4 Tips on Finding a Qualified Grief Counsellor
Grief is a difficult period to get through in anyone’s life. Although turning to those closest to you for support can help, it may not be the full answer. In some cases, family and friends may not completely understand the depth of your loss, or be willing to listen to you discuss it for as long as you need to.
In these circumstances, know that a qualified grief counselor can help you throughout your grieving period – however long that may be. Since there are many different types of grief counsellors available, taking the time to find the right one for you is important.
1. Ask Friends and Family
Seeing if your family and friends have a recommendation for a therapist may be a great place to start. Remember that good and convenient may not go hand in hand – to get the right therapist for you, you may have to drive a little further.
Also, each counsellor has their own individual personality so someone who may be a perfect fit for your friend may not be a perfect fit for you. Do not let this dishearten you with your search! A great counsellor is out there – you just need to find him/her!
2. Shop Online
Like everything else these days, the internet is a great resource for researching potential counsellors. When searching for a counsellor, choose one who places importance on their philosophy of working with patients, rather than those who are simply selling themselves.
3. Gender
Although there is no right or wrong when it comes to choosing a male or female counsellor, you may have a preference. Stick to that preference when researching a grief counsellor for you to work with so that you are more comfortable with him/her from the beginning.
4. Call Them
When you finally find a counsellor that you like the sounds of, give them a call. Have some questions ready to help you see if they are a match for you. These questions can centre on their speciality, education, training and licensing, fee structure and anything else you would like to know before arranging a session.
It’s also important to find out if he/she has ever been in therapy; rule of thumb is to stay away from a counsellor who has not done his/her own work.
Seeking Out Grief Support: A Sign of Strength and Courage
Remember that it is not a sign of weakness to seek out the help of a qualified grief counsellor. Instead, it is a sign of strength and courage. You are letting people know you need to be cared for and that you do not want to bear your sorrow by yourself.
Let Circle of Life Cremation and Burial Centre Inc. Help You with Your Grief
We at Circle of Life Cremation and Burial Centre Inc. want to help you through this difficult period. Not only do we have our own grief counsellor, but we also offer online grief support that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Inquire about our “365 Days of Grief Support” which are delivered to your email inbox every day. Contact our experienced, caring staff for more information about the grief resources we have available.
