Working Through the Anger Stage of the Grieving Process


Interview Dr. Colleen Cira

My name is  Dr. Colleen Cira and I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who specializes in Women and Trauma, so I’ve worked with hundreds of people struggling with grief and loss.

Here are a few things she could say in an interview:

Grief is intense, comes in waves and is a long process (Stages of Grief) so it can very easily take a toll on one’s health and wellbeing.  One of the stages of grief is anger, which can be a difficult stage to experience.

Here are 6 tips for working through the anger stage of the grieving process:

  1. Be kind, gentle and patient with yourself.  Grief is one of the most powerfully emotional experience we can have.  It is difficult and it is draining all on its own. Don’t go piling a bunch of guilt and self-criticism on top of this already difficult time.
  2. It is also important to acknowledge the grief that this brings up from your past.  For instance, if you lost a partner or family member in the past, the current loss may cause you to think more about this past experience.  Rather than push those feelings or memories away, it’s important to let them happen and talk with someone you trust about whatever is coming up for you.
  3. The only way to “get over” grief and loss is to MOVE THROUGH it and this includes anger.  Find a way to vent all of the anger that you’re feeling. Talk about it with loved ones who are supportive of you and able to sit with your pain rather than try to “fix” it.  Take a karate class so that you have a safe and contained place to use that aggressive energy in a productive way.
  4. Move your body as much as possible.  Go to the gym, get out in nature and take a walk or go for a run.  Exercise produces feel-good hormones that will give your mood a boost.
  5. Be kind to yourself: eat nutritional foods that you enjoy, get some extra sleep, and do things that you enjoy.  Above all, remind yourself that this is a long, but a normal process and it’s Ok to feel bad for a little while.
  6. Seek support.  If it’s difficult to function despite doing all of these things, you might need some extra support, which is perfectly Ok!  Find a grief support group or seek out an individual therapist.

Dr. Colleen D. Cira, Psy.D. received both her Masters and Doctorate from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology and has been practicing in the field since 2001. Dr. Cira is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the Founder and Executive Director of Cira Center for Behavioral Health, PC a boutique group practice with locations in Chicago and Oak Park that specializes in Women’s Issues/Health and Trauma. Dr. Cira is a trauma and anxiety expert, clinical supervisor, writer, speaker, consultant, activist, wife, and Mommy to two little ones.

Available for Interviews: Dr. Colleen Cira.

Contact:
Jo Allison
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