grief counselor?

Does anyone know of a good grief counselor in the western suffolk/eastern nassau area? My friend has lost her mother and she really needs help. Thanks!

Re: grief counselor?

Azad, does she have insurance? They can probably recommend someone. for her.

Re: grief counselor?

i'm not sure but i think so. she has something because she's taking meds. the thing is, it's been 4 months and she still won't see anyone despite me saying i will physically take her there every week if need be, wait for her and take her home. she says she's not ready but i think it's about time...

my friend and i were thinking of having like an "intervention" kind of thing but i'd have to speak to someone and see what the best way to do this is.

i just don't know what to do anymore

Re: grief counselor?

bumping for the morning crew

Re: grief counselor?

That may not be a good idea.

Everyone deals with things differently. Even though I KNOW you mean well...I would ask a professional if this is a good idea. You may damage the situation more by an intervention type scenario and forcing her to deal with her emotions.

Sorry, I don't know of anyone though...

Re: grief counselor?

I don't know of any counselors but I know some companies offer this assistance to their employees, there is usually an 800 number they can call and speak to someone

also if her mom had been sick, the hospital may be able to offer some suggestions. When my aunt died, my cousins found some comfort in support groups that they found through Sloan Kettering.

You're a very sweet friend to care for her so much - I hope your friend begins to find peace soon

Re: grief counselor?

As someone who lost their father, and 2 years later lost 3 grandparents in 1 year (2 within 1 month), I understand grief.

I definitely don't think an intervention is the way to go. People mourn differently and a intervention may be more confrontational than beneficial.

I would call a hospice center and ask them if they could recommend a grief counselor. My mom and I went- and she had a great one and I had a terrible one. Its so tough to pick someone that clicks with you. But I think a hospice center is the way to go.

Re: grief counselor?

Re: grief counselor?

thank you so much for all the advice ladies...

just to explain the situation even more, my friend had lost her mother very suddenly in a car accident. her mother was her entire world and it was just them living together in the house. now she is alone in the house everyday, no significant other, her only family is her father whom she sees once a week. the rest are in virginia.

she's all alone in that house and before this whole thing happened she had very bad only child syndrome (she needs to be babied at times)...

i guess i will just start contacting people and see if i can get some information for her.

Re: grief counselor?

My thoughts and prayers are with her!!

i hope she decides to at least talk to someone about how she's feeling. it's horrible that she's all alone now. but it's good that she has a concerned friend like you!!!

Re: grief counselor?

Maybe instead of an intervention, you can get together with a few of her friends and set up a way for you to just take turns checking in with her, or taking her out to eat or something, so she doesn't feel so alone. Good luck - she is lucky to have a friend like you.

Message edited 9/28/2005 1:01:54 PM.

Re: grief counselor?

I think the best thing you can do is make sure that you and your friends are there for her. Make sure she doesn't feel any more alone than she already does.

In the long run, I think it would be good for her to get out of teh house, but that's not for now.

For me, what helped at first when my dad died (also suddenly- from a stroke), was being entertained. My friends were great about taking me out. I was at college- so it was easier to be removed from the situation and move on. My friends never let me be alone. In fact, my first night back I had to kick my best friend out of my house because he wouldn't leave until I fell asleep. Then another friend made me keep a bag at her place so whenever I didn't have plans, I could always stay with her. Just being a good friend, and making sure that your other friends check in on her is really the best thing you can do.

She is lucky to have a friend like you.