Grief Counseling

It’s hard to reach out for help when you’re grieving. 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 short-term grief counseling to individuals, couples and families with licensed therapists and masters level interns for adults and children ages 5 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. Referrals to additional counseling resources are made when necessary. *Please note our counselors are only licensed to provide counseling to people who are located in Texas. We can help find resources for counseling if you are not located in Texas. 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 talk to a bereavement counselor if:

• You feel that you’re unable to function or are having trouble functioning
• 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
• You have thoughts or feelings that you feel guilty about or you’re reluctant to share with anyone else

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 creative ways to go to the hard places.
• Be mindful of unskillful coping mechanisms: comfort eating, excessive drinking, etc.
• Accomplish little things.
• Be mindful of holidays and significant anniversaries.
• Be gentle with yourself.
• Everyone has a different way of handling grief – be patient with each other.
• Postpone major life decisions for a time, 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.
• Discover or rediscover a hobby.