We cannot change the direction of the wind, but we can adjust our sails
For most of us, bereavement will be the most psychologically distressing experience we will ever face. The loss of a loved one can start one of life’s most painful and difficult journeys. We can be left with an overwhelming sense of sadness, hopelessness and, indeed, helplessness. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Although our response to loss is an individual experience, there are some common responses to the passing of a loved one:
- Shock
- Pain
- Disbelief
- Guilt
- Anger
- Despair
When grief is not addressed we can sometimes feel ourselves slipping into a depression or become very active to create a diversion from the pain. We also need to be aware that addiction can creep into our lives to help us to self-sooth, which is only masking the pain for a short time. One thing that we all experience in grief is a desire to feel better about the passing of a loved one, and to reach a stage of acceptance that allows us to reconnect with our own lives and feel more positive about the passing of our loved ones.
Bereavement counselling provides that special, secure place to share the things that family and friends may find difficult to hear. Working with a specially trained bereavement counsellor to share and offload our deepest fears and anxieties, can be like a lifeline.
Bereavement counselling is a very specialised arena of work. It is vitally important that people who are grieving work with a counsellor who has their foundations, training and qualifications firmly placed in bereavement counselling.
Our Bereavement Counsellors are very experienced and have received extensive training by Cruse. They work specifically with loss, grief, terminal illness, and death through suicide.
When you contact Nightingale, you will be seen for an initial consultation with our Senior Counselling Consultant within 48 hours. After the consultation you will be assigned an experienced Nightingale bereavement counsellor. The counsellor will then be available for you within 24hours.
Bereavement Counselling Testimonials
I would like to thank Nightingale very much for the kindness and understanding afforded to me during my recent times with them. I would especially like to thank my bereavement counsellor for his patience, kindness, help and understanding given to me during my sessions with him. Like a lot of people, I did not know what to expect when first arranging to meet with him, but my sessions have provided me with the understanding, confidence and strength to go forward with my life following the death of my dear wife. Should the situation ever arise, I would have no hesitation in recommending Nightingales to any family, friends or colleagues.
I felt as if my life was falling apart after the death of my mum and could not see any way out. Counselling was not something I would ever have contemplated; however I was desperate! Nightingale’s Bereavement counsellor, with his calm and professional manner, helped me to put my life together. He listened, asked all the right questions and gently guided me to a place of acceptance. I am indebted to him. I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending, and have recommended, Nightingale for Bereavement Counselling.
If you are experiencing difficulty coping with the loss of a loved one we would like to invite you to speak to us.
Please call us on 0141 353 9373, contact us here or visit our bereavement page for further information.