Anxiety or PTSD?

[badgerread]

My two DS's (15 and 10) lost their father (my ExH) to suicide in May. My DS10 has had really bad separation anxiety recently in the last 4 weeks, if I go out he calls frequently and wants to know where I'm going, what time I'll be back etc, and most of the time he is still up when I get back and is crying with relief when he sees me. I had to come back to work today and he couldn't sleep last night as he didn't want me to go to work.

I am looking for a counsellor as it's definitely time for him to see a professional (my DS15 is fortunate to see one at school), I haven't yet as I didn't want to push it too early. I give lots of reassurance by telling him exactly where I'm going, who I'm with and what time I'll be back, that I love him and he should try not to worry. I just don't know where to start with what sort of counsellor he needs? Winston's Wish have been great but their waiting lists are miles long, I don't mind paying privately. I am in West Sussex if anyone has any recommendations.

Grief/bereavement counselling with understanding/experience of how bereavement is different for children. It's a fairly natural reaction for a child who's lost one parent to be terrified about something happening to the other parent.

I'm so sorry for your loss op and for your sons. I think ohwhen is right and this is a perfectly natural reaction.
Validate his feelings. Tell him you understand and that what he is feeling is normal. Find ways to make a plan with him that will offer reassurance. Could you arrange to call at regular intervals? This will pass.