Brenda Corderman, Marriage & Family Therapist

Types of Loss

Simply stated, loss is what we had, or thought we had, and no longer do. There are actual losses, imagined or perceived losses, and limbo losses. An actual loss is more concrete---like the end of a friendship or marriage, or the passing of a loved one. A perceived loss involves deeper dynamics, wherein our own 'childhood issues' get in the way of interacting in a healthy manner because we fear that the people we love will leave us. A limbo loss is when we don't know (and may never know) the outcome of an actual situation. Some examples are: You might be wondering when your loved one will return from war...or a business trip...or an evening out...and you haven't heard back. Or, you might worry if the turn in the economy will hurt your livelihood or impact your standard of living. With all types of loss, we share common needs....to feel understood, to have a certain amount of control, and the ability to let go.

Brenda Corderman, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
711 East Imperial Highway
Suite 101
Brea, CA 92821
(909) 260-2736
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