• Counselling was only appropriate in 42% of cases
There were 30% more referrals to RedArc for bereavement support during 2023 compared to the previous year, highlighting how an increasing number of people see the benefits of seeking help following the death of a loved one. The nurse-led organisation knows that grief can be complicated, multi-dimensional and its impact may not be felt for months or even years. It can affect every aspect of a person’s life, including work, sleep and relationships, as well as physical and mental health.
However, contrary to popular belief, RedArc’s experience is that counselling is not always the best option and certainly not on day one, yet it is the type of therapy that is most well-known, and often the only solution included by employee benefits providers and insurers.
Analysis of RedArc’s data shows that, following a full assessment, counselling was only relevant for 42% of the individuals it supported last year. For the majority of people, other support was more appropriate, including regular emotional support, complementary therapies specialist support groups, advice on self-care activities and coping with sleep problems, all of which helped the bereaved individuals in a variety of ways.
Christine Husbands, commercial director, RedArc said: “Many people assume that counselling is the only option because that is what is most often offered, but there are plenty of other options that should be available for those who are finding it difficult to cope.
“Grief is a normal human reaction to a substantial loss, there is no easy fix, often people really value the reassurance from an experienced professional that what they are experiencing is normal. There is, of course, a place for counselling at the right point in time, and those who are specialists in providing bereavement support can play an effective role in helping someone who is struggling with grief. However, it’s important that those who are responsible for selecting a partner to deliver bereavement support look widely at all the options available, and ensure that the support is wide-ranging.”
Bereavement counselling should be one of many options
RedArc believes that bereavement support that only offers bereavement counselling is falling short. Grieving individuals need to be properly assessed by someone with experience, who can then offer them the most appropriate help at the right time, or direct them to specialist support if needed.
For example, someone who has lost their life partner may struggle to socialise again but with the right encouragement and signposting to new social outlets they can meet new people, make new friends and start to rebuild their lives. Or an individual who finds they are struggling to relax and get sufficient sleep may benefit from a course of acupuncture, meditation or yoga. These types of issues, amongst others, are better addressed outside of traditional bereavement counselling.
Bereavement support for children
Thirty per cent of the support that RedArc provides to children is for bereavement, and the company stresses the importance of having a wide range of support options available for younger people too. At the time of a death, children can be hugely resilient, sometimes more so than adults, but many need to be given the life skills and coping mechanisms to get through the period and to help them throughout their life.
Emotional support required for longer than practical support
RedArc is an authority in this area and as well as providing practical support with the juggling of many aspects of life after a death, it also has partnerships with many specialist organisations that provide bespoke support for both adults and young people. Over time, it tends to find that the requirement for practical support reduces but that individuals continue to value the emotional support offered by a compassionate non-judgmental professional.
Christine Husbands continued: “Many may see counselling as the go-to solution for bereavement, but in our experience this is not the best answer in the majority of cases. Bereavement is complex and every situation is different, people need to be listened to, receive regular support and directed to other support that’s going to be of most help for them.”