Grief & Loss Counselling NZ
Support When You're Living With Loss
Grief can affect far more than your emotions.
It can change your sleep, concentration, relationships, motivation, confidence and sense of what life looks like now.
At Counselling & Therapy NZ, we provide professional grief counselling throughout New Zealand for people experiencing bereavement, significant loss and difficult life changes.
You don't have to grieve in a particular way or according to somebody else's timetable.
Grief Can Follow Many Types of Loss
People seek grief counselling following experiences including:
Death of a partner, family member or friend
Loss of a parent
Loss of a child
Pregnancy loss
Death of someone after a long illness
Sudden or unexpected bereavement
Relationship separation
Loss of important friendships
Changes in health or independence
Retirement
Redundancy or career loss
Moving away from home or community
Significant changes in family circumstances
Sometimes several losses happen close together, leaving little opportunity to process one before dealing with another.
What Can Grief Feel Like?
There is no single correct response to loss.
You may experience:
Sadness
Anger
Guilt
Numbness
Relief
Loneliness
Anxiety
Difficulty concentrating
Sleep changes
Exhaustion
Feeling disconnected from other people
Loss of motivation
Replaying events
Difficulty accepting what has happened
Worry about the future
You may also find that grief comes in waves. Feeling better for a period does not mean you have forgotten the person or what happened.
How Can Grief Counselling Help?
Grief counselling provides a confidential place where you don't have to protect other people from how you are feeling.
Counselling may help you:
Process what has happened
Understand your emotional responses
Talk about the person or experience you have lost
Work through difficult or conflicting feelings
Manage guilt or regret
Adjust to changes in everyday life
Find ways of maintaining meaningful memories
Reconnect with relationships and activities
Consider what life looks like moving forward
The purpose is not to make you forget your loss. It is to help you find a way of living with what has changed.
Grief, Anxiety & Depression
Grief can sometimes exist alongside anxiety or persistent low mood.
If worry and overthinking are becoming difficult to manage, explore Anxiety Counselling NZ.
If you are experiencing persistent low mood, lack of motivation or disconnection from everyday life, you may also find our Depression Counselling NZ service helpful.
Grief Following a Traumatic Experience
Some losses occur in frightening, sudden or traumatic circumstances.
When this happens, you may be coping with both grief and trauma responses.
Learn more about Trauma Counselling NZ.
Online Grief Counselling Across New Zealand
Our Online Counselling NZ service means you can access professional support wherever you live in New Zealand.
Find Grief Counselling Near You
We provide in-person counselling in selected locations alongside online counselling nationwide.
View All Counselling Service Areas
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after a bereavement can I see a counsellor?
There is no required waiting period. Some people want support soon after a loss, while others seek counselling months or years later.
Is grief counselling only for bereavement?
No. Counselling can also help people process other significant losses and life changes.
What if my loss happened years ago?
You can still seek counselling. Grief does not have an expiry date.
Can I have grief counselling online?
Yes. Online counselling is available throughout New Zealand.
You Don't Have to Navigate Grief Alone
If grief or loss is affecting your wellbeing, relationships or ability to manage everyday life, support is available.