Grief Counseling Online Has The Advantage Of Anonymity

By Krystal Branch


Some professionals consider bereavement counseling and bereavement therapy to be two different things. They assert that counseling is appropriate when someone is going through the normal grief sequence. When it is dealing with a pathological condition, it is bereavement therapy. In any case, grief counseling online can help a person to get through this difficult time.

One individual may require a minimal amount of counseling to overcome loss. Another person may develop a pathological condition that requires much treatment. If someone rejects the idea of having therapy in person, he or she can be helped by a therapist on the internet.

There is a controversial debate in professional circles regarding the usefulness of bereavement therapy. Some believe it can be harmful under certain circumstances. If the bereaved individual is simply experiencing the normal stages of grief, the therapy can allegedly be harmful. When a pathological condition develops, however, the therapy can be helpful.

It is considered normal for someone to experience five steps of the grieving process. Shock, denial, rage, depression and acceptance are usually experienced in that order. If the individual becomes stuck in one of the stages, there is a likelihood that a serious condition can develop.

Often someone will express shock and disbelief that this death or divorce has occurred. Next he or she may turn away from the reality, refusing to accept that it really did happen. Anger and sometimes rage follows. The fourth stage may find the individual in a deep depression from which he cannot emerge.

With the fifth and final stage, there is acceptance. It is not something he or she is happy about. It does, however, mean that the individual sees the possibility of having happiness in the future.

A counselor will explain that it is necessary to go through the process of grieving before someone can begin to heal. If the grief is simply repressed, it can emerge at a later date in the form of a serious emotional problem. Any added stress can make it all the more difficult.

Any online therapist will have a degree in psychology or social work at the masters level or higher. There is also certification available to prepare for working with bereaved individuals. There are some identified as bereavement counselors who are actually sales representatives who help people arrange funerals.

A potential client should not be hesitant about asking what qualifications an online counselor has. The sales person is a perfectly good choice if you are arranging a burial service. However, if seeking psychological help, someone without qualifications or experience can do actual harm.

There is a reference book used by mental health professionals. It gives the definition for each mental disorder. Each will have a list of criteria to be met. If a specific number are present in one person, the disorder is confirmed. Clinical depression, may result from an untreated case of bereavement.

This joins the other services offered online. A therapist is always available. Anonymous help appeals to those who want anonymity. Grief counseling online fills a need for those who would not otherwise seek help.




About the Author: