The loss of a loved one is a traumatic event that all of us will have to deal with at some point in our lives. Everyone's experience of bereavement is unique to them, it can be an overwhelming sense of loss, sadness or even anger. This can manifest itself as a physical pain or a sense of emptiness or confusion, which can even result in hallucinations.

Sometimes we might watch a film on TV and a particular scene will awaken emotions we never experienced when a loved one died.

Grief and bereavement is such a personal experience and different cultures grieve in different ways.  Also depending on the level of closeness we have had with the deceased our levels of grief will differ.  If for example we had a good and close relationship with a loved one who suddenly passes away we will miss them and mourn them.  On the other hand if we had a difficult and complex relationship with someone who suddenly passes away, more complex feelings of grief may come to the surface.

Counselling can offer an understanding of the mourning process and may help to explore areas that could be preventing you from moving on with your life. It may help to enable a person to adjust to a new sense of self, enabling them to rebuild their life.