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Psychiatry Blog

Discussing topics like how to find a psychiatrist, psychiatrist vs. counselor, what is psychotherapy, and much more.


​Our blog is meant to provide information and answers to common questions in psychiatry, cognitive behavioral therapy, mental illness, mental health professionals, talk therapy, psychologists, substance abuse, and anything else that would be helpful to those seeking mental health information. Knowing how to find a good psychiatrist, and what a licensed psychiatrist is will help you in your search.

Grief Counseling

1/13/2021

4 Comments

 

Grief Counseling: What Is It and What to Expect
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Many of us will experience a form of loss at some point in our life, and grief is a normal reaction to any kind of loss.  Bereavement is a type of grief which involves the death of a loved one. Both bereavement and grief will give you a range of feelings, from sadness to anger or numbness.  Grief counseling can help.
 
There are different processes on how to adapt and cope with significant loss, and the process can vary from person to person. This depends on various factors, including a person's background, beliefs, and how they were related to or connected to the person that was lost.
 
While we are experiencing grief, it is good to have support from someone that can empathize with your feelings. That is where grief counseling can play a significant role.  But what is grief counseling and is it as helpful as people say it is?
 
Read on!
 
What is Grief Counseling?
Grief counseling is a form of psychotherapy to help people cope with losses of any form, may it be a loss of a loved one, divorce or separation, losing a job, home, or any number of other things.
 
This is different from bereavement counseling, which is psychotherapy to help people that cope with losses specifically to the death of a loved one. Grief counseling is a larger umbrella that tackles different forms of losses.
 
What Does Grief Counseling Do?
Grief counseling isn't an immediate fix, but it can help significantly as you go through the different stages of complicated feelings of grief. You can move through the common stages of grief with proper support and start the healthy healing process.
 
Grief counselors have studied and developed strategies for the stages of grief and techniques to help people move on in healthy ways while mourning their loss. Here are some of the common goals of grief counseling:

  • Accept the reality of the loss
  • Identify and deal with any trauma experienced
  • Talk freely about the loss, may it be the job, loved one, among other things that may have been lost
  • Experience and express emotions freely
  • Overcome any feelings of guilt
  • Cope with life changes
  • Dealing with complicated grief
  • To build a healthy support system
 
Grief counseling won't have you forget who/what you lost or bypass the painful feeling of loss, nor does it change who you are. It simply helps you through the painful process to help you heal as you go.
 
Grief Counseling Techniques
There are different steps and techniques taken during grief counseling, including:

  • Talking privately in a peaceful and quiet area
  • Describing the exact moment of the loss
  • Discussing the funeral arrangements and plans made after the loss
  • Using correct words
  • Check for any signs of depression
  • Talk about any losses experienced in the past
  • Writing letters, journaling, and creating memory books
  • Art therapy and/or reading assignments
  • Visualizing resolutions of any unfinished businesses and the "Empty Chair" technique
  • Roleplaying new solutions
  • Having remembrance rituals
  • Giving the patience the time to grieve without the feeling of guilt, weakness, or selfishness
 
Wrapping It Up
Grief counseling is a healthy way to deal with any emotions related to grief. Not many people know about the stages of grief they go through, which can make the loss painful and hard to bear. Through counseling, you can navigate through your feelings and find healthy ways to cope, heal, and open your eyes to a better tomorrow.
 
If you feel like grief counseling can help you, do find a reputable grief counselor you can see today. You can also share your experiences and insights on seeing grief counseling below, I appreciate all of your thoughts.
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4 Comments
Zachary Tomlinson link
1/19/2021 04:55:12 am

I had no idea that the severe discomfort and sadness you feel after a loss is called grief. One of my colleagues lost his special someone because of this pandemic, and now he's looking for advice on how to deal with it. I should recommend that he visit a grief support expert for proper assistance regarding this feeling.

Reply
Taylor Hicken link
3/29/2021 08:03:09 pm

I am thankful when you shared that grief counseling is a healthy way to manage your emotions related to losing someone you loved. My friend just mentioned the other day that she is concerned about her husband who is dealing with a tough time as his mother just passed away a few weeks ago due to cancer. I will suggest to her looking for a reliable place where he can receive grief counseling.

Reply
Iris Black link
11/22/2021 01:23:04 am

Very interesting! A grief counselor discusses the grieving process and assists the person in developing a new relationship with their deceased loved one filled with positive memories. Counseling helps the bereaved get to a point where they can cope, make decisions, and move on. The goal is to assist people in getting through the phases of grieving and getting back on with their lives.

Reply
Eli Richardson link
1/12/2022 02:21:58 pm

It really helped when you talked about grief counseling and how it helps you navigate the stages of grief. Recently, one of my sister's childhood friends passed away, and she hasn't left her home in days. My sister's never been good with grieving, so I'll be sure to share your article with her. Thanks for the advice on how you could work on your loss.

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