There are several evidence-based and practise-based models for working effectively with the experience of grief. Dr Cory Middleton’s work with you is guided by:

-the McKissock ‘Infinity Model.’ This model guides the therapeutic conversion to explore both past and future topics of focus, in a pendulum way (back-and-forward from past to present). For example, in grief, the client might benefit from exploring all that was (past) and all that would have been (future) on multiple topics (e.g. parenting, professional ambitions, marriage, friendships, support). This pendulum approach allows one to uncover important aspects of their grieving experience.

-Thomas Attig’s model - How we Grieve: Relearning the World. This model helps clients understand the temporarily shattered web of familiarity in life. In practise, clients learn to move from a position of helplessness to one of an active participant in accommodating change and in relearning a new life ahead.

-Transactional Analysis (Ego-States). Here we see individuals and the counsellor taking on one of three ‘ego-states’ - Parent role, Adult role and Child role. In grief, common initial reactions often include a regression back to child-like state. This includes feeling lost, helpless, vulnerable, afraid and with outbursts of strong emotion. The initial role of counsellor begins the ability to empathise, to create safety (emotional and physical), to guide, to nurture through these tough experiences. As therapy continues the client becomes more empowered and begins to be active in the process.

-Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Physiological needs, safety, belongingness, love, self-esteem, independence and self-actualisation.

-Acceptance-Commitment Therapy (ACT). A core premise of ACT is that all human emotions are valid and to be accepted. This of course includes the vast array of emotions and thought processes experienced in grief. Rather than pushing grief to the side, how can we learn to bring grief into and out of focus. What are the thoughts and emotions you could appreciate more in this process? What commitments for self-care and development could you take, even if small steps, at times of grief? ACT provides a powerful way to help you adjust to the significance of the loss in your life.

Dr Cory Middleton’s personal values guide the way he works with clients. His 3 core values are Compassion, Authenticity, Creativity.

Compassion - Dr Cory values a deep and genuine compassion for people and their lived experience. He is able to bring understanding and comfort through is supportive and compassionate approach to working with you and your inner-most thoughts and feelings.

Authenticity - Dr Cory has enough life experience to effectively speak in real-terms with you. He goes beyond the text book, to talk about what you find most meaningful and helpful. He is able to meet you where you are at in your experience.

Creativity - Dr Cory embraces that every person is an individual and has unique perspectives. Cory is able to work creatively with you to find ways to do the work of grief but in a way that suits you and your personal preferences.

Initial session: 90-minutes. This session is to hear your story, learn about the significance of your grief, and to understand the lived experience of grief for you today.

Frequency of follow-up sessions dependent on the intensity of the current experience, the extent it can be unsettling other aspects of your life, and your motivation to work directly with your grief.