Grief Counseling

The death of a loved one presents a heart-rending situation that is difficult for survivors to endure.  It not only creates an emotionally painful void in the life of a survivor but may also bring about overwhelming changes such as financial concerns, worries about living arrangements, interrupted patterns of social activity, spiritual concerns and questions, energy and appetite loss, as well as sleep disturbance and difficulty concentrating.  Occasionally, some may confuse these symptoms with clinical depression.  Although the symptoms may appear similar, grief is a normal reaction to a loss and with support from friends and family as well as the spiritual community, people can usually show signs of improvement in two to three months.  Sadly, however, such support is not always available and without it grief-stricken individuals may find themselves terribly alone and isolated.

Additionally, there may be a particularly shocking or disturbing set of circumstances that complicates the process.  For example, losing a loved one through murder or loss due to being killed by a drunken driver or traffic offender may confront a family.  Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or the sudden unexpected death of a child or young person may cause feelings of pronounced bereavement for parents.

In such times, people may desire the help of a professionally trained counselor to assist them in coping with their loss and avoiding a decline into depression or to identify significant symptoms of clinical depression that need treatment.  It is most important that those who are affected by death and loss are not left with inadequate support.  Professional counseling can provide clients the opportunity to strengthen their supportive network as well as to gain valuable knowledge about resources available to them.  This can be done while the counselor assists the client in maintaining sufficient ego strength to endure and to heal.

Steven L. Neff has over 30 years' experience providing counseling and supportive services to those experiencing grief and loss. [View qualifications]