What is “tangible” and “intangible” loss?

Mary Hargrave • 26 April 2024

Tangible losses are experiences that are easily seen, like death, breakups, or bankruptcy. Intangible losses are experiences that often go unnoticed, such as loss of trust, safety, security, and control.

Tangible and intangible losses are both painful.

Have you ever experienced a loss that isn’t typically considered one, but it left you feeling just as heartbroken?

Maybe it was a dream that didn't come true, an estranged relationship with a family member, or the loss of your career.

Imagine a man who dreamed of having children, only to find out he cannot do so. Or a woman who never knew her father left wondering about the relationship she missed out on. And let's not forget those who have experienced abuse or assault and living with emotional scars. These are real losses that deserve recognition and support. 

In times of tragedy and uncertainty, it's common to feel a loss of trust, safety, control, and security. Whether it's from global events like war, fear of elections, or personal experiences like bankruptcy or abuse, the impact can be profound. Society doesn't always acknowledge these losses as grief, but the pain is valid and deserves to be acknowledged. 

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Intangible losses can weigh heavy on your heart, limiting your capacity for happiness and the quality of your life. It's time to address these silent struggles instead of burying them inside.

Let's recognize and validate all forms of loss because healing starts with acknowledging it.

Wondering how the Grief Recovery Method is different from traditional grief support? Great Question!

by Mary Hargrave • 26 April 2024
1. One big difference is that we don’t separate people by the type of loss they’ve experienced. Everyone is welcome no matter why their heart is broken. That may sound wild since it’s not how most grief support groups work, so let’s look at why we do that.  Even if two people experienced the same type of loss they still wouldn’t have the same experiences because all relationships are unique. For example, let’s say the father of two twin sisters died. That sounds about as close as you can get to people experiencing the same type of loss, right? Well, those two sisters are still individual people. One might have had a great relationship with her dad, but the other might not have. To compare one person’s loss to another’s, regardless of the cause or type of loss, discounts, minimizes or trivializes their feelings or experience. We have found that focusing on the type of loss puts the focus in the wrong place. Yes, the type of loss is important because it’s why someone’s heart is broken, but we also focus on how to help people. The Grief Recovery Method is a universal solution that will work for anyone that is willing to do the work.

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS STRUGGLING?

by Mary Hargrave • 26 April 2024
Did you know there is more than one way to communicate with others?
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The Grief Recovery Method Will Change Your Life

by Mary Hargrave • 11 April 2022
Not to boast about what the Grief Recovery Method is, but there is a reason it’s the ONLY Evidence Based Grief Support Program in the world. If you’ve experienced The Grief Recovery Method you know what sets us apart from other traditional support groups. If you haven’t, then take a peak at what these participants … The Grief Recovery Method Will Change Your Life Read More » The post The Grief Recovery Method Will Change Your Life appeared first on Mary Hargrave - Grief Coping Specialist.
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What is in your BACKPACK?

by Mary Hargrave • 29 June 2021
The Grief Recovery Method is designed to help unpack, examine, and release the pain from unresolved emotional pain that really weighs you down. We all pack differently. Some of us are traveling light. Some of us are secret hoarders who’ve never parted with a memory in our lives. I think we are all called to … What is in your BACKPACK? Read More » The post What is in your BACKPACK? appeared first on Mary Hargrave - Grief Coping Specialist.
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Willingness: The first Step To Healing a Broken Heart:

by Mary Hargrave • 7 June 2021
If you’re reading this you’ve probably been through a devastating loss recently or a long time ago. Maybe you’ve experienced a ton of heartache, feel hopeless about the future, or wonder why you can’t seem to find any joy in life.  I’ve been there too: deaths, breakups, sexual abuse, crushing lonliness, not wanting to get … Willingness: The first Step To Healing a Broken Heart: Read More » The post Willingness: The first Step To Healing a Broken Heart: appeared first on Mary Hargrave - Grief Coping Specialist.
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What is Grief?

by Mary Hargrave • 20 May 2021
Grief is the normal and natural reaction to loss of any kind. While grief is the normal and natural reaction to loss, most of the information we have learned about dealing with loss is not normal, natural, or helpful. We all experience loss many times in our lives. But despite the fact that we all … What is Grief? Read More » The post What is Grief? appeared first on Mary Hargrave - Grief Coping Specialist.
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New Year’s Resolutions on Grief

by Mary Hargrave • 20 May 2021
Do you want to improve your mental, physical, and spiritual health in the New Year? Have you made any resolutions yet? From eating healthier and working out to getting out of debt or following a budget, making time for resolutions means that you’re open to self-improvement, so kudos to you! While you’ll certainly find tons … New Year’s Resolutions on Grief Read More » The post New Year’s Resolutions on Grief appeared first on Mary Hargrave - Grief Coping Specialist.
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Grief Recovery Can Heal Trauma

by Mary Hargrave • 20 May 2021
You hear the word trauma a lot these days. It’s great news that people are openly talking about devastating events that happened in their lives. The word trauma gets used in so many different ways that we thought you might like to know how the Grief Recovery Method helps with trauma. Trauma is any event … Grief Recovery Can Heal Trauma Read More » The post Grief Recovery Can Heal Trauma appeared first on Mary Hargrave - Grief Coping Specialist.
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