Scripture encourages us not to go through life on our own. Certainly, this applies to coping with grief:
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.
If you’re looking for grief counseling and support services near you, I wanted to share the following options and links.
First, I want to mention that people sometimes look at grief counseling in the broad sense. In other words, the term counselor is not necessarily used to refer only to licensed, professional counselors. However, it’s helpful to make that distinction.
The reason I point this out, is because when someone from my church asked about grief counseling, that’s exactly what she meant—someone to talk to and to come alongside her in her journey. She wasn’t specifically asking for a professional, licensed counselor.
If you can afford one and wish to go that route to receive help in your journey, here’s a good site to search for information on how to find a therapist…
GoodTherapy - Find the Right Therapist
Though the individuals and groups you come across might not be official licensed professional counselors, many are equipped to listen and come alongside you in your journey. A number of people including chaplains for example, are extensively trained and have learned much about the grief process.
For information on who you can contact for help in your grief journey, check out the following options:
1.Hospice Foundation Of America - Grief Support- bereavement support for people after someone has died.
2. Samaritans USA on 1 (800) 273-TALK for free, confidential and non-judgemental listening and support from trained volunteers on any issue, including bereavement, that is causing you distress.
3. For a grief counselor directory, check out the following link: Grief Counselor Directory
4. In addition, funeralguide.com includes Bereavement Support and Grief Counseling Organizations - Funeral Guide
5. Also, Check your local hospitals and their websites to see what kinds of grief support they offer.
Galatians 6:2: Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Another option is to connect with churches that offer Stephen Ministries.
Stephen Ministries provide one-on-one confidential grief support, in which a lay, equipped caregiver in the church is paired with a care receiver. Stephen Leaders assign pairings, which are always men with men and women with women.
Stephen Ministers are not licensed, professional counselors. However, like counselors, the caregiver offers his or her presence and listening ear.
Sometimes you need someone to walk alongside you on your journey of grief. Stephen ministers provide that service in the Lord.
2 Corinthians 1:4: Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
Here’s another resource I came across:
11 Places to Find Free Grief Counseling | LoveToKnow
The elderly in nursing home and assisted living facilities should not be forgotten. Nursing home ministry is an important ministry I've been involved with for a number of years. I wanted to pass along information regarding this resource:
The Nursing Home Abuse Center
https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/
Nursing Home Neglect:
https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/nursing-home-neglect/
Resources/Faith:
https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/resources/faith/
The Nursing Home Abuse Center was established with the aim of bringing attention to the prevalent issues of abuse and neglect within nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Statistics show that nearly one-third of nursing homes have received citations for abuse. Elder abuse encompasses various forms such as physical and emotional mistreatment, financial exploitation, and neglect. Their organization's primary goal is to provide education to seniors and their families, empowering them with knowledge on how to respond effectively to such situations.
For more on coping with grief, check out the following page on this site: