Grief Counselling
Grief is a profound, deeply personal experience that can turn your world upside down. Whether you have lost a loved one, experienced a miscarriage, or faced a significant life change, the pain can feel insurmountable. At Forward Mind Psychology, we offer a deeply compassionate and gentle space to help you navigate the complex waves of grief. We don't try to 'fix' your grief or rush you through it. Instead, we sit with you in your pain, help you process the intense emotions, and gently support you in finding ways to honor your loss while eventually moving forward with life.
Who This Helps
- Individuals grieving the death of a family member, partner, or friend.
- Parents coping with pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or neonatal death.
- People experiencing complex, prolonged, or disenfranchised grief.
- Those dealing with non-death losses, such as the end of a career or a severe illness.
Our Evidence-Based Approach
We use scientifically supported modalities tailored to your unique needs, including:
- Grief and loss specific therapy models
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Narrative Therapy
- Compassion-focused therapy
- Non-directive pregnancy support
What to Expect
We aim to make your therapeutic journey as clear and comfortable as possible. Here is a typical process for this service.
Creating a Safe Space
Establishing a deeply empathetic environment where you feel safe to express the full range of your emotions without judgment.
Exploring the Loss
Gently exploring what the loss means to you, sharing memories, and acknowledging the pain.
Processing Emotions
Using therapeutic techniques to help process complex feelings like guilt, anger, profound sadness, or numbness.
Meaning-Making
Gradually finding ways to integrate the loss into your life story and finding a path forward that honors what was lost.
Our Practitioners for This Service
Our highly qualified team is experienced in delivering specialised care for this service.
Esther Peters
Registered Psychologist & Director
With over 17 years of experience, Esther is a registered psychologist and director of Forward Mind Psychology. Esther provides a warm, supportive, and practical approach to therapy, creating a safe space where clients feel heard and understood. Esther specialises in Couples and Relationship Counselling, Trauma and complex trauma, and supporting parents and families.
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Madiha Abid
Registered Psychologist
Madiha Abid is a registered psychologist committed to delivering evidence-based, client-centred care to individuals and families across the lifespan. She provides psychological interventions to ensure integrated and outcome-focused treatment.
View ProfileFees & Rebates
We strive to keep our services accessible. Medicare rebates may be available for this service with a valid referral and Mental Health Care Plan from your GP. Private health insurance rebates may also apply.
View our full fee scheduleFrequently Asked Questions
Is my grief normal?
Grief looks different for everyone. There is no 'right' way to grieve, and we help you understand and validate your unique experience.
How long will the pain last?
Grief doesn't have a timeline. Therapy helps you manage the intensity of the pain, not erase it completely. Over time, the grief usually changes shape and becomes easier to carry.
I lost my pet, can I still get grief counselling?
Absolutely. The loss of a beloved pet is a significant loss and can cause profound grief. We are here to support you.
What if I feel numb instead of sad?
Numbness and shock are very common and valid responses to loss. Therapy provides a safe place to eventually thaw and process those emotions when you are ready.
Is Medicare available for grief counselling?
Yes, if your grief is significantly impacting your daily functioning and mental health, you may be eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan.