Grief and Bereavement Counseling Overview
Last updated: March 2026
Bereavement and grief aren’t light-hearted topics. Bereavement is the recovery process after a loved one dies. Grief is the emotional reaction to any type of loss. Both encompass a wide range of emotions such as fear, anger, and deep, deep sadness.
The process of adapting to a loss can dramatically change from person to person, depending on his or her background, beliefs, relationship to the person who’s passed, and other factors.
Symptoms of Grief
Common symptoms of grief can be physical, emotional, or social.
A few common symptoms in these categories are:
Physical
- Crying and sighing
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
- Weakness
- Fatigue
Emotional
- Feelings of sadness and yearning
- Feelings of worry or anger
- Feelings of frustration or guilt
Social
- Feeling detached from others
- Self-isolation from social contact
- Behaving in ways that are not normal for you
Every grieving experience is different. A person may be able to continue their day-to-day routine after one loss, yet not be able to get out of bed after the loss of someone else. Whatever your personal symptoms are, grief and bereavement counseling have been proven to help.
Counseling offers help with grief and loss issues for individuals, couples, families, and groups of all types facing the pain of loss and grief. Grieving individuals and those coping with significant life changes may learn healthy ways to manage and move forward after a death or another consequential loss.
Grief Support Resources
There are many types of support available for individuals, couples, and families facing the loss of a loved one. Support may be offered to children after the death of a parent or parents. Counseling for grief may help people cope with the loss of others due to suicide, homicide, or accidents that have occurred in their lives through separation/divorce, terminal illness, and other circumstances.
Grief After Loss
Grief counseling can help heal the pain after the death of a loved one or significant life changes, including divorce or retirement. Finding appropriate strategies to cope with grief can help prevent future mental health issues like anxiety and sadness, which are common among those who have lost a loved one.
Grieving Process
Grief is a process, not an event. The stages of grief typically include shock or denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Grief counseling may help those grieving the loss of someone through death cope with their feelings in a healthy way that allows for healing after bereavement.
Grief Counselors
Counselors at Get Centered can help you or a loved one work through the grief process following a death, divorce, separation, or other significant life changes. Mourning the loss of a loved one is an individual process, but receiving counseling for grief may help you heal and move forward after a death in your family.
If you are experiencing grief-related thoughts, behaviors, or feelings that are distressing, please contact us today so we can schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I seek grief counseling?
You may want to seek grief counseling if your grief feels overwhelming, lasts longer than you expected, or makes it hard to function at home, school, or work. Many people also reach out when a loss feels complicated, traumatic, or isolating.
- You’re struggling to sleep, eat, or keep up with daily responsibilities.
- You feel numb, hopeless, or stuck, and it isn’t easing over time.
- You’re withdrawing from people you usually trust for support.
- You’re using alcohol, drugs, or other behaviors to avoid the pain.
- You’re having thoughts of self-harm, or you don’t feel safe.
What can I expect during a grief counseling session?
- You’ll talk about your loss, your relationship, and what’s been hardest day to day.
- You and your counselor will identify the emotions, thoughts, and body reactions you’re experiencing.
- You’ll learn coping skills you can use between sessions, such as grounding, routines, and support planning.
- You’ll set goals that fit your needs, like sleeping better, returning to work, or feeling less alone.
How long does grief counseling usually last?
Many people start with a short-term approach of six to 12 sessions, but there’s no one “right” timeline. The length can depend on your support system, the type of loss, and what you want to work on in counseling.
Can grief counseling help with losses other than death?
Yes. Grief counseling can support you through many kinds of loss, including divorce, job loss, illness, life transitions, and pet loss. If something meaningful has changed and you’re hurting, you deserve support.
What should I avoid doing while grieving?
- Avoid isolating yourself. Instead, reach out to one safe person, even if it’s brief.
- Avoid judging your timeline. Instead, notice small shifts, and take your grief one day at a time.
- Avoid ignoring your basic needs. Instead, focus on sleep, nutrition, movement, and hydration.
- Avoid making major decisions in intense early grief. Instead, pause when you can, and ask for support.
- Avoid trying to “stay busy” all the time. Instead, balance distraction with time to feel, rest, and remember.
What types of therapy can help with grief?
Different approaches can help, depending on your needs and the kind of loss you’ve experienced. Some options include CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), CGT (Complicated Grief Therapy), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), narrative therapy, mindfulness-based support, and group counseling.
What are the 3 Cs of grief?
The “3 Cs” can be a simple way to remember supportive steps as you grieve:
- Choose one small, doable step for today.
- Connect with someone who helps you feel supported.
- Communicate your needs clearly, even if it’s just, “I’m having a hard day.”
About Get Centered
Our practice, located in Town and Country MO, specializes in Counseling and Coaching with a whole person approach for children, teens, adults, couples and families in the St. Louis County area. Through experience, we’re confident that no problem is too great to overcome.