Grief and Loss Counselling

Loss of a loved one

The loss of a loved one can be life-shattering. The intensity of bereavement can be overwhelming, frightening and unrelenting.

The circumstances are often significant - for instance, losses from suicide or child can be particularly difficult. Some losses may be less obvious - for example, the loss of a pregnancy can be devastating yet largely invisible. 

Normal reactions

Grief is a normal reaction to loss but is expressed in very individual ways. There is almost no limit to reactions. One person might become sad, another angry, another may withdraw or become more extroverted. Some reactions can be quite confusing such as guilt or relief.

For many, a few counselling sessions is all that is needed to sort through such confusions.

After the funeral

While the shock of loss is hard enough, perhaps the hardest part is when the funeral is over and life returns to 'normal'. Often, the world quickly moves on, but for the bereaved grieving continues. This is why many people find the companionship of on-going counselling helpful as they begin to rebuild their lives.

Complex grief

Some grief is more complex and benefits from longer term therapy. Examples include:

• Using unhealthy ways of coping (inappropriate anger, self-sabotage, etc)
• An accumulation of many losses (maybe over many years)
• Persistent depression, anxiety or insomnia interfering with day-to-day functioning
• Trauma or PTSD symptoms (particularly from a violent death or circumstances that trigger past traumas)
• Grief that comes on top of existing stress, emotional, psychological or relationship problems

If any of these complications develop, it is is most important to to seek support.

Other losses

Grief can also occur when we lose any important part of our lives, such as a health, job, home, pet, marriage or relationship. We can also lose parts of our identity such as security, innocence, culture, health or faith. Indeed, any change to our normal life can bring about a process of grieving. Even immigration or moving cities can also involve significant loss.

Recovery

Grief Counselling can be helpful for grief and loss, especially when people are hurting but need to keep it together for family and employment. It is partially important for complex grief that involves depression, anxiety or trauma.

Talking about loss is often difficult however it can improve relationships, health, wellbeing and resilience as people rebuild their lives.