Bereavement Counselling

I am sorry I can't speak for London, but I  personally think counselling is good for me. It's a safe place where you can tell the truth without fear of upsetting people. It has even made me smile a couple of times when they bring up good memories. 

Hi There!

If you're not comfortable about physically going to counselling there is always phone counselling or online services.  MacMillan used to do that but don't think they do it now you would have to check with them. If you go to your GP they may be able to refer for it through NHS. I am in Scotland and got some phone counselling through NHS24 can't remember think it was 8 sessions I needed it at the time when my husband was going through his cancer treatment and because I was in a very dark place. There is always Cruse as well I've not personally used them before though. I used an online chat service in Scotland called Breathing Space and still use it now and again if I think I need it it's free its mainly for people in Scotland but with you being in London there may be something similar. Good luck finding something. 

Vicky.

I too was nervous of counselling but I found a very caring and understanding counsellor at the Douglas Macmillan. I turned up for my first session and had to force myself to go in. It was the best thing I ever did. I'm now due for my last session in 2 weeks' time but I'm not sure how I will cope after this. I'll definitely ask for help again when I need it. 

I only have 2 more sessions with my amazing St Elizabeth Hospice counsellor. 
Like you, I really don’t know how I’ll cope without seeing her. 

I feel like the last session I started to try and cram in everything I want to say. Get off my chest.

My beautiful Valen didn’t go or have any dealings with the hospice. 
As some of you know, he was ripped from my side very suddenly and traumatically in a hotel room the day his chemo was due to start. 
But my GP and his care coordinator at the hospital contacted the Art Therapist at the hospice. 
We don’t do much art. Mostly I go in and cry. Talk. Discuss coping strategies. Visualise the unwanted path I find myself on.

Ive mentioned in another post that the most useful visualisation we came up with is that I am in a maze. There are walls I cannot break through. I have to bash away at them or sit and cry at them. Until I am able to either reach out, call out for help or am able to turn around and find another way round the maze. Sometimes I come up against a thorny bush. I am able to force my way through that obstacle, getting hurt in the process, but using though.

Counselling is definitely helping me. 
I am mostly able to use the strategies. I sometimes forget them. Or am in to dark a place to think about them initially. 
But to talk to someone impartial, who doesn’t know me or Valen, about all the rubbish has been incredibly therapeutic.

Hugs xx