Bereavement and Grief Counselors are especially trained in understanding the process of dying and helping the family members and loved ones adjust to the transition of one’s passing. They can work with the entire family, or individual counseling.
Services
They can help by:
- Helping families adjust to sudden passing of a loved one
- Working with a surviving spouse to begin living life again
- Educating about the dying process
- Working collaboratively with families and the dying in coordination of Hospice Care, Funeral Planning and their final wishes
- They can in some cases facilitate support groups and family mediations
- They can help family members adjust to daily life by providing tools in healing
Specialization
The death of a loved one can be debilitating. In the case of the death of a senior parent, it is common to see families coping in different ways. Grief can cause division and devastation to the family unit.
For a caregiver’s life, after being consumed by caring for a loved one, it can be a life changing and devastating adjustment.
Grief and Bereavement counseling can help in numerous ways to get your life back on track.
Preparation
You may need a grief or bereavement counselor if you are having challenges adjusting to life after the loss of your loved one. Challenges can include:
- Adjusting to life after caregiving
- Lack of a new life purpose
- Lack of motivation to forward
- Symptoms of depression
- Using food, drugs or alcohol to numb the pain
- Family conflicts in adjusting to the loss
Evaluation
All states have a different criteria to qualify individuals who counsel and consult with families in this capacity. Check your state’s criteria to determine what the requirements are, including:
- Registered Counselors
- Clergy or Ministerial training
- Consulting background
As always, you research the counselor’s experience, and ask specifically about the issues you are dealing with to determine if they are the right fit for your situation.