The phenomenon of heeding consciousness is pivotal to working with clients in grief and loss. As is exploring our human capacity to create understandings of historical being. Philosophy and literature can be used to explore ways to discover what is immanent in the life of a counsellor who can be present with those who suffer grief and loss. The question of how to conduct and renew oneself as a grief and loss counsellor is indeed a forceful one. Questioning the intimate relationships that develop between heeding consciousness and historicity lead to questioning technique and theory in counselling. Grief and loss are ultimate situations in life. Another ultimate situation is being a counsellor in genuine conversation with clients; holding them in cupped hands.