As a Licensed Therapist in the field of Genetic Counseling and Clinical Social Work, and having been trained in Grief and Bereavement, I would like to appeal to my colleagues in the field of Death and Dying, Grief, Loss and Transition Counseling Services.
Have my fellow colleagues in the Mental Health Service Professions noticed a service that has been absent?
At least in my geographic area, there are bereavement groups for parents of children who died, for adults who have lost a spouse or life partner, for people in the divorce process, and yet I have noticed an absence of any support group services for the death of a friend.
I would appreciate comments from the mental health practitioners about this glaring omission in services.
The death of a friend, in my opinion, has a unique footprint, a grief process different from any other bereavement process.
I would also appreciate any comments from individuals in the community, any family doctors, internists, specialists ,clergy,University or College Professors, or from any grieving person who could not find a support group for the death of a friend.
Colleagues…let’s assess this situation, and deliver better services!