When a Client Loses a Friend or Peer
Each person grieves in their own way. In order to support the bereaved allow for this individuality following these basic principles.
- Do your part to ensure that all interactions and support are trauma-informed.
- Engage in self-help activities that have short-term and long-term benefits, such as those recommended by Riverside Trauma Center and the National Center for PTSD.
- There is no timeline on grief. Continue walking with the bereaved.
- If grief feels like too much to bear, a therapist with experience in grief counseling can help work through intense emotions and overcome obstacles to grieving.
Explore
Walking with the Bereaved: Tools for Others to Help the Bereaved
The Grief Toolbox
Providing Good Grief Support for Close Friends
Center Complicated Grief
How to Support Someone Who Lost a Loved One to Drugs
Very Well Mind
The Grief of an Overdose Death — and How You Can Support Someone Grieving a Substance Use Loss
Partnership for Drug-Free Kids
Helping Someone Who Is Grieving
HelpGuide