When someone close to us dies there is a huge void left in our life — this can evoke many emotions, such as sadness, anger, guilt, numbness, loneliness and, for some, relief, along with many more feelings. We dip in and out of a range of emotions which can leave us feeling lost or even a sense of “I feel like I am going mad”. There may have been words unspoken, things said you now regret, or a relationship you may have wanted but weren’t able to have, and now there is no time left to put things right or change.

In the first weeks after a death there is so much to do — funeral arrangements, probate, sorting through personal belongings, along with many different opinions on how things should be done. This can leave you in a complete spin. It feels like there has been no time to grieve, then after a few weeks loved ones and friends start to move forward with their lives and the sudden silence can be overwhelming. The phone stops ringing and people begin to cross the street because they don't know what to say — all of this can lead to feelings of complete isolation.

I supported people through bereavement counselling, as well as leading bereavement evenings in the past for Hampshire Hospitals Foundation Trust.

Together, we’ll discuss the thoughts and feelings associated with the loss of your loved one. This will allow you to express not just the great sadness you may feel but also create an opportunity to enjoy and smile at the good memories, too. We can start the process of moving forward and coming to terms with the finite nature of life.