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You don't have to grieve alone
Grief is the natural response to loss, most commonly the death of someone we love, but also the loss of a relationship, identity, career, health, or future we expected. Grief is not a disorder, but it can be one of the most painful human experiences, and some people find they need professional support to process it. Bereavement counselling offers a dedicated space to grieve at your own pace.
General information, not medical advice
This page is for general information and does not diagnose, treat, or replace advice from a GP or other qualified health professional. If symptoms are new, severe, worsening, or you are worried about your safety, seek appropriate medical or urgent support.
Signs and symptoms
You might be experiencing grief & bereavement if you recognise any of the following:
- Profound sadness, crying, or emotional numbness
- Yearning and longing for the person or thing that has been lost
- Disbelief or difficulty accepting the reality of the loss
- Anger, at the person who died, at others, at yourself, or at life
- Guilt about things said, unsaid, done, or not done
- Changes in appetite, sleep, and daily functioning
- Difficulty finding meaning or purpose after the loss
- Complicated grief, intense, persistent grief that doesn't ease over time
What causes grief & bereavement?
Grief & Bereavement is rarely caused by a single factor. Common contributing factors include:
- Death of a loved one, expected or sudden
- End of a significant relationship or marriage
- Loss of health through illness or disability
- Loss of a pregnancy or fertility
- Loss of career, identity, or life direction
- Disenfranchised grief, loss others don't acknowledge (e.g., pets, miscarriage)
How therapy can help
Grief is one of the clearest cases where talking therapy in its plainest form, being heard, without being fixed, rushed, or advised, is itself the treatment. Bereavement counselling provides a safe space to express and process your grief without worrying about burdening those around you. A therapist helps you navigate the waves of grief, make sense of complicated feelings like guilt or anger, and find a way to carry your loss while continuing to live meaningfully.
Therapeutic approaches we use
Grief Counselling
A humanistic, person-centred approach that provides space to tell your story, express your emotions, and be witnessed in your grief without judgement.
Complicated Grief Treatment (CGT)
A specialised approach for prolonged grief disorder, where grief remains acutely intense and disabling long after the loss.
Meaning-Making Therapy
Explores how the loss has affected your sense of meaning, identity, and beliefs about the world, helping you reconstruct a life narrative that includes but is not defined by the loss.
CBT
Helpful when grief is complicated by depression, anxiety, guilt, or unhelpful thinking patterns that are prolonging suffering.
Frequently asked questions
How soon after bereavement should I seek counselling?
There's no right or wrong time. Some people benefit from early support; others find counselling more useful weeks or months later. You don't need to wait until you're 'bad enough'.
What is complicated grief?
Also called prolonged grief disorder, complicated grief is when bereavement symptoms remain intense and impairing well beyond what's typical, usually more than 12 months after the loss. It benefits from specialised treatment.
Does therapy mean I'm not grieving 'properly'?
No. Grief has no right way. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness, it's a sign of courage and self-awareness. Many people find therapy helps them grieve more fully.
Can therapy help with anticipatory grief, grieving someone who is still alive?
Yes. Anticipatory grief is common when facing a terminal diagnosis (in yourself or a loved one), and therapy can provide crucial support during this painful period.
Content information and sources
Editorial status: Content checked against UK clinical guidance and NHS information. Reviewed . This is an editorial check; no named clinician is represented as having reviewed this page.
Authoritative UK sources relevant to this topic:
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