How To Find a Grief Counselor

If you feel that you need help coping with your grief, please go for some professional counseling. But where do you find a good one? Let’s talk a bit about how to find a grief counselor!

Counseling

Don’t give up on using a grief counselor, just because you don’t think it can help. Sometimes, just a few sessions are all that is needed to help you get “unstuck” in your grief. And if you find yourself in a true clinical depression, treatment with a psychiatrist will be necessary, as prescribed medication is often indicated.

Just remember this one caveat: Do not allow yourself to be treated for grief with anti-depressants. They will only mask the expected responses and delay the inevitable. Anti-depressants are for true clinical depression only, not the sadness and depressed feelings of uncomplicated bereavement.

Grief counseling without the need for medication can be provided by a clinical social worker, psychologist, or licensed counselor. Try to find one experienced in grief and loss therapy.

Learn more about surviving grief.

How To Find a Grief Counselor

So how do you find a good grief counselor?

  • The best place to start is with your primary care physician. He knows you and would best be able to recommend an appropriate “partner” to help you uncomplicate your grief.
  • Another possible lead would be someone you know who was helped by a particular clinician. A recommendation of this type should be very promising.
  • You can also call your nearest hospice, cancer center, or funeral home to inquire if they know of someone in your town experienced in grief counseling.
  • If your insurance doesn’t cover psychotherapy, and you can’t afford it, most counties fund a mental health center that provides counseling on a sliding-fee based on your income. Look in the yellow pages under “Mental Health”.

Once you’ve attended your first session, don’t hesitate to terminate the therapy if he or she is not a comfortable “fit” for you. It may take a little trial and error to find the right therapist. This is true with any psychological counseling arrangement, but especially so for counseling grief loss.

Don’t feel embarrassed that you sought help from a professional. Complicated or chronic grief or major depression cannot be conquered alone. Asking for help is a sign of wisdom, not weakness.

You might find just the right counselor at one of these directory websites:

US Bereavement Counselling

UK Bereavement Counselling

Wonder how to find a grief counselor? Here are 4 ways to find a good one. #griefcounselor #grief #loss #sadness

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