This response speaks solely to individual counseling,
Our current bereavement program offers individual bereavement counseling to our hospice patients' loved ones, Novant Health employees, and also community bereaved at no cost to the client for up to 13 months.
Counselors don't prescribe a frequency or limited number of sessions, working with clients in finding their own way without building co-dependent relationships, but also without trying to push them when they are not yet ready to take the next step. Some clients need support for the entire 13 months, some request a session or two, and others fall in between. Groups are offered when counselors deem clients appropriate.
Counselors provide professional disclosure statements during the initial session, and informs each client of our policy regarding not showing up for a session (no-shows) without notifying counselor in advance of the scheduled time - that the counselor will terminate services with client after three "no-shows."
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Wes Sturgis, LCSW,MSW
Bereavement Counselor
Novant Health Hospice & Palliative Care
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-23-2017 09:38
From: David Neese
Subject: Individual Counseling
Our patient census (ADC) is currently 450-475. We have about 3200-3500 deaths per year. We have six grief counselors on staff. We provide over 3,000 individual counseling sessions per year for over 700 individuals (average 4-5 sessions per client). 2/3 of our client base is hospice and 1/3 community (that's pretty consistent). Also support groups, 2 children's camps, a teen camp, monthly mailings (six mailings to each hospice family in the 13 months post-death), etc.
I am particularly interested in hearing what others are doing in terms of individual counseling and would appreciate hearing from you.
David
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David Neese
Bereavement Director
Alive Hospice
Nashville, TN
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