Treatment Areas

Grief & Loss

Understanding Grief & Loss

Grief is the physical, emotional, cognitive and spiritual response to the actual or threatened loss of a person, thing or place to which we are emotionally attached. Grief comes with loss, not just through the death of a loved one, but many other experiences such as the loss of a pet, job, home, marriage or partnership, as well as the loss of a dream or life goal, a sense of safety after a traumatic event, or even retirement.


Just as grief can be triggered by a wide range of events, it also involves a wide range of feelings, thoughts and behaviours. Sometimes these experiences feel confusing, or wrong, and many individuals are not sure “how to grieve”. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, but with the right support, you can find the best way for you to cope with your unique grief experience.


Grief therapy is not just any therapy but requires a deep understanding and appreciation for the human experience of loss and the process of grief. Our psychologists at The Long Gallery are specifically trained in working with grief and loss issues, with children, individuals and couples.

Our Psychologists who focus on grief & loss:

Rachel Goodwin

Psychologist

Hi there, my name is Rachel Goodwin and I have been working at The Long Gallery since 2016 and have practiced as a psychologist since 2008. I started my career in Canberra and moved back to Qld in 2011. I have worked in both medical centres and private practice since then helping adolescents and adults with a wide range of presentations.Since the start of Covid-19, we have all experienced long periods of stress including the impacts of recent flooding. As a first time Mum in 2020, I am aware of how tricky it can be in ‘juggling multiple balls in the air’ at a given time and especially ‘balls from left field’. If we reach a state of ‘overwhelm’ where we’re stuck ‘in the mud’, feel hopeless, shutdown and unable to keep ‘juggling’, then it’s vital that we reach out for support and realise we’re not alone! My practices include both mindfulness and compassion and I am available for sessions in 2023. I have experience working with addictions, mood and anxiety conditions, complex bereavement and trauma, and my aim is to help clients move forward in a valued and meaningful direction. Being a country girl at heart, I also appreciate nature and use this to help anchor clients to the present moment. I would love to help anyone who is experiencing overwhelm and would like some support. 

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Rachel

Zach Raftery

Psychologist

Zach works from a person-centred framework, guided by the principles of acceptance, safety, unconditional positive regard, and empathy. He has a masters degree in Clinical Psychology, a masters degree in Counselling Psychology, and holds endorsement in both areas of practice. In his clinical work, Zach draws primarily from the Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Compassion Focused (CFT) and Cognitive-Behavioural (CBT) therapeutic modalities. Zach has a particular interest in working with clients who are struggling with grief and bereavement. He works with clients across the lifespan, including primary and high school aged children, students, parents, young adults and older adults. Zach has previously worked clinically in a variety of occupational settings, including schools, disability and employment services, corrective services, the performing arts, child mental health, and in private practice. When he is not working at our clinic, Zach teaches advanced counselling skills to students in the Masters of Psychology and Masters of Counselling programmes at UQ. Zach is also a board-approved supervisor (STAP certified) and he supervises provisional (trainee) psychologists who are completing postgraduate study. He enjoys sushi, rainforests, video games, sleep, dumplings, and dogs.

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Zach

Jack Andreadis

Social Worker

Qualified as a social worker (Australian Association of Social Workers member no. 475139), Jack offers counselling for anybody seeking support amongst life’s ups and downs. Jack enjoys connecting with a diverse range of clients from all walks of life, including those who just want a chat and those who want to dive deeper.Jack’s primary therapeutic method is an Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed approach. IFS is an empowering approach to supporting people with their thoughts, emotions and past traumas, with the goal of connecting to a calm, curious and confident sense of self. Jack also draws on aspects of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Yoga for Trauma Recovery depending on the needs and preferences of the client. In session, Jack likes to combine his curious and conversational counselling style with mindful practices, encouraging clients to connect to their emotions in safe and constructive ways. Doing the work of healing alongside Jack, you will be supported with a flexible approach to finding the pathways that feel right for you.

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Jack