Has anyone here been for therapy/counselling following a bereavement?

[AbiAbi]

My DS, Archie, died in December, and I am now 22wks pregnant.

I cried throughout my last two midwife appointments, I just couldnt help it, and so she has referred me for counselling at my local GP surgery.

This is probably a silly questions, but I just wondered if anyone has been through similar counselling, and could tell me what to expect? I have good days and bad days still, but when they are are bad they are quite black.

Thanks in advance,

Abi.

Hi Abi , I had counselling after Harry died and I did find it really helped . Just having someone else to talk to that wasn't going to cry was good .

I had the space to be completely honest about how I was feeling and talk through all my worries (especially about having another baby) . I did generally feel wiped out after the sessions though , so I would always try and not organise anything for the rest of the day .

I know at our gps they tend to offer 6 sessions and if they and you think that isn't enough they can refer you afterwards .

Hi AbiAbi,

I had counselling from a specialist bereavement counsellor which was marvellous and, for me, essential. I also saw an NHS therapist who I didn't find so helpful.

It's hard to say what to expect as it varies so much from one counsellor to another. I wouls say though that you will know if it's not right for you, and if that happens then don't be shy of saying so and seeking out someone else.

I found sessions utterly exhausting but really wouldn't like to have tried to get by without them.

Re your midwife, it reminded me of the time mine came round and found me howling with rage and hiding in the hedge after beating our shed with a big stick and injuring myself in the process . She had to come back later...

Thanks for responding

I think I'm over thinking it and just need to go with it, as it were. Thank you both.

Message deleted

I had chats with my HV which were quite helpful but I found she left long silences after everything I said which felt awkward.

I also had chats with a SIDS befriender. These were helpful too but a lot of the time I felt too raw to get much out of them. I was also having awful feelings of guilt which I still have difficulties with 11 years on.

Agree with SassySusan, I think it's very much a mixed bag.