a woman experiencing traumatic loss with grief in west seattle
Logo for West Seattle Center for Grief, Loss, and Transition, specializing in grief or loss of parent therapy

Traumatic Loss Therapy

in Seattle, Washington State, Tacoma, Everett, Bellingham, Spokane, Vancouver.

When the Loss is also Traumatic

Not all grief is traumatic.

But sometimes the circumstances surrounding a loss make healing especially difficult.

You may have witnessed a medical emergency, experienced a sudden death, found a loved one after they died, watched someone suffer through a prolonged illness, or received devastating news unexpectedly.

In these situations, grief and trauma often become intertwined.

a man experiencing traumatic loss and grief in west seattle

How can Grief or Loss be Traumatic?

Trauma changes how the brain stores memories.

Instead of feeling like something that happened in the past, traumatic experiences can continue to feel present and immediate.

You may experience:

  • Intrusive memories

  • Flashbacks

  • Anxiety

  • Panic

  • Sleep difficulties

  • Avoidance

  • Hypervigilance

  • Emotional numbness

At the same time, you're also grieving the person, relationship, or future that was lost.

a woman experiencing traumatic loss and grief in west seattle

Common Experiences of Traumatic Loss

Sudden Death

Car accidents, overdoses, suicides, and unexpected medical events often leave people struggling to make sense of what happened.

Medical Trauma

Witnessing a loved one's illness, hospitalization, or decline can create lasting emotional wounds.

Traumatic Final Memories

Many people find that painful final memories overshadow years of positive memories.

Guilt and Regret

Thoughts such as "I should have..." or "If only..." often become central to the grieving process.

My Approach to Trauma and Loss

Treatment typically includes:

Emotional Stabilization

Building safety, coping skills, and emotional regulation.

Trauma Processing

Using EMDR and other evidence-based interventions to process distressing experiences.

Meaning-Making and Rebuilding

Helping clients reconnect with values, relationships, identity, and purpose.

Is What I'm Experiencing Normal?

Yes.

Many people worry they are grieving incorrectly because they continue to experience anxiety, intrusive memories, or emotional overwhelm long after a loss.

These reactions are common after traumatic loss and often respond well to treatment.

jordan crosby, grief therapist, based in west seattle at the west seattle center for grief, loss, and transition in black and white standing in front of a dark background

Why Work With Jordan Crosby, LMFT?

I've been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for over seven years and have spent my career helping people navigate difficult emotions, major life transitions, and periods of profound change.

I believe therapy should be both compassionate and practical. My style is warm, engaging, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based treatment. I enjoy helping people better understand themselves, strengthen their relationships, build emotional resilience, and create meaningful futures.

In addition to my work as a therapist, I am a Certified Career Coach and previously worked in higher education. For more than a decade, I have helped individuals navigate transitions involving identity, purpose, education, work, relationships, and personal growth.

I am committed to providing affirming, inclusive care for people of all genders, sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, religions, abilities, and backgrounds.

Schedule a Free Consultation

You don't have to carry this alone.

If you're looking for grief therapy in Seattle or anywhere in Washington State, I'd be honored to learn more about your story and discuss how therapy may help.