Counselors can help us through all the tough situations we face in our lives — whether they have to do with our home life, work life, or relationships. They also can help us through the process of grieving the death of a loved one.

Since April is Counseling Awareness Month, we’re highlighting the importance of talking to a grief counselor after a loss.

They Help You Navigate Your Feelings

When someone loses a loved one, they feel a range of complicated emotions. A grief counselor is trained in helping you explore and process all of those different feelings. Keeping heavy feelings on the inside makes it difficult to overcome them, which is why talking to a professional is so helpful.

They Provide an Outside View

It’s very unlikely that when someone loses a loved one, they are the only person grieving the death. They often have friends and family members who are also in emotional pain. This can make it difficult to openly grieve since they are also managing the emotions of others. With a grief counselor, they can openly express what they are feeling without hurting feelings or feeling judged.

They Share Coping Strategies

Grief can put the mind in a fog and make it difficult to perform everyday activities. Counselors are there to guide their clients and help them identify individualized coping strategies. What works for one person will not necessarily work for another.

They Offer a New Perspective

Grief tends to make people ruminate on the same thoughts over and over without a solution. This can become distressing and exhausting. Counselors can provide new insights or other ways to view a situation. This can lead to healing and peace of mind.

How has professional counseling helped you cope with a loss? Share your thoughts below to spread awareness this Counseling Awareness Month!