National Grief Awareness Week 2020 launched yesterday and runs until Tuesday 08th December. It’s a theme which is difficult to talk about as it starts with the loss of someone who is deeply loved. It’s not just people who have passed away, anyone who has lost a dog or cat will tell you they felt the same hurt and pain as losing a relative or friend.
The run up to a death – or pre-bereavement can be just as traumatic as the final moment or the emptiness that inevitably comes next. People don’t just feel a single emotion, it is a mix of unwanted sensations including anger, denial, relief, guilt, depression, numbness and being lonely. There is no time-frame either, some people appear to overcome grief and loss relatively quickly, while others take longer; it is not uncommon for us to work with clients who have been holding in the pain for many years.
Working with children and young people who have experienced a loss is always deep and complex, with younger children requiring specialist attention. This, often begins with play therapy and recognition of the loved one through memory books, stories and role play. The aim is to build a level of acceptance and understanding so the child understands that they can still acknowledge and love that special person, with the confidence to move forward.
It is never easy working through the grief and loss process with a client. To deal with deeply personal thoughts and memories is so hard for them – and yet, it’s a real privilege as a counsellor to be part of that journey. The satisfaction of seeing the client for the last time is special feeling; you know it has been a tough path, but knowing you have helped someone deal with their rawest emotion and move into a better place brings real job satisfaction!
If you would like to discuss how we can help you, you can contact us in the following ways:
Louise – 07569 390402
louise@activelisteningtherapies.com
Duncan – 07759 948001
duncan@activelisteningtherapies.com
For more information about National Grief Awareness Week click on the following link: http://nationalgriefawarenessweek.org/