Grief Counselling UK | Bereavement Support Online

Grief, loss and bereavement are natural responses to losing someone or something important in your life. Many people experience intense emotions following the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or another significant life change. For some people, these feelings can become overwhelming and difficult to manage alone. Grief therapy or bereavement counselling can provide support and guidance during this difficult time.

"Grief is not a disorder, a disease, or a sign of weakness. It is an emotional, physical, and spiritual necessity, the price you pay for love. The only cure for grief is to grieve." - Earl A. Grollman

What Are the Symptoms of Grief?

Common experiences of grief can include:

• sadness or emotional numbness

• anger or guilt

• difficulty concentrating

• sleep problems or fatigue

• changes in appetite

• longing for the person who has died

The Stages of Grief

Many people are familiar with the five stages of grief described by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross:

• denial

• anger

• bargaining

• depression

• acceptance

However, grief does not follow a fixed sequence, and people may move between different emotions over time.

Types of Grief

Grief can take many different forms depending on the nature of the loss, the circumstances surrounding it, and the individual experiencing it. While grief is a natural response to loss, different types of grief can bring different emotional challenges. Understanding these patterns can help people make sense of their experiences and recognise when additional support may be helpful.

What is grief & bereavement?

In general, grief refers to the experience of losing something or someone, while bereavement refers to the state of being in mourning or in the process of grieving a loss.

Grief is a normal and natural response to loss. Loss can take many forms, such as the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or the loss of a job. Grief is a complex and highly personal experience that can involve a range of emotions, such as sadness, anger, guilt, and confusion. Grief can also involve physical symptoms, such as difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, and exhaustion. It is common for individuals to experience a rollercoaster of emotions during the grieving process, and it is normal to have ups and downs.

Bereavement, on the other hand, specifically refers to the state of grieving or mourning the loss of someone or something, such as the death of a loved one. Bereavement can be a difficult and challenging experience, as it involves dealing with the emotional, physical, and social consequences of loss. It is a normal and natural response to loss, and it is an important process for healing and moving forward after a loss.

"The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not 'get over' the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it. You will heal and you will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again but you will never be the same. Nor should you be the same nor would you want to." - Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

Do I Need Grief Counselling?

Grief is a natural response to loss, and many people gradually adjust over time with the support of family, friends, and their community. However, there are times when the intensity of grief or the impact it has on daily life can make professional support helpful.

Grief counselling provides a safe and supportive space to talk openly about your loss, process difficult emotions, and find ways to adapt to life after bereavement.

You may benefit from grief counselling if you are:

• struggling to cope with intense or overwhelming emotions

• finding it difficult to return to everyday activities such as work or socialising

• experiencing persistent feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or anger

• feeling isolated or unable to talk to others about your loss

• having ongoing sleep problems, anxiety, or low mood since the loss

• feeling “stuck” in your grief months or years after the loss

• finding that memories or reminders of the loss feel unbearable

Some people also seek grief counselling after particularly traumatic or unexpected losses, such as the sudden death of a loved one, a miscarriage, or the loss of a relationship.

There is no “right time” to seek support. Some people find therapy helpful soon after a loss, while others seek help later when they realise they are struggling to move forward.

Speaking with a therapist does not mean there is something wrong with your grief. Instead, therapy can provide understanding, guidance, and practical support to help you navigate one of life’s most difficult experiences.

When should I seek therapy for grief, loss, or bereavement?

It is generally recommended to seek the help of a therapist if your grief is disrupting your daily life or if you are experiencing intense emotions that you cannot manage on your own. For example, you may want to consider therapy if you:

• are struggling to perform daily activities, such as eating, sleeping, or working

• are unable to find enjoyment in activities that you used to enjoy

• are having difficulty functioning at school or work

• are experiencing persistent feelings of hopelessness or helplessness

• are having difficulty accepting the loss

• are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide

It's important to remember that everyone experiences grief differently, and there is no "right" or "wrong" way to grieve. It is normal to have ups and downs during the grieving process, and it is okay to take the time you need to heal. However, if you are struggling to cope with your grief, a therapist can provide support and guidance to help you navigate the grieving process.

Therapy for Grief and Bereavement

There are a number of therapies that can be helpful for addressing problems associated with grief, loss, and bereavement. Some of the most commonly used approaches include Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic therapy, Interpersonal therapy (IPT), Supportive counselling and Complicated grief treatment (CGT).

It is important to keep in mind that the best therapy for addressing problems associated with grief, loss, and bereavement will depend on the individual's specific needs and preferences. Seeing a therapist with a wide range of therapeutic skills and experience is therefore recommended, as they can draw upon their wider range of clinical models and approaches.

Types of Therapy for Grief and Bereavement

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): CBT can help individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to their grief and develop more adaptive coping strategies.

• Psychodynamic therapy: This form of therapy can help individuals explore the unconscious conflicts and feelings associated with their grief and find meaning in their loss.

• Interpersonal therapy (IPT): IPT can help individuals address relationship problems and communication issues that may be exacerbated by grief and loss.

• Supportive counselling: This form of therapy provides a safe and supportive space for individuals to express their emotions and receive guidance and support as they navigate the grieving process.

• Complicated grief treatment (CGT): CGT is a specific form of therapy designed to help individuals who are experiencing prolonged or complicated grief. It may involve exposure to reminders of the loss, problem-solving, and learning coping skills.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT is a form of cognitive behavioural therapy that helps individuals accept their thoughts and feelings without trying to control or suppress them, and commit to taking action that aligns with their values.

• Mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of bringing one's attention to the present moment, without judgment. It can help individuals develop greater awareness and acceptance of their thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations.

Online Grief Counselling in the UK

Online therapy can be particularly helpful for people experiencing grief or bereavement. Many people find it easier to speak from the comfort of their own home, especially during emotionally difficult periods.

At My Therapist Online, we connect people across the UK with therapists who specialise in grief, loss and bereavement therapy.

My Therapist Online can help you

If you recognise some of the symptoms above, you may benefit from speaking to one of our therapists. Our therapists are highly trained and experienced in treating the problems associated with grief, loss and bereavement.

We make finding the right therapist easy.

At My Therapist Online, we listen to the problems you are facing and match you with the right therapist for your individual needs. You can meet with them for a free initial consultation to be sure it is a good match before starting your therapy.

My Therapist Online therapists who are experts in therapy for grief, loss & bereavement.

Recommended Reading around the subject of grief & bereavement.

• It's OK That You're Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn't Understand - by Megan Devine

  Megan Devine provides a unique perspective on the grieving process and offers guidance for those struggling with loss. She challenges the cultural belief that grief can be "fixed" or that individuals should be able to "move on" from loss, and instead embraces the idea that grief is a lifelong process.

  The book provides practical tools for managing intense emotions, creating a support system, and navigating the often-ignored realities of grief.

  
  
  

• The Grief Recovery Method: The Action Program for Moving Beyond Death, Divorce, and Other Losses - by John W. James and Russell Friedman: This book, written by a psychologist and a grief recovery specialist, provides a step-by-step guide to the grief recovery process and includes exercises and techniques for managing grief.

  
  
  

• The Grief Handbook: Coping with the Loss of Someone You Love - by Rosemary Dun: This book, written by a CBT therapist, provides a step-by-step guide to the grief recovery process and includes exercises and techniques for managing grief.

  
  
  
  

• The Grief Journey: A Practical Guide to Coping with Grief and Loss - by Christina Jones: This book, written by a CBT therapist, offers practical advice and support for those grieving a loss, including tips for coping with grief, managing emotions, and finding support.

  
  
  

• The Grief Survival Guide: How to navigate loss and all that comes with it Paperback – by Jeff Brazier

  The Grief Survival Guide is a compassionate and accessible resource for anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one. It offers practical advice and support for those grieving the loss of a loved one.

  Jeff Brazier, a television presenter, and life coach, brings his own personal experiences of loss to the book, offering insight and empathy to those who are grieving. The book covers a range of topics, including dealing with intense emotions, supporting children through grief, managing anniversaries and special occasions, and finding a new sense of purpose after loss. The authors offer practical tips, exercises, and strategies for managing grief and finding hope and healing.

Books written with ACT & Mindfulness principles & techniques.

• The Courage to Grieve: Creative Living, Recovery, and Growth Through Grief - by Judy Tatelbaum: This book, written by an ACT therapist, provides guidance on how to navigate the grieving process using ACT principles and techniques.

• Mindful Grief: Finding Your Way through Loss - by Mark Wolynn: This book, written by an ACT therapist, provides guidance on how to navigate the grieving process using mindfulness and ACT principles.
  
  
  

• When Life Hits Hard: How to Transcend Grief, Crisis, and Loss with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Paperback – by Russ Harris

  When Life Hits Hard is a comprehensive guide to using ACT to navigate life's challenges and cultivate a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

  The author Russ Harris, who is a world renowned ACT therapist, aims to help individuals cope with difficult experiences such as loss, crisis and grief, using the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

  
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions About Grief and Bereavement

How long does grief last?

Grief does not follow a fixed timeline. For many people, the most intense emotions gradually soften over time, but it is normal for grief to continue in different ways for months or even years after a loss.

Some days may feel manageable, while others may bring waves of sadness, longing, or reflection. This is a natural part of adjusting to life after loss. If grief continues to feel overwhelming or begins to significantly affect daily life, speaking with a therapist can provide helpful support.

Is grief counselling helpful?

Yes, many people find grief counselling very helpful. Therapy provides a safe and supportive space to talk openly about your loss, process difficult emotions, and make sense of the changes that have occurred in your life.

A therapist can help you explore feelings such as sadness, anger, guilt, or confusion, while also helping you develop ways to cope with the emotional and practical challenges that can follow bereavement.

For some people, counselling also helps reduce related difficulties such as sleep problems, anxiety, or low mood.

What is complicated grief?

Complicated grief, sometimes referred to as prolonged grief disorder, occurs when intense grief persists for a long period and significantly interferes with a person’s ability to function in everyday life.

People experiencing complicated grief may feel stuck in their grief, struggle to accept the loss, or experience persistent longing for the person who has died. They may also avoid reminders of the loss or feel that life has lost its meaning.

In these situations, specialised grief therapy can help individuals gradually process the loss and find ways to move forward while maintaining a meaningful connection to the person they have lost.

Can therapy help with bereavement?

Yes. Therapy can be very helpful for people coping with bereavement. A therapist can provide support, guidance, and understanding during a time that often feels confusing and emotionally overwhelming.

Therapy may help you:

• process complex emotions related to the loss

• understand how grief is affecting your thoughts and behaviour

• develop healthy ways to cope with painful memories or reminders

• adjust to life after the loss while maintaining meaningful connections with loved ones

Many people find that therapy helps them feel less alone and more able to navigate the grieving process.

What is the difference between grief and bereavement?

Grief and bereavement are closely related but slightly different concepts.

Grief refers to the emotional, psychological, and physical reactions people experience after a loss. This can include feelings such as sadness, anger, guilt, confusion, or longing.

Bereavement refers specifically to the state of having lost someone through death and the period of mourning that follows.

In simple terms, bereavement describes the situation of loss, while grief describes the emotional response to that loss.

It's important to keep in mind that everyone experiences grief and bereavement differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. It may be helpful to try a few different approaches and see what works best for you.

This page was reviewed by Lisa Johnston, BABCP Accredited CBT Therapist, Anxiety Disorders Specialist.