What is Bereavement
Bereavement is the experience of losing someone important to us. It is characterised by grief, which is the process and the range of emotions we go through as we gradually adjust to the loss.
Grief is the term which sums up the many turbulent feelings, and experiences which overwhelm us when we’re bereaved. While these strong feelings don’t last forever, sometimes we hang on to them as a means of staying connected to the one we’ve lost. The difficulty is that then we’re afraid to let go of these feelings in case it means that we also let go of our connection to the one who’s gone from us.
Losing someone important to us can be emotionally devastating – whether that be a partner, family member, friend or pet. It is natural to go through a range of physical and emotional processes as we gradually come to terms with the loss.
Bereavement affects everyone in different ways, and it’s possible to experience any range of emotions. There is no right or wrong way to feel.
Counselling helps us sift out these turbulent feelings, to recognise them for what they are, and helps us to re-work our relationship with the person (place, home, pet, identity, role) incorporating this relationship into our life in healthy, positive ways. In this way, our memories, those special places, events, anniversaries can retain their place in our hearts without tipping us into the swirling sea of grief feelings once again.
During therapy with myself, you will be listened to and I will help you find your own answers to problems.
Giving you time to talk, cry, shout or just think. It’s an opportunity to look at your problems in a different way with someone who’ll respect you and your opinions.
