GRIEF COUNSELLING

When you talk about grieving, people’s first question is often: is there therapy for this? Many people think that grieving is a natural process that time will cure. And, indeed, this is sometimes true for some people. Nonetheless, it is an extraordinarily complicated process and it’s even harder when you try to face it alone. Mental health professionals can teach helpful techniques and offer useful insights that make a world of difference.

Bereavement therapy, or grief counselling, is a type of therapy focused on the unique needs of people experiencing loss. It provides a safe space where people can freely explore their emotions. You can express raw feelings and unedited thoughts that you might not want to share with your friends and family. Not only is it therapeutic to openly communicate with a professional grief counsellor, but experts have a level of insight that your average person will lack.

When you are deciding if this is right for you, there is one essential thing to keep in mind: looking for a counsellor is always beneficial. Talking to a mental health professional doesn’t mean that you’ve failed to deal with your emotions. It is entirely the opposite. Enlisting professional help allows you to manage your mental health in the best way possible.

Think of it like going to a personal trainer. Of course, you can improve your physical health and fitness on your own to a varying degree of success. Choosing to work with a personal trainer, however, will ensure that you start on the right path and learn techniques that you can use for a lifetime. Likewise, a counsellor will help you develop healthy coping techniques that you can utilise throughout your lifetime.

While seeking therapy from a grief counsellor is always a good idea, there are times when it becomes imperative. When you are coping with the loss of someone particularly close to you or if you’ve already been facing depression, it is especially important to seek for help.

To help you decide if therapy is vital for you, here are a few signs to look out for:

• Your anguish interferes with your daily life.
• You feel an overwhelming sense of guilt or sorrow.
• It’s hard to imagine carrying on with your life.
• Your pain causes problems in your other relationships.

There is no right or wrong time to start. Contrary to some assumptions, dealing with bereavement can become more important as time goes on. During those first few days and weeks, you are likely to be busy with the practical side of things. From making arrangements to meeting with family and friends, the early days can be overwhelmingly chaotic.

After everyone goes home, it is time to move forward into a so-called new normal. For most people, this is when things get difficult. You’re not busy with all of the logistics that come along with a loss and even the most supportive friends and family members have gone back to their routines. This is the time when you need to start processing your emotions on your own and finding a new rhythm in your life. And, this is one of the best times to start bereavement therapy and counselling.

For some people, the emotions doesn’t truly hit until later. Sometimes you are so caught up with the hustle and bustle of everyday life that it’s not until years down the line that you realise you didn’t stop and make the time to process your grief. This is another good time to get started with grief therapy sessions.

Ultimately, it’s never too late or early to get started. The important thing is to pay attention to the way you feel and nurture yourself.

Every loss is unique. Your special bond and this particular moment in your life create a circumstance that requires true care and attention. That is why our therapists work to develop a one-of-a-kind approach for each person and their specific circumstances.

The loss of a loved one doesn’t occur in a vacuum. You may have already been dealing with anxiety or depression. It is crucial to look at mental health holistically and take into account all of your unique needs to develop an approach that works for you.

We know that therapy of any kind is not one-size-fits-all. The relationship between you and your mental healthcare professional is a very personal one. You must have a good rapport with each other and a clear understanding of the goals of therapy. That’s why we offer introductory 15-minute chats with our therapists. Rather than beginning therapy with a stranger, you can get to know each of our professional grief therapists and decide which is the right fit for you.