Serene Counselling

Specialised Bereavement Counselling Service

Sadly, it is inevitable that none of us can live forever and the loss of someone dear to us often has dramatic consequences. We all react differently but many people do not want to share their most intimate thoughts and feelings with friends and family at this time - it can often be easier to talk to someone you dont know at all... how often have you sat on a train or bus and talked to a complete stranger about your life, people you are unlikely to ever meet again and why? - because they dont know you and cant judge you. It is pretty much the same in Bereavement Counselling - you may feel so angry that your loved one has died and left you - you cant rationalize these feelings - but you definitely have them and how can you possibly tell a member of your family that? But you do need support and that's where I can help you.

Your own grief will be entirely individual to you, but you will most likely go through all or most of these processes:

Shock
Physical and Mental pain
Anger
Despair
Depression & Guilt
Understanding & Acceptance
Readjustment

There are positives - you just need time to look hard to see them - many of the clients I have counselled talk about eventually finding a self reliance and inner strength they never thought they had before.

A typical series of counselling will include discussing your emotions, your well being and health, how to deal with days that arent "so good" and the practicalities - who to contact, when and what must be done. I will help you through the first few weeks when you can feel all alone and vulnerable and if you wish, I can continue to keep in contact with you throughout the following 13 months - what is often referred to as the "13 Month Illness" time - the first year after the loss where you need to come to terms with birthdays, anniversaries and important dates in your life that confront you.