Everything You Need To Know About Online Grief Counseling

What Is Grief Counseling?

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), grief counseling is defined as the provision of advice, information, and psychological support to help those affected by grief. It is a form of therapy that makes it easier for you to cope with any significant grief that you may be experiencing. 

After all, grief is an inevitable part of life. And it can be particularly intense following the loss of a loved one, a significant other, a member of your family or a close friend. In case of such a loss, there are different stages of bereavement that you may go through. Counseling and therapy can help you navigate these stages of grief smoothly. Today, you can even seek counseling for grief management online. 

How Does Online Grief Counseling Work?

Online grief counseling works pretty much like in-person counseling. Typically, when you book an online session in order to learn how to manage and navigate through your grief, your therapist will introduce themselves and ask you to do the same. They may then take you through the various stages of grief, such as the following: 

• Denial
• Anger
• Bargaining
• Depression
• Acceptance 

In many cases, your counselor may also allow you to simply talk about what’s on your mind and lend you an ear. This can be a very cathartic experience because sometimes, all you need is someone who listens to you without any judgment. Your online grief counselor may also offer ideas and steps to help you overcome the intense grief you are feeling. In addition to this, they may also help you navigate any other emotions you may be victim to, such as guilt, anger and anxiety, among other things. 

Different Channels For Online Grief Counseling

If you have never sought therapy before, it may be daunting to take the first step and approach a counselor or a therapist online. Fortunately, there are different channels that are available for online grief counseling. You can opt for the kind of therapy or counseling that you may be most comfortable with. Check out the different channels for online counseling for grief below.

Counseling apps

With online grief counseling apps like BetterHelp and Talkspace, you can connect with therapists via text. This method is particularly helpful if you are not in the headspace to talk with someone in-person, and would prefer the freedom offered by asynchronous texting. 

Video calls

Video calls with an online grief counselor can give you the same benefits as an in-person visit to a therapist. You can seek help to manage your grief from the comfort of your own home, while still getting the benefits of direct, real-time interaction. 

Online forums

Online forums like Grieving.com and the Grief In Common site allow you to participate in discussions with other people who may be going through or may have gone through a similar kind of grief. 

Online support groups

There are also free online grief counseling support groups like Grief Anonymous and Online Grief Support that allow you to work through your grief at a pace that is comfortable for you. You could consider joining one such group before you actively seek out therapy.

How Much Does Online Grief Counseling Cost?

The cost of online grief counseling depends on the therapist you choose and the mode of counseling you opt for. Typically, most counselors charge for these sessions by the hour. An average session of 45 to 60 minutes may cost anywhere from $60 to $120. 

On the higher end, some online therapists may charge as much as $200 or more. But on the lower end, affordable counseling for grief can also cost you $50 or lower. That said, there are also many professionals who offer free online grief counseling to people who may need it but cannot afford to pay. 

Online Grief Counseling Services

There are many online grief counseling services that you can choose from if you want some help in managing the loss of a loved one. Here is a preview of some of the top 3 options available. 

Psychology Today

On this website, you can choose a counselor based on where you live. You then have the freedom to choose online or in-person sessions. 

GoodTherapy

Here, you can choose a counselor from the online directory available on the website. You can search the database by the counselor’s area, gender, age and experience. 

BetterHelp

On BetterHelp, you can find affordable counseling starting as low as $40 each week. You just need to answer a questionnaire and based on your responses, you will be matched with a counselor. 

Tips On How To Best Leverage Online Grief Counseling

If you are planning to seek paid or free online grief counseling, here are some tips that you need to keep in mind to make the most of it.

• Be honest with your counselor 
• Take it slow and one session at a time
• Do not expect your grief to magically vanish overnight
• Feel free to take a break from therapy if you need it

These tips and pointers can help you benefit from grief counseling without fast-tracking the process. If you are having trouble coping with the loss of a loved one on your own, feel free to seek help from a professional therapist online. It will do wonders for your mental health.