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

The Drama Triangle – Understanding the Roles We Play

In this month's episode of The Counselling Room, I explore Stephen Karpman's Drama Triangle and the three interchangeable roles we can all find ourselves moving between: The Victim, The Rescuer and The Persecutor.

Using everyday examples from the workplace, family life, friendships and romantic relationships, I look at how these patterns can develop, why they often happen without us realising, and how they can influence the way we think, feel and respond to others.

This episode is intended to support self-awareness and understanding rather than label or judge behaviour. By recognising these patterns, we create an opportunity to understand ourselves and others with greater compassion and to make different choices when we find ourselves repeating familiar roles.

As always, this podcast is for psychoeducation and general reflection. It is designed to increase understanding of psychological concepts and is not a substitute for counselling, therapy or individual professional advice.

Further Resources

If today's topic has sparked your interest and you would like to explore it further, you may find these resources helpful.

Books & Audiobooks

• ​Games People Play – an introduction to Transactional Analysis.
• ​The Body Keeps the Score – understanding trauma and its impact.
• ​Attached – exploring attachment styles in relationships.
• ​Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents – understanding relationship patterns and boundaries.

Podcasts

• ​Dr Julie Smith
• ​Esther Perel
• ​Brené Brown

Professional Organisations & Trusted Websites

• ​British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
• ​Mind
• ​NHS

Thank you for listening, and I hope this episode gives you a greater understanding of the patterns we can all experience in our relationships with ourselves and others.

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.

Hello everyone and Welcome to The Counselling Room.

In this month's Q&A episode, I answer some of the most common questions people ask when considering counselling. From choosing the right counsellor and understanding confidentiality, to knowing what to expect from sessions, this episode aims to provide reassurance, clarity, and confidence as you begin your counselling journey.

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.