Grief counselling

[MrsD0147]

Has anyone had grief counselling and would you recommend? Do you have to go to the GP to be referred? My dad died in April and I am really struggling to cope at the moment - I felt reasonably ok but the last few weeks I feel permanently overwhelmed and on the edge of just snapping/ bursting into tears. I have a very strong willed 2 year old boy and tbh most days I just have such little patience I just want to run away :(

Usually counselling is self referral so you can speak to your GP or just self-refer. Your gp surgery’s website should have information about NHS counselling. I would also contact Cruse. They are a charity that offers free listening support specifically for grief. All the best.

I started this week after losing my mum in January. I felt I was starting to come apart and take it out on everyone. I have health cover through work, but you can contact cruse or pay for it yourself if you don’t want to wait an age through the NHS. I Am not sure the 6 weeks I have been allocated will be enough to scratch the surface honestly.

Yes I have and was sceptical but would absolutely recommend. Self-referral direct with the charity. It was a specific type of grief counselling mind you.

I had a cruse councellor six months after dh died. Tbh I think they are a bit hit and miss but I do know of people that have had very positive experiences with them. I just didn’t gel with my councellor, we were poles apart and she admitted she was out of her depth with me.
I have spoken to some fantastic helpline people at cruse though, really helped at the time

I have had some sessions with cruse bereavement. They showed up and were there for me so I'd feel bad making a criticism but do think it depends who you get. I had 6 sessions, one a week with a lovely lady who felt a bit like talking to my mum. I don't think any of what she offered helped with grieving and the deep cut of it, nothing felt particularly profound or helpful that was said but talking to her once a week was very calming and I always felt better after unloading. In all honesty we spent large chunks of the time talking about other things (i have no idea if that's normal) and it grounded me but was not what I expected - for better or worse I have no idea.

Grief is appalling and a huge huge pain to live with and to face OP, I am so sorry for your loss. Reddit is not for everyone but I found a lot of comfort in the grief forums there.

You can self refer in most GP practices now for counselling if you prefer that method.

Sending thoughts of comfort at this hugely challenging time.

Thank you all. Appreciate the responses and I will try and refer myself this week as my head is all over the place. Especially as I found out I was pregnant this morning 😱