Grief and loss is not always from the death of a loved one. Sometimes a person may mourn the end of a relationship. They may mourn job loss, the loss of health, a life goal, friends, etc.

The loss of an important connection to you can be traumatic, despite its origins.

Clients may have expectations that grief counseling works on a dependable schedule. You enter a counseling center, undergo EMDR therapy or some general form of individual counseling or a grief support group, and then feel normal and go on with life.

Yet, there is not a normal schedule to which clients follow from sadness to healing. Some need years of time to get to a place where grief therapy can be effective before it is attempted. Some need years of time in grief counseling or support groups instead, and then eventually complete coping.

Every person and experience of grief and loss is different. Children, adults, and clients of all backgrounds will need different things from therapy. Counseling is very individualized to a person in a time of their life, and counselors will provide guidance on how to proceed.

Grief counseling comes in many forms. You can find a grief support group, individual counseling, family counseling, and other forms of support.

Sometimes you may enjoy specialized grief support groups, such as a men's grief group. Finding people in a similar place in their lives can bring shared understanding.

Connection to others through a grief support group in a supportive environment can be beneficial for children and adults who experience pain from death and other sources of grief.

You will first begin the process with a complimentary consultation. Sometimes this is done with the individual who experienced the loss, and sometimes it is done by a supportive family member.

Then, you will choose from a selection of grief counselors and grief therapists offered to you based on age, preference, scheduling, and approach. Children and adults experience and understand how to grieve differently- so they require different support systems.

You will engage in your first session with your chosen grief and loss counselor, in person or virtually depending on preference. After 1-3 introductory sessions, where you discuss your current life situation, goals for therapy, and history of mental health struggle, you and your therapist will create a treatment plan.

This treatment plan will outline the therapeutic process start to finish- including an estimated number of sessions, focus of sessions, type of loss counseling, recommendations for home and work, and other forms of initial education and preparation for the journey of counseling ahead.

As you proceed the grief counseling process, you will learn tools and conquer negative feelings in order to leave behind sadness, fear, and difficulty- and move forward with life.

Group grief counseling creates a safe space where participants can share experiences, connect with others, and express their feelings. These support groups foster a sense of community among those who are also navigating a loss in their life.

Being part of a group can instill hope by demonstrating that healing after loss is achievable. Participants can be reminded of effective coping strategies they have used in the past for grief support and other challenges faced.