Grief can be exceptionally tricky. You experience a loss of some type and then, from that moment on, your entire life can change overnight.
Grief is unique to the griever, so there isn’t a magic playbook that can offer you any clear guidance through the process of grief. You’ll often find there are many opinions, but can find some helpful words of wisdom once you sift through.
Once the initial time frame passes, you may have a day where you’re living your life and finally feeling like you’re coming out on the other side. Then, suddenly, out of nowhere, you feel like you got hit by a bus.
As you go through your own process, grief counseling can be a helpful tool in navigating this journey.
What Is Grief Counseling?
Grief counseling is a specialized type of therapy that is focused on helping you develop the necessary skills to cope with whatever loss you’re going through. It can be particularly useful in learning how to navigate the complex emotions that are often associated with grief.
Grief counseling can be applicable for the loss of a loved one, a major change in your career path, an end to a significant relationship, or any other major loss.
The Goal of Grief Counseling
One of the main goals of grief counseling is to help you work through whatever emotions you’re feeling in the here and now surrounding your grief. This may include anger, guilt, fear, and sadness—to name a few.
Another goal is to help you adjust your thought processes and lifestyle to being without the thing that you lost. This is done while still maintaining some type of connection with the memory.
Throughout the grief therapy process, you’ll be able to find meaning in the present moment despite having to move forward without the person or thing that you’ve lost. Accepting your new reality is key, but more importantly, doing so while still honoring your grief.
What Not to Expect in Grief Counseling
Grief counseling isn’t a "get over it quick" approach. It may take some time to meet you where you’re at in the process and establish coping mechanisms.
You may have also heard that grief isn’t a linear process. There are often steps to grief, but they're not the same for everyone. It’s a messy roller coaster where the steps often travel back over each other. You won’t find a hard and fast structure or timeline in counseling.
Most importantly, you won’t be expected to forget your loved one or the thing that you’ve lost. This is a significant part of who you are.
Common Approaches
Similar to many other types of counseling, grief counseling can be considered an umbrella term with various sub-techniques underneath it. The specific method used in your sessions will depend on what your needs are.
Next Steps If You're Seeking Grief Counseling: What to Expect
Getting started with grief counseling begins with building rapport with your counselor. Before you can share your feelings, you need to have a certain level of trust. Your sessions need to be a safe space for you to get vulnerable.
In your first session, your counselor may do more listening and information gathering. This will allow more effective treatment planning and goal setting.
Seeking help for grief management should never be viewed as a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it is actually a sign of strength and self-care. If your grief is a burden to your quality of life, reach out to my office to schedule an appointment. I'm here to help you get on the path to healing.