Like a grenade going off in your life

A loved one dying by suicide can feel like a grenade exploding, shattering you, your assumptions, your family and your community. It can turn your world upside down. You may feel a great deal of pain and a wide range of emotions like shock, confusion, anger, sorrow, guilt, despair, anxiety and fear.  

My dad died by suicide when I was 13 after a period of depression and although I have always been aware of many conflicted feelings that I had, it was only through my own therapy later in life that I came to realise the abandonment that I felt, and recognise that I was actually avoiding my grief. Working through my feelings in therapy did not get rid of my grief but it helped me to start to move forward in my life. I also learnt in therapy the importance to me of rebuilding a connection with my dad, which I did by beginning to visit his grave and learning about who he was and his life from others. 

From my own experience I am driven to help others who have been bereaved by suicide. I can come alongside you in your grief, bear witness, validate your feelings and help you work through them. I can also help you work out your own ways to start growing your life again, so that it is not defined by your grief.  

I have put together a list of resources and support available to people living in and around Leeds who have been bereaved or affected by suicide, which you can find here. Unlike other suicide bereavement services in the area, I offer open-ended private therapy, so you can continue to have sessions with me for as long as you need them. If you have been bereaved or affected by suicide and you would like to arrange an introductory session with me, please get in touch.

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