Cameroon Bible Institute

Grief

Most people can deal with the grief they experience after a significant loss. For some, the experience of distress is so extreme or prolonged that they seek the help of a counselor. Grief can be associated with many forms of loss (including following a separation or divorce).

The overall goal of grief counseling is to help the survivor adapt to the loss and be able to adjust to a new reality. Counselors facilitate adaptation to loss, involving confronting what has happened and restructuring thoughts including,

– Accepting the reality of loss
-Processing the pain of grief
– Adjusting to a world without the deceased
– Finding an enduring connection with the deceased while embarking on a new life
– Helping the individual deal with emotional and behavioral pain
– Supporting them as they overcome obstacles to readjustment
– Helping them find a way to maintain a bond while feeling comfortable reinvesting in life

While counseling must be grounded on a solid understanding of the individual and their personal and behavioral needs, the following have proven helpful to many clients facing loss

Evocative language
Symbols and reminders
Drawing
Cognitive restructuring
Metaphors