Bereavement Counselling & Grief Support Service
At The Harley Psychology and Therapy Group, our bereavement therapy and counselling service allows our psychologists to support you through your grief at our London clinic locations or via Skype.
Who Can Bereavement Counselling Help?
Does your loss feel as painful as it ever did?
Do you feel hopeless about the future?
Are you finding it difficult to meet your daily responsibilities?
Do you feel anxious and/or depressed for much of the time?
Have you withdrawn from life and the people around you?
Do you feel alone with your grief?
Do you feel pressure from others to move on?
If you have answered ‘yes’ to one or more of these questions, you may benefit from our counselling for bereavement. Talking to a therapist can help people move through the stages of grief, easing distress and enabling the resolution of any lingering emotional problems.
How To Know If You Need Grief Counselling
Common Signs You May Need Bereavement Counselling
Grieving is a natural process, but if you’re struggling to cope day-to-day, bereavement counselling in London, your preferred location, or even online can help. Signs you may benefit from support include persistent sadness, difficulty functioning, withdrawal from others, or overwhelming emotions such as guilt or anger. You may also notice physical symptoms such as fatigue or sleep issues or feel lost without a sense of purpose.
If these feelings continue, it may be time to seek compassionate, professional help.
The Stages of Grief Explained
Grief can be confusing and unpredictable. However, understanding its stages can offer reassurance. Denial helps cushion the initial shock. Anger may follow as frustration or blame. Bargaining brings thoughts of “what if” as we seek meaning. Depression often arises when the full reality sets in. Finally, acceptance comes with time—learning to live with the loss while preserving the memory of your loved one.
The stages of grief aren’t linear, and everyone experiences them differently. Some people may skip a stage or two.
Why Choose Harley Psychology & Therapy Group for Bereavement Counselling?
At The Harley Psychology & Therapy Group, we offer expert bereavement counselling tailored to your unique experience of loss. Our compassionate therapists and psychologists create a safe and supportive space for you to explore your grief at your own pace. With a deep understanding of the emotional impact of bereavement, we employ evidence-based approaches to help you process your loss, regain emotional stability, and rebuild hope.
We’re here to support you every step of the way with care and expertise.
Supporting You
How Does Bereavement Counselling Work?
Step 1
To begin with, one of our therapists will meet with you to find out about your loss and how you have been managing it so far. They will ask you about the person that you have lost and your experiences together, your current life, daily responsibilities, mood and friends and family to get an accurate sense of this and formulate a treatment plan for you.
Step 2
Your therapist will then help you to understand a little more about the process of grief and how it works because the more you learn about grief, the better you will be able to cope with it. When you understand what is happening to you and have some idea of what to expect, you will feel more in control of your grief and will be in a better position to take care of yourself, find your own way through this loss and begin rebuilding your life.
Step 3
You will then work together with your bereavement counsellor to not compare your grief with anyone else’s and know that, at this moment, your loss is the worst thing that could happen to anyone.
This will enable you to acknowledge that your loss is worthy of grief and accept that you must endure the real feelings of sorrow.
It will also help you to accept that, as much as you may want to do so, there is no way to avoid your grief.
Step 4
Your therapist will then support you to work through your grief, aiming towards the following goals:
- Coming to terms with the reality of your loss.
- Working with the emotional pain, anger, guilt and suffering that accompany your loss.
- Readjusting your life without the significant person whilst still keeping them in your mind.
- Taking the emotional investment that you had placed in your significant ‘other’ and rebuilding connections and relationship with others.
- Building memories which recognise the quality, importance and irreplaceable impact of your loss but keep the person who has died alive in your mind in a way that allows you to continue living your life.
Find Your Best Course of Action
What to Expect After Completing Bereavement Counselling
While grief never fully disappears, bereavement counselling can lead to lasting emotional healing. Many clients experience improved mood, better relationships, and greater resilience. It can also help you develop tools to manage difficult days and setbacks while fostering a more balanced mindset.
Counselling also helps honour your loved one’s memory in a healthy way, allowing you to embrace life again with purpose and strength. Long-term benefits often include restored hope and a renewed sense of self.
Katherine, Clapham
Prices
Explore our therapy prices and registered private health insurance providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be recently bereaved to benefit from counselling?
One of our Therapists will start by meeting with your family initially all together, and then if you are comfortable to do so individually. During this time, they will ask a number of questions to enable them to understand the problems that you are struggling with and the best approach to help you.
How long does bereavement counselling take?
The duration varies depending on your individual needs and circumstances. Some people find relief after a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support. Your therapist will work with you to set goals and adjust the pace based on your progress and comfort.
Is it normal to feel guilty after a loss?
Yes, guilt is a common but painful part of grief. You may find yourself thinking about things you wish you’d said or done differently. In counselling, we gently explore these thoughts to help you process them with compassion and gain a more balanced perspective.
What if I don't feel comfortable talking about my emotions?
That’s completely understandable. Many people feel this way, especially at the beginning. Our therapists provide a warm, supportive space where you can share at your own pace. There’s no pressure—just space to be heard when you’re ready.
Can counselling help with the physical symptoms of grief?
Yes. While bereavement is primarily emotional, it can also affect your physical wellbeing and cause fatigue, sleep problems, changes in appetite, and more. Talking to a professional therapist or psychologist can help reduce stress and emotional tension, which in turn may ease physical symptoms and improve your overall wellbeing.
More Reading On This Subject
Click here to view a ‘Real Story’ video about coping with grief.