At one time in our lives or another, we’ll all deal with some type of grief. In most cases, it’s due to the death of a loved one, but in other cases, you may grieve after divorce, a miscarriage, or even the loss of a pet. For some, this emotional pain after these circumstances may be experienced much more fiercely than others. If you’re experiencing overwhelming emotions like depression, anxiety, or guilt surrounding the death of a loved one or another type of loss, do not do a disservice to yourself and those around you by keeping your pain inside. 

Seeking out professional grief counseling is the best way to cope with loss. Whether you think you need it or not, counseling can make a world of difference when it comes to emotional recovery from a difficult situation. Here are some ways grief counseling can make a difference in your life.

Validation

If you’re hesitant to seek out counseling, it may be because you feel like your emotions are invalid. And, if others around you are invalidating your feelings too, you may feel it is silly or unnecessary to seek out mental help, that you’ll just “get over it” in time, and that you have it in your power to move on whenever you choose. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

A grief counselor’s first mission is to help you understand that your grief is valid, and while it may be an intense, tumultuous experience, it is a reasonable and rational response to what you’ve been through. A counselor will help you feel justified in your emotions, and that feeling is invaluable when coping with any sort of loss. Remember, your feelings are important, and they shouldn’t be shut away because they are inconvenient. The first step in recovering is to acknowledge your real, authentic pain and see it as a legitimate response.

Support

Even those who have a group of friends and family surrounding them at all times may need to seek out support elsewhere from time to time. While loved ones may indeed have your best interest at heart, a professional counselor may be able to listen in a way you did not know you needed. 

You may also have difficulty being fully open and honest with your friends and family. It can be tempting to put up a tough front, only to break down when you’re by yourself. If that’s the way you handle these situations, you don’t need to feel alone. A counselor can be a neutral party and make you feel comfortable opening up about your emotions in a safe space. Your friends and family will not always know the right things to do and say, but a counselor who is experienced in grief can make a big difference during this time.

Ways to Cope

A professional grief counselor can acknowledge your unique way of handling loss and help find ways to cope. Whether it be tips on how to grieve in a healthy way, some simple mental or physical exercises, or even just giving you permission to feel your emotions in a way you hadn’t thought about before, a counselor is trained to help you find coping strategies that work for you.

Everyone’s situation is unique—there isn’t one “normal” response to a traumatic situation. Meeting with a counselor who can recognize the coping mechanisms that are best for you in your unique situation can make a huge difference in your ability to get through each day.