Ambiguous Loss – Living With Uncertainty

How do we grieve something when we don't really know what we've lost — or whether it's truly gone?

In this episode of The Counselling Room, I explore ambiguous loss — a type of loss that can leave us without clear answers, an ending or the sense of closure we might normally associate with grief.

We look at what it can mean when someone is physically absent but still psychologically present in our thoughts and feelings, perhaps through estrangement, an absent parent or someone who is missing. I also explore the opposite — when somebody is physically present but psychologically absent, including the changes that can happen through dementia.

What happens when we're caught somewhere between hope and acceptance? How do we move forward when part of us is still waiting for an answer? And how can uncertainty affect our relationships, identity and the way we imagine our future?

Along the way, I also manage to question whether losing my mobile phone qualifies as ambiguous loss, AI makes an appearance, and somehow we end up with a little preview of a future visit from AI to The Counselling Room.

Because sometimes loss isn't about somebody simply being here or gone. Sometimes it's about learning how to live with the uncertainty in between.

Take care everyone

Until next time

Lynda Little (MBACP)

BSc (Hons) Theraputic Counselling

Online & Telephone Counselling Across the UK

Professional Standards

For reassurance, I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

This means I work within a recognised Ethical Framework, supported by regular supervision, ongoing professional development, and high standards of practice.

Website

AmbiguousLoss.com – Pauline Boss⁠