The enormity of strain, of sadness, of depression, as well as feeling overwhelmed can make the bereavement process a very lonely experience.
What someone needs most when faced with the heaviness that accompanies loss and grief is the sense that they’re not on their own. That they might share this seemingly endless and painful journey in a safe and encouraging environment. That’s the purpose of grief therapy—or bereavement therapy.
Grief therapy offers a safe and understanding environment for a person to process any mental or behavioural issues related to the difficulty in grieving. A bereavement therapist is someone willing to talk when appropriate and be quiet in the sometimes awkward silence as the patient moves the bereavement process.
We require friendship above all else, something a wise therapist will understand. A good therapist is a safe companion. Grief therapy lets individuals talk and process loss in a safe, compassionate environment. Those who work in this field know that they can’t “fix” or “stop” the grieving process. In fact, to do so would cause severe mental distress.
A grief therapist is someone who will gently and skilfully guide a grieving person through a myriad of emotional states as they move along the healing journey. As for medically assisted grief therapy, experts are divided. There isn’t a pill that will get rid of someone’s grief but there are medications available that can assist with symptoms of the grieving process.
Some individuals experience trouble sleeping, have bouts of anxiety, or develop other physical or mental symptoms related to grief. A handful of healthcare professionals believe prescribing medication to deal with these symptoms clears the way for individuals to deal with the emotional and mental aspects of loss. Dealing temporarily with symptoms can also help someone function on a daily basis while going through the bereavement process.
If you’re struggling or suffering with your grief, then you’ll probably want to explore working with a therapist or counsellor on a one-on-one basis. They can help you explore the “why” behind what you’re feeling to help get to the core issues. Getting one-to-one help is especially important if you feel you are suffering from depression or your inability to function normally is taking longer than you expected.
If you or someone you know is struggling with the loss of someone close, call Brian of Burgess Therapy on 020 3096 6277. Your call will be treated with the utmost sensitivity.
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