Grief Counseling and Support

Key Principles of Grief Support

1. Grief is a natural, individual process

   • There’s no “right” way to grieve. Each person’s experience of loss is unique, and the model honors that.

   • Emotions such as sadness, anger, guilt, or relief are all normal and expected.

2. The role of the companion (therapist/counselor)

   • The counselor’s role is presence, listening, and support, not fixing or directing.

   • The companion offers a safe, non-judgmental space where grief can be expressed freely.

3. Companioning vs. traditional therapy

   • Traditional therapy may emphasize problem-solving, coping strategies, or symptom reduction.

   • Companioning emphasizes emotional connection, acknowledgment, and validation, helping the griever process their experience organically.

4. Practical focus areas

   • Remembrance: Honoring the person or experience lost.

   • Meaning-making: Finding personal significance and understanding in the loss.

   • Integration: Learning to live fully while carrying the memory of what was lost.

5. Nature and embodiment

   • While not required, many companioning practices encourage peaceful, grounding environments—such as quiet outdoor spaces, gardens, or nature settings—to support reflection and emotional release.