Why is grief counselling like roller skating?

Why is roller skating like grief counselling?

This occurred to me whilst watching the latest TV show Britain’s Got Talent 2024.

I’ll explain….

Newly bereaved people need a lot of support - just like your first time on roller skates.

You are in panic, the wheels could roll away with you at any time, you’ve lost control!

It’s strange, unfamiliar, wobbly, unnatural and you want to take them off and get back onto the solid ground; that’s what you’re used to.

Your arms are flapping, literally, round and round like a windmill as you try to stay upright.  You think you will never get used to this feeling of fear and frankly will never be able to do this on your own.  You might even get cross and angry that you can’t master the feelings of despair and feelings of wanting to give up.

The person you lost might have been your support emotionally and physically.  They might have been your cheerleader, encouraging you to keep trying and saying you’ll get there in the end.  You may have been able to reach out and hold them to keep you upright in life.

- How can you manage without this person?

- How can a grief/bereavement counsellor possibly support you when you’re so challenged?

With me by your side guiding you, you can hang on to me.  I’ll be that supportive arm you need to hold onto.  I have my feet on steady ground, as you move towards your new way of life.

I’ll be there as long as you need me, through the good days and bad days as you become stronger, more stable and can see your progress through your pain, grief, depression and loss.

You never thought you would get the hang of this but with the right support, exactly when you need it, the transition can be accomplished and there will be a time when you can skate off, steadily on your own.

You probably can’t visualise yourself doing it - your grief is too large - but having my support can help you become more upright.

Whatever your stage of grief, whoever you lost, however recent or a while ago, come to me for support through your loss and discover ways to cope.