Grief

Journeying through grief

After-Funeral Care

Grief is a natural and deeply personal response to loss. It often reflects the depth of our love and connection—so the more significant the loss, the more intense the grief.

Losing someone close, whether a family member, friend, or loved one, can bring overwhelming emotions. Sadness, anger, confusion, and even numbness are all normal parts of the grieving process. It’s important to understand that grief is not a single moment in time, but a journey—unique to each person and best approached with patience and compassion.

Support is available, and you don’t have to go through it alone.

Coping after the funeral

There’s no “right” way to grieve—everyone’s experience is unique. However, there are healthy ways to navigate the journey of grief and begin to heal.

Many people find comfort and insight through books and other resources. Two we recommend are Coping with Grief by Mal McKissock and Experiencing Grief by H. Norman Wright.

Below, you’ll also find a list of helpful contacts and support services that can offer guidance during this difficult time.

24 Hour Grief Support Line

Grieflink

The Compassionate Friends

Sids and Kids

The Six Needs of Mourning

As we move through grief and mourning, there are six essential needs we must meet in order to begin healing:

  1. Acknowledge the reality of the death
  2. Embrace the pain of the loss
  3. Remember the person who has died
  4. Develop a new sense of identity
  5. Search for meaning
  6. Accept support from others

These needs were identified by Dr. Alan Wolfelt—respected author, educator, and grief counsellor—whose compassionate approach to healing has touched hearts across North America. His work reminds us that true healing comes not only from understanding grief but from allowing ourselves to feel and express it.

Common Myths About Grief

“Grief should only last a year.”

There’s no set timeline for grief. Everyone experiences it differently, and healing takes as long as it needs to.

“The pain will go away if you ignore it.”

Suppressing grief doesn’t make it disappear—it can actually make it more difficult to process later. Healing begins when we allow ourselves to feel and work through the pain.

“You have to be strong for others.”

It’s okay to feel sad, afraid, or overwhelmed. Expressing your emotions—whether through tears, words, or silence—is not weakness. In fact, being open can support both you and your loved ones.

“Grief and mourning are the same thing.”

Grief refers to the internal experience—your thoughts and emotions following a loss. Mourning is the outward expression of that grief, such as talking about your loved one, attending a funeral, or sharing your feelings with others. Both are essential parts of the healing journey.

Get In Touch

We can arrange a personal discussion with the family or executor at the family home or other suitable location anywhere in Melbourne; or at one of our branches.