Grief and bereavement counselling in Solihull
After a loss, it can be difficult to explain what you need or how you feel. Counselling offers a space to talk about your experience without having to make it easier for someone else to hear.
Your loss, in your own words
You may be grieving someone who has died, the ending of a relationship or a change that has altered the life you expected. There may be things you want to say repeatedly, memories you are unsure how to approach or feelings that seem to conflict with each other. We can begin with whatever you want me to understand. You do not need to tell a tidy story, compare your loss with someone else’s or justify why it still matters to you.
Room for different feelings
Grief can involve a range of feelings and can affect people differently. The NHS information linked below describes some common experiences and routes to further support. In counselling, we focus on your particular experience rather than asking you to follow a sequence of stages. Some conversations may be about the person or life you have lost; others may be about work, family, relationships or how to get through a difficult date. You can decide what feels possible to talk about in each session.
How I approach grief counselling
I’m Gemma, an integrative counsellor. My approach makes room for listening, reflection and exploring what a loss means for you. We can talk about memories, changes in your relationships or the expectations you feel from other people. Where it is helpful, we can also consider practical ways of finding support between sessions. The pace is discussed with you. Counselling does not require you to stop caring or promise that grief will disappear. We review together whether the work is giving you the kind of space you need.
Beginning with a short introduction
A free 15-minute introductory call gives you a chance to ask questions and say a little about your situation. You do not need to describe the loss in detail. If we arrange sessions, we discuss confidentiality and its limits, fees and practical arrangements before ongoing work. Individual sessions last 50 minutes and start at £60, with concessions available. You can ask about availability, frequency and cancellation arrangements before deciding. The website enquiry form is a way to start a conversation, rather than a booking confirmation.
In person or online
I offer counselling at my Solihull practice, with free on-site parking, and online across the UK where suitable. I welcome enquiries from Shirley, Knowle, Dorridge, Olton and south Birmingham. For online sessions, we agree the arrangements beforehand and you will need a private place where you can talk. You may already have support from family, friends, a bereavement organisation or a health professional. We can discuss how counselling might fit alongside that support. If you are worried about your health or finding daily life increasingly difficult, a GP can help you consider other options as well.
Questions about sessions
Is there a right time to enquire?
You can enquire when you feel you would like space to talk. We can discuss your needs and whether counselling with Gemma is appropriate.
Does the loss have to be a bereavement?
No. You can ask about support after other losses or major changes, including the ending of a relationship.
Will I have to talk about every detail?
You can say what you feel able to discuss and raise concerns about the pace. We agree the focus together.
Can I ask about other support?
Yes. The introductory conversation can include questions about suitability. The NHS resource below also describes options for help with grief and loss.