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Grief Counseling Certification Article on Grief and the Pandemic

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

One of the most difficult challenge during the pandemic is helping the bereaved find the help they need.  Grief Counseling and other mental health aides became suddenly unavailable for many who needed the counseling and care.  The bereaved, those with mental illness, or substance abuse found themselves without the outside world and coping mechanisms.  Furthermore, those experiencing loss were left without the normal social norms to cope with grief.  Funerals were no longer public and many were left without the social support they needed to grieve a loss.  Others grieved the loss of normalcy in life.

The pandemic has prevented traditional ways of counseling the bereaved to be utilized.

 

The amount of loss during the pandemic from human life to simply losing a job cannot be underestimated.  Individuals grieved major losses but also minor losses.   Many felt ashamed to grieve the loss of simpler things when others lost jobs or even family  members.   Those who did lose loved ones were left without outlets to express their loss.  Many became disenfranchised with their losses.  Others became anxious in the uncertainty, lack of leadership, and unorganized response by government to the pandemic.  These anxieties also left many concerned and grieving.

In these uncertain times, things became available through other forms of connection.  Teleconferences with counselors became a new norm.  Telegrief services to help others manage their grief became extremely important and still are extremely important.  These services allow individuals to find validation in their grief when other social norms are not available.

With so much widespread grief, it was critical to be able to help isolated individuals and family units ways to express their losses, whether large or small, and telegrief and telecounseling became excellent ways to give isolated individuals the help they needed to express grief and find the help they needed.

This also opened new venues for grief counselors who may before had been tied to only one geographical location or area.  Grief Counselors can help individuals across the nation through skype or other online media services.  They can provide the professional grief counseling care needed to help individuals express their grief.   Those suffering from mental disorders or substance abuse issues are also able to find the much needed help they need from licensed professional counselors.

During the pandemic, many grievers are unable to find validation of their loss. They are left alone. Telegrief and the ability to contact individuals via skype or other forms of media have helped those experiencing loss find help

 

So while the pandemic created new problems for the grieving it also created new solutions and allowed technology to present answers to existing issues.

It is still important as the pandemic continues for those experiencing loss to seek help.  There are still thousands losing family members to COVID19.  They face situations where funeral arrangements become far more difficult to procure in public due to local restrictions.  Others are grieving loss of income and job or a standard of life they once enjoyed.  The simple loss of a dinner in public or the ability to go to the store without a mask is a hardship for many.   It is important not to degrade the small things during this collective loss.  It is important to acknowledge all losses and not to feel guilty over it.

Grief Counselors and licensed counselors can both help grievers through telegrief services find the help and guidance they need to confront these losses and move forward in the future recovery.  It is critical that noone is left behind in grief when the economy and public spheres become completely open again.   The only way for full recovery is to have mentally healthy individuals who can cope with the grief and the loss caused by the pandemic.

When helping those affected by COVID19, it is important for grief counselors to identify the loss and not marginalize it.  If it is not a smaller loss but a major loss, it is important for grief counselors to realize that collectively, the entire family may be dealing with the same loss and dealing with it in different ways.

Grief Counselors in school settings need to identify that many children are grieving the loss of a normal life.  Many are experiencing family losses,  change in qualify life at home due to parent’s job loss, as well as other ways of life.  It is important to try to validate children’s losses and allow them to express.  It is also important for families at home who face the losses to receive the education and information needed to cope.  This also has to be presented in a safe way that reduces the risk of transmission of the virus.  Many remote presentations may be needed in sharing information.

Whether children or adults, it is scary time.  Grief and loss and uncertainty tie the nation together in one anxious know. It is critical to help stabilize uncertain situations with solid plans that identify the issues, look for temporary solutions and promise eventual returns to normalcy.

The pandemic has forced behavioral healthcare providers as well as healthcare in general to look outside the box. Utilizing technology and applying good grief theory to the problems presented by the pandemic, grief counselors can help the grieving find the coping strategies, guidance and hope they need.

Even though the pandemic is still in its winter stages, there is a future. It is essential that grief counselors help the bereaved recover so society as a whole can recover. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification

 

If you would like to learn more about grief counseling training or would like to become a certified grief counselor, then please review The American Academy of Grief’s, Grief Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.

 

Grief Counseling Certification Article on Remote Grief Counseling and School

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

With covid, life is upside down in all facets.  Providing grief support like any health or mental issue has turned to telecommunication.  Remote care and counseling or over the phone guidance has become a new norm.   Schools also are facing issues as debates begin on re-openings.  Many have grief issues with covid and other anxieties.

Grief Counseling at schools will face new challenges as they open for the school year during covid. Please also review our Grief Counseling Certification

 

The article, “Providing Remote Grief Support to Students and School Communities” from “Whats Your Grief” takes an indepth look at the challenges of providing grief counseling to schools and students via remote.  The article states,

“It stands to reason, a higher number of children will be carrying the burden of loss when they return to school this year, whether they are grieving the death of a loved one, or a non-death loss. While at the same time, there are new and significant barriers to receiving the types of support teachers, parents, counselors, and community members are accustomed to providing.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review our Grief Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals

 

Grief Counseling Training Program Article on Caregiver Grief

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Caregivers of the dying face higher risks of prolonged grief.  As it stands, many have complications because they were not able to grieve while caring. Others felt relieved after the death due to the lifting of the tremendous weight on their shoulders.  Guilt can arise from this.

Caregivers face grief that is sometimes not answered or dealt with. Please also review our Grief Counseling Training Program and see if it meets your academic needs

 

The article, “Study Finds Higher Risk of Prolonged Grief Among Bereaved Caregivers of MND Patients” by Marisa Wexler discusses this issue with care of MND patients.  She states,

“Bereaved caregivers of people with motor neurone disease (MND) are at increased risk of prolonged grief disorder compared to the general bereaved population, a new study suggests. This indicates a need for greater support for bereaved caregivers of people with MND.”

To read the entire article, please click here

It is important for bereaved caregivers to find the help they need while caring for their loved one.  It is important to find counseling and time to look after oneself, especially in regards to facing grief.  Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Training Program to learn more and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.

 

 

Grief Counseling Certification Article on Depression and Over Sleeping

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Atypical depression can cause a over sleeping.  Atypical depression is an ongoing depression, where a person may not even realize they are depressed because an event or surprise can temporarily lull them out of it, but it still nonetheless persists.  Many who experience this type of depression will over sleep.

Oversleeping can be a sign of depression. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification and see if it matches your academic and professional goals

 

Oversleeping is a symptom of depression because it is a way one tries to cope with the sadness.  One will feel they have nothing to look forward to so they turn to sleep as a way to escape reality.

The article, “What You Should Know About the Relationship Between Oversleeping and Depression” from Cleveland Clinic’s Health Essentials looks at the correlation between oversleeping and depression.  The article states,

“While oversleeping can be a symptom of atypical depression, there are different factors that also contribute to it. “When someone is depressed, it can be because they sleep as a form of escape,” says Dr. Drerup. “They may be thinking, ‘I don’t have anything to look forward to so why do I even start the day?’’

To learn more, please review the entire article and click here

Please also review the American Academy of Grief’s, Grief Counseling Certification.  The program is offered to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Grief Counseling.  The program is online and independent study.  Please review the program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.

 

Grief Counseling Certification Article on Worden’s Four Tasks of Grieving

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

The classic four tasks of mourning of Worden are critical to the understanding of the process of grief.  It involves the initial shock of acceptance, dealing with the grief, adjusting to it and forming a connection with the deceased that still permits one to form new relationships and live life.  It is very similar to Kubler Ross ideals as well.

The four stages of the grief process are key to dealing with loss. Worden’s Four Tasks of grieving capture the whole scope of the process. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification

 

Unlike past grief theories which saw grief itself as an issue and pathology that needed removed, Worden’s tasks see grief as an instrumental part of dealing with loss.  He sees grief as natural and something that must be dealt with and understood.  Ultimately the price of grief is love.  When we love, we form bonds.  When those bonds are utterly torn apart, we experience loss.  The pain associated with loss is grief.  It is perfectly natural and hence, the stronger the bond, the stronger the grief.

It is important to deal with our grief.  We cannot avoid the tasks of grieving or we will never recover a balance in life.  A balance that permits one to acknowledge the loss, grieve it and miss, but also cherish it and live life.   If one is grieving, it is essentially to review these tasks and ensure that one is properly dealing with one’s grief and working through it.

“What’s Your Grief” presented an excellent article on the topic.  Entitled, “Worden’s Four Tasks of Mourning” by Litsa Williams discusses the four tasks in greater detail.  The article states,

“As we mentioned in that post, Kubler-Ross’s Five Stage model really put grief theory on the map by opening up the conversation about the dying process, death, and grief.  Over the years other theories have emerged, many of which have transitioned from the concept of “stages” to the concept of “tasks”.

These tasks are best formulated by Worden.  The article is quick to point out that this is a fluid process and any strict adherence can allude the subjective nature of grief of the particular individual.  To read the entire article, please click here

For more knowledge and study on the science of grief and for those seeking certification as a Grief Counselor, then please review the American Academy of Grief Counseling and its Grief Counseling Certification.  The program is online and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification.

 

 

Grief Counseling Certification Article on Grief Gifts

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

It is not only hard to know what to say or not say to someone grieving a loss but it can also be difficult to know what type of gift or card to give them.  Showing you care is one of the most important ways you can show sympathy and sometimes a gift speaks volumes to someone grieving.

What is the best way to type of gift to help someone who is grieving? Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification

 

The article, “30 gifts for someone dealing with grief” by Dana Holmes looks at different gifts you can give someone who is grieving.  She states,

“Current circumstances make losing a loved one even more complicated and isolating than usual. Those dealing with loss right now have the added burdens of not being able to say a proper goodbye at the hospital or to honor the deceased at an in-person memorial. We also can’t support those most directly affected by the loss in ways we might want to — with a hug or a visit. So what should we do or give to help them cope?”

Helping others through grief is the duty of any friend or family member and the gifts listed can help others.  To read the entire article and list, please click here

Please also review the American Academy of Grief Counseling’s Grief Counseling Certification to see if it matches your academic and professional goals.

 

 

Grief Counseling Program Article on Time and Grief

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Grief and loss equal change.  The adaptation to change is the hardest thing to deal with when overcoming grief.  Time is inherent with change.  Hence many people can grieve over the issue of time itself.  Time changes and alters things, places, people and status.  One can mourn the past and fear the future or mourn their own inherent change and demise.  Others realize that time pushes them further and further away from the passing of a loved one.  Each new day adds to the initial separation and fear of forgetting.

Hence time can be the ultimate source of grief.  The loss is time itself and the change and differences that occur over time.  Individuals who are OCD or grieving or fearful of change will have a difficult time adjusting to any change.  While grief over change occurs, we must remember that change is not always bad but sometimes is for the best.  Good things can occur and if we live in constant fear of change, or grieve over how it used to be, then we may very well be missing the beauty of the present.

Time is change. For many change is the greatest source of grief. Please also review our Grief Counseling Program

 

One needs to identify the beauty of the day, remember the past and cherish it, but not allow it to dominate present happiness.  Loss and change can still be valid sources of grief and those losses must be dealt with but fortunately as time passes, so does the ability to adjust to loss.  While we may miss the past or someone from long ago, we can still learn and grow and appreciate the present.

The article, “Mourning the Passage of Time” by Eleanor Haley of “Whats Your Grief” looks at six aspects of time and grief.  She states,

“Changes can cause a person to experience losses related to death, distance, estrangement, anticipatory grief, and grief over the transformation of a person who is still present”

To read the entire article, please click here

 

Time truly can cause many griefs.  Getting older, changing, losing people and places no longer being around, but these losses are part of life.  Change is part of life and like grief, we must learn to adjust to change.  We are linear creatures and time is a constant.  Those who fear time and change, miss the meaning of life.  Being able to understand and appreciate the present, cherish the past and face the future are better equipped to deal with the inherent pain of change that comes with it.
Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Program.  Qualified professionals can apply for a four year certification and become certified.  Please review the program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.

 

Certified Grief Counselor Article on Grief Counseling

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Grief Counseling is more needed than it is used unfortunately.  Many people drift away and allow pain and loss to negatively affect them.  They sometimes do more damage by hiding grief.  Grief Counseling is for basic loss.  It can help one heal and cope better with loss and prevent pathological later reactions to grief.  Certified grief counselors can play key roles in helping others deal with basic grief loss.

Learn more how to become a certified grief counselor by reviewing AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Training Program and see if it meets your professional goals.

 

The article, “Demystifying Grief Counseling: Five FAQs” from Whats Your Grief looks at the importance of grief counseling.  The article states,

“First, we want to clarify what we mean by ‘grief counseling’. When we use the terms ‘grief counseling’, we’re using it to mean any type of one-on-one, couples, or family therapy, provided by a licensed counselor, to someone(s) who experienced a significant loss. Ideally, the counselor will have experience and expertise related to grief and bereavement, though their backgrounds will vary. ”

It is important to realize that licensed counselors can provide more indepth counseling beyond basic loss.  Many licensed counselors are also grief certified.  Qualified professionals who are not licensed can provide basic grief support but not beyond the basic elements of loss.  To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Training for certified grief counselors.  The program is open to qualified professionals who are looking for an online and independent study program

 

Grief Counseling Certification Article on Grief and Strength

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Such comments as “you are so strong” during grief can have well intentions but pose problems to the griever.  It creates an atmosphere where strength in grief is looking strong or tough or hiding it, or that one must be strong despite grief.  These ideals are not what it means to be truly strong in grief.

What does it truly mean to be strong in grief? Please also review our Grief Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals

 

Whats Your Grief Article, “What Does it Mean to Be Strong in Grief?” does an excellent job of pointing out the true strength in grief.  The article reads,

“Strength in grief is acknowledging, feeling, and expressing emotion. To help people understand how broadly strength in grief can be defined, we want to ask you – what does strength in grief look and feel like to you?”

To read the entire article, please click here

Strength in grief is accepting grief.  It is doing the little things.  It is being scared, vulnerable and sad but going through the process.  It is important as grief counselors to realize that when helping others face the grief process.  Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification

 

Grief Counseling Certification Article on Grieving Employees

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Grief flows into every aspect of life and the work place is no exception.  It is important for employers to be able to identify grieving employees and help them.  This sometimes involves time off but also an open ear to listen to any issues the employee may be experiencing.  This is important for productivity and smoothness within the business but it also is the basics of a good human being.  We need to see employees as people and respect their emotions. It is critical to good business but goes well beyond it.

How can employers help grieving employees? Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification

 

The article, “How To Support Employees Experiencing Grief And Loss” by Stephanie Sarkis looks at how employers can help employees grieve and have the time they need to fix issues of loss at home.  She states,

“You may have employees that have lost loved ones. Compounding the grief, many were not able to attend a funeral or memorial service due to social distancing guidelines. Many people who died of Covid-19 died alone, or with medical staff holding up a phone or tablet so a patient could see their family and friends one last time.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review our Grief Counseling Certification.  The certification is for qualified professionals who are looking for professional credentials to help in the area of loss and bereavement.  Plese review the program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.