GRIEF AND LOSS · JUMEIRAH · DUBAI
Grief and Loss Counseling in Dubai
Grief is a personal journey, but it shouldn’t be a lonely one. Whether you are mourning a loved one, a relationship, or a significant life change, our specialized therapists provide a gentle space to process your pain and find a meaningful way forward.
Confidential & professional care
- 7+ years clinical experience
- Insurance reimbursement available
- 1000+ Clients Supported
- 1:1 Personal Sessions
Zita Chriszto
Clinical Psychologist · Dubai
DHA Licensed
MSc Psychology
7+ years’ experience
BA Psychology
“My goal is to give you practical tools that create lasting change — not just talk about problems.”
Causes of Grief and Loss
Addiction often stems from a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, approximately 40-60% of the risk for addiction is inherited. Additionally, exposure to chronic stress, trauma, or substance use within the family environment significantly increases the likelihood of developing addictive behaviors.
Understanding Grief and Loss
Grief is a profound emotional response to loss, often triggered by the death of a loved one, significant life changes, or the end of important relationships. This intense experience can significantly impact daily functioning, affecting sleep patterns, appetite, concentration, and overall well-being. Zita Chriszto, a DHA-licensed clinical psychologist offers grief counseling in Dubai. With over five years of experience, she provides support for adults and children to process their emotions and navigate the challenging journey of grief.
When You Should Seek Help with Grief
Grief is a natural process, and many individuals experience a gradual decrease in symptoms over time. However, some people may struggle with more persistent or intense grief that disrupts their daily life. According to a study titled “Looking beyond the mean in grief trajectories: A prospective, population-based cohort study” by Nielsen et al. (2019), about 7-10% of grieving individuals experience high levels of grief that remain stable or even increase over time. Additionally, factors like low education and lack of social support can lead to adverse grief trajectories. If feelings of sadness, isolation, or emotional numbness persist for months without improvement, it may be time to seek professional support. Zita provides compassionate, evidence-based care to help individuals manage their grief and regain a sense of balance in their lives.
Treatment Options for Grief and Loss
At our practice in Dubai we offer a holistic and empathetic approach to grief counseling. Doing that we are using methods such as Narrative Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). These approaches allow individuals to process their emotions, honor their loss, and find new meaning. Narrative therapy helps patients reframe their experiences and develop healthier perspectives on their loss, while MBCT integrates mindfulness to reduce the emotional burden of grief. Zita treats both adults and children, recognizing that grief manifests differently across ages but requires equally compassionate care.
Diagnosis of Prolonged Grief Gisorder
Prolonged grief disorder is diagnosed when symptoms persist for over 12 months (6 months for children) and severely impact daily life. Key indicators include intense yearning for the deceased, difficulty accepting the loss, and emotional numbness. Officially recognized in the DSM-5-TR in 2022, the condition differs from normal grief, which typically lessens over time. Diagnosis involves assessing these symptoms alongside emotional and physical responses to determine if specialized treatment is needed. Zita Chriszto, a DHA-licensed psychologist in Dubai, offers expert assessments and tailored support for individuals experiencing prolonged grief.
Symptoms of Grief
- Deep Sadness: A profound sense of sorrow and longing for what has been lost.
- Denial and Shock: Initial difficulty in accepting the loss, feeling numb or in disbelief.
- Anger: Feelings of frustation or anger towards the situation. others, oneself, or even the deceased.
- Guilt and Regret: Thoughts of what could have been done differently, or feelings of guilt over unresolved issues.
- Anxiety and Fear: Concerns about the future or coping with life without the lost person or situation
- Loneliness and Isolation: Feeling alone in one's grief, even when surrounded by others.
- Physical Symptoms: Physical manifestations of grief, such as fatigue, changes in appetite, or sleep disturbances.
I am Zita Chriszto, a DHA licensed clinical psychologist based in Dubai. My professional approach is deeply rooted in providing compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to each individual’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Marriage Counseling and Couple Therapy
How long does normal grief last?
Normal grief often lessens within six months to a year. While emotions such as sadness and longing may remain, most people adapt to life after loss. If grief persists or worsens beyond this period, it could indicate complicated grief, requiring professional intervention.
Is it normal to feel numb during grief?
Yes, feeling numb is a common response to grief, particularly in the early stages. This emotional numbness is a defense mechanism, allowing the body to process overwhelming emotions slowly. If numbness persists for months, it may signal the need for therapeutic support.
Can children experience grief differently than adults?
Children often express grief through changes in behavior, such as withdrawal or aggression, rather than verbalizing emotions. According to the Child Mind Institute, children may also exhibit physical symptoms like stomachaches. Professional guidance can help children process grief in a healthy way.
What are the signs of complicated grief?
Complicated grief includes prolonged longing for the deceased, difficulty accepting the loss, and intense emotional pain that disrupts daily life. If these symptoms last beyond six months, professional support is recommended to address unresolved grief effectively.
Can grief lead to depression?
Yes, grief can sometimes develop into depression, particularly if the emotional pain persists without improvement. If feelings of hopelessness, lack of motivation, or deep sadness continue for months, professional support may be necessary to distinguish grief from depression.