The Healing Power of Bereavement Counselling
- Louise Riedl
- Nov 10
- 2 min read
What is Bereavement Counselling
Grief is one of life’s most painful and transformative experiences. Whether you’re mourning the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or another major change, it can leave you feeling lost and uncertain. While grief is a natural response to loss, it can be incredibly hard to face alone.
As someone who has worked for a major bereavement charity and within a local hospice, I understand that everyone’s grief is unique. NHS Bereavement Counsellling can be very hard to come by and similarly, free bereavement counselling, whilst it can be found, may not be easy to come by. Private therapy for grief and loss offers a safe, supportive space to talk openly, process emotions, and find a way forward that feels right for you. This can be offered in person or bereavement counselling online is available also.
Understanding the Grieving Process
Grief doesn’t follow a straight line instead it shifts, flows, and evolves. In counselling, I draw on several helpful grief models that bring comfort and perspective:
Tonkin’s Model of Growing Around Grief reminds us that our grief doesn’t shrink; instead, our life grows around it. Over time, we create space for new experiences and meaning while continuing to hold our loss with love.
The Waterfall of Grief Model captures the powerful emotional descent that comes after loss, from shock and chaos to calmer, steadier waters as you begin to adapt.
The Dual Process Model (Stroebe & Schut) explains that healing involves moving between focusing on the loss itself and focusing on restoration, finding balance between remembering and rebuilding.
These theories show that grief is not something to “get over,” but something to learn to live alongside with compassion and understanding.
How Bereavement Counselling Can Help - What is Bereavement Counselling?
Through a bereavement counselling service, you can explore emotions like sadness, anger, guilt, or confusion in a confidential and non-judgmental space. Together, we’ll develop gentle coping strategies such as mindfulness, journaling, or self-care routines to support both your emotional and physical wellbeing.
Counselling can also reduce feelings of isolation and help you reconnect with yourself and others. Over time, many people find moments of peace, connection, and hope beginning to re-emerge.
Therapist’s Note - How Does Counselling Help With Bereavement?
Having supported people through grief in both hospice and charity settings, I believe that healing after bereavement isn’t about letting go, it’s about learning to carry your loss differently. My approach is grounded in empathy, acceptance, and a belief that, with the right support, life can slowly grow around your grief once more.
I offer face to face sessions in Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent and also online bereavement counselling nationwide.
To find out more about the benefits of bereavement counselling and book a free initial consultation to speak about how we can help click here to Meet Louise Riedl
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