Supporting You Through Loss: Counselling South East London

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 Grief counselling—also known as bereavement counselling—is professional support aimed at helping individuals process and adapt to loss. Counsellors provide a compassionate space for expressing difficult emotions, understanding grief’s impact, and exploring healthy coping mechanisms (Marie Curie). 

 Grief counselling may be helpful if:

• Grief feels overwhelming or persists after several months
• You find it hard to manage daily life or responsibilities
• Emotional distress includes depression, anxiety, anger, guilt, or numbness

 Different therapists in South East London may use various therapeutic models to support grieving individuals:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Focuses on identifying and reframing negative thought patterns
• Helps manage anxiety, guilt, and depression linked to grief
• Often used in NHS IAPT services

Gestalt Therapy

• Encourages awareness of present emotions and bodily sensations
• Helps clients explore unresolved feelings and unfinished grief
• Emphasises personal responsibility and self-discovery

Person-Centred Therapy

• Non-directive and empathetic approach
• Allows clients to lead the conversation and explore grief at their own pace
• Builds trust and emotional safety

Integrative Therapy

• Combines elements from multiple approaches (e.g., CBT + psychodynamic)
• Tailored to individual needs and grief experiences

Existential Therapy

• Explores themes of meaning, mortality, and identity after loss
• Helps clients navigate life changes and spiritual questions

Cruse Bereavement Support – Lambeth & Southwark

• Free one-to-one and group counselling
• Support for adults, children, and young people
• Call: 020 7620 3999 or national helpline: 0808 808 1677

South East London Suicide Bereavement Service (SEL Mind)

• Covers Lewisham, Greenwich, Bromley, Southwark, Lambeth, and Bexley
• Offers emotional and practical support after suicide loss
• Contact: 07933 393 397

St Christopher’s Hospice – Bereavement Help Points

• Drop-in and virtual sessions for anyone grieving
• Locations across Bromley, Lewisham, and Sydenham

City & East London Bereavement Service (CELBS)

• Individual, couple, and group counselling
• LGBTQ+ inclusive support
• Contact: 020 3022 5177

 Examples:

• Mewstone Counselling (SE13) – Offers integrative grief support
• Nigel Bainbridge (Greenwich) – Specialises in person-centred and existential therapy
• Maria De Stefano (SE15/SE19) – Gestalt and trauma-informed grief counselling
• Find more via Counselling Directory or Psychology Today

Typical Costs:

• Private sessions: £50–£100 per hour
• Low-cost options: £20–£40 via community schemes or trainee counsellors

Grief counselling in South East London is available through:

• Free services: Cruse, SEL Mind, St Christopher’s Hospice
• Private therapists: Across SE1, SE13, SE15, SE19, SE22, SE23, SE26
• Therapy types: CBT, Gestalt, person-centred, integrative, existential
• Accessible formats: In-person, online, drop-in, and group support

Whether you're in Lewisham, Greenwich, Southwark, or Bromley, compassionate help is nearby. If you're struggling with loss, reaching out is a powerful first step toward healing.

At Memento Mori, we offer compassionate support and affordable funeral care across South East London. we’re here to guide you every step of the way.