Bereavement, Grief, Loss
Your mental health is my priority
Lets talk about bereavement
I have specialised in Bereavement Counselling for many years. Lets talk about bereavement. It is a hard subject to face and can cause much anguish and stress.
Many of us struggle with our emotions when someone close to us dies. Whether it is a spouse, parent, sibling or offspring we sometimes experience painful emotions. Naturally we feel grief at the time of the death, but other emotions may arise over the following 12 or 18 months. There is no time limit, no set pattern, distressing emotions (such as anger, and guilt) may occur through not being able to come to terms with the loss.
We all know our parents will die before us, but it can still be a shock, or feeling that we never said goodbye or told them how we feel. We expect to lose our partner or someone close that we love may die one day, but when it comes unexpectedly it is more of a shock. Similarly, we expect our children to outlive us, and coping with their death or any sudden death can be a challenge.
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5 Stages of Grief
The “5 stages of grief” are in a well documented theory about coming to terms with bereavement. Although they are recogniseable, I do not believe that all people go through each stage, and certainly they do not go through the Stages of Grief in a particular sequence.
I believe that people suffering from bereavement go through a phrase that causes their minds to become a muddle without clarity.
To understand more about the 5 stages of grief, see my blog
Pet Bereavement
The relationship we have with our animals is immense. They provide us with company and comfort, they reduce our stress, can impact our health and moods.
The bond we have with our animal(s) is huge and important to us. We know that we are likely to outlive our pet. Even so, the loss can be deep. It doesn’t have to be a cat or dog, the relationship with a large or small animal can be deep too. If you are single, then you will feel the loss more greatly as there is now no companion to welcome you when you come home.
I have that understanding of what it is like to endure this type of loss. I am qualified in pet bereavement, and can help you come to terms with the impact on your life and loss of a close friend.
Bereavement Feelings
There are many feelings that run through our head in the years after bereavement, some good (“we had some great times together”) others can be confusing. In fact many of the other emotions can seem opposite for what we want to feel.
Anger
Depression
Didn’t get a chance to say goodbye
Left things unsaid
Void in my life
Resentment
Loneliness
are just some of the thoughts and emotions people come to me with. I will help you talk about your emotions. You probably need to get them out in the open. Even if it is just to me. Everything you say to me will be treated in confidence.
We can refer to bereavement as to talk about grief or talk about loss. There are many ways. (Lets talk about grief, lets talk about loss)
Bereavement Treatment
Help and treatment for Bereavement is about getting assistance when you need it.
Bereavement is different from many other counselling therapies and relies on an empathetic counsellor.
Treatment is bereavement counselling. You do not need a referral to see a bereavement counsellor.
If you are struggling in some ways it may also be useful to consult your GP, who may prescribe you anti-depressants.
Lets talk about Bereavement Counselling
My bereavement counselling is about helping you come to terms with this stage of your life. You will not forget the person, but I will help you move on from your present position.
I will help you understand where you are, and help you through anniversaries. These are not easy times. I understand them. I am used to bereaved people crying. It is nothing to be ashamed of.
I usually see some for a few sessions, sometimes it can be more. I will not abandon you. You may find that life moves ahead and sometime later suddenly something small will trigger a thought about the bereaved. If you want to come back to me then it is fine, I will help you – probably just for one session to get your thoughts straight again.
Call me now. I can help you. As I have said elsewhere, this is my number one subject. See my testimonials.
BACP and Ethical Framework
I hold various diplomas in Counselling, am a member of the BACP (MBACP) and follow the guidelines of their Ethical Framework in my practice.