Bereavement Counseling
About the Program
The Bereavement Counseling program at Pillars of Wellness provides compassionate, trauma-informed support for individuals and families navigating grief, loss, and major life transitions. Grief is a deeply personal and non-linear experience, and our clinicians honor each person's unique journey while offering guidance, validation, and evidence-based care.
Bereavement refers to the state of having experienced a loss—most commonly the death of a loved one, but also non-death losses such as illness, relationship changes, or identity shifts. Grief is the internal emotional response to that loss and can affect individuals physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.
Our counseling services offer a safe, supportive space to process emotions, make meaning of loss, and gradually re-engage in life in ways that honor both the individual and what has been lost. There is no "right" way to grieve—our role is to walk alongside you with compassion, skill, and respect.
Who This Program Supports
Bereavement counseling may benefit individuals who are:
- Grieving the death of a loved one
- Coping with non-death losses (divorce, illness, job loss, retirement)
- Supporting a child or teen through grief
- Experiencing spiritual distress or faith disruption after loss
- Navigating physical, emotional, or social impacts of grief
- Seeking meaning, healing, or reconnection with life after loss
Suitable for:
- Children, teens, and adults
- Individuals, families, and select groups
- Community-referred and self-referred clients
What You Can Expect
Bereavement Counseling provides compassionate, trauma-informed support tailored to each person's unique grief journey.
Each counseling experience may include:
- Emotional support and validation in a safe, nonjudgmental space
- Psychoeducation about grief and the grieving process
- Tools for managing sadness, anger, guilt, anxiety, or numbness
- Support with spiritual or existential questions
- Guidance in honoring loss while rebuilding daily life
- Optional resources and reflective exercises
Types of Grief We Address
- Sudden or traumatic loss
- Anticipatory grief (e.g., hospice care)
- COVID-19–related loss
- Miscarriage, infertility, or pregnancy loss
- Pet loss or symbolic losses
- Disenfranchised grief (loss that is not openly recognized or supported)
Common Grief Reactions
- Physical: Fatigue, headaches, sleep or appetite changes
- Emotional: Irritability, sadness, anxiety, forgetfulness, emotional numbness
- Spiritual: Questioning meaning, faith disruption, or spiritual growth
Five Stages of Grief (Kübler-Ross Model)
- Denial
- Anger
- Bargaining
- Depression
- Acceptance
These stages are not linear or universal, but a framework for understanding grief.
Program Format
- Session Length: 50–60 minutes
- Delivery Method: In-person / Telehealth / Hybrid
- Frequency: Weekly, biweekly, or as clinically appropriate
- Family & Group Options: Available seasonally or by request
Locations
Schererville, Valparaiso, Hobart, Merrillville
Telehealth: Available statewide in Indiana
Program Impact
Grief is a natural response to loss, yet it can profoundly affect mental, physical, and social well-being.
Duration and Variability
Grief can last months or years and often fluctuates over time. There is no set timeline—healing occurs at each person's own pace.
Mental and Physical Impact
Unaddressed grief may contribute to anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, and physical symptoms. Early support can reduce these impacts.
Benefits of Support
Early and ongoing emotional support improves coping, resilience, and long-term adjustment after loss. Counseling provides a space to process emotions safely and meaningfully.
Partnership Information
For Community Partners & Referral Sources
Our Bereavement Services would love to partner with you. The following are some examples of what we offer, but services are not limited to this:
- Referrals for short- or long-term bereavement counseling
- Clinicians trained in grief, trauma, and complicated loss
- Support for children, teens, adults, and families
- Grief literacy workshops for staff or community groups
Interested in partnering?
Email: info@pillarsinspires.com | Phone: 219-323-3311
Applicant Information
Interested in working for Pillars?
As part of this Center of Excellence, clinicians have the opportunity to:
- Provide focused services in bereavement and grief counseling
- Collaborate with program-aligned clinicians
- Receive mentorship, supervision, and leadership opportunities
- Shape future programming and community outreach
- Grow clinically while contributing to innovation and excellence
Whether you're early in your career or expanding your expertise, we're committed to helping you thrive.
Visit our Join Our Team page to explore current opportunities.
Program-Related Continuing Education Courses
These courses are excellent resources for counselors hoping to advance their skillset in specific interest areas. View all our continuing education courses.
Healing Starts Here
Grief is personal, and healing doesn't follow a script. If you or someone you care about is navigating loss, you don't have to walk that path alone. Our team is here to support you with compassion, skill, and respect for your unique journey.
Email: info@pillarsinspires.com | Phone: 219-323-3311
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does grief counseling typically last?
There is no set timeline for grief counseling. Some individuals benefit from short-term support, while others find longer-term counseling more helpful. Your clinician will work with you to determine the right approach based on your needs.
Do you offer grief support for children and teens?
Yes. Our clinicians are trained to support children, teens, and families through age-appropriate, developmentally informed grief counseling.
What is disenfranchised grief?
Disenfranchised grief refers to loss that is not openly acknowledged, socially validated, or publicly mourned. This may include pet loss, miscarriage, divorce, job loss, or the death of an ex-partner. All grief is valid, and we provide support for all types of loss.
Can I see a counselor in person or virtually?
Yes. We offer in-person counseling at our Northwest Indiana locations and telehealth services available statewide throughout Indiana.
Do I need a referral to access bereavement counseling?
No. You can self-refer by contacting us directly through our Get Started page or by calling our office.
Ready to Get Started?
Our administrative team is here to help answer your questions and match you with the right clinician.