Nicola, Volunteer Therapist tells us her experience of working with Children and Families in Grief. 

 

" I started volunteering with Children & Families in Grief (CFG) when I was coming to the end of the taught element of my Advanced Diploma. At this time, I was nearing completion of my 100 hours, so I had some experience of counselling adults in the counselling room.

 

I was keen to gain experience working with children and families, as this is an area I’m particularly interested in, and CFG had so much to offer volunteers, this felt like the perfect opportunity."

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"As a Volunteer Therapist, I have the privilege of going into the family home and working alongside the whole family, supporting them at a very difficult time. Providing a safe space for the family to remember their loved one and work through their grief feels extremely important and is very rewarding.

 

Working alongside a qualified and experienced counsellor also provides invaluable experience. This is quite different from providing individual counselling to adults in the counselling room; it is something I really enjoy and get so much from."

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"In addition to the family visits, there are family bereavement days, family social events, and the opportunity to support school groups. Volunteering at CFG provides such a different counselling experience; it has helped me to develop my skills and knowledge, and work more creatively. I also find it beneficial being part of a wider team and having that support, as counselling can sometimes feel isolating.

 

Since qualifying and starting my own private practice, I’ve continued to volunteer with CFG as I love the work and I feel like I’m making a real difference." 

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If you would like to volunteer with Children and Families in Grief, please get in touch to find out more.  We also run training for professionals, more here. 

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