Bereavement Helpers
Many of us who experience a loss often find it helpful to talk to someone. Bereavement Counseling can be done on an individual basis or in a group setting.

HospiceCare of South Jersey, as well as the Cumberland County Guidance Center have bereavement counselors.

Counseling is a part of the ministry work of your area clergy. If you need help in finding a clergy person, you may contact Pastor Gerritt Kenyon, chair of the Greater Ministerial Association Pastoral Care Committee.

In addition, Christy Funeral Home has established a "Living with a Loss Grief Library" that contains materials that deal with a loss. The library includes a listing of support materials in easy to read adult and children's books, cassettes and videos. These materials are available for loan to individuals, groups, churches, and bereavement counselors. The library was started to help families through a difficult time.

Back to Grief Library

The Process of Mourning
Just as you might have a cut finger that needs to heal, you also may need to heal your emotions and a broken heart from a loss experience.

The loss of a loved one is such a loss, and a significant one. Other losses that we experience throughout life might include:

• The loss of a boyfriend or girlfriend.
• Moving to a new neighborhood or state.
• Your best friend moves away.
• Graduating from high school or college.
• Your brother or sister goes to college.
• Your cat or dog dies.

You may be able to think of other losses to add to this list.

Many professionals agree that the person suffering from a loss must accomplish certain tasks before mourning can be completed. Otherwise, incomplete grief may impair further growth and development.

The four tasks of mourning are:

• Accept the reality of the loss.
• Experience the pain of grief.
• Adjust to living without the loved one.
• Withdraw you emotional energy from your loved one and reinvest it in another relationship.

Professionals say we cannot handle the emotional impact of a loss until we first come to terms with the fact that the loss happened.