Have you suffered the loss of a loved one recently? If so, you’re not alone. 8 million people suffer from the loss of a family member in the U.S. every year. Those that struggle to find happiness following the passing of a close friend, partner, or family member may find solace in grief counseling. Keep reading to learn what this counseling is, who can benefit from it, and how to become a grief counselor.
What is Grief Counseling?
Grief counseling is a form of therapy that helps people move through the stages of bereavement so that they can get back to getting the most out of their lives.
The Five Stages of Grief are as follows:
- Denial
- Anger
- Bargaining
- Depression
- Acceptance
This counseling can take a plethora of forms and use a variety of techniques. Some of these techniques may include the following:
- Art Therapy
- Funeral Planning
- Journaling
- Talking
- Reading
- Role-Playing
- Creating a Book of Memories
- Goal-Setting
- Letter-Writing
- Treating Depression
- Giving Permission for Grief
- Creating Rituals of Remembrance
These counselors will work with you to find the techniques that are most helpful for your specific situation.
Who Does Grief Counseling Help?
Grief counseling can help anyone who has suffered a loss; however, it may be more necessary for people under the following conditions:
- They are suffering from a traumatic loss
- If they’re feeling intense loss years after the event
- They cannot function as they did before they experience their loss
It can be beneficial for people who seem to be stuck in the early stages of grief and cannot make their way towards acceptance for whatever reason. Everyone’s journey with loss is different, but if you are struggling and need help, then the odds are that this type of counseling may be something helpful to try.
According to research, treating bereavement is crucial because losing a loved one can actually be a common cause of illness if it is not properly addressed.
How Do You Become a Grief Counselor?
Grief counselors tend to be people who are excellent communicators, exercise patience, and possess immense empathy.
While there is no one correct path to becoming a grief counselor, there are a couple of different ways that people usually go about entering this profession.
Here’s how to become a grief counselor:
Psychologist
If you want to be a grief counselor under the title of psychologist, you must earn a Master’s in Psychology or Doctorate in Psychology. Additionally, you may want to obtain a specialization in bereavement, and you must obtain a state certified psychologist license.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
To practice as a licensed clinical social worker, you must obtain a minimum of a Bachelors in Social Work and Social Work license, and you should have a focus on grief counseling.
Counselor
Merely practicing as a counselor usually does not require a specific amount of education; however, the requirements vary by state, so be sure to check the rules in your area. It is common for states to require a certain amount of supervised work hours before allowing counselors to obtain their certification.
Many people who operate under this title obtain a Master’s degree or Doctorate in one of the following fields:
- Social Work
- Divinity
- Psychology
- Counseling
Which Path Should I Choose?
Everyone’s professional journey as a grief counselor is unique, based on their educational background and client preferences. You can decide which type of counselor you’ll be by thinking about how you intend to approach your counseling:
- If you want to take a spiritual approach, you may want to look into education in Divinity
- If you want to take more of a science-based approach, psychology may be the way to go for you.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that you must do extensive research about each path’s requirements.
Grief Counseling Certification
While not necessarily required to treat those who are grieving or to provide grief counseling services, earning a grief counseling certification can prepare you to better treat those suffering from any of the stages of grief. You can position yourself as an expert or specialist by obtaining this certification. You can expect to learn about grief theory, grief counseling strategies, bereavement circumstances and appropriate treatments. For more information about how to get a grief counseling certification, the American Institute of Health Care Professionals website lists many courses and course fees for you to choose from.
Where Do Grief Counselors Work?
These counselors can seek employment in a variety of places. Generally, these locations are adjacent to death, including funeral homes, hospitals, and religious institutions.
Grief counselors may also work with the military to help the families of fallen soldiers or retirement communities where death is frequent as older people reach the end of their lives.
Search for Grief Counselors Today
If you are struggling to get through life after losing someone you care about, consider searching for a grief counselor to help you ease your pain. There is no need to suffer alone. Our list of counseling sites offer grief counseling services. Seek professional help today.
