by Pandora Hall

Created on: November 05, 2009   Last Updated: December 09, 2009

The role of a Funeral Director is an extremely important and often misunderstood one. A Funeral Director is normally the first person that an individual or family that has just experienced a loss will speak to. A survivor experiencing loss will no doubt have many questions that will go unanswered if it was not for the role of the Funeral Director. It is the job of the Funeral Director to provide counseling and to answer any questions the bereaved might have. A professional attitude and sympathy for those going through loss assist the Funeral Director in addressing any concerns with moral and ethical convictions so that the grieving and healing process may begin.

It is the duty of any Funeral Director to help a person or family in their difficult time of transition by taking care of as much of the funeral plans as they can and by making all of the necessary arrangements including filling out any paperwork so that the family does not have to be burdened by the experience any further. A Funeral Director assists a survivor or the survived family by referring them, when necessary, to other professionals when other types of assistance is needed, whether it be financial help, legal help, or psychological help.

A Funeral Director is not an Embalmer or doctor of any kind, but to gain a degree in Funeral Directory and Funeral Services, a brief course on Embalming is required. This is required so that the Funeral Director will understand every aspect of death, dying, loss and the grieving process.

Understanding the grieving process, or grief management, is a fundamental requirement and duty of any Funeral Director. A grieving person, or family, will come to terms with their loss and accept it quicker if they go through what is called Grief Management Counseling.

Grief Management Counseling helps the bereaved to understand why they feel the way they do about their loss. Many people go through the grieving experience differently, but for some the grieving process requires a bit more assistance. Those that are in denial or the numb or bargaining stage of their loss are less likely to accept what has happened. They are unable to grow from the experience and continue with their life in a positive way. Some grieve in a way that is harmful to them self by indulging in alcohol or drugs, or by becoming increasingly withdrawn from public situations or depressed. The role of a Funeral Director is especially vital to these type of individuals who require a bit more of this counseling to not only overcome their self-destructive habits but to come to terms with their loss.

The role of a Funeral Director is to help those who are dealing with the loss of a loved one whether it be in a direct or indirect manner. Each situation and person is treated on an individual basis with moral and ethical compassion. The Funeral Director is there to make the grieving process easier for those experiencing loss by removing all other concerns so that the healing process may take over. Don't be afraid to ask any question, or address any concern - a Funeral Director has your best interest in mind at your time of need.

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