Grief and Loss
Grief and loss are emotions that can strike each person many times during their life. Whether it’s loss of a job, precious possession or coping with the loss of someone that you love, how we cope with the loss is determined by many factors. Grief is a natural way for us to accept the reality of what has occurred.
Some feelings we may experience are sadness, anger, guilt, anxiety, loneliness, shock, helplessness, and even relief.
A funeral director is a person who holds a position unlike any other in the community. They are people whom you call on at a very emotional time. At Tony Hollands Funerals, we can refer, on request, individuals who want counselling or support to either a member of the clergy or a professional counsellor.
What to say to someone grieving?
It's often hard to know just what to say to someone who is grieving. The first step is not to think you must say something to cheer them up. It's perfectly normal for grieving people to feel sad, angry, numb, scared, or lonely.
Saying something like, ‘tell me how you’re feeling’ is simple, but can mean so much to someone who’s grieving. They often just need time to tell their story, someone to talk to and someone who'll let them share their feelings and memories.
- Do allow the person to cry and show how they feel, as grief is the same, although we all feel it differently - men and women, boys and girls, young and old.
- Don't say, ‘be brave’ or ‘be strong’, as this will encourage grieving people to bottle up their feelings.
- Do talk about the person who has died (cultural considerations here). Say their name and be willing to hear about the circumstances of the death. This all helps the reality of the loss to sink in, which is an important part of grieving.
- Don't say, ‘I know how you feel’ because we can never know exactly how they feel or fully understand all the things that are part of someone else's grief. Even if you have experienced loss yourself.
- Do offer practical help such as buying groceries, minding children, mowing lawns, doing the ironing or cooking meals - not for the days just after the death, but in the months ahead, as this is when the real effects of the death are often being felt.
- Don't forget special days like birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, etc. These can be very lonely when someone special has died. A card or phone call on a day like this could be just what the person needs at that time.
Bereavement Support & Grief Counselling Resources in Brisbane
Losing someone you love is one of life’s most challenging experiences, and grief doesn’t end when the funeral service is complete. At Tony Hollands Funerals, we believe supporting families extends far beyond the day of farewell. That’s why we’ve carefully curated connections with Brisbane’s most trusted bereavement support services, grief counsellors, and healing resources to help you navigate this difficult journey.
Supporting grieving Australians for almost 40 years.
At Griefline, they are dedicated to helping individuals navigate the complexities of grief and loss. They provide free, accessible support and resources to people across the country, anytime they need.
Amy is a qualified social worker and counsellor with 15 years of experience supporting families through loss and grief.
With six years working with the Coronial System, Amy has extensive experience supporting families who have faced sudden, unexpected, or traumatic death. She also worked in hospital settings including palliative care and bereavement services.
Amy’s gentle. Compassionate approach provides a safe space for families to process their grief authentically.
Mark is a Clinical Psychologist registered with AHPRA and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). He has experience in private practice, public health, and rehabilitation services, working with individuals aged 15 years and over.
Ladybird Care Foundation provides bereavement care that supports and empowers grieving families to find hope and purpose once again, creating pathways for healing.
Ali is a Registered Counsellor and Accredited Supervisor who specialises in Grief, Loss and Bereavement.
With over 10 years of clinical experience, Ali has supported individuals and families across Queensland through their most difficult times. Her extensive background includes work in oncology, palliative care, perinatal support, and supporting those impacted by traumatic and sudden loss.
Ali brings empathy, compassion, and sensitivity to every situation, understanding the unique challenges that grief presents.
Collaboraide Principal and Consultant in Thanatology Dr Leigh Donovan, is a thought leader in palliative care, loss, grief and bereavement, and social work leadership. Leigh has over 20 years’ experience in program and project management, policy, research and direct clinical positions in human services, health and higher education.
For compassionate help dealing with grief and loss, call us on 07 3392 9919 day or night, seven days a week.
Together, our team at Tony Hollands Funerals is more than just a group of professionals; we are a dedicated family committed to supporting your family. We stand ready to provide comprehensive care, respectful guidance, and a compassionate presence when you need it most. We are honoured to serve the Brisbane community and invite you to reach out to us with any questions or needs you may have. Your peace of mind is our priority.
