What is a grief counselor?

What is a grief counselor?

A grief counselor is one who is very knowledgeable in the area of "normal grief." This practitioner is well-versed in the normal grief reaction and process that occurs to many types of losses, such as death, divorce, and separation.  A grief counselor works with clients in need and focuses on assessing whether or not the client is experiencing a normal grief process in reaction to a loss, or whether the client is experiencing a more significant and serious reaction. If the client is experiencing normal grief, then the grief counselor acts as an educator, a good listener, a support person, an advocate, and a coach in assisting clients to better understand and move through the process of dealing with normal grief. Certification as a grief counselor does not in any way qualify one to practice higher levels of grief therapies. The practice of therapy, as related to grief, is reserved for those who are educated and licensed in the practice of behavioral therapies. Certification as a grief counselor in no way infers that the person is qualified or legally licensed to conduct any type of therapies. Certification as a grief counselor does help ensure that the counselor can identify major symptoms of more complicated grief and refer clients to a qualified and legally licensed therapist.

Source:  American Institute of Health Care Professionals

Currently Online Grief Support has one member that is a grief counselor and a psychologist.  Contact Diana Young for further information.