Grief Counseling: Yay or Nay?

I am so sorry for your loss.

You are still in the very early days of grief. For myself, at three months, I was just beginning to emerge from the numbness that had engulfed me. I lost my husband in January and my mother in March, and I am seeing only slight relief from the grief. Some days are extremely difficult. While I did not receive grief counseling, I attend a grief support group offered through my church and still attend a hospice caregiver support group. I'm also seeing a therapist for other issues in my past that grief has dredged up.

Ultimately grief is something that simply must be endured. Where grief counseling might help is in letting you know what is "normal" (keeping in mind that no two people grieve the same) and giving you a place to discuss your feelings and have them validated. They can also provide ideas and resources to help you manage your overwhelming feelings. If you are having potentially life-threatening effects (such as suicidal ideation, etc.), seek help immediately.

In short, it seems you have little to lose (since the service is provided for free) and possibly much to gain.

I highly recommend grief counseling. I’ve done it twice. Once after my first husband died, and I took my mom after my dad died. Definitely beneficial for me (and my mom).

Most communities here have no cost grief groups.The local hospice, the visiting nurse association, a local funeral home, all have them. Your mom’s insurance company may be running, or referring you to, a similar one.

My opinion is that if you are asking if, you should go. If after the first meeting you decide it’s not for you, you don’t have to go back.

Thank you! You are most welcome.