Coping with Anticipatory Grief: Finding Support Through Trauma Therapy in London, Ontario
- Sarika Singodia
- Jan 13
- 3 min read
When we think about grief, we usually think about what comes after a loss. But grief can begin long before that. If you’re watching a loved one’s health decline, or preparing for a goodbye you know is coming, you might be experiencing what is known as anticipatory grief, which is a more common experience than people realize.
What is Anticipatory Grief?
Anticipatory grief is the deep, emotional pain people may feel when facing an expected loss. While often used in the context of death, anticipatory grief can be felt in preparation for non-death-related losses. For instance, it often shows up when a loved one has a terminal illness, such as cancer, or when you are preparing to say goodbye to a beloved pet. Additionally, it can happen when you’re preparing for a major life change like facing an impending divorce or having to move away from a home you love.
What makes anticipatory grief so difficult is that it comes with layers. You might feel sadness, fear, guilt, anger, confusion, or helplessness, all while still needing to show up for caregiving, family responsibilities, or everyday life.
And because the loss hasn’t “technically” happened yet, people around you may not fully understand what you're going through. You might feel alone in your grief or not realize that what you’re experiencing is a form of grieving.
How Grief and Trauma Overlap
Not everyone who experiences grief is experiencing trauma, but the two can overlap.
When the grief is tied to a painful history, sudden changes, or high levels of stress (like watching someone suffer), it can activate your nervous system’s survival responses: fight, flight, freeze, or fawn. You might feel constantly on edge or numb. You might have trouble sleeping, focusing, or regulating your emotions. And if past trauma is involved, such as a complicated relationship with the person you’re losing, the grief can feel even more overwhelming.
Anticipatory grief can also bring up old wounds. People often revisit childhood memories, unresolved conflicts, or questions like, “Did I do enough?” or “Will I regret how I handled this?” This is why trauma-informed support matters. When grief is layered with stress, fear, and uncertainty, your whole system can feel overwhelmed.
How Trauma Therapy in London, Ontario, Can Help
Trauma therapy doesn’t take away the pain of what’s happening, but it can help you carry it with more support, clarity, and self-compassion.
At Bold Lotus Trauma Therapy in London, Ontario, we help clients work through anticipatory grief by offering:
A safe space to name what you’re feeling without judgment
Tools to regulate your nervous system when emotions feel too big
Support navigating complex family dynamics, caregiver fatigue, or unresolved hurt
Space to process fear, guilt, anger, and sadness at your own pace
We don’t believe there’s a “right” way to grieve. Whether you're feeling prepared or completely lost, whether you’re showing up strong or feel like you’re falling apart, we’ll meet you where you are. Working with a therapist during this time can also help you connect to your values, find moments of meaning, and make room for mixed feelings as you navigate what lies ahead.
Anticipatory grief can be just as intense as grief that comes after a loss, but it’s just as deserving of acknowledgement and support. You don’t have to wait for the worst to happen before reaching out for help. If you feel that a trauma-informed approach to therapy could support you, Bold Lotus Trauma Therapy is here to help.
Click the link below to book a free consultation to see if we’re the right fit for you.
