What to Expect in Grief Counseling: A Guide to Healing Through the Dual Process Model
By Marcus Price, MDiv. MSW, LCSW
Grieving the loss of a loved one or a significant life change is one of life’s most profound challenges. While grief is universal, everyone experiences it differently. Understanding the Dual Process Model of Grief can offer clarity and compassion for your journey. This blog will explain what to expect in grief counseling, emphasizing this evidence-based framework that balances loss and restoration.
Understanding the Dual Process Model of Grief
The Dual Process Model, developed by psychologists Margaret Stroebe and Henk Schut, views grief as a dynamic process. It suggests that healthy grieving involves oscillating between two types of activities:
Loss-Oriented Activities: These focus on processing the loss, such as mourning, reminiscing, and confronting the pain of separation.
Restoration-Oriented Activities: These involve adapting to life changes, such as taking on new roles, solving daily challenges, and rediscovering a sense of purpose.
Instead of following a linear path, the Dual Process Model acknowledges that grieving involves moving back and forth between these two domains.
What to Expect in Grief Counseling
Grief counseling provides tools and support to navigate both loss-oriented and restoration-oriented tasks. Here’s what you can expect:
Creating Space for Loss
Your counselor will help you process and honor your grief. This might include talking about your loved one, reflecting on memories, or exploring emotions like sadness, anger, or guilt.Fostering Restoration
Counseling also focuses on practical aspects of rebuilding your life. This may include developing new routines, rediscovering joy in daily activities, or finding ways to balance responsibilities.Oscillation: Moving Between Grief and Growth
The Dual Process Model emphasizes that it’s natural to shift between focusing on your loss and addressing life’s demands. Counseling helps you navigate these shifts with flexibility and self-compassion.Recognizing Individuality in Grieving
There is no "right" way to grieve. Your counselor will tailor the process to your unique experiences and needs, empowering you to move at your own pace.Managing Grief's Physical and Emotional Impact
Grief can affect your body and mind. Counseling may involve strategies to manage symptoms like fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or disrupted sleep.
How the Dual Process Model Helps You Heal
The Dual Process Model acknowledges that grief isn’t just about sadness—it’s also about adapting to life after loss. Grief counseling, rooted in this framework, helps you:
Honor Your Loss: Create meaningful ways to remember your loved one or the life you’ve left behind.
Adapt to Change: Develop resilience and skills to face life’s new realities.
Balance Grief and Daily Life: Find ways to oscillate between mourning and moving forward.
How to Choose the Right Grief Counselor
When selecting a grief counselor, look for someone who:
Understands the Dual Process Model: Ask if they incorporate this approach into their practice.
Has Experience with Loss: Choose someone experienced in grief counseling who resonates with your needs.
Makes You Feel Comfortable: Trust and safety are essential for healing.
When to Seek Grief Counseling
It might be time to seek grief counseling if:
You’re struggling to manage the emotions or practical aspects of grief.
Grief is interfering with your daily life, relationships, or work.
You feel isolated or unsupported in your grieving process.
Embracing Healing: The Power of Grief Counseling
The Dual Process Model reminds us that grief is a balancing act—an ongoing dance between remembering the past and building a future. Grief counseling supports this journey, offering tools to process loss while embracing life’s possibilities.
Healing doesn’t mean forgetting; it means finding ways to honor your loss and live with meaning. If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to a qualified grief counselor today.
