Counselors in Denmark struggle to support grieving students, survey reveals

Many school counselors in Denmark are unsure how to support grieving students, according to a recent survey. Out of 178 counselors surveyed, three-quarters expressed that they lack the necessary knowledge and skills to assist young people dealing with loss. Martin Lytje, a psychologist, notes that counselors can be a crucial source of support since grieving students often face challenges such as reduced motivation, concentration issues, and increased absenteeism.

Sara Sønderskov from Copenhagen experienced this firsthand when her father passed away shortly after she started her first year of high school. While she received excellent support from her counselor at Sankt Annæ Gymnasium, not all students are so fortunate. Sara described the initial feelings of loneliness, confusion, and sadness she experienced. Her counselor provided her with warmth and reassurance, which alleviated her worries about school-related issues.

To effectively communicate with grieving students, counselors are advised to allow them the space to express their feelings, demonstrate trust in their intention to succeed academically despite current challenges, show understanding of their crisis, and focus on finding solutions to their problems.

However, only 29% of counselors feel they have sufficient time to adequately support their students. Lytje emphasized the importance of counselors being available to help grieving students feel heard and alleviate some academic pressure during their difficult period.

Sara believes schools must take responsibility for providing strong support to grieving students, suggesting that accommodating their needs is essential for helping them navigate their educational journey successfully.