A private, fee-paying service offering compassionate, confidential support after the loss of a loved one.
Losing someone important changes everything. Grief can be overwhelming, complex and deeply personal - and there’s no single “right” way to feel.
We offer one-to-one counselling in a safe, confidential space so you can:
At Lightwell Counselling, our experienced team of qualified bereavement counsellors are here to listen, support and walk alongside you in a way that feels comfortable and respectful. If you feel ready to talk, we’re here to listen.
Get in touchWe know the practicalities are important when you’re reaching out for help, and no referral is needed.
This service is open to anyone aged 18 or over who is struggling to cope with the loss of someone significant.
We can meet you in person at our offices in Southend-on-Sea, online via video link or by phone, whichever feels right for you.
Each counselling session is £50
Our team are fully trained, professionally registered counsellors with specialist experience in grief and loss - you’ll be matched with one counsellor who will work with you consistently.
If you feel ready to talk, we’re here to listen. You’re welcome to get in touch - there’s no obligation to proceed.
To begin the process, you can send an enquiry to our team online or call us during office hours on 01702 339977.
Get in touchYou’ll be supported by one of our qualified counsellors, all of whom have experience in bereavement and loss.
Lightwell Counselling is delivered by a small team of fully trained, professionally registered counsellors. Between them our counsellors have over 30 years of experience working with bereaved clients. Each counsellor brings experience of supporting people through a wide range of grief experiences, including sudden loss, death by suicide, and baby and child bereavement.
When you contact us, we’ll carefully match you with a counsellor based on your needs and preferences. You’ll work with the same counsellor throughout your sessions, helping you build a consistent, trusting relationship at your own pace.
Sometimes grief can feel overwhelming and as a counsellor I give you space to explore all your thoughts and emotions, which we can sometimes find hard to share with friends and family. Counselling can’t change your circumstances if you have been bereaved, but it can help you to find ways to cope with the different emotions that grief brings.
"It takes courage to come to counselling and to be honest about how you really feel, but many bereaved people will report that they have felt supported and listened to and that counselling has had a positive impact on their lives"
"I believe counselling can offer bereaved people a space that is just for them- somewhere to express feelings that may feel too heavy or difficult to share elsewhere. It can help reduce the sense of isolation that often comes with loss, support emotional understanding, and gently help people find a way forward that feels right for them, while honouring both their grief and their life beyond it."
"Not everybody who is bereaved needs counselling. However, some people feel that they are ‘stuck’ or that the grief is just too much for them to bear alone. Talking these feelings through with a trained counsellor in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space can really be beneficial."
"Counselling can help process the loss of a loved one. It can provide a space where feelings can be explored. Counsellors can normalise what the bereaved person is experiencing as much of what is experienced can seem far from normal."
"Counselling helps people to explore their memories, thoughts and feelings associated with their loss in a safe way."
Each counselling session is £50
Lightwell Counselling is a private, fee-paying service offered by Havens Hospices for people who want flexible, ongoing bereavement support and are able to self-fund. It is separate from the existing care and support provided to those using Havens Hospices charitable services.
Funds raised through Lightwell Counselling help support Havens Hospices’ free care services within our community — all profits support hospice care for people and families in Essex
No, you don’t need a referral from your GP or any other professional. You can contact Lightwell Counselling directly to arrange support.
Typically, we offer up to eight sessions.
To refer yourself to our counselling service, please complete our enquiry for here. We’ll contact you within 3 working days to discuss the next steps and how we can support you. Alternatively, you can call the team on 01702 339977.
Our service co-ordinator will contact you within three working days to find out more about you and explain the next steps, which will include arranging an initial introduction assessment with one of our counsellors.
Some private health insurance providers include cover for counselling or therapy sessions. This means you may be able to claim back some or all of the cost of your sessions.
We recommend checking directly with your insurer to understand what is included in your policy and whether a GP referral is required.
If you need any information from us to support your claim, our team will be happy to help.
Your counsellor will take time to understand what brings you to counselling and how we can best support you. There’s no pressure to share more than you’re ready for.
Yes — you can choose in-person, online or phone sessions based on what feels best for you
Yes — please let us know as soon as possible if your plans change. We ask for at least 48 hours’ notice.
Our offices are based at Fair Havens Hospice, 226 Priory Crescent, Southend on Sea, Essex SS2 6PR. Fair Havens has modern, accessible facilities and ample, free parking on site.
All our staff are qualified and professionally registered. Our counsellors are experienced in supporting people following bereavement. You will be allocated a counsellor, who you will see every session.
“Thank you for being with me through the darkest of times.”
