When is the Right Time to Consider Grief Counseling?

1. Bereavement support can help you and your family as you move through the grieving process.

We encourage you to reach out to bereavement services that:

• Are provided by professionally trained, caring, compassionate people who listen to your concerns
• Educate you about the grief process and help you prepare you for what you may experience during your own bereavement journey
• Encourage you to become involved in a new life, when you are ready, to seek out new support persons, groups, and activities.
• Are available through hospices, hospitals, churches, and counseling agencies with counselors who are specifically trained in the grief process.

2. Communication and acknowledgement of your feelings often help people during their grieving process.

Grief heals best when shared with others – it helps to:

• Share thoughts and ideas with others to help clarify the meaning and effects of the loss.
• Discuss and share painful feelings such as despair, anger and guilt to help reduce their intensity and endure them
• Reminisce about your loved one to help enrich and deepen your understanding of the relationship you shared.
• Join others at bereavement support groups.

If you have any questions or you think you might want to talk to a trained professional, please call us at the Hope Bereavement Center. Our number is (760) 431-4100.