Grief is a normal and natural response to loss yet it can have a profound effect on our relationships. Shared losses can often bring us closer to a partner so that the experience is faced together, but sometimes a relationship can become strained and disconnected in grief. We all grieve in different ways and these differences can be the cause of conflict, pain and misunderstanding for couples, at what is an already very difficult time. It is common to self-protect when we are stressed and hurting, but sometimes it can be helpful to open up and allow others in to help.

Couples bereavement counselling offers a safe and neutral space to work through the pain of grief and loss, helping to strengthen couple bonds, increase understanding and find ways of mutual support and communication. It can also help you find a shared sense of hope going forwards. This type of specialised couples counselling supports different kinds of losses including:

The loss of a child, sibling or parent

Perinatal losses

Bereavement by suicide

Delayed onset of grief

Counselling can also be a helpful way of exploring anticipatory loss, when someone close to you or you look after, is living with a chronic or life-limiting illness.