always have the capacity to help you delve into the depths of your grief. This is where professional counseling comes in.
In a bereavement counseling setting, you have the opportunity to unpack your thoughts and feelings in a safe, supportive and nurturing environment with a trained professional.
This space enables you to express yourself without judgment and to explore both the love that remains and the life that still awaits you. Together, we can examine how your loss has impacted your identity, routine and overall life perspective.
Counseling provides practical strategies for coping with the myriad of emotions you may face. Techniques such as journaling, mindfulness, and guided imagery can help shift your focus from the overwhelming nature of grief to a more balanced view that encompasses memories of your loved one as part of your journey rather than just a source of pain.
Additionally, participating in counseling can support you in identifying your unique grief process, enabling you to build a roadmap that resonates with your experiences. The goal is not to forget your loved one but to honor their memory while finding a way to move forward.
Personalized Support: Navigating Loss Together
At Middle Path Wellness, we understand that navigating the waters of grief can feel isolating. That's why personalized support is at the core of our counseling approach.
Whether you’re an individual or part of a couple, our sessions are designed to meet you where you are in your grieving journey. Together, we’ll explore the full range of emotions you may be feeling - confusion, anger, sadness - and the importance of honoring each of these feelings.
It’s essential to recognize that the love you have for the person you've lost doesn't disappear; rather, it transforms and evolves throughout your grieving journey. Through compassionate and attentive guidance, we’ll work to develop a healthier understanding of your emotions and create a safe space for expressing them. This collaborative effort enables you to learn more about yourself and your relationship with those feelings.
Each session is tailored to address not only your grief but also your individual needs, ensuring that you feel truly seen and heard. With time, you may discover ways to integrate your loved one’s memory into your life, allowing their presence to remain a part of you as you learn to rebuild a new version of your reality. The goal is to hold space for both the pain of loss and the joy of cherished memories, allowing for a balanced journey of healing.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
Taking the first step toward healing can feel monumental and is often the hardest.
However, you don’t have to walk this path alone. I invite you to schedule a complimentary 20-minute consultation to discuss your needs and how we may work together to navigate your grief. During this session, we’ll have the opportunity to talk about your experiences, the emotions you are grappling with and the support you’re seeking.
It's a chance for you to ask questions and understand how counseling can fit into your healing journey. By reaching out for help, you’re making a proactive choice to confront your grief and begin the process of rebuilding a life that not only honors your loved one, but the life that remains ahead of you.
Remember, seeking support is not a sign of weakness; it’s an affirmation of your strength and a testament to your desire for healing. Together, we can work to explore what your loss means for you and develop strategies to honor your loved one while beginning to create a life that reflects both the love you’ve known and the possibilities that lie ahead.
Your journey toward healing starts today—let’s take that step together.