Prior to the appointment
In order to get a feeling for the person behind the inquiery, I would first like to schedule a telephone call.
In this conversation there is room for initial questions. 

For example: What exactly is the loss suffered, how long ago did this happen, is the loss due to a long illness or a sudden change. How about loved one/children, emotional safety net, religion, etc.
 

The preferred form of guidance is also discussed: do you require private counseling, or does it suit better to join a support group with fellow-sufferers (this is possible from 3 participants and up), or walking in the nearby forest. There's also the option of these sessions taking place at the clients home, but only  when there's a case of impaired mobility on the clients part. A choice is made and the first appointment is scheduled.
 

Intake

The first meeting is the intake session. During this sesion we explore what you have encountered during your loss and how it's impacting your life. This will also give us some short and long term focus in your grieving process. Together we will then investigate the need for help in whatever shape it presents itself.
Ofcourse the intake is also an introduction between you and me, as your counselor. It is very important that you feel safe with me. There must be a certain trust on which to built the process that follows. 
 

I am very aware that people seek me out during a very vulnerable time in their lives. Their loss has changed everything so much and the realisation that it'll never be the same again can be daunting. So you feeling safe and comfortable in my presence provides stability and that is important to me. If the intake/introduction goes well, a follow-up date will be planned.

Session

I have deliberately chosen the duration of 90 minutes per session. Through this we create a calm atmosphere in which you can first recoperate from your travels.  Of course with a cup of tea or coffee.
We then start the session: about how you are doing at that moment, what you have encountered recently or are having difficulty with. In this way the session gradually unfolds itself. You always control the pace of our conversations, just like how only you can experience the unique process of your loss. It's my privilge to walk with you through your grieving process and guide you to and through the wants and needs you may feel. Your perception is always key and dictates where our conversations lead. 
Remember that all grief is personal. The time and hard work needed also highly personal.

In the last 15 minutes or so of our session I summarize what we discussed. I do this partly to see whether everything that was bothering you has come to light, but also to see whether you are calm enough to return home safely. We can also plan a next appointment as needed.

Grief Recovery Support Group 

The loss of a loved one is extremely challenging. What helps the person left behind is to talk about it without having to take the emotions of others (family, children, etc.) into account. It can be so healing to share your feelings about your experciences with others who have suffered the same loss.
They understand better than anyone the emotions and powerlessness you feel in your grief.
 

The support group has least 3 people and a maximum of 6 people. I choose to work with a fixed group of participants that meet regurlarly (every week for 6 weeks in total).  In this way the group can get to know eachother during what can only be described as a challenging personal time, without the added unrest of new people being introduced during every group meeting.
This way of working also gives peace and stability to the support group. Meeting every week ensures that when there's many emotions, questions and experiences to be shared, a bond is created between the participants so that every person feels heard and supported.