Losing a loved one is not an easy ordeal. Grief of any kind takes an emotional toll on whomever it affects. The grieving process is difficult but necessary for proper recovery from the traumatic event that causes grief.
Having lost a loved one, this chaplain understands how grieving works. The grieving process is essential for healing, and this may occur in the last months, years and even decades after the death of a precious loved one without proper and professional help. Before I get into the benefits of grief counseling, let’s first just mention the five steps of the grief process: Denial - denying the traumatic event occurred, not believing it could have happened Anger - directing anger toward the situation that caused the grief Bargaining - offering anything, including self, to get back who or what was lost Depression - feeling depressed because of the traumatic event, possibly to the point of having no desire to live or suicidal thoughts Acceptance - coming to an acceptance of the situation that created the grief As stated before, the grieving process may take a long time. It can be speeded up in a healthy way through grief counseling. The benefits of grief counseling are many and involve an in-depth process that may include individual and group counseling. Through individual counseling, clients learn about their emotions and how to use them most effectively to properly grieve. Grief counseling is a place where clients may explore their feelings and talk about their experience. Group counseling may involve working with other clients who have experienced comparable grief. It may also include exercises to express emotions and talk about their grieving experience with others, who have had similar experiences.
Grief is difficult and inevitable. Everyone will experience grief at least once in their lifetime. Dealing with it does not have to be done alone. Let a grief counselor help you understand and accept the grief you are experiencing. Learn more about your grief, what it means, and how individual or group grief counseling might help you.
Are you interested in Grief Counseling? Find a grief counselor in your area who can help you by calling around and gathering information. Call mental health agencies in your county, hospitals, local doctors, funeral homes, and large churches. Then be brave and bold enough to go and get the help that is needed.
John T. Catrett, III Scissortail Hospice Chaplain 306 North Main, Suite E Bristow, OK 74010 918.352.3080