Have you experienced the death of a loved one, the end of a significant relationship, or another blow that has devastated your life? Joyful Living can help with our grief and bereavement counseling services in Eugene, Oregon.
Grief and bereavement counseling is a form of therapy designed to help individuals navigate the complex emotions associated with loss. With counseling, you’ll have a supportive space to process emotions, gain tools and strategies to cope with your loss, and find ways to accept your new normal, so you can eventually move on with your life.
Symptoms of Grief and Bereavement
Recognizing when you might benefit from grief and bereavement counseling is the first step toward healing and recovery. Some signs that it could be helpful for you include:
- Prolonged grief: You find your grief doesn’t lessen over time and continues to dominate your daily life for months or years.
- Intense emotions: You’re experiencing overwhelming sadness, anger, or guilt that doesn’t seem to improve.
- Avoidance: You find yourself avoiding reminders of your loss or withdrawing from social activities.
- Physical symptoms: You face persistent physical issues such as fatigue, headaches, or other ailments without a clear medical cause.
- Changes in behavior: There have been significant changes in sleep patterns, appetite, or substance use.
- Difficulty functioning: You’re struggling to maintain responsibilities at work, school, or home.
How Grief and Bereavement Counseling Can Help
If you’re struggling with loss, grief and bereavement counseling can help. First, your feelings will be acknowledged and validated in a non-judgmental space. Throughout the process, you’ll also learn practical tools and strategies to manage your grief and cope with daily life.
In addition, with regular grief and bereavement counseling sessions, you’ll have consistent emotional support, so you feel less isolated. As you gain insight and understanding into your grief, you’ll eventually be able to adjust to life without your loved one and find new ways to honor their memory.
How Grief and Bereavement Counseling Works
Understanding what to expect in grief and bereavement counseling can help alleviate some anxieties about starting therapy. At Joyful Living, our process typically includes:
Initial Assessment
The first session usually involves an assessment, during which your counselor will learn about your loss, your feelings, and your overall mental health.
Goal Setting
Together with your counselor, you’ll set goals for your therapy. These might include finding ways to cope with daily triggers or working through specific aspects of your grief.
Therapeutic Techniques
Your counselor will use various techniques to help you, depending on your unique needs and situation. These can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapy, and other forms of therapy to help you process your grief.
Regular Sessions
Grief and bereavement counseling usually involves regular sessions (weekly or bi-weekly), so you have ongoing support as long as you need it. Your counselor might also assign activities to help you process your grief between sessions.
How to Make the Most of Your Time With Your Counselor
To maximize the benefits of grief and bereavement counseling, share your feelings openly with your counselor. Honesty helps them understand your needs and provide the best support. In addition, make the effort to participate actively in sessions and be willing to try different therapeutic techniques.
Outside of sessions, engage in self-care activities such as exercise, healthy eating, and sufficient rest. Be sure to lean on friends, family, or support groups in addition to your grief and bereavement counseling sessions. Finally, be patient. Healing from grief takes time. Be patient with yourself and the process.
Find Out More About Grief Counseling
Every grieving experience is different. A person may be able to continue their day-to-day routine after one loss, yet not be able to get out of bed after the loss of someone else.
Whatever your symptoms are, grief and bereavement counseling has been proven to help. If you are experiencing grief-related thoughts, behaviors, or feelings that are distressing, please contact Joyful Living in Eugene, OR, today for a free consultation.