Individual Counseling

It’s hard to reach out for help when you’re grieving. Sometimes friends and families, no matter how well-intentioned, just don’t understand. A bereavement counselor can help you sort through your feelings, allow you to mourn without interference, and guide you in healthy ways to grieve that promote healing.

Hospice Austin offers one-on-one short-term grief counseling with licensed therapists and masters level interns for adults and children ages 4 and up. Up to eight sessions are free for loved ones of Hospice Austin patients; a sliding scale fee is available for all others. Counseling in Spanish is available. Appropriate referrals to additional counseling resources are made when necessary. Please call (512) 342-4700 or contact us to learn more. **During COVID-19 counseling is taking place through video and phone sessions. 

You may want to seek a bereavement counselor if:

• you feel that you’re unable to function normally
• you wonder if your responses are normal or if they’ve gone on too long
• you have reactions from which you can get no relief, or over which you have no control
• you have thoughts or feelings that you feel guilty about or you’re reluctant to share with anyone else

Seek professional help immediately if:

• you feel no grief reaction at all after a major loss
• you have a history of mental illness, drug or alcohol abuse
• you have few sources of support
• you see life as hopeless and are feeling suicidal

Grieving advice from people who have been there:

• Counseling helps.
• You’re not alone.
• Let it come when it comes – ride the waves.
• Don’t hide from it.
• Take it five minutes at a time if you have to.
• Figure out skillful ways to go to the hard places.
• Be mindful of unskillful coping mechanisms: comfort eating, excessive drinking, etc.
• Accomplish little things.
• The more people you can talk to, the better.
• Be mindful of holidays and significant anniversaries.
• Don’t waste time on “should have” and “could have.”
• Be gentle with yourself.
• Everyone has a different way of handling grief – be patient with each other.
• Postpone major life decisions for at least a year, if possible.
• Give yourself room to grieve.
• Take care of yourself: try to eat right, exercise, and get plenty of sleep.
• Develop new family traditions.
• Don’t let anyone rush you.
• Find a hobby.
• The first year is the hardest – it gets easier.