Grief is a powerful force - one that can shake us to our core, challenge our sense of self, and leave us feeling lost in a world that seems to have moved on while we stand still, heavy with sorrow. Whether it's the loss of a loved one, the end of a meaningful chapter in life, or any other type of loss, grief can feel isolating and overwhelming. But what if I told you that there is healing in the very act of facing this pain, and that healing is possible with the support of someone who truly understands?
As a grief counsellor, I have had the privilege of walking alongside individuals and families during some of their most difficult moments. I've seen firsthand how grief counselling offers not only comfort but also hope and resilience. It's not just a profession for me - it's my passion. With the death of my father during my adolescence, I completely lost my sense of self. It was at that moment that I realized the true importance of communication and relationships. My own grieving process led me on a long, intense, and painful journey of self-discovery
Through my work, I’ve come to deeply understand the profound impact that grief counselling can have in helping people navigate their pain and find their way back to healing.
Grief is Unique, and So is Healing
One of the first things I tell anyone seeking grief counselling is that there is no “right” way to grieve. There’s no formula, no checklist, no set timeline. Grief is as unique as the person experiencing it. And this is precisely why grief counselling is so important. It provides a safe, compassionate space for individuals to process their emotions in a way that is deeply personal and tailored to their needs.
In the midst of loss, many people feel as though they have to "get over it" or "move on" quickly - whether due to external pressures or their own expectations. But grief is not something to be fixed or hurried. It's something to be acknowledged, experienced, and gradually healed. Grief counselling helps people honor their pain without judgment, allowing them the time and space they need to heal at their own pace.
The Role of a Grief Counsellor: Holding Space
A grief counselor is not there to offer quick fixes or tell clients how to feel. Instead, the role of a grief counsellor is to hold space - to listen deeply, with empathy and without judgment, as the client shares their grief. Sometimes, the most healing thing we can do is simply to be present for someone, to acknowledge their pain, and to let them know they are not alone.
In my work, I’ve seen how powerful it can be for someone to speak their truth, to express the emotions that have been buried under the weight of their loss. I’ve witnessed how, through this process, people can start to release the pent-up sorrow, anger, guilt, or confusion that grief often brings. In turn, this allows them to find clarity, peace, and ultimately, a sense of renewal.
Grief Counselling Helps Navigate the Waves of Emotion
Grief often comes in waves. One moment, you may feel overwhelmed by sadness, and the next, you might experience anger or even relief. These emotions can feel contradictory, confusing, and exhausting. Grief counselling helps individuals make sense of these shifting emotions.
By exploring the emotional landscape of grief with a trained counsellor, clients can begin to understand what they are feeling and why. They can learn coping strategies to manage the intense emotions that often arise during the grieving process. Through this, they come to see that these emotions are not something to fear but an essential part of the healing journey.
The Power of Validation and Understanding
Grief can be deeply isolating. People may feel as though no one understands the depth of their pain, especially if others around them haven’t experienced a similar loss. This sense of isolation can prevent healing, making it even harder to move forward.
Grief counselling offers an invaluable opportunity for individuals to feel seen and heard. A skilled counsellor offers not only empathy but also validation - acknowledging that their grief is real, their emotions are valid, and that their healing is possible. This sense of understanding helps to break down the walls of isolation that often surround those who are grieving.
Tools for Healing: Building Resilience
While grief counselling offers a safe space to express and process pain, it also provides tools for resilience. One of the most powerful aspects of grief counselling is the development of coping skills that help individuals face their grief in healthy ways.
Whether it’s mindfulness techniques to manage anxiety, journaling exercises to help organize and express feelings, or developing a self-care routine to nurture mental health, a grief counsellor can introduce clients to strategies that will help them navigate not just the grief they’re experiencing now, but any future challenges that may arise.
Healing through grief counselling is not about forgetting or moving on from the loss; it’s about finding a way to live with it. It’s about learning to carry grief while continuing to live fully, with meaning and purpose. Through counselling, individuals can start to regain a sense of control over their lives and begin to see a path forward, even if that path is a slow and gradual one.
Moving Beyond Grief: Finding Hope
The most beautiful part of grief counseling is seeing the transformation that takes place when someone moves from merely surviving their grief to finding new hope, purpose, and strength. It is not a journey that happens overnight, but it is one that can lead to profound growth. Many people who have walked through the fire of grief find themselves with a new perspective on life - a deeper appreciation for what they have, a renewed sense of connection to others, and a commitment to living fully, even in the face of loss.
In my experience, grief counselling doesn’t just help people heal from their pain; it helps them discover new ways of living and being. It is a journey that, though filled with difficulty, can lead to a life that is richer and more meaningful than they ever expected.
Why Grief Counseling Matters
Grief counselling matters because grief is a universal experience, yet it’s one that many people face alone. It matters because people need a safe place to process their emotions without fear of judgment or misunderstanding. It matters because it provides tools for healing, resilience, and hope.
And most importantly, it matters because everyone deserves to heal.
If you or someone you know is struggling with grief, I encourage you to reach out. You don’t have to walk this path alone, and healing is possible with the right support. Grief is not a burden you need to carry forever - there is hope, there is healing, and there is always a way forward.
ebook recommendation
Healing from grief is not about moving in a straight line, and my "How to Grieve" Workbook is designed with that in mind. It helps you honor your grief, giving you the permission to feel all the emotions that come with it, without the pressure to "move on" or "get over it." You don’t have to walk this path alone, and this workbook will be here for you every step of the way.
Take control of your healing process. Order the "How to Grieve" Workbook today, and begin your journey towards healing in a compassionate and supportive environment. Embrace the ups and downs of grief, knowing that they are all part of the healing process.
To get your copy, visit: https://www.sendowl.com/s/workbook/how-to-grieve-workbook-by-tiara-volkmar
About the Author
Tiara is a professional grief counsellor based in Hobart, Tasmania. With years of experience supporting individuals through the difficult journey of loss, Tiara is passionate about supporting others find healing, peace, and resilience after the passing of a loved one.
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