Everything to know about grief and loss counseling-A brief overview
- theheartway3182021
- Mar 28, 2023
- 5 min read
An emotion al response to any kind of loss and separation is considered to be grief. Individuals experiencing the loss of loved ones go through phases of anger, sadness and guilt. All such emotional responses can trigger physical and mental ailments. So, individuals experiencing such traumatic situations must opt for Grief and loss counseling
Stages of grief
Elisabeth Kubler Ross, a famous Swiss psychiatrist published her book the 5 stages of grief. On Death and Dying depicts her theory and this book serves as a perfect manual for those studying the patterns of grief.

Let us have a look at the 5 stages of grief.
· Denial
· Anger
· Bargaining
· Depression
· Acceptance
An individual can learn more about grief by following this basic framework. The order can change from person to person. It is a great way to figure out the nature of grief and navigate through its different complexities.
Stages of grief counselling?
Most individuals are unable to accept loss after a traumatic experience. So, it is hard to deal with all kinds of emotions that come with the painful process. Many individuals opt for professional assistance from the best therapists and it is termed grief counselling.
Grief counselling is a therapy designed to help individuals work their way through different emotional stages of grief after a major loss.
Regular sessions of counselling help a person going through phases of grief to process all the emotions. It is a healthy way to acute manifestations of grief from bothering the person.
Let us showcase the top objectives of grief counselling.
[1] Accept separation or loss
It is very hard for a person to accept grief in the first place. Most of them are unable to come to terms with the loss. The natural response of denial helps a person to pace the entire grief. Grief counselling helps an individual to accept the loss and get over the problem in less time.
[2] Work through the loss or pain
Most individuals like to suppress their emotions and this increases their suffering. Counselling helps to manage grief and helps an individual work through the pain.
[3] Adapt to the loss
The loss of a special person is the major reason for the grief of a person. Regular counselling done by the best therapists helps an individual adapt to the loss. An individual does not feel stuck and can restructure their life through grief counselling.
[4] Restore connection
It is very important for an individual to maintain a proper connection with the loss. The bereaved can stay happy by recalling the happy moments shared with the person who has passed away. It is a great way to shift focus from the absence of the deceased person.
Major types of grief
Let us have a look at all the types of grief.
[1] Maladaptive grief
Individuals often resort to harmful ways to cope with the loss as they are consumed in the thought. Self-destructive behaviours are very common for those suffering from maladaptive grief.
[2] Complicated grief
Persistent symptoms of grief can last for the longest time and can be very intense. So, it is difficult for a grief-stricken person to function properly. Feeling detached and hopeless are common symptoms of complicated grief. People are always at a loss and are preoccupied with thoughts when they suffer from complicated grief.
[3] Depression
Depression is also classified as a major type of grief and it can easily lead to hopelessness and anxiety. The grieving process can turn from bad to worse and can hamper sleep patterns. Moreover, depression can lead to poor appetite, fatigue and also loneliness and self-pity.
[4] Broke heart syndrome
Grief often takes a physical toll on a person and too much stress promotes the release of stress hormones. A part of the heart swells because of such grief and it results in irregular beats. Chest pain is very common with this type of grief and can easily lead to heart attacks.
How does grief counselling helps-Check out the top benefits
Let us briefly summarize the top benefits of opting for grief counselling.

[1] Reduces guilt, anxiety and depression
Grief counselling sessions help an individual avoid depression and manage anxiety. Best strategies are implemented by the therapists to constructively work through different kinds of emotions. Grief-stricken people often have guilt feelings and regular counselling done by the best therapists helps to overcome such feelings.
[2] Guarantees better understanding
An individual is often not aware of the different stages of loss or grief. However, a better understanding of the grieving process through proper counselling helps to tap into all the emotions and thoughts. It is one of the best ways to be on the path of healing.
[3] Offers best ways to handle grief
People often feel that their grief for a person is not leading to enough sadness. It is a wrong way to grieve and counselling helps individuals learn that there are many ways to grieve for a person.
[4] Honour the separation
Death of a person is quite natural and individuals must understand this for a fact. Grief counselling sessions make it easier for the person to honour the deceased without going through further trauma.
[5] Learn about all kinds of losses
Grief can happen from different kinds of losses and it is not only about the death of a person. There can be many reasons for grief and counsellors ensure that the individual suffering from it does not feel weak at all.
[6] Ensure self-care
A person can be drained physically and emotionally by grief. Grief counselling implements self-care strategies to ensure early recovery.
Techniques of grief counselling
Let us scroll through the top techniques used as part of the grief counselling process.
[a] Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
All the negative thought patterns are reframed through this process.
[b] Talk therapy
The therapist counsels an individual by talking more about the loss.
[c] Complicated grief treatment
It is referred to as the use of targeted antidepressants and psychotherapy.
[d] Mindfulness
It is an important technique that helps to incorporate journaling, breathing exercises and mantras.
[e] Ritual
It helps to remember the deceased and helps an individual mourn through objects and activities.
[f] Acceptance and Commitment therapy
This grief counselling technique helps to incorporate mindfulness, acceptance and action.
[g] Schedule an appointment today
Are there any near and dear ones who are going through phases of grief? Don't panic. It is time to get in touch with professional therapists offering grief counselling sessions. You rest assured to be on the path to wellness after a few sessions.
The Hearts Way are also known to provide the best Depression and anxiety counseling online in Perth. An individual suffering from anxiety and depression gets the utmost respite after a few online sessions of depression and anxiety counselling. Don't leave the issue unattended. Make the move today. Get in touch with professional therapists whenever you see fit.




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