Support in Difficult Times With Grief and Bereavement Counselling
Grief and Bereavement counselling provides a safe space to process emotions, find coping strategies, and begin healing.
The loss of a loved one is one of life’s most profound and challenging experiences. The emotional pain that follows, often referred to as grief, can be overwhelming and may affect many aspects of daily life.
While everyone experiences grief differently, emotional support can help individuals navigate this difficult journey.
Understanding Grief, Mourning, Loss and Bereavement
Grief, mourning, and bereavement are closely related yet distinct experiences.
- Grief refers to the emotional response to loss. It is deeply personal and may involve many emotions, such as sadness, anger, guilt, or confusion.
- Mourning is the outward expression of grief. It encompasses rituals, cultural practices, or personal acts of remembrance, such as funerals or creating memorials.
- Bereavement describes the period of loss and adjustment following the death of a loved one. It is a personal and social experience, often shaped by cultural, religious, or familial norms.
Together, these experiences create a framework through which individuals process loss and begin to heal.
Gold Coast Counsellor Lee Calleja from Chirn Park Health Group specializes in helping individuals overcome the complexities of grief with compassion and understanding.
Bereavement Counselling May Be Helpful If…
Grief is a natural response to loss, but sometimes, the emotional pain can become so intense that it interferes with daily life.
Grief counselling may be beneficial if you:
- Feel overwhelmed by sadness or despair that does not ease over time.
- Experience difficulty performing routine tasks or maintaining relationships.
- Struggle with intense emotions such as guilt, anger, or hopelessness.
- Avoid reminders of the loved one or feel unable to confront the reality of their death.
- Feel isolated or unsupported in your grieving process.
- Experience physical symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, or difficulty sleeping.
- Have prolonged grief that persists beyond the expected period of adjustment.
Grief counselling offers a safe, supportive environment in which one can explore one’s feelings and begin the journey toward acceptance and healing.
What Is a Bereavement Counsellor?
A bereavement counsellor is a trained professional specialising in helping individuals navigate the challenges of grief and loss. They provide emotional support, guidance, and practical tools to help clients understand and cope with their feelings.
Bereavement counsellors approach each client with empathy and respect, tailoring their methods to suit individual needs. They help clients identify the unique aspects of their grief, work through unresolved emotions, and find healthy ways to honour the memory of their loved ones.
Counsellors may also educate clients about the grieving process, helping them understand that their emotions are a natural part of healing.
The 5 Stages of Loss
Grief is often described in stages, a framework that helps individuals understand the emotions they may experience.
The five stages of grief, as introduced by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, include:
- Denial: A feeling of disbelief or shock, often accompanied by avoidance of the reality of loss.
- Anger: Frustration or resentment directed at oneself, others, or the circumstances surrounding the loss.
- Bargaining: Attempts to regain control or make sense of the loss, often involving “what if” or “if only” thoughts.
- Depression: A deep sense of sadness, withdrawal, or hopelessness.
- Acceptance: Acknowledging the loss and beginning to find ways to move forward while cherishing memories of the loved one.
It’s important to note that these stages are not linear. People may move back and forth between stages or experience them in a different order. A bereavement counsellor helps individuals navigate these stages in a way that is meaningful to them.
Prolonged Grief
For some, grief does not subside over time and becomes prolonged or complicated. Prolonged grief disorder is characterized by an intense longing for the deceased, difficulty accepting the loss, and a persistent inability to move forward with life. It may interfere with personal relationships, work, or self-care.
Bereavement counselling is critical in these cases, as it provides specialized strategies to address prolonged grief and support the healing process.
Bereavement Therapy for Adults or Teens
Grief affects individuals of all ages, but the way grief is experienced can vary depending on developmental stages and life circumstances.
Adult Bevereament Counselling
Adult clients often grapple with the practical and emotional challenges of adjusting to life without their loved ones.
Counselling for adults focuses on providing emotional support, addressing guilt or regret, and finding ways to rebuild a meaningful life.
Teen Bevereament Counselling
Teenagers process grief differently, often struggling to articulate their emotions. They may experience mood swings, withdrawal, or behavioural changes. Bereavement therapy for teens emphasizes creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment where they can express their feelings and learn healthy coping mechanisms.
Regardless of age, counselling provides individuals with the tools and support they need to navigate their grief in a way that fosters resilience and growth.
Contact a Grief Counselling Gold Coast For An Appointment
Start Your Journey to Healing with Bereavement Counselling by Lee Calleja from Chirn Park Health Group
Grief and loss are deeply personal experiences, but you don’t have to face them alone. Bereavement and grief counselling offer a compassionate and supportive space to process your emotions, find closure, and begin the journey to healing. Whether you’re an adult struggling with prolonged grief or a teenager needing guidance through this challenging time, help is available.
At Chirn Park Health Group, Lee Calleja specializes in providing expert counselling services tailored to your unique needs. With years of experience and a commitment to compassionate care, Lee is here to guide you through your grief journey with understanding and support.
Contact Chirn Park Health Group today to inquire about grief counselling and take the first step toward a brighter tomorrow. If you prefer, online video appointments are available.
