Grief Counseling Online Fills The Needs Of Many Clients

By Krystal Branch


Professionals feel there is a distinction to be made between loss counseling and loss therapy. Counseling is said to be more appropriate for someone undergoing a normal reaction to death of a loved one. Therapy deals with a deeper sense of loss. Grief counseling online is available for either individual.

One individual may require a minimal amount of counseling to overcome loss. Another person may develop a pathological condition that requires much treatment. If someone rejects the idea of having therapy in person, he or she can be helped by a therapist on the internet.

In 2008 a controversy arose in professional circles. In some instances, bereavement therapy was harmful rather than helpful. For someone going through the expected five stages of grief, the therapy might turn the normal reaction into a pathological problem. However, it is effective in cases where an abnormal and extended response exists.

There is an expected order to the five stages of grief a person progresses through. These include shock, denial, anger or rage, depression and acceptance. If the bereaved gets deeply entrenched in one of the first four, a severe condition can be the result.

Often someone will express shock and disbelief that this death or divorce has occurred. Next he or she may turn away from the reality, refusing to accept that it really did happen. Anger and sometimes rage follows. The fourth stage may find the individual in a deep depression from which he cannot emerge.

During stage five of the normal grieving process, the bereaved individual comes to accept the loss. He or she does not like that it happened, of course. However, the truth is accepted. It seems possible that someday normal happiness will once again be possible.

The professional therapist will tell you that it is necessary to go through the five stages of grieving. If the sadness is repressed it can lead to emotional problems down the road. If a second disastrous event happens soon after, recovery will be that much more difficult.

Any online therapist will have a degree in psychology or social work at the masters level or higher. There is also certification available to prepare for working with bereaved individuals. There are some identified as bereavement counselors who are actually sales representatives who help people arrange funerals.

The person seeking to talk to an online counselor should not hesitate to ask about the degree and experience of the person who will be at the other end of the line. If the goal is to arrange a funeral, the sales person may be a suitable choice. If not, he or she may cause more harm than good.

There is a large reference book used by professionals to diagnose and confirm mental disorders. It lists the criteria that each must meet to fit the definition. A specific number of the listed criteria must be met before the diagnosis, of clinical depression for example, can be confirmed.

This joins the other services offered online. A therapist is always available. Anonymous help appeals to those who want anonymity. Grief counseling online fills a need for those who would not otherwise seek help.




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