Certified Grief Therapist
Therapy for those struggling with parental loss in Missouri and Kansas.
Coping with the Loss of a Parent
Losing a parent is one of the most profound losses a person can experience. Whether the loss was sudden or expected, it can leave you feeling overwhelmed, unmoored, and unsure of how to move forward. You may find yourself experiencing waves of sadness, struggling with unresolved emotions, or feeling isolated in your grief. Everyday moments that once felt normal can now serve as painful reminders of your parent’s absence.
Grief is not a linear process. Some days may feel manageable, while others bring deep sorrow, longing, or even anger. You might be asking yourself:
Why do I feel numb while others expect me to cry?
How do I move forward without feeling like I’m forgetting them?
Why does this loss bring up emotions I didn’t expect, like guilt or regret?
If you’re struggling with these thoughts, you’re not alone. Grief therapy can provide the support and guidance you need to navigate this difficult journey.
The Profound Loss of a Parent and Its Impact
Grief can manifest in ways you might not expect, impacting both your daily routine and personal well-being. Here’s how it may be showing up:
Ways It May Appear in Your Daily Life:
Difficulty concentrating or staying motivated
Withdrawing from family, friends, or social events
Avoiding places or memories that remind you of your parent
Changes in appetite, sleep patterns, or energy levels
Feeling stuck, unable to move forward
How It May Be Affecting You Personally:
Emotional distress: Waves of sadness, guilt, or anger
Anxiety and worry: Fear of more loss or uncertainty about the future
Physical symptoms: Chronic fatigue, headaches, or muscle tension
Intrusive thoughts: Recurring memories, dreams, or regrets
Relationship challenges: Difficulty opening up, trusting others, or setting boundaries
Recognizing these signs is the first step toward healing. Therapy provides a space to process your grief and begin to rebuild.
How Therapy Can Help You Cope With Parental Loss
Grief therapy is not about “getting over” the loss—it’s about learning how to live with it in a way that honors your loved one while also allowing you to heal. At Sara Wilper Therapy, I provide compassionate support to help you:
Process complex emotions, including sadness, anger, guilt, and relief.
Develop coping strategies to navigate grief’s ups and downs.
Find ways to keep your parent’s memory alive without being consumed by pain.
Address unresolved family dynamics or past conflicts that may surface.
Rebuild a sense of purpose and connection in your life.
Whether your loss is fresh or occurred years ago, grief therapy provides a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can explore your feelings and find a path forward.
Techniques for Coping with the Loss of a Parent
At Sara Wilper Therapy, I use research-backed techniques to support your healing journey, including:
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): Helps process painful memories and reduce emotional distress.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Encourages presence and self-compassion, reducing anxiety and emotional overwhelm.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts that may be keeping you stuck in grief.
Narrative Therapy: Allows you to explore your story, honor your parent’s memory, and find meaning in your loss.
Expressive Therapy: Journaling, art, or movement-based techniques to help process grief in creative ways.
Healing doesn’t mean forgetting—it means learning to live in a way that honors both your loss and your own well-being.
Why Choose Online Therapy for Parental Loss?
Grief can make it difficult to reach out for support, and attending in-person therapy may feel overwhelming. Online therapy provides a flexible and accessible way to receive professional care from the comfort of your own home.
Convenience: No need to commute—access therapy from anywhere.
Privacy: Attend sessions in a safe, comfortable space of your choice.
Accessibility: Available for clients in Missouri, Kansas, and Arizona.
Consistency: Maintain regular sessions without disruption, even if you move or travel.
With online therapy, healing is possible—no matter where you are.
With over 20 years of experience in grief and trauma therapy, Sara Wilper understands the profound impact of losing a parent. As a therapist in Kansas City offering online therapy in Missouri, Kansas, and Arizona, she provides a compassionate space where you can process your grief at your own pace.
Using specialized approaches like EMDR, mindfulness-based therapy, and grief therapy, Sara helps clients find ways to honor their parents while moving forward in their own lives. Sessions are conducted through a confidential telehealth platform, allowing you to receive professional support in a way that feels comfortable and safe.
