Bereavement Counselling: Types of Grief and When to Get Support

Bereavement counselling is support after the death of someone you love. It gives you a place to talk about the person, make sense of the feelings that come with loss, and adjust to life without them, at your own pace. Grief is not an illness, and most people do not need professional help to grieve. Counselling can help when grief feels overwhelming, isolating or stuck, when the death was sudden or traumatic, or when other stresses make it hard to cope.

Grief does not follow neat stages

You may have heard of the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Many people recognize these feelings, but grief rarely moves in order. It comes in waves, often triggered by birthdays, holidays, songs or smells. Over time the waves usually become less frequent and less intense, even if they never fully disappear.

Types of grief

• Anticipatory grief: grieving before a death, for example during a long illness.
• Sudden or traumatic grief: after an accident, suicide, violence or unexpected death. Shock and intrusive images are common.
• Complicated or prolonged grief: intense longing and difficulty functioning that continues long after the death and is not easing.
• Disenfranchised grief: grief that others do not recognize, such as after pregnancy loss, the death of an ex-partner or a pet, or a loss you feel you cannot speak about.
• Grief from far away: when you could not be with a loved one who died in another country, or could not attend rituals. See grieving a loved one back home.
• Cumulative grief: several losses close together.

Common grief reactions

• Sadness, longing, guilt, anger, relief or numbness
• Trouble sleeping, eating or concentrating
• Fatigue, aches or getting sick more often
• Seeing or hearing reminders of the person
• Withdrawing from others, or needing to stay busy

Signs grief may need more support

• Months later, you still cannot function at work or home
• You feel intense guilt, anger or bitterness that is not easing
• You avoid all reminders, or think about little else
• You feel life has no meaning, or you want to join the person who died
• You are using alcohol or other substances to cope

If you are thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8 any time, or call 911.

How bereavement counselling helps

• A safe place to talk about the person and the death, without worrying about burdening family
• Understanding grief, so your reactions feel less frightening
• Processing traumatic memories after a sudden or violent death, using approaches such as EMDR
• Continuing bonds, finding ways to stay connected to your loved one while living your life
• Practical coping with sleep, anniversaries and returning to work

Culture, faith and mourning

Rituals and beliefs shape how families grieve. In some traditions, mourning periods, prayers and community gatherings are central. When families are spread across countries, or rituals cannot happen as expected, grief can feel incomplete. A culturally responsive counsellor respects your traditions and helps you find meaningful ways to mourn.

Helping a grieving friend or family member

• Say the person’s name and share memories
• Offer specific help, such as meals, rides or childcare
• Keep checking in after the first few weeks, when support often fades
• Do not rush them or tell them how to grieve

Bereavement support at Disha

We offer individual grief counselling in Edmonton, family sessions and a grief and loss support group, now forming. Sessions are available in person or online, in English, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu and Nepali.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between grief counselling and bereavement counselling?

The terms are often used interchangeably. Bereavement refers specifically to loss through death, while grief counselling can also cover other losses, such as divorce or migration.

How long does grief last?

There is no set timeline. Many people find the intensity eases over the first year or two, though waves can return around important dates.

When should I see a grief counsellor?

Whenever you would like support. It is especially helpful if grief feels overwhelming, stuck or isolating, or if the death was sudden or traumatic.

Is grief counselling covered by insurance?

Many extended health plans cover counselling with a Registered Clinical Social Worker. NIHB, IFHP and sliding scale options are also available for eligible clients.

Can children receive bereavement counselling?

Yes. Children grieve differently from adults, and child counselling or family sessions can help.

Reviewed by Mukesh Mishra, MSW, RCSW, Registered Clinical Social Worker and ACSW-approved RCSW supervisor at Disha Counselling & Wellness Centre. This article is general information and is not a substitute for individual professional advice.