Credit: Marie Curie Bereavement Support
Do I need bereavement counselling?
Grief is a natural response to losing someone important to you. There’s no right or wrong way to grieve and it feels different for everyone. There’s also no timescale for grief. So how long it takes for you to feel like you’re beginning to both grieve and live again, will be different for everyone too.
But if your emotions are so intense that you feel you cannot go on, or if you are struggling to cope with your day-to-day life in the way that you did before, then you may need to see a bereavement counsellor.
If you need immediate support then call the Samaritans on 116 123 – they are open 24 hours a day, every day.
What is bereavement counselling?
Bereavement counselling is support from a professional counsellor who is trained and qualified to help with your feelings of grief. You can talk to them about the person who has died, about how their death is affecting you and how you are coping. Using counselling skills, the bereavement counsellor will help you to understand your feelings. And they can help you begin to adapt to life without the person who has died.
How do I get bereavement counselling?
We’ve listed below the different ways that you may be able to get bereavement counselling. Where you live and what services are available in your area will make a difference to the support you are able to find.
Some of these services might not offer counselling – they may offer general emotional support or different types of psychotherapy. Check with them if you’re not sure.
Speak to your GP
If you think you might need professional bereavement counselling, then you should speak to your GP. They may be able to refer you to a counsellor. They may also be able to give you information about local counselling services and support groups.
Through a hospice
Many hospices, including Marie Curie Hospices, have bereavement support services for families, including bereavement counselling. This is usually for close family and friends of people who have received hospice care. How much support they can give will depend on their resources.
Through your work
If you’re employed, you may want to check if your organisation has an employee assistance programme. If they do, then it may offer their staff a set number of free counselling sessions. Ask your manager or human resources department for information.
Sue Ryder
Sue Ryder offers online bereavement support. It includes six sessions of online counselling with a professional, and an online bereavement community.
By paying for a counsellor
You can also find a counsellor privately and pay for sessions. To find registered psychotherapists and counsellors in your area, search the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy online directory. Costs will vary. Many therapists have their own websites explaining how they work and what to expect.
Marie Curie Bereavement Support Service
Our telephone Bereavement Support Service offers free bereavement support from a trained volunteer. You can call 0800 090 2309 to speak to someone about booking regular, on-going bereavement support sessions.
The Bereavement Support Service is not bereavement counselling. It’s a phone support service where specially trained volunteers give you a safe, confidential space to discuss your feelings and emotions around bereavement.
Our appreciation goes to Marie Curie for the information in this resource.
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