Grief and Bereavement Counselling
Getting Help With Bereavement & Grief
If someone you know has recently died, or maybe it was a while ago, it can be difficult to express how you feel. Some people just get on with their lives by being busy or working harder, but that often doesn’t help in the long term.
Perhaps you are still crying a lot and feeling the pain of loss.
Some people can’t stop thinking about the person who has died. Some people feel that they are struggling to cope with basic things in life.
Maybe you are on your own or maybe you find it difficult to talk to friends and family.
And what makes this even more confusing is that you may have waves of remembering positive things about the person you have lost, or you might not think about them at all one day.
No one will know how you feel, but sharing those thoughts and feelings can help.
How Counselling Can Help
Bereavement counselling is a way forward.
Linda can help you by listening, helping you to understand your grief and guiding you to find new ways to cope and enjoy life again.
You will never forget the person that has died but you can learn to feel better again.
It’s easier than ever to get help through Awaken the Change. You can choose face to face counselling at my practice in Bournemouth, bereavement counselling by telephone or video contact via Vsee.
Contact Linda by clicking below, or by telephone on 01202 248468.
You’ve got to trust yourself. Be gentle with yourself. And listen to yourself. You are the only one who can get you through this now.
Free 30 Minute Consultation
Contact Linda to arrange your first free consultation.
Grief & Bereavement Explained
You may find the words used around grief and bereavement confusing.
Bereavement is a process or state that you go through when you have lost someone.
Grief is that internal experience of your loss when you react to your loss. Grief is about the reactions you get that encompass thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Because people can’t see what is going on they often don’t offer support and think that you are coping. Grief is normal after a loss; however, it can become complicated if the person doesn’t get the help they need. Complicated grief can cause health problems so it’s important to talk to someone like Linda.
Mourning is an external way of showing that you are grieving. Some people wear black, some people visit a grave regularly and some people may put flowers on the place where the person died.
The Causes of Grief
Did you know that grief can also happen after other losses?
Some people grieve over
- the loss of a friend who moves away
- a divorce
- a job
- their youth
- children leaving home
- the loss of a pet
- retirement
- imprisonment
- major changes in your social or financial situation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between grief and bereavement?
Bereavement is the process that you go through when you are suffering from a loss. Grief is the emotion linked with loss.
What emotions do people feel who are experiencing grief?
Everyone is different but there are a range of emotions that people feel. Emotions can include feelings of guilt, denial, sadness, yearning, anxiety, anger, and confusion.
How can I cope with the loss at anniversaries and birthdays?
Although these times may be painful at first, if you plan ahead and try to celebrate your loved one’s life rather than commiserating, it will feel better.
Why do I feel guilty and blame myself for the loss of a loved one?
This is a common way of feeling after a loss. It’s normal and is caused by you trying to assess everything that happened.
How long does grief last?
There is no time frame for grief. A lot depends on the relationship you had, the way someone died and if it was a traumatic death.
How can bereavement counselling help my loss?
Bereavement counselling provides you with a safe space where you can express your grief, understand it and find ways to cope and move forward in your life.
How soon after a death should I seek bereavement counselling?
People have different needs. Some people who have no support may benefit from talking a few days or weeks after the death. Other people might decide to speak to a bereavement counsellor weeks, months or years after the loss.
What kinds of loss can a bereavement counsellor help with?
Bereavement counselling can help with the loss of a partner, parent, child, sibling, friend, or pet. It can also support people after complicated losses, sudden deaths, suicide, miscarriage, or traumatic bereavement. As loss can also relate to loss of a job, a relationship, or a home, bereavement counsellors can also help with these issues as well.
What happens in a bereavement counselling session?
You are encouraged to talk at your own pace. Sessions may involve talking about the person, pet or other loss, how the loss has affected you, and how you are coping. Some counsellors may encourage you to think about your support networks and coping skills. There is no pressure to grieve in a particular way.
Is online bereavement counselling effective?
Yes, online counselling can be effective, especially if you feel comfortable working online. Many people find it easier to open up from their own home, especially when energy levels are low or emotions feel raw. Sessions remain private and supportive.
How long does bereavement counselling last?
It depends on how you are feeling and the circumstances of the death. Many people require around six sessions.
Does Linda at Awaken the Change provide bereavement counselling for everyone?
No, at Awaken the Change, we provide bereavement counselling to adults and young people (aged 16 -18 years). We do not provide bereavement counselling for children.
Important
If you are feeling suicidal and need to talk to someone urgently…
You can:
- Ask for an emergency appointment with your doctor
- Contact your local hospital or health clinic
- Contact Samaritans in the UK 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. National freephone telephone number 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
- Contact SANEline in the UK 6pm – 11pm, 365 days a year. National telephone number 0300 304 700.
- Get help through International suicide helplines http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html
Counselling & Life Coaching Prices
Bronze
Counselling or life coaching session of up to one hour in duration- Normally £70
- A counselling or life coaching session of up to one hour in duration
- Plus:
- Any handouts or worksheets if required
Silver
Three counselling or life coaching sessions- Save £25
- Three counselling or life coaching sessions.
- Each session up to one hour in duration.
- Plus:
- Any handouts or worksheets if required
- A Mindfulness audio recording (MP3) download
Gold
Six counselling or life coaching sessions- Save £35
- My most popular programme
- Six counselling or life coaching sessions.
- Each session up to one hour in duration.
- Plus:
- Any handouts or worksheets if required
- A Mindfulness audio recording (MP3) download
- E-book - Your Life Workbook
Platinum
Nine counselling or life coaching sessions- Save £45
- Nine counselling or life coaching sessions.
- Each session up to one hour in duration.
- Plus:
- Any handouts or worksheets if required
- A Mindfulness audio recording (MP3) download
- E-book - Your Life Workbook
NB All payments to be made online before the session or programme or on the day only if in person in my office.
How to Book
Unlike some therapists, I want to make sure you get the right therapy before you buy.
I offer a free 30-minute consultation so we can get to know each other first.

