By Attorney Kevin Von Tungeln

After having administered several thousand estates after someone has passed away, our firm has seen its share of grief-stricken clients come through.  No matter how much you may try to emotionally brace yourself for the passing of a loved one, it is often not something that you can really prepare for.  It is a painful and sad experience to go through.

Over the years, I have spoken with many clients who have lost a loved one and who have shared with me how grief counseling has really helped them. As a result, I wanted to take a moment to share this with others who may be currently grieving the loss of a loved one or who may know of someone who might benefit from getting some help. 

What is Grief Counseling?

There is no “right” or “wrong” way to grieve, but the grief that comes with the loss of a loved one can oftentimes be so overwhelming that it can become paralyzing and begin to impact the livelihood of those going through it.  This is where grief counseling can be helpful, providing a dedicated space for the necessary support and space to process one's feelings.  Grief counseling can certainly come in the form of professional help, such as through a licensed therapist, particularly one who may focus on the area of helping patients through loss.

In particular, several of our clients have found some relief through grief recovery support groups such as GriefShare.

GriefShare offers individuals the opportunity to meet with others currently going through grief recovery as well.  It offers a safe and welcoming place where people understand the difficult emotions of grief. Through a 13-week group, you will discover what to expect in the days ahead and what is “normal” during the process of grieving.  Since there are no neat, orderly stages of grief, you'll learn helpful ways of coping with grief, in all its unpredictability—and gain solid support each step of the way.

Most importantly, GriefShare offers its participants a safe space to know that they are not alone.  If you or someone you know may be still dealing with the loss of a loved one, you may wish to visit a GriefShare group near you:

LANCASTER LOCATIONS

SANTA CLARITA LOCATIONS

Take Care of Yourself

Whether you choose to get individual grief counseling or through a support group, this level of support can help you process these difficult emotions and help alleviate feelings of depression and anxiety. You do not have to go through this process alone and I have certainly seen the positive impact on those clients who do go through some form of grief counseling and those who do not. 

“The reality is that you will grieve forever.
You will not get over the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it.
You will heal and you will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered.
You will be whole again, but you will never be the same.
Nor should you be the same nor would you want to.”

― Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, Psychiatrist, and David Kessler, Expert on Grief and Loss
Authors of On Grief & Grieving: Finding the Meaning of Grief Through the Five Stages of Loss