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Grief 
Counselling 

“Does your grief impact overwhelm you?”

“Are you finding it hard to cope?”

“Do you find it hard to get through normal daily tasks?”

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About Grief Counselling and how the
service can support

About Grief and Bereavement Counselling Services

At Spherical Counselling, our grief counselling service recognises that navigating the complex emotions and challenges that come with loss can be a daunting and overwhelming experience. Grief is a natural response to the loss of someone or something significant in our lives, and it manifests in various ways for each individual. Our mission is to provide compassionate support and guidance to help you cope with your grief and find a path towards healing and resilience.

How Grief and Loss Counselling Can Support You:

​Emotional Support: Toni provides a safe and non-judgmental space for you to express your thoughts and feelings surrounding your loss. She is here to listen, validate your emotions, and offer compassionate support as you navigate the ups and downs of the grieving process.

 

Coping Strategies: Toni is trained in evidence-based therapeutic techniques that can help you develop effective coping strategies to manage your grief. From learning how to process and express your emotions to practising self-care and resilience-building techniques, she provides you with the tools you need to navigate your grief journey.

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Understanding the Grief Process: Grief is a complex and multifaceted process that can differ for everyone. Toni supports you in understanding the stages of grief, normalising your feelings, and guiding you through the emotional rollercoaster that comes with loss. By gaining insight into the grieving process, you can better navigate your emotions and find a sense of settlement and acceptance.

 

Personal Growth and Healing: While grief can be incredibly painful, it can also be a transformative experience that leads to personal growth and healing. Toni is here to help you find meaning in your loss, rediscover your sense of self, and cultivate resilience as you move forward in your life with a renewed sense of purpose and hope.

If you are struggling to cope with grief and loss, Spherical Counselling grief and bereavement counselling services are here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you on your journey towards healing and transformation.

Clinic Locations

With counselling clinic locations in Lismore and Goonellabah, Toni Steenson, owner of Spherical Counselling, offers a grief counselling service (also known as grief and bereavement therapy) for people from all walks of life in the Northern Rivers areas (this includes Lismore, Goonellabah, Wollongbar, Alstonville, Byron Bay, Evans Head, Ballina and surrounds).

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How to book

To get a sense of whether grief counselling is for you call Toni to receive a complimentary 15-minute consult. If Toni can’t answer the phone, be sure to leave a message so she can call you back.

 

Phone 0466 629 424

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Or contact Toni via email and she will organise a time to call you.

What is the process of Grief Counselling?

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Grief counselling is a specialised form of therapy designed to help individuals cope with and process the complex emotions that arise from the loss of a loved one or a significant life change. The grief and loss counselling process is personalised and tailored to meet each individual's unique needs and experiences and involves:

Assessment and Evaluation: The first step in the grief counselling process is an initial assessment and evaluation session. During this session, Toni will work with you to explore your history, the circumstances of the loss, your current emotional state, and your goals for counselling.

 

Building a Therapeutic Relationship: A strong and trusting therapeutic relationship is the foundation of effective grief and bereavement counselling. Toni will create a safe and supportive space for you to express your thoughts and feelings openly and honestly.

 

Exploration of Emotions:: In grief counselling, you will have the opportunity to explore and process the wide range of emotions that accompany grief, including sadness, anger, guilt, and confusion. Toni will help you identify and express these emotions in a healthy and constructive way.

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Education and Normalisation: Toni will provide education on the grieving process and normalise your experience by helping you understand that your feelings are natural and valid. Understanding the stages of grief and common reactions to loss can help you feel less alone in your journey.

 Coping Strategies: Grief and loss counselling equips you with coping strategies and tools to manage your emotions and navigate the challenges of grief. Toni may teach you techniques for relaxation, mindfulness, emotional regulation, and self-care to help you healthily cope with your grief.

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Support and Validation: Throughout the counselling process, Toni will provide empathetic support and validation. Knowing that someone understands and validates your feelings can provide comfort and reassurance as you work through your grief.

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Exploring Meaning and Integration: As you progress through grief and bereavement counselling, you may explore the deeper meanings and implications of your loss. Toni can help you find ways to integrate the loss into your life story and identity, fostering healing and personal growth.

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Closure and Transition: Grief counselling aims to help you find a sense of closure and transition towards a new normal without forgetting or minimising the significance of your loss. Toni will support you in moving forward while honouring the memory of what or who you have lost.

The process of grief and bereavement counselling is a collaborative journey between you and your counsellor, guided by compassion, empathy, and respect for your unique grieving process. If you are struggling with grief, seeking support through grief and loss counselling can help you navigate your emotions, find healing, and build resilience as you move forward in life.

Who Can Benefit From Grief Counselling:

Grief is a universal human experience that can profoundly impact individuals in different ways. While grief is a natural response to loss, the process of mourning and coping with grief can be challenging and overwhelming for many people. Grief and loss counselling offers a supportive and therapeutic environment for individuals to explore their emotions, process their loss, and find healing and resilience. Here are some key groups of people who can benefit from grief and bereavement counselling:

  • Individuals Coping with the Loss of a Loved One:

    • Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult and painful experiences a person can endure. Grief counselling provides a safe space for individuals to express their emotions, process their grief, and work through the complex feelings that arise after the death of a family member, friend, or significant other.

  • Those Dealing with Significant Life Changes:

    • Grief can also stem from significant life transitions such as divorce, job loss, relocation, or the diagnosis of a serious illness. Grief and loss counselling can help individuals navigate the emotional journey of adjusting to these significant life changes and cope with the feelings of loss, uncertainty, and fear that accompany these transitions.

  • Children and Adolescents Experiencing Loss:

    • Children and teenagers may struggle to express and understand their grief following the loss of a loved one or a major change in their family dynamics. Grief and bereavement counselling tailored to children and adolescents can help them process their emotions, cope with their loss, and develop healthy coping mechanisms to navigate their grief.

  • Caregivers and Healthcare Professionals:

    • Caregivers, healthcare professionals, and first responders who witness death and loss in their work may experience vicarious trauma and emotional distress. Grief counselling can provide these individuals with a supportive space to process their emotions, prevent burnout, and cultivate self-care practices to maintain their well-being.

  • Those Struggling with Complicated Grief:

    • Complicated grief, characterised by intense and prolonged symptoms of grief that impair daily functioning, may require specialised grief and loss counselling interventions. Individuals experiencing complicated grief can benefit from targeted therapy to address unresolved emotions, traumatic loss experiences, and barriers to healing.

  • Anyone Seeking Emotional Support and Validation:

    • Grief and bereavement counselling is also beneficial for anyone seeking emotional support, validation, and guidance during a challenging time of loss. Whether you are struggling to cope with the death of a pet, the end of a relationship, or a personal loss, grief counselling can provide you with the tools and resources to navigate your grief with resilience and strength.

If you are experiencing grief and struggling to cope with loss, grief counselling can offer you the support, understanding, and guidance you need to navigate your emotions, find healing, and move forward with hope and resilience. No matter your age, background, or type of loss, grief counselling is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to heal from the pain of grief.

Is it possible to heal from grief and loss with counselling

Grief is a profound and complex emotional experience that can leave individuals feeling lost, overwhelmed, and consumed by pain. While the journey of grieving is unique to each person, the question often arises: Is it possible to heal from grief and loss with counselling? The answer is a resounding yes.

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Grief and bereavement counselling is a valuable and effective therapeutic approach that can support individuals in their healing journey as they navigate the challenging emotions and adjustments that come with loss. Here are some ways in which counselling can help individuals heal from grief and loss:

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While the pain of loss may never fully disappear, healing from grief is a gradual and transformative process that can be facilitated and supported through grief counseling. By seeking professional help and guidance, individuals can find solace, resilience, and hope in the midst of their grief, ultimately moving towards a place of healing, acceptance, and renewed strength. If you are struggling with grief and loss, know that healing is possible, and counseling can be a powerful ally on your journey towards healing and wholeness.

Toni Steenson

How to book

Ready to get started? Call Toni to receive a complimentary 15-minute consult. If Toni can’t answer the phone, be sure to leave a message so she can call you back.

 

Phone 0466 629 424

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Or contact Toni via email and she will organise a time to call you.

Image by Benjamin Punzalan

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect in a grief counselling session?

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When going through a difficult time, such as the loss of a loved one, seeking grief counselling can provide essential support and guidance. Grief and loss counselling sessions are designed to help individuals navigate their emotions, address their feelings of loss, and work through the grieving process.

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Here is what you can expect in a grief and bereavement counselling session:

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  1. Safe and Supportive Environment

  2. Understanding and Validation

  3. Emotional Expression:

  4. Coping Strategies

  5. Education

  6. Exploration of Feelings

  7. Goal Setting

  8. Support Network

  9. Time for Reflection

  10. Personalised Approach

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Remember that grief is a unique and individual experience, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Grief counselling can help you navigate this challenging time and work towards healing and finding joy again.

Does grief counselling work?

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Yes, grief and loss counselling is effective for many individuals coping with loss. Grief counsellors provide professional guidance, emotional support, coping strategies, validation, and skill development. While effectiveness may vary, finding the right counsellor and approach can significantly benefit your grieving process. Consider reaching out to a counsellor to explore how grief counselling can support you during this difficult time.

What Modalities/Therapies Are Used in Grief Counselling?

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Grief and loss counselling incorporates various therapeutic modalities to help individuals navigate the grieving process and cope with loss. Some common modalities and therapies used in grief and bereavement counselling include:

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  1. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors related to grief, promoting healthier coping strategies.

  2. Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Mindfulness techniques can help individuals stay present, manage overwhelming emotions, and find moments of peace amidst grief.

  3. Narrative Therapy: This approach helps individuals reframe their stories of loss, explore meaning-making, and find new perspectives on their grief experiences.

  4. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): IPT focuses on improving communication and relationships, addressing how grief impacts interpersonal connections and support systems.

  5. Psychodynamic Therapy: This approach explores unconscious thoughts and emotions related to grief, providing insight into deeper feelings and unresolved issues.

  6. Family Therapy: Involving family members in therapy sessions can help improve familial relationships, communication, and mutual support during the grieving process.

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Grief counselling modalities and therapies are tailored to each individual's unique needs and experiences. A qualified grief counsellor will assess your situation and recommend appropriate interventions to support you in processing your grief and finding healing. If you are considering grief counselling, explore the different modalities available and find a counsellor who offers approaches that resonate with you.

Do you do grief counselling online?

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Grief and bereavement counselling can be conducted online, but if the client is local, meeting in person is preferred if the individual is comfortable. Online counselling follows the same structure as in-person sessions, with scheduled session times lasting 50 minutes. It is crucial for online grief counselling to take place in a private, confidential, and distraction-free setting on both ends, mirroring the environment of a counselling room. Additional costs may be involved for online counselling due to resource considerations. Grief counselling sessions are conducted on the online platform Zoom.

How long will I need grief and loss counselling?

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The duration of grief counselling varies for each individual and depends on various factors, including the nature of the loss, the individual's coping mechanisms, and the progress made in the counselling sessions. Grief is a unique and personal experience, and there is no set timeline for the grieving process.

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Some individuals may find relief and resolution in a few sessions, while others may benefit from longer-term support. The goal of grief and bereavement counselling is to provide you with the tools, strategies, and emotional support needed to navigate your grief and work towards healing.

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Your grief counsellor will work with you to assess your progress, discuss your needs and goals, and determine the appropriate duration of counselling. It's essential to communicate openly with your counsellor about your feelings, experiences, and any changes you may be experiencing throughout the counselling process.

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Whether you attend a few sessions or engage in longer-term counselling, the duration of grief counselling is guided by your individual journey through grief and your readiness to work through the emotions and challenges that come with loss. Remember that seeking support is a positive step towards healing, and your counsellor is there to support you for as long as you need during this difficult time.

What qualification does Toni Steenson have?

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Toni Steenson has completed a degree in Psychological Science with a minor in Aboriginal studies from the University of South Australia and a major in Psychology at Swinburne. Toni has also completed her forth year Psychology Studies through the University of Adelaide receiving first class honors. Toni furthered her studies by completing The Crisis Support Skill Set Certificate through Lifeline Australia. Toni has completed a Diploma in Counselling through Evolve College. Toni has also completed Level 1 and Level 2 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and she uses Gottman Method Couples Therapy in her work. Toni has also completed a couple of Play Therapy courses from the Queensland Institute of Play Therapy. She is a is consistently upgrading her skills in the counselling arena.

How do I know if I need grief counselling?

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Navigating the emotions and challenges that come with grief can be overwhelming, and it is common to question whether or not you could benefit from grief counselling. Here are some signs that may indicate the need for grief and loss counselling:

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  1. Intense and Prolonged Grief: If you are experiencing intense emotions of sadness, anger, guilt, or hopelessness that persist over an extended period, grief and bereavement counselling may be beneficial.

  2. Difficulty Coping: If you find it challenging to cope with daily tasks, maintain relationships, or function in your usual routine due to your grief, seeking support through counselling can help.

  3. Isolation and Withdrawal: If you are isolating yourself from family and friends, feeling disconnected or withdrawn, grief and loss counselling can provide a supportive environment to help you feel less alone.

  4. Physical Symptoms: Grief can manifest in physical symptoms such as changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, fatigue, or other health issues. If you are experiencing physical symptoms related to your grief, counselling may be helpful.

  5. Unresolved Feelings: If you have unresolved feelings of guilt, regret, anger, or confusion surrounding the loss of a loved one, grief counselling can assist you in processing these emotions.

  6. Impact on Daily Life: If your grief significantly affects your ability to work, study, or engage in daily activities, seeking professional help through grief and bereavement counselling can provide guidance and support.

  7. Lack of Support: If you feel like you lack a supportive network or are struggling to find understanding and empathy from those around you, grief counselling can offer a safe space to express your feelings.

Ultimately, the decision to seek grief and loss counselling is a personal one, and there is no shame in asking for help during a difficult time. Grief counselling can provide valuable support, coping strategies, and a safe space for you to work through your grief and begin the healing process. If you are unsure whether you need grief and bereavement counselling, consider contacting a counsellor for an initial assessment to determine the level of support that may benefit you.

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