The death of a loved one or animal can put family members in a rather exceptional emotional situation. Deep grief, perhaps also anger and despair dominate the emotional world of those affected and sometimes make it almost impossible to think clearly - the feelings are too overwhelming when the subject of death and dying becomes a reality. In order to process the emotional grief caused by the loss and, if necessary, physical reactions, it is not uncommon to seek external help, such as professional grief counselors. Family members, colleagues and friends sometimes reach their own limits, are overwhelmed and can only help to a limited extent.

Talking about crises, grief and loss is part of everyday life for professional bereavement counselors. They offer support and accompany those affected and relatives in their grieving process in a variety of ways - simply by being present and "being there", listening or talking, etc. The methods used by professional grief counselors are diverse and can vary. It should be emphasized at this point that a grief counselor or grief counseling is not a medical therapy, it can basically be provided by anyone who feels up to the situation and wants to accompany people on their journey.

Bereavement counselors are independent professionals who generally offer their services independently and in various forms. Some also work with funeral homes or are morticians themselves and offer additional support during the dying and grieving process. Grief counseling can be offered in one-to-one meetings, group sessions or weekend seminars. The duration is very individual and ranges from one to several sessions to several years of support.

There is no standardized federal training to become a grief counsellor, but usually concludes with a school certificate or diploma. The training courses are offered by various institutions and the course content and methodology may vary.

Would you like to do meaningful work and support and accompany people in their grieving phase as a bereavement counselor? Then you are in the right place with a grief counselor training, further education or course.