Grief & Loss

Understanding Grief and Loss: Learning to Live with What’s Gone.

Grief is the natural response to loss but it’s never just one feeling. It can be sadness, disbelief, anger, guilt, numbness, or even relief. It can show up as exhaustion, anxiety, or forgetfulness. And sometimes, it comes in waves long after the world expects you to “move on.”

At BTB, we help individuals, couples, and families navigate the complex, personal journey of grief and loss in a safe, supportive, and private setting, one client at a time.

For high-profile clients, public figures, and captains of industry, grief and loss often occur under the weight of visibility, expectation, and isolation. While they may be looked to for strength, stability, or leadership—even in the face of personal tragedy—their pain can remain unseen or unspoken. Public roles can create pressure to “keep going” or maintain appearances, making it harder to grieve authentically or access meaningful support. Media scrutiny, lack of privacy, and the emotional demands of maintaining influence or leadership can compound the emotional toll. At BTB, we understand these unique challenges and offer a confidential, emotionally safe space where individuals can step out of the spotlight and into healing without judgment, expectation, or interruption.

What Is Grief and Loss?

Grief is a universal human experience. It arises after any kind of significant loss, such as the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, a miscarriage, a health diagnosis, the loss of a pet, or even a major life transition like retirement or relocation.
Psychologically, grief impacts memory, concentration, mood, and motivation. It can cause emotional disorientation, making it hard to connect, make decisions, or feel joy.

Biologically, grief is experienced in the body. It can disrupt sleep, appetite, immune function, and increase stress hormones like cortisol. The brain’s pain centers are activated, and the nervous system can struggle to regulate itself, especially in prolonged or traumatic loss.

When Grief Becomes Complicated

There is no timeline for grief. But sometimes, it becomes so overwhelming or stuck that it interferes with daily functioning. This is known as complicated grief or prolonged grief disorder, and it often requires professional support.

Unprocessed grief can lead to:

• Persistent despair or emotional numbness
• Avoidance of people, places, or memories connected to the loss
• Substance use, workaholism, or other numbing behaviours
• Relationship difficulties or emotional withdrawal
• Anxiety, panic, or depressive symptoms
• Physical health issues or chronic fatigue

In some cases, grief reactivates past trauma or unresolved emotional wounds, making the experience even more complex and painful.

Why BTB Is an Ideal Place to Heal from Grief and Loss

Grief requires space. It requires time, safety, and support that isn’t rushed or diluted. At BTB, we create that space with a fully tailored, one-client-at-a-time model that allows for deep, uninterrupted healing.

Our integrative approach includes:

• Grief-informed therapy using compassionate, evidence-based models like Complicated Grief Treatment (CGT), EMDR (for traumatic loss), and Narrative Therapy
• Somatic and nervous system regulation techniques to help the body release stored pain and restore calm
• Nature-based and experiential therapy that invites healing in Barbados’ tranquil landscapes—on the shoreline, in the gardens, under the open sky
• Mindful rituals, creative expression, and memory work to honour loss while supporting emotional resilience and life reintegration
• A private, peaceful, culturally sensitive setting ideal for those who need discretion and depth, including high-profile individuals, public figures, and leaders navigating visible loss