It’s often difficult to predict the impact of losing someone close to us. Loss can be devastating but in other situations people describe it as a relief. The grief cycle below shows some of different emotions that are often related to grief and loss; denial, anger, depression, bargaining and acceptance. The reality is that the emotional effects of loss and bereavement don’t progress through the cycle from one emotion to the other in order but are a lot more fluid; that what makes loss and bereavement so overwhelming. Another emotion that can be encountered is guilt- wondering if we could have done more or maybe guilt because we don’’t feel what we think we should be feeling.
Counselling for loss and bereavement can be complex because the feelings of loss can be so great it can be ‘too soon’ to get counselling support. Many people just want someone to talk to as their ‘head is all over the place’ following the death of someone close to them
The team at Citizen Counselling can provide one to one support in person, from our Counselling Centres in central Birmingham and Jewellery Quarter or via secure phone or video link. We use a secure web-based service similar and as easy to use as Skype but with additional security and encryption features.
What is bereavement?
Bereavement is the sense of loss you feel when someone has died. The word grief is often used as well.
There is no right or wrong way to experience grief or bereavement- one of the reasons that makes it so difficult.
What are the symptoms of loss or bereavement?
The diagram above lists some of the emotions and feelings you might have as you make sense of the loss you feel. They aren’t experienced in any particular order and somebody typically moves up and down the curve in the same day.
So is the diagram a waste of time?
No, although it has limitations, the model is useful as it lists the typical emotions that might be felt. At the bottom there are three components that might be useful as guidance; information and communication, emotional support and guidance and direction. Theses are three areas that people find useful to satisfy as they experience their grief.
How can loss and bereavement be supported?
A counsellor who works with grief, loss and bereavement is acutely aware of the complex nature of the experience. ‘One size doesn’t fit all- there isn’t a set programme here.
What can Citizen do to help with loss or bereavement?
The team at Citizen Counselling can provide one to one support in person, from our Counselling Centres in central Birmingham and Jewellery Quarter or via secure phone or video link. We use a secure web-based service similar and as easy to use as Skype but with additional security and encryption features.
