The benefits of seeking help after a loss.

Because of the fact that grieving is so normal and everyone experiences it, people tend to think of it as no big deal. What’s worse is that some may think they can heal all on their own. It’s true, some are able to process and heal on their own, but some can not. Losing a loved one can be devastating. However, having proper resources and support helps ensure you and your family can relieve the pain and move towards healing. One of the most powerful tools a family can have after the loss of a loved one is grief counseling.

3 Benefits of Counseling

1. Access to someone to help outline coping skills. A therapist, counselor, or spiritual advisor are trained professionals who can help you consider personalized coping skills. This is important because there is a difference between healthy grieving and destructive grieving.
2. Access to someone who understands your pain. While we each will have individual experiences, a grief counselor specializes in helping others such as yourself create a path towards healing. Family and friends will certainly be supportive, but a professional counselor is equipped in providing advance guidance on your healing journey. This is important because it will allow you to communicate your thoughts and feelings without being judged.
3. Access to someone who is trained in the process of healing. Unfortunately, death is a part of life. Having someone who practices exclusively helping others through the stages of grief ensures you are in good hands as you experience what feels like an emotional rollercoaster. This is important because you will be coached on what to expect which in return will lessen your grief, stress, and anxiety.

During the grieving process, it is important to not self-isolate. Always seek support by way of friends, family, spiritual advisor, or a professional therapist.

About Dr. Portia Lockett:

Everyone has a purpose, but not everyone knows their purpose early in life. At the age of seven, Dr. Portia Lockett was clear on her calling: teaching and encouraging others, which later evolved into her being a schoolteacher that inspired students to be their best regardless of their path. Eventually, she transitioned into speaking and training for major corporations and nonprofits which included but was not limited to UAW GM, Chrysler, and Goodwill Industries. Later becoming a licensed and ordained Chaplain allowed her to support and encourage individuals from the womb to the tomb. Eventually being led into the world of being a missionary allowed her to travel and support the underserved in Japan, Barbados, Mexico, Bahamas, Canada, Kenya, and Jamaica. Like most of us, Dr. Portia has experienced a few traumatic episodes in her life, but through grace, the favor of God, and self-determination, she pulled herself up and kept it moving forward each time.  Lockett has received several awards and her most recent include the City of Detroit Spirit Award, Michigan Chronicles Women of Excellence, and the Career Mastered Winning Spirit Award and The Power of One award. Lockett is the co-author of Anointed Moments meditational CD and an Amazon # 1 seller Delayed But Not Denied 2, featured lyric writer and psalmist of Happy Birthday Jesus. She’s been featured on CNN, National Geographic, BET, The Michigan Chronicle, The Detroit News, and Radio One. She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.