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What Is Grief Therapy?
Grief therapy, also sometimes known as grief counseling or bereavement counseling, is a form of therapy that helps individuals cope with the psychological and emotional impact of losing a loved […]
Grief therapy, also sometimes known as grief counseling or bereavement counseling, is a form of therapy that helps individuals cope with the psychological and emotional impact of losing a loved one. People attending grief therapy sessions work together with a mental health professional to accept the loss of their loved one and develop healthy coping strategies. Depending on when the individual starts attending sessions, grief therapy may help them navigate the initial influx of emotions that directly follow a loss or it can help them work toward accepting the loss in the weeks or months that follow the death of their loved one.
Mental health professionals who provide grief therapy often come prepared with a variety of evidence-based interventions and techniques to ease the pain of the loss. This can include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, play therapy, group therapy, and other options that may be suitable based on each individual’s needs. Sometimes specific activities or exercises are also recommended to help individuals process their grief or express emotions that they may be struggling to navigate. For example, writing a letter to the person who died or working through a role-play are two common therapeutic activities that can help bereaved individuals explore their emotions in a secure setting.
Although there isn’t a “right” or “wrong” way to grieve, sometimes people experience very severe and intense grief that requires more in-depth and consistent support. Individuals who are diagnosed with prolonged grief disorder, complicated grief disorder, or traumatic grief typically require more direct support which can extend beyond traditional grief therapy. Working with a mental health professional that specializes in trauma may also be helpful.
Sources
“What is Grief Counseling and How Does it Help?” Talkspace. https://www.talkspace.com/blog/grief-counseling-therapy-definition-what-is/
“10 Grief Counseling Therapy Techniques & Interventions”. Positive Psychology. https://positivepsychology.com/grief-counseling/
“What is Grief Counseling?” VeryWell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-grief-counseling-5189153
