Bereavement counselling

I personally have not had any but son in law did when daughter died and he found it helpful.

My husband died 34 years ago, my health visitor at the time recommended Cruse, apart from one other lady, we obviously much younger than all the other widows, I lasted three meetings, all those tears and misery and I went home feeling so much worse , I didn’t expect a magic bullet but it really was no help, I hope bereavement counselling has improved since those days, but I would say it’s certainly worth a try.

My friend's husband committed suicide in a horrible way and she didn't even last more than one appointment. She told the counsellor you didn't know John, so there's no point talking to you about him. I'm better off talking to my friends, who knew him. Her youngest was only 5 at the time. Just awful. We're still friends after 36 years. We met when our youngest started in the nursery at their school.

I’m afraid my experience of bereavement group counselling was the same as SaxonGrace. It just felt like being pulled into a maelstrom of other people’s despair. I think one to one counselling is probably better though I haven’t been down that road.

I have. I had a great counselor. Like most things, much is dependent on the individual and counselor being a good fit. The right counselor for you may be very helpful in terms of finding strategies to cope during the times you’re feeling the deepest sense of hopelessness. Life isn’t one size fits all. Therapy isn’t one size fits all. Another person’s experience shouldn’t discourage you from trying if that is what you wish to do. We’re all different. You may be surprised at how therapeutic it is to get things off your chest in a confidential setting to someone who has no personal connections with you.

I’ve had both group and individual bereavement counselling sessions. The group sessions were much better for me. I benefitted from being able to see how I was coping compared to others and we were helpful to each other with suggestions and encouragement. The individual sessions comprised of too many long silences, delving into very personal issues and too much reflection questions for me at that time which was around 4 months following the death of my husband.

Try therapy not counselling! It can be more effective sometimes

I attended a bereavement support group once, but it wasn’t for me. Then I found a wonderful therapist who was perfect for me. I think I saw her for about six weeks, starting about 15 months after my husband died.
We are all individuals and every relationship is unique. There is no right or wrong way to grieve or to react. For me, finding positives is my way eg doing things I couldn’t do previously.

Susieq62

Try therapy not counselling! It can be more effective sometimes

What is the difference between therapy and counselling?

Anyone can call themselves a counsellor or a therapist, but there are qualifications which can and should be obtained.
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy has a register of accredited members. It tends to use the two terms interchangeably, though if you read all the small print you can see the different types of therapy and a list of members and their qualifications and specialisms.
Other organisations are available.