Bereavement and Grief Counselling
If you are struggling with intense grief following the loss of a loved one, don’t despair. With the help of professional counselling there is a way for you to move forwards in your life!
Bereavement and Grief Counselling Explained
The loss of a loved one is possibly one of saddest experiences anyone can have to go through and is all part and parcel of life’s journey. Bereavement is that state of deep sorrow we feel when someone close to us dies.
During the period of bereavement, we experience different emotions and reactions, all in response to the loss. Aside from this, we also need learn to adjust to a life without our beloved. Not everyone experiences bereavement in the same way, it all depends on our relationship with the deceased, the circumstances of the death, and our own ways of coping with emotionally difficult matters.
Emotional Symptoms of Bereavement
People who are grieving often describe emotions as “coming in waves.” It may feel as if emotions wash over you without warning. One minute, life may feel as if it were back to normal, and the next, you may find yourself in tears. Grief causes people to experience the entire spectrum of emotions — from sadness to anger to joy. You may sometimes feel detached from your emotions and operate as if you were on autopilot.
- Sadness that a loved one’s gone but relief that they’re at peace
- Yearning for a spouse after a divorce but also excitement that you get another shot at love
- Guilt for feeling grateful that you no longer have to provide exhausting around-the-clock care for a dying relative
- Competing feelings of apathy, anger, sadness and regret as you grieve the loss of a friend or family member with whom you had a strained or hostile relationship
Physical Symptoms of Bereavement
Loss is an extreme stressor that can take a major physical toll on your body. Grief can overwork your nervous system. It can cause a weakened immune system that makes it easier for you to get sick. Symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Restlessness
- Heart palpitations
- Weak muscles or joint pain
- Tightness in your chest or throat
- Having reduced or increased appetite
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia) or finding yourself sleeping too much
Donna Marie Thomas
Hello, my name is Donna, I am a qualified counsellor, psychotherapist, hypnotherapist and Registered Member of BACP based in Pontefract, West Yorkshire.
I have a passion for helping people to enjoy a happier, more fulfilling life via a person centred approach to therapy tailored to meet each individuals specific needs.
Get in touch to find out more or book an appointment with me today.
Overcoming Bereavement and Grief
Bereavement counselling can help you understand the common stages of grief, recognise what stage you may be at, know what to expect and show you strategies that help you feel able to cope. These include (not necessarily in this order as each person’s experience is different):
- Denial
- Anger
- Bargaining
- Depression
- Acceptance
A bereavement counsellor will help you identify where you are in the grieving process and resolve areas of difficulty that remain as you grieve. Grief feels different for everyone, so you may experience the stages in a unique order.
Benefits of Bereavement Counselling
Grief over the death of a loved one normally diminishes with time. However, some find it difficult to cope with the loss and they become overwhelmed by grief. If you are struggling with intense grief and feel you can’t get past it, there’s help available.
Grief counselling offers a supportive environment where you can examine your emotions, process your loss, and learn healthy coping strategies.
The following are some of the benefits that counselling can provide to individuals as they go through the process of bereavement:
- Offer an understanding of the mourning process
- Explore areas that could potentially prevent you from moving on with life
- Help resolve any areas of conflict that may exist
- Help you to adjust to a new sense of self
- Address possible issues of depression
How Innerworth Counselling Can Help
You will probably never stop missing the person you lost, but with enough time and the right support, a new life can be pieced together and purpose can be reclaimed.
Bereavement counselling aims to get you to the point where you can function normally – however long it takes. One day, you may be able to find happiness again. By creating a place to keep the person you lost, and finding ways to remember them (like anniversary celebrations, or leaving flowers at a memorial site), you should be able to preserve their memory and honour the impact they had on your life, without letting their absence obscure your own future and happiness.
Take the First Step Now
If you are currently experiencing emotions of grief, following a death, or you are morning the loss of something important in your life, take the first steps to understanding your feelings and come to terms with your loss today.
Schedule a confidential consultation with me and let’s discuss how bereavement counselling or grief counselling can help you.
Additional Information
For additional advice on grief and bereavement you may find these useful links helpful:
Contact me today to book a confidential consulation
What My Clients Say
Jason Osborne
I shall be forever bewildered by the effectiveness of hypnotherapy. I had always remained sceptical until my very last session, then the “weight” that suddenly lifted was both physical and emotional and continues to benefit both myself and those around me three years on – thank you Donna.
Jason Osborne
Abigail Johnson
I’ve finally found a solution to my dependency on food. Your weight-loss therapy sessions have seriously transformed my life. Honestly, I could cry, I am so happy and feel like a totally new person, inside and out! Truly amazing Donna.
Abigail Johnson
Charlotte Dickinson
I went to see Donna because my anxiety and depression had spiralled out of control. I now have skills and techniques that I can use for the rest of my life to help me cope with any challenges. Thoroughly recommend psychotherapy from Innerworth Counselling. Donna is warm, professional and clearly passionate about what she does.