Grief Bereavement Counselling: Finding Your Way Out

Understanding Grief and Bereavement

The Nature of Grief

Grief can be a rollercoaster of emotions. Emotional states may fluctuate rapidly, transitioning from numbness to anger and then abruptly to uncontrollable crying. There isn’t a perfect description of grief and there’s no right or wrong way to grieve. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, a famous psychologist, said that there are five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, sadness, and acceptance. This in itself isn’t a suggestion to tick all those boxes in order. Losing someone is personal, and every person’s experience of grief is peculiar in its own way.

Bereavement and Its Impact

Bereavement is the period of mourning after a loss. It’s like being in a fog—everything feels heavy and surreal. You might find it hard to concentrate, sleep, or even eat. On some occasions, just getting out of bed might be considered a triumph. It’s important to remember that the feeling of being stuck is just temporarily as it impedes our progress. There’s no timetable for grief – It takes as long as it takes.

The Benefits of Grief Bereavement Counselling

Emotional Support

Counselling provides that safe space to let it all out. A psychologist won’t judge your grief or try to rush you. They take the time to really hear you out, stand with you, and reflect back the emotions you’re feeling – without judgment attached.

Coping Strategies

Acquire advanced strategies from psychologists to effectively cope with challenging situations. Cultivate calm in the chaos with tools like mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and journaling – they’ll help you get a grip on your emotions and find some much-needed serenity.

Understanding Your Grief

Why do you feel angry one minute and guilty the next? Do you ever feel like your emotions are speaking a different language? Counselling can help you decipher the code and better understand yourself. Grief is exhausting but taking a step back to examine it can ultimately give you the upper hand.

Building Resilience

Grief doesn’t just disappear. It’s through counselling that develops confidence and resilience that counselling can help you develop and out manouver your grief and work on understanding its place in your life.

How to Access Grief Bereavement Counselling Services

Eligibility and Referral Process

If you’re eligible for Medicare Australia services, getting the help you need for mental health struggles require a referral letter and mental health care plan from your GP. Through Medicare, you can use the Medicare Australia rebate that will cover grief counselling. Start by visiting your GP. They’ll assess your mental health and, if appropriate, provide a referral and mental health care plan to your psychologist .

Finding a psychologist

Once you have your referral, it’s time to find a psychologist who’s right for you. Look for registered professionals through online directories or community health centres. Organizations like the Chat Corner Psychologists are good places to start.

Finding the right psychologist is like challenging—you might need to meet a few before you find the perfect match. Take a moment to pose questions and gauge their methodology – does it sit well with you?

Booking and Attending Sessions

With a psychologist lined up, the first session usually involves an assessment to understand your grief and any other mental health issues. Your counsellor will use this information to develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

You’ll peel back the layers of your grief in upcoming sessions, gets real about your feelings, and find upon ways to cope. Depending on your arrangement with the counselling clinic, you might pay upfront and claim a rebate through Medicare, or the psychologist may bill Medicare directly.

Limitations and Considerations

Number of Sessions

The number of sessions available from Medicare Australia includes a maximum of 10 subsidised sessions per year. If you need more help via additional sessions if necessary work out how this can be arranged with your psychologist by paying out of pocket.

Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Even with Medicare rebates, there might be out-of-pocket expenses. Some counsellors charge more than the Medicare Benefit Schedule fee, requiring you to pay the difference. Psychological assessments or tests might also not be covered by Medicare.

Access and Availability

Access to counselling services can vary based on location and availability. In some areas, there might be long waitlists for subsidised services.

Alternative Options for Support

Online Counselling Services

Online counselling is a great option if you prefer the comfort of your own home. Platforms like Chat Corner Psychologists offer online grief counselling, allowing you to connect with qualified counsellors from anywhere.

Community Support Groups

Community support groups can be a lifeline. Imagine being part of a community that listens without judgment, where people actively try to understand what you’re going through. That’s what these groups offer – a chance to speak freely and find support from those who care.

Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

Many employers offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) that provide counselling services. To get the most out of these programs, it’s crucial that you understand their approach to confidentiality – it’s a sensitive topic that requires attention.

Private Health Insurance

Check your private health insurance policy to see if it covers psychological services, including grief counselling.

Helping Others Who Are Grieving

Offering Support and Understanding

If someone you know is grieving, the best thing you can do is be there for them. Extend your assistance, attentively hear without forming opinions, and affirm the legitimacy of their emotions.A gentle reminder that someone is looking out for you can completely turn your day around.

Encouraging Professional Help

If your loved one is struggling, gently encourage them to seek professional help. Share information about available counselling services and offer to help them find and access support.

Respecting Individual Grief Processes

Remember, everyone grieves differently. Respect their process and avoid placing expectations on how they should feel or behave.

Practical Assistance

Provide tangible support to help reduce some of the challenges connected with mourning. Lend a hand with daily chores, cook up some meals, or tag along to doctor’s visits. Freed from distractions, they can now prioritize their mental health.

Perspectives

We have had the privilege of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, some with grief. Interestingly, without a genuine connection between therapist and client, progress stalls – but with evidence-based approaches fine-tuned to individual strengths and weaknesses, breakthroughs are possible.

The gist of it all.

Loss can batter us with emotions, making it tough to find our way – that’s where grief bereavement counselling comes in, offering a lifeline. Going through a tough time can leave you feeling lost and alone, but with a better understanding of grief and the support options available, you can start to rebuild and find your way again. Whether through Medicare-subsidised sessions, online counselling, community support groups, or other resources, you don’t have to face grief alone.

The power of a strong therapeutic alliance and evidence-based approaches cannot be overstated. Stuck and don’t know where to turn for grief counselling? Reach out to Chat Corner Psychologists and we’ll help you find the right support. Recovery is a journey we’re happy to accompany you on.

What sets grief bereavement counselling apart is its willingness to take the best from various therapeutic traditions – think Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Exposure Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Reminiscence Therapy – and distill them into a truly personalized method. The pain of losing someone never truly fades, but we believe that with the right support, individuals can find a way to proudly carry their loved one’s legacy forward while learning to navigate their new reality.

Moving Forward

The journey through grief is never easy, but with the right support, it’s possible to find a new sense of normalcy. Don’t be afraid to reach out – admitting you need a hand is a powerful display of courage. Whether you choose individual counselling, support groups, or a combination of resources, what matters is that you take steps towards healing. Painful experiences shape you, but they don’t have to dictate your tomorrow. Initiate contact, establish connections with people, and provide yourself the necessary time and environment to recover.

Resources and Contact Information

For more information on grief bereavement counselling and to find a qualified psychologist, contact Chat Corner Psychologists. You don’t have to face your grief alone – we’re a team of seasoned professionals who are here to offer a helping hand and a listening ear.

Reach out, seek help, and take the first step towards healing today.

Practical Tips for Coping with Grief

Allow Yourself to Grieve

It’s okay to feel whatever you’re feeling. Let yourself cry, be angry, or even laugh. Grief refuses to follow a script, and it’s absurd to expect it to conform to some arbitrary standard.

Create a Routine

Being able to establish and adhere to a daily routine may provide a sense of regularity and mastery over one’s circumstances. Simple tasks like making your bed, going for a walk, or preparing a meal can help ground you during this tumultuous time.

Stay Connected

Isolation can make grief feel more overwhelming. Surround yourself with people who care – talk to friends, family, or join a support group to share your experiences. Verbalizing your emotions can lift a weight off your shoulders.

Seek Professional Help

If you are having difficulty managing, do not hesitate to get assistance from a professional. When you’re lost in grief, a psychologist can step in to offer expert guidance, helping you develop a customised plan to tackle your emotions head-on.

Reserve a unique space in your life for those individuals who have made a lasting impression on your heart.

Tell their story, loudly and proudly, through acts of kindness, quiet reflection, or open celebration – whatever feels true to your bond. Create a scrapbook, plant a tree, or simply share stories about them. It’s the small gestures that spark warmth, keeping their memory aglow and a sense of comfort within reach.

Take Care of Yourself

Grief can take a physical toll. Ensure proper nutrition, engage in physical activity, and prioritise sufficient rest. One crucial aspect of coping with grief is learning to care for your body – a strong, healthy body can help shore up your emotional defenses when they’re most vulnerable.

Be Patient with Yourself

Grief is a journey, and it’s okay to take it one day at a time. Exhibit patience towards yourself and provide yourself the opportunity to recover at your own individual rhythm.

Accept Help

If friends or family offer help, accept it. It’s the small acts of kindness that make all the difference – think a steaming plate of homemade food, a favour to help with daily chores, or just a friendly ear to vent to.

Find Moments of Joy

It is OK to discover moments of happiness in the middle of your sorrow. Laughter and happiness don’t diminish your loss; they’re part of the healing process.

Integrating these practical tips into your daily routine is the first step in finding some sense of control amidst the chaos of grief.