When to Get Grief Counseling and How to Find a Grief Counselor

Losing a loved one can be an incredibly challenging and painful experience. The death of a loved one can leave us feeling overwhelmed, lost, and unsure of how to navigate the grieving process. For some of us it might be challenging to handle grief independently because it is a complicated and confusing process. During such difficult times, seeking grief counseling and professional help can provide much-needed support and guidance. 

In this blog post, we will explore when it may be beneficial to seek grief counseling and provide practical tips on how to find a suitable therapist to help you through the grieving journey.

Understanding the Importance of Grief Counseling

The Complexities of Grief:

Grief is a natural response to loss, but it can be an intricate and multifaceted emotion. Each individual experiences grief differently, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing. Grief therapy can assist you in understanding and navigating the unique challenges of your grieving process. 

Talking about the experience of loss and supporting people through grief is a large part of a grief counselor’s role. They understand the complexities of grief and the range of emotions and coping behaviors the death of a loved one can manifest. 

Recognizing When to Seek Help: 

While grieving is a normal part of the human experience, there are instances when seeking professional support becomes necessary. If you find yourself struggling to perform daily activities, experiencing prolonged feelings of hopelessness, or having difficulty maintaining relationships, it may be time to seek grief counseling.

Death can affect us all in individual ways and it’s hard to have clear and concise signs for if it’s time to see a grief support specialist. A feeling that you’re struggling to deal with the demands of everyday life and often get overwhelmed may mean you need some extra support. Or maybe you’re engaging in numbing activities to help distract you from any uncomfortable emotions that arise? This is a big signal that you might be avoiding your grief. 

Complex Grief and Complications: 

Some individuals may develop complicated grief, wherein the grieving process becomes prolonged and significantly impacts their ability to function. Complicated grief may manifest as intense longing, difficulty accepting the loss, or persistent feelings of emptiness. 

Grief counseling can provide essential tools and therapeutic interventions to address and manage complicated grief. A skilled therapist can help you explore the underlying causes of your prolonged grief, identify any unresolved issues, and guide you towards healing and acceptance.

Finding a Suitable Grief Therapist

Referrals from Friends and Family:

Reach out to trusted family members, friends, or healthcare professionals who have previously sought grief counseling. They can recommend therapists who specialize in grief support and have a proven track record of helping individuals navigate the grieving process.

Research and Online Directories: 

Utilize online directories and resources that focus on mental health professionals. Look for grief therapists with expertise in bereavement counseling or who specialize in helping individuals cope with the loss of a loved one.

Interviewing Potential Therapists: 

When interviewing potential therapists, it’s important to ask about their experience working with individuals who have experienced the death of a loved one. Inquire about their therapeutic approach and techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, or grief-specific interventions like grief therapy or complicated grief therapy. 

On a practical level, discuss the therapist’s availability and how frequently you would be able to schedule sessions. Do they offer support online or in-person and does this suit you? 

Lastly, try to get a feel for how you interact and communicate with the therapist. Ideally you need to build trust with this person and they need to offer a safe space for you to work on your healing journey together. Building a strong therapeutic alliance with a grief therapist who aligns with your needs and values can greatly enhance the effectiveness of your counseling experience. Spending time ensuring you’re a right fit at the start of the process will help.

Credentials and Experience: 

Look for licensed mental health professionals with specific training in grief counseling.

In the US, credentials indicate that the therapist has undergone specialized training in providing support for individuals experiencing grief and loss. Look for the following:

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) 

In the UK, you may be able to get support from the NHS but if you choose to go private then look for credentials such as: 

• British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
• United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
• British Psychological Society (BPS)
• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• General Medical Council (GMC)

Always remember to ask if they have experience helping people specifically with grief to assess if they will be the best person to support you. 

Support Groups and Community Resources: 

​​Support groups offer a unique opportunity to connect with others who are also experiencing grief and loss. These groups can provide a sense of validation, understanding, and companionship. 

Look for local community resources, such as bereavement centers or religious organizations, which may offer grief support groups. Attending support group sessions can help you share your experiences, gain insights from others who have gone through similar losses, and develop a support network that can sustain you throughout your healing journey.

The Benefits of Grief Counseling

Emotional Support: 

Grief counseling provides a safe and supportive space where you can express your emotions openly. A skilled therapist will listen attentively, validate your feelings, and offer empathy and compassion. Through this emotional support, you can process your grief and gain a deeper understanding of your emotions.

Guidance and Coping Skills: 

Grief counseling equips you with effective coping skills to navigate the pain of loss. A therapist can help you develop healthy strategies to manage grief, such as journaling, mindfulness exercises, or engaging in self-care activities. These coping mechanisms can provide comfort and stability during difficult moments and help you rebuild your life while honoring your loved one’s memory.

Understanding the Grieving Process: 

Grief counseling helps you understand the stages of grief and normalize your experiences. A therapist can guide you through each stage, whether it’s denial, anger, bargaining, depression, or acceptance. Understanding these stages can provide reassurance that your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are a natural part of the grieving process. By gaining insight into the different stages, you can navigate your grief with greater resilience and self-compassion.

Honoring the Relationship with the Deceased: 

Grief counseling allows you to explore and cherish the relationship you had with your loved one. Therapists can provide a supportive environment where you can talk about your loved one, share memories, and express any unresolved feelings or conflicts. This process of honoring the relationship can facilitate healing and help you find ways to keep the memory of your loved one alive while finding a new sense of meaning and purpose in your own life.

Find Grief Support with Grief Works by Illume

Getting support when grieving is essential, but it can be challenging.

The Grief Works app offers 24/7 support in the palm of your hand. The 28-session therapeutic course will help you process your grief at your own pace, and you’ll gain access to 30+ interactive tools to manage your emotions when you need them.

Connect with a community that cares for you, attend live monthly group sessions with Julia herself and have the option to text-chat to a counsellor when needed.

Reach out for support now to take the first step towards soothing your pain, building your strength and healing from grief.