Bereavement and Grief Counselors are especially trained in understanding the process of dying and helping the family members and loved ones adjust to the transition of one’s passing. They can work with the entire family, or individual counseling.
Services
They can help by:
- Helping families adjust to sudden passing of a loved one
- Working with a surviving spouse to begin living life again
- Educating about the dying process
- Working collaboratively with families and the dying in coordination of Hospice Care, Funeral Planning and their final wishes
- They can in some cases facilitate support groups and family mediations
- They can help family members adjust to daily life by providing tools in healing
Specialization
The death of a loved one can be debilitating. In the case of the death of a senior parent, it is common to see families coping in different ways. Grief can cause division and devastation to the family unit.
For a caregiver’s life, after being consumed by caring for a loved one, it can be a life changing and devastating adjustment.
Grief and Bereavement counseling can help in numerous ways to get your life back on track.
Preparation
You may need a grief or bereavement counselor if you are having challenges adjusting to life after the loss of your loved one. Challenges can include:
- Adjusting to life after caregiving
- Lack of a new life purpose
- Lack of motivation to forward
- Symptoms of depression
- Using food, drugs or alcohol to numb the pain
- Family conflicts in adjusting to the loss
Evaluation
All states have a different criteria to qualify individuals who counsel and consult with families in this capacity. Check your state’s criteria to determine what the requirements are, including:
- Registered Counselors
- Clergy or Ministerial training
- Consulting background
As always, you research the counselor’s experience, and ask specifically about the issues you are dealing with to determine if they are the right fit for your situation.
Bereavement and Grief Consultation Radio Show Segments
- Grief as a Journey, Not a Problem to Fix: Thomas Attig on Living With Loss
In this deeply insightful episode of Answers for Elders, host Suzanne Newman interviews renowned grief scholar Thomas Attig about the complexities of loss, grief, and finding meaning after the death of a loved one. Drawing on decades of experience teaching and researching grief, Attig explains that grieving is not simply about “getting over” sadness—it is a transformative process of relearning how to live in a world that has changed. Suzanne and Thomas explore grief from both personal and philosophical perspectives, offering guidance for anyone experiencing loss, whether it’s the death of a spouse, parent, or close friend.
Attig emphasizes that the heart of grief lies in the transition from loving someone while they are present to loving them in their absence. He challenges the common misconception of the “five stages of grief,” clarifying that these stages describe the experiences of people facing their own mortality—not the grief of survivors. Instead, real-life grief involves adapting daily routines, managing unexpected emotions, and finding ways to honor the ongoing influence of those we’ve lost. Attig uses compelling examples from caregiving and personal experiences to illustrate how grief touches every aspect of life and relationships.
The conversation also highlights the importance of forgiveness and emotional processing. Attig encourages listeners to confront unresolved feelings with loved ones while there is still time, and to cultivate grateful reflection on the gifts and legacies left by those who have passed. By embracing both the pain and meaning inherent in loss, survivors can reshape their lives, maintain connection, and gradually rebuild emotional resilience. Suzanne and Thomas stress that successful grieving is active—it involves reflection, remembrance, and intentional living.
Attig also introduces his upcoming book, Seeking Wisdom in Death’s Shadows, which compiles fifty years of insights on grief, caregiving, spirituality, and human resilience. The book explores how sorrow can teach us about our deepest needs, the value of emotional honesty, and how to integrate the memory of lost loved ones into a life that continues to grow and flourish. Listeners will gain practical strategies for coping with grief, cultivating hope, and honoring both their own emotional wellbeing and the lasting impact of those they love.
This episode of Answers for Elders is a valuable resource for anyone navigating bereavement, caregiver stress, or the emotional challenges of aging. Thomas Attig’s compassionate wisdom offers both guidance and comfort, helping viewers understand that grief is not a problem to solve but a journey to navigate. Whether you are dealing with sudden loss, anticipatory grief, or the ongoing challenges of caregiving, this interview provides insight, hope, and practical tools for building a meaningful life after loss.
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Apple Podcasts
- Thomas Attig’s book, ”Seeking Wisdom in Death’s Shadows: Collected Writings on How We Grieve,” is available as an ebook on Amazon.
- His previous book, “How We Grieve: Relearning the World,” 2nd edition, is available at Amazon. See his other books at Amazon.
- Visit Tom’s website Grief’s Heart https://www.griefsheart.com and read an except from the 1st edition.
- How Senior Living Can Help Those Grieving
Grief can be overwhelming, and for seniors going through it, it’s a powerful effect on our bodies. Kelley Smith at CarePartners Senior Living talks to Suzanne about how to hep, buy paying attention, being available, taking action to support loved ones, honoring that they need time to work through the process. This segment talks about what a senior living community needs to know to provide the right help for someone working through the grieving process.
- Action Steps to Support Those Who Are Grieving
Kelley Smith at CarePartners Senior Living has talked to Suzanne about senior dynamics and what families are going through regarding grief. This segment is about things to do, steps you can take, actions. Don’t offer advice unless they ask for it. They need someone to listen. It’s hard to be around someone who’s sad, but be nice, it’s better for them to be around people. It’s heartwarming to be invited somewhere even if you feel depressed enough not to want to get out of bed.
- How To Support Those Who Are Grieving
Kelley Smith at CarePartners Senior Living joins Suzanne to talk about grief. With the loss of a loved one, Kelley talks about how to support those who are in the grieving process.
- Grief and Seniors
Kelley Smith at CarePartners Senior Living joins Suzanne to talk about grief. How many of us have lost loved ones during the pandemic, having illnesses resulting from the pandemic, taking care of spouses or loved ones who are struggling? We turn ourselves inside out while caring for a loved one. Kelley shares insights about grief, how people process grief, and how we can be better at supporting and helping those working through the grieving process.
- How to Adjust After the Caregiving Journey Ends, with Kelley Smith
Kelley Smith at CarePartners Living talks about the end of the caregiving journey, after your loved one has passed, to find a new purpose.
