Grief touches every life. Whether it arrives suddenly or unfolds slowly, the pain of losing someone or something you love is one of the most universal and profound human experiences. As the seasons change in Clackamas, Beaverton, and across Oregon, many find themselves facing fresh waves of sorrow—reminders of who or what has been lost. At Life Discovery Counseling Services, our faith-based therapist team understands grief’s complexity and offers unwavering hope that comfort and healing are possible, no matter how deep the ache. That’s where Christian grief counseling comes in.

The Stages of Grief and How They Show Up in Christian Grief Counseling

There’s no one “right way” to grieve. While the well-known stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—describe common reactions, your journey might look different. Grief may appear as tears that come out of nowhere, numbness when the world feels overwhelming, guilt over words left unsaid, or even moments of laughter that seem out of place.

• Denial may shield you initially, helping you function while your heart catches up.
• Anger can erupt—at circumstances, at yourself, even at God. It’s a normal part of loss.
• Bargaining often involves replaying “what if” scenarios, hoping to make sense of the pain.
• Depression can bring sadness, tiredness, or a sense of emptiness.
• Acceptance isn’t about “moving on,” but rather beginning to live with loss in a new way.

Remember: these feelings ebb and flow, and cycling through them is part of the healing process.

What Scripture Says About Loss and Comfort

The Bible is honest about the reality of grief, but it offers words of deep assurance:

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

Throughout scripture, God’s people lament, pour out their pain, and find refuge in His promise of comfort.

• Jesus Himself wept at the tomb of His friend Lazarus (John 11:35), signaling that tears are not a sign of weak faith, but a mark of profound love.
• The psalmists remind us that God hears our cries and collects our tears (Psalm 56:8).
• Hope is offered, even in the valley: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” — Matthew 5:4

God invites the grieving to draw near, promising that His presence can soothe even our deepest wounds.

Healthy Ways to Process Grief (other than Christian grief counseling)

There is no quick fix for heartache, but there are compassionate steps you can take to honor your loss and move toward healing:

Journaling

Writing about your emotions, memories, and prayers can give voice to feelings you may find hard to say out loud. Journaling helps you track progress, identify patterns, and pour out your heart to God.

Prayer

Honest, raw prayers will not offend God; He welcomes every fear, question, and lament. Ask for comfort, guidance, and the assurance of His nearness.

Memorial Rituals

Create ways to honor your loved one or loss: plant a tree, light a candle, or share stories with others who grieve.

Self-Care

Tend to your physical body—eat, rest, and exercise gently. Your mind and spirit need space to heal, and self-compassion is vital.

When to Seek Professional Support for Grief and Loss

While grief is a natural response to loss, there are times when sorrow may feel suffocating. Consider reaching out for professional help with Christian grief counseling if you:

• Struggle with daily functioning (work, relationships, self-care)
• Experience prolonged sadness or hopelessness
• Find it difficult to talk about your loss, even with trusted friends or family
• Notice increased anxiety, anger, or thoughts of self-harm
• Feel “stuck” in a particular stage of grief, unable to find relief

Christian grief counseling offers a confidential, compassionate space for you to process your pain, integrate your faith, and learn gentle tools for healing.

How Christian Grief Counseling from Faith-Based Therapists Can Walk with You After Loss

At Life Discovery Counseling Services, our Christian counselors understand both the emotional and spiritual impact of loss. We offer:

• Safe, non-judgmental listening: Receive space to share your story and your struggle, at your own pace.
• Faith integration: Sessions can include prayer, scriptural encouragement, and honest conversation about questions or doubts.
• Evidence-based techniques: Including grief counseling, trauma-informed care, EMDR (for traumatic loss), and cognitive-behavioral strategies for coping.
• Resources and referrals: Connection to support groups, pastoral care, or additional specialized services if needed.
• Family and couples support: Guidance for supporting children, navigating marital strain, or managing family dynamics after a loss.

You don’t have to “be strong” or “move on.” You are invited to be honest about your pain, and allowed to heal as slowly as you need.

Stories of Hope and Healing from Christian Grief Counseling

Clients often share that Christian counseling provided a turning point in their grief journey:

• A mother who lost her child found solace not only in talking through her pain but in discovering Psalms that reassured her God had not abandoned her. With time, she began volunteering in support groups, helping others even as she continued to heal.
• A widower battling anger at God and loneliness discovered, through prayer and open dialogue, that his questions were welcome in the counseling room. Scripture reminded him that Jesus wept, and slowly, laughter returned to his home.
• A young woman facing the loss of a relationship used journaling and guided prayer to process both sadness and self-blame, emerging with greater self-compassion and new hope for the future.

Every journey is different, but each is marked by small steps forward—steps you can take, too.

Begin Christian Grief Counseling in Oregon Here

If you or someone you love is hurting from loss, remember: you are not alone on this path. At Life Discovery Counseling Services, compassionate, Christian grief counseling is available in Clackamas, Beaverton, and throughout Oregon via online therapy. No matter what you’re carrying—or how long you’ve struggled—healing is possible through God’s love, practical support, and wise guidance.

Contact us today to schedule a confidential session and take the first gentle step toward hope. Your grief matters. Your healing matters. Together, let’s seek comfort and renewed hope in faith.

About the Author: Therapist Aaron Potratz

Aaron Potratz is Co-Owner of Life Discovery Counseling Services and a Licensed Professional Counselor. He supervises the counseling staff, writes occasionally for the blog, and provides trainings.