Why bereavement counselling?
NO ONE told me it would be like this...” “I feel as though part of me is missing.” “Why has this happened to me?” The death of someone close can be devastating. It may affect people profoundly and be overwhelming.
Most people need support following bereavement, and often family, friends and community can meet this need. However, there are times when it may be helpful to talk in confidence to a counsellor who has training in the issues of grief and loss. The counsellor is there to listen, care and understand and is not emotionally involved.
Counselling may assist you in understanding your feelings and identify additional support. Counselling will try to help you explore your difficulties and find strengths within yourself. Counselling is private and confidential.
Counselling will help you find strengths within yourself
WHY A JEWISH BEREAVEMENT SERVICE?
● A Jewish service can be sensitive, aware and knowledgeable by understanding the social, cultural and religious and ritual needs within a Jewish context. (Charedi counsellors available.)
WHY DO I FEEL THIS WAY?
● Your bereavement is unique to you. Anger, sadness, guilt, helplessness, anxiety, loneliness, exhaustion, shock, confusion, numbness and relief are all natural reactions.
You may experience some, all or none of these, but the intensity may leave you feeling you are not managing everyday life in the way that you would like.
COULD SEEING A COUNSELLOR HELP ME?
● Our counsellors have comprehensive training and knowledge in the issues of grief and loss.
Our counsellors have experience in supporting people affected by loss, including Covid-19, suicide, disaster, Holocaust issues, sudden infant death, miscarriages, still birth and abortion.
WHO DOES JBCS OFFER COUNSELLING TO AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
● It offers counselling for all ages and stages — children, adults, families, couples and groups. An appointment will be made for an initial session. You will normally see your counsellor weekly at a time convenient to you both. Following that, the number of sessions will be decided between you and your counsellor to meet your individual needs.
JBCS SUPPORT GROUPS
● A group can be very helpful following
a bereavement, in particular being with others who share similar experiences. Groups include:
● Stronger Together
For ages 60+ who have lost a partner
● Butterflies
For parents (of young children) who have lost a parent
● Stepping Stones
For ages 40-60 who have lost a partner
● Aftershock
For ages 18-30 who have lost a parent
● Bereaved Parents
For people bereaved of an adult child
WHAT DOES IT COST?
● Clients are asked to make voluntary contributions towards the regular cost of sessions. There is a recommended amount but no one is turned away for financial reasons.
JBCS depends on donations from individuals and charitable trusts to maintain an ongoing and professional service.
020 8951 3881 enquiries@jbcs. org.uk jbcs.org.uk Registered charity 1047473
Trisha Curtis is head of service for the Jewish Bereavement Counselling Service