I went to therapy at the 3 month mark too. It was a group of people, about 6 of us. There were the folks who were grieving for a year or more and then those of us who were new to it.

Talking about your feelings, face to face, with strangers is not easy. Although it does feel good to know that you're not alone, it's tough to share your inner most feelings with strangers.

It can be very cleansing for some. I stayed for one session and then decided that I preferred spilling my guts on line and to the cyber world more.

You'll find your comfort zone, even it's a one-on-one meeting. I hope that it gives you peace and that you get something out of it.

Roz

my therapy started immediately through hospice. It is a one-on-one and not in a group. I get it free for 1 year. We just talk about every day things, work, coping skills, moving forward and future plans, missing him and times that I cry..... Its almost like having a friend that doesn't judge you. I love the "not judging" me part the most. He will listen and offer suggestions but never "you should have " no judging. hugs Arlene

First grief support group tomorrow can't wait. I am going to 2 different ones. I went to Dr.s today to get a letter to show that I need to move out of my apartment for my health. .

Hi Kim, don't worry about what to say or do. You can expect that the counselor will direct the session. Counselor will ask you questions and you just answer honestly. The counselor may give you "homework" such as writing about a specific subject. The counselor will also offer advice on coping skills. I have been to both group therapy and individual therapy and found them all very helpful. Don't be afraid, it will be ok.

I saw a grief therapist every couple of weeks for quite a while. Very helpful for me. Like Onebroken said, don't be too concerned about what to do or say. Just be open and let the dialogue go where it needs to. You said you're a type A so try to check that a little and let things flow. Also be prepared to do some work when the time is right. Grief requires effort and so does grief counseling in order to move forward. Your therapist may be a perfect fit but if they aren't, try others till you find the right one.
~John

I was one of those people who thought therapy was only for weak minded people, just tell yourself to get over your problem and think it through, what is so hard about that?

I was an idiot.

I see my therapist every other week and cry like a baby most of time. But it sure does help. A good therapist helps put everything in perspective and also will show you ways of thinking about things that in your grief you would never have thought of. I also got homework, to do something fun for 2 hours prior to the next visit; basically put the grief aside for a bit and let yourself de-stress.
If you are religiously inclined, you can also attend a Griefshare group. It is 13 weeks long and I am on my 11th week and have found it extremely helpful. I found that having physical contact with people that are also grieving the loss of a loved one helps banish the loneliness. And over the last 11 weeks, we have all grown closer as a group, we actually laugh a lot more than we cry now.

TL:DR Therapy, however you get it, is beneficial.

I went to therapy 1-1 and group therapy exclusive to widow's and widower's through hospice. You don't have to use hospice end of life care to be included. It was wonderful. My individual therapist listened to me and gave me options that I never thought of. The group was one that became my friend for many years. There's a bond that formed between us. From there I continued with visiting here where I now am a community leader where I have the privilege of speaking with others. Sharon

I had individual counseling through my Employee Assistance Program at work, so it was free. I had seen the therapist before because of stress related to my kids (they are both on the autism spectrum), and we were on good terms. Therapy was my private place to scream and cry and rant and rave. I needed that.

Counseling was vital to my healing. My sons had counseling, too, the older one with the same therapist (also free) and the younger one got it through the school psychologist and his guidance counselor, so his was also free.

Counseling is not a forever thing. You go as long as you feel it's necessary, and later you can go back when you feel you need to. Counseling gives you the tools to take care of yourself and work through it. It is one piece of the puzzle - there will be others - but I recommend some kind of therapy for everyone.

Don't be afraid. It will be all right. And if you can't stand the first one you try, try another. It's like any other profession or trade - there are good ones and not-so-good ones, and it's fine to try another if the first one doesn't click for you.

Let us know how you get on.

Love and Hugs,
Martha