Grief Therapists in Mission, BC

Photo of Dawn Selena Buckley - Soulful Solutions Counselling & Consultancy, BSc Hon, MA, RCC, Counsellor
Soulful Solutions Counselling & Consultancy
Counsellor, BSc Hon, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
Mission, BC V2V
I offer a very compassionate, non-invasive, non-judgmental style of counselling that comes from humble roots and my own spiritual path of grief and loss.
Sometimes life can feel hectic and overwhelming. Whether you're experiencing depression, anxiety, loneliness, addiction, divorce, injustice, stagnant decision-making, lack of coping, grief or loss, I am here to help. You seek harmony, you seek emotional equilibrium, and most of all you seek peace. I understand the intense difficulties of life you may be facing, and can help you shift from a place of suffering to a place of rational calm to help you manouvre through the storm you are feeling. In the words of Rumi, "Do not feel lonely, the entire universe is inside you," and I can help you find new opportunities to feel better.
I offer a very compassionate, non-invasive, non-judgmental style of counselling that comes from humble roots and my own spiritual path of grief and loss.
Sometimes life can feel hectic and overwhelming. Whether you're experiencing depression, anxiety, loneliness, addiction, divorce, injustice, stagnant decision-making, lack of coping, grief or loss, I am here to help. You seek harmony, you seek emotional equilibrium, and most of all you seek peace. I understand the intense difficulties of life you may be facing, and can help you shift from a place of suffering to a place of rational calm to help you manouvre through the storm you are feeling. In the words of Rumi, "Do not feel lonely, the entire universe is inside you," and I can help you find new opportunities to feel better.
(604) 200-4102 View (604) 200-4102
Photo of Victoria Anne Fryer, BA Psyc, MACP, RCC, Counsellor
Victoria Anne Fryer
Counsellor, BA Psyc, MACP, RCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Mission, BC V2V
People seek counselling for a variety of reasons and I value each and every client for their unique experiences. Change can be scary but sometimes is needed. This change can come for a variety of reasons such as sadness, pain, loss, hope, love, and determination. I admire the strength, skills, and abilities clients develop over time throughout their therapeutic process. I have worked with clients with grief and loss, addiction, depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia, building confidence, sport psychology, caregiver burnout/compassion-fatigue, sex therapy, and intimacy work. I am LGBTQIA2S+ as well as kink positive.
People seek counselling for a variety of reasons and I value each and every client for their unique experiences. Change can be scary but sometimes is needed. This change can come for a variety of reasons such as sadness, pain, loss, hope, love, and determination. I admire the strength, skills, and abilities clients develop over time throughout their therapeutic process. I have worked with clients with grief and loss, addiction, depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia, building confidence, sport psychology, caregiver burnout/compassion-fatigue, sex therapy, and intimacy work. I am LGBTQIA2S+ as well as kink positive.
(365) 658-1880 View (365) 658-1880
Photo of Melanie Gaudet, RN, RCC, MACP, Counsellor
Melanie Gaudet
Counsellor, RN, RCC, MACP
Verified Verified
Mission, BC V2V
I specialize in anxiety, depression, perinatal mental health, intimate partner violence, substance use, grief and trauma.
Hello! I am here to support you in becoming the truest, healthiest version of yourself. I use a gentle, compassionate approach to guide you towards deep self-reflection and growth. Seeking help takes courage and I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to support you in your journey. I draw from a variety of approaches, and will work together with you to find a treatment plan that is unique to you.
I specialize in anxiety, depression, perinatal mental health, intimate partner violence, substance use, grief and trauma.
Hello! I am here to support you in becoming the truest, healthiest version of yourself. I use a gentle, compassionate approach to guide you towards deep self-reflection and growth. Seeking help takes courage and I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to support you in your journey. I draw from a variety of approaches, and will work together with you to find a treatment plan that is unique to you.
(867) 988-4240 View (867) 988-4240
Photo of Kayla Claire Schuurmans, RCC, MA, Counsellor
Kayla Claire Schuurmans
Counsellor, RCC, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Mission, BC V2V  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I have taken extra training in trauma, bereavement, depression, anxiety, anger management, and more.
Situations can come up that are overwhelming and debilitating; this does not mean you are weak or lesser than for struggling with your mental health. My approach is to work on a style of therapy most applicable to you. For these reasons and more I don't rely on one tool or model of therapy. My method is to trickle in different areas of psychology simultaneously. If something isn't working for you we implement another strategy. The goal is to get to the heart of what is distressing you and what is preventing you from living a life more in line with your goals and values.
I have taken extra training in trauma, bereavement, depression, anxiety, anger management, and more.
Situations can come up that are overwhelming and debilitating; this does not mean you are weak or lesser than for struggling with your mental health. My approach is to work on a style of therapy most applicable to you. For these reasons and more I don't rely on one tool or model of therapy. My method is to trickle in different areas of psychology simultaneously. If something isn't working for you we implement another strategy. The goal is to get to the heart of what is distressing you and what is preventing you from living a life more in line with your goals and values.
(825) 251-9080 View (825) 251-9080
Photo of Tanya Tomsic - Epiphany Counselling, MACP, Counsellor
Epiphany Counselling
Counsellor, MACP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Mission, BC V2V  (Online Only)
I have a strong background in crisis intervention, first responder critical incident stress management, grief and loss, and working with individuals with special needs/acquired brain injury and their caregivers.
Preferring a client-centered approach, I am flexible with the modalities used in my counselling practice and can tailor the session structure to suit my client's needs. I frequently offer support in areas of anxiety, caregiver burnout, self-esteem, trauma and grief & loss. Whatever you may be going through, my job is to offer you support, education, and practical skills to help you progress from surviving and coping to thriving. I believe my clients are the experts of their own experience; my role is to help you navigate towards those "Aha!" moments.
I have a strong background in crisis intervention, first responder critical incident stress management, grief and loss, and working with individuals with special needs/acquired brain injury and their caregivers.
Preferring a client-centered approach, I am flexible with the modalities used in my counselling practice and can tailor the session structure to suit my client's needs. I frequently offer support in areas of anxiety, caregiver burnout, self-esteem, trauma and grief & loss. Whatever you may be going through, my job is to offer you support, education, and practical skills to help you progress from surviving and coping to thriving. I believe my clients are the experts of their own experience; my role is to help you navigate towards those "Aha!" moments.
(825) 485-4292 View (825) 485-4292
Photo of Catherine Farrell, RPC-C, Counsellor
Catherine Farrell
Counsellor, RPC-C
Verified Verified
Mission, BC V2V
I have a background with: Hospice in Grief and Bereavement, Career Counselling / Work Life Balance, Stress & Coping Strategies for Overwhelm Anxiety & Depression, Relationship issues and Trauma.
The overwhelm of life can catch up to us all at times. You may have found yourself with more questions than answers lately. Perhaps your life stressors are taking up more space than usual, causing anxiety, depression or a general feeling of overwhelm. Maybe you are experiencing negative self esteem, grief, trauma or complex life milestone issues. You want to be in a more grounded space with the confidence to make decisions and become a better participant in your own life. You want to be able to better regulate those stressors in your life and get back to the carefree, confident person you know you can be. Let's get started.
I have a background with: Hospice in Grief and Bereavement, Career Counselling / Work Life Balance, Stress & Coping Strategies for Overwhelm Anxiety & Depression, Relationship issues and Trauma.
The overwhelm of life can catch up to us all at times. You may have found yourself with more questions than answers lately. Perhaps your life stressors are taking up more space than usual, causing anxiety, depression or a general feeling of overwhelm. Maybe you are experiencing negative self esteem, grief, trauma or complex life milestone issues. You want to be in a more grounded space with the confidence to make decisions and become a better participant in your own life. You want to be able to better regulate those stressors in your life and get back to the carefree, confident person you know you can be. Let's get started.
(226) 780-4021 View (226) 780-4021
Photo of Ben Blackman - Gotham Counselling, RPC-C
Gotham Counselling
Registered Professional Counsellor Candidate, RPC-C
Verified Verified
Mission, BC V2V
I also specialize in grief, and help with issues surrounding dying, death, and loss.
I enjoy connecting with people by providing a safe space for them to share their thoughts and feelings. We will work together to overcome the challenges of the past, and take steps together to shape the future with what works best for you. Sometimes it can be a crisis that makes you seek out counselling, in working together, you will discover that the crisis may have been exactly what was needed to help you make some important changes to improve your life. Taking the first step in asking for help takes tremendous courage, the next step typically includes finding the right counsellor for you.
I also specialize in grief, and help with issues surrounding dying, death, and loss.
I enjoy connecting with people by providing a safe space for them to share their thoughts and feelings. We will work together to overcome the challenges of the past, and take steps together to shape the future with what works best for you. Sometimes it can be a crisis that makes you seek out counselling, in working together, you will discover that the crisis may have been exactly what was needed to help you make some important changes to improve your life. Taking the first step in asking for help takes tremendous courage, the next step typically includes finding the right counsellor for you.
(249) 508-5909 View (249) 508-5909
Photo of Melissa Sunga, BA Psyc, MACP, RCC, Counsellor
Melissa Sunga
Counsellor, BA Psyc, MACP, RCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Mission, BC V2V
Now I work with much more such as trauma-related issues, grief and loss, and relationships.
“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”- Aristotle. My goal is to assist my clients in discovering the versions of themselves they aspire to become. In doing so, I work with my clients to understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours so that they can go forward and make changes that can improve their lives meaningfully and positively. My passion is to help my clients to feel supported, validated, and understood, with a more precise grasp of their challenges and everything that goes along. I prioritize the relationship between the therapist and the client and our teamwork when working with clients.
Now I work with much more such as trauma-related issues, grief and loss, and relationships.
“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”- Aristotle. My goal is to assist my clients in discovering the versions of themselves they aspire to become. In doing so, I work with my clients to understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours so that they can go forward and make changes that can improve their lives meaningfully and positively. My passion is to help my clients to feel supported, validated, and understood, with a more precise grasp of their challenges and everything that goes along. I prioritize the relationship between the therapist and the client and our teamwork when working with clients.
(873) 301-0096 View (873) 301-0096
Photo of Heather Burke, PhD, Psychologist
Heather Burke
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Mission, BC V2V
I am a Registered Psychologist in BC (1691) and I have twenty years experience. I have an office in Mission, BC. I provide compassionate and effective therapy for issues such as depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorders, addictions, self harm, grief, abuse, health and fitness, aging, life transitions, caregiver stress, dementia, special needs (such as FASD, autism spectrum, etc.). Counselling primarily involves developing a trusting relationship, understanding/exploring what challenges you face, and together, figuring out which approach works best for you and your concerns in effecting positive change in your life.
I am a Registered Psychologist in BC (1691) and I have twenty years experience. I have an office in Mission, BC. I provide compassionate and effective therapy for issues such as depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorders, addictions, self harm, grief, abuse, health and fitness, aging, life transitions, caregiver stress, dementia, special needs (such as FASD, autism spectrum, etc.). Counselling primarily involves developing a trusting relationship, understanding/exploring what challenges you face, and together, figuring out which approach works best for you and your concerns in effecting positive change in your life.
(778) 200-2394 View (778) 200-2394
Photo of Imraan Gazdar, MSW, BSW, BSc, RSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Imraan Gazdar
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, BSW, BSc, RSW
Verified Verified
Mission, BC V2V
Imraan specializes in addressing anxiety, depression, anger, grief & loss, trauma, relationship and family conflict, and communication challenges using various therapeutic frameworks, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Theory, and Trauma-informed approach.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression anger, grief & loss, or a difficult life transition? Imraan can help you gain clarity and resolve these issues with a compassionate and non-judgmental approach. With over 10 years of counselling experience, Imraan offers a safe, confidential and supportive environment to collaboratively address your challenges through a personalized counselling plan. Imraan is experienced in helping clients from diverse backgrounds, including Indigenous, immigrant and refugee populations, using a flexible approach that fits your needs (in-person/online).
Imraan specializes in addressing anxiety, depression, anger, grief & loss, trauma, relationship and family conflict, and communication challenges using various therapeutic frameworks, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Theory, and Trauma-informed approach.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression anger, grief & loss, or a difficult life transition? Imraan can help you gain clarity and resolve these issues with a compassionate and non-judgmental approach. With over 10 years of counselling experience, Imraan offers a safe, confidential and supportive environment to collaboratively address your challenges through a personalized counselling plan. Imraan is experienced in helping clients from diverse backgrounds, including Indigenous, immigrant and refugee populations, using a flexible approach that fits your needs (in-person/online).
(867) 992-3044 View (867) 992-3044
Photo of Joshua Dahl, BSW, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Joshua Dahl
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Mission, BC V4S
As a social worker and counsellor for many years I have walked with people as they have journeyed through grief and loss, processed trauma, and learned to think differently about anxiety and depression. If you are interested in making a change in your life or working through challenging past events, please reach out.
As a social worker and counsellor for many years I have walked with people as they have journeyed through grief and loss, processed trauma, and learned to think differently about anxiety and depression. If you are interested in making a change in your life or working through challenging past events, please reach out.
(579) 798-7018 View (579) 798-7018
Photo of Renee Reusz, RPC-C, C-IAYT, BSc, Counsellor
Renee Reusz
Counsellor, RPC-C, C-IAYT, BSc
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mission, BC V2V
Navigating life-change, loss/trauma, and self-esteem is my passion.
Do you struggle with feeling disconnected from yourself and others? Do you put your needs at the bottom of the to-do list? Do you wonder if old wounds limit your ability to show up fully in life? Now more than ever, individuals are feeling anxious, overwhelmed and uncertain about how they are supposed to manage their relationships, careers and their lives. Pushing away your needs and not taking time for yourself can lead to long-term issues for your mind and body, but there is hope and answers.
Navigating life-change, loss/trauma, and self-esteem is my passion.
Do you struggle with feeling disconnected from yourself and others? Do you put your needs at the bottom of the to-do list? Do you wonder if old wounds limit your ability to show up fully in life? Now more than ever, individuals are feeling anxious, overwhelmed and uncertain about how they are supposed to manage their relationships, careers and their lives. Pushing away your needs and not taking time for yourself can lead to long-term issues for your mind and body, but there is hope and answers.
(782) 800-5518 View (782) 800-5518
Photo of Iosif Oros, BA, MC, RCC, Counsellor
Iosif Oros
Counsellor, BA, MC, RCC
Verified Verified
Mission, BC V2V
I am skilled in several types of therapy, including CBT, MI, Grief Therapy, and SFBT.
As a counsellor, I am dedicated to empowering my clients to recognize and utilize their inner strengths and help them develop effective coping strategies. Through this process, individuals can gain a deeper insight into themselves and their experiences, leading to personal growth and positive change. This means that my counselling is not just about addressing immediate issues but about fostering long-term personal growth and positive change
I am skilled in several types of therapy, including CBT, MI, Grief Therapy, and SFBT.
As a counsellor, I am dedicated to empowering my clients to recognize and utilize their inner strengths and help them develop effective coping strategies. Through this process, individuals can gain a deeper insight into themselves and their experiences, leading to personal growth and positive change. This means that my counselling is not just about addressing immediate issues but about fostering long-term personal growth and positive change
(807) 809-9967 View (807) 809-9967
Photo of Ginna Abramovitch, MA, RCC-ACS, Counsellor
Ginna Abramovitch
Counsellor, MA, RCC-ACS
Verified Verified
Mission, BC V2V
Are you looking for support for yourself, your family, your relationship, or your child/children? You may be certain of what you need or just have a sense of being unwell. We can work through worries and fears, low mood, anger and irritability, fatigue, poor focus, disrupted sleep (including insomnia and nightmares), life stressors and more. If you know (or suspect) that you struggle with anxiety, depression, substance use or mental illness, we can work together to meet your needs. We can tackle grief, loss and trauma, in a way that is structured (contained), at your pace and when you feel safe to do so.
Are you looking for support for yourself, your family, your relationship, or your child/children? You may be certain of what you need or just have a sense of being unwell. We can work through worries and fears, low mood, anger and irritability, fatigue, poor focus, disrupted sleep (including insomnia and nightmares), life stressors and more. If you know (or suspect) that you struggle with anxiety, depression, substance use or mental illness, we can work together to meet your needs. We can tackle grief, loss and trauma, in a way that is structured (contained), at your pace and when you feel safe to do so.
(236) 900-4157 View (236) 900-4157
Photo of Clo Nickel - Anxiety Counselling Services- Clo Nickel, MPCC, RPC, MPCC, Counsellor
Anxiety Counselling Services- Clo Nickel, MPCC
Counsellor, RPC, MPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mission, BC V2V
Struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, panic attacks, OCD, grief & loss, life transitions or other life challenges? Take the first step towards healing through evidence-based strategies, and the deep work of core emotional processing. My therapeutic approach is person-centered, warm, compassionate, and uniquely understanding. During my career, I have been profoundly honoured to witness and help guide my clients to not only heal, but thrive and grow into their authentic selves.
Struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, panic attacks, OCD, grief & loss, life transitions or other life challenges? Take the first step towards healing through evidence-based strategies, and the deep work of core emotional processing. My therapeutic approach is person-centered, warm, compassionate, and uniquely understanding. During my career, I have been profoundly honoured to witness and help guide my clients to not only heal, but thrive and grow into their authentic selves.
(226) 210-0270 View (226) 210-0270
Photo of Manmeet Chhina, MEd, RCC, CCC, Counsellor
Manmeet Chhina
Counsellor, MEd, RCC, CCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mission, BC V2V
I have devoted my counselling journey to work in a variety of professional backgrounds, including non-profit organizations, a women’s sexual health clinic, crisis lines, and a Child and Youth Mental Health clinic. Additionally, I have served as a mediator and a mentor for high-risk youth at the Abbotsford Restorative Justice and Advocacy Association. These experiences have equipped me to offer valuable support to clients confronting a range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, grief, navigating the unique complexities of growing up with immigrant parents who have a different cultural mindset, life transitions, and more.
I have devoted my counselling journey to work in a variety of professional backgrounds, including non-profit organizations, a women’s sexual health clinic, crisis lines, and a Child and Youth Mental Health clinic. Additionally, I have served as a mediator and a mentor for high-risk youth at the Abbotsford Restorative Justice and Advocacy Association. These experiences have equipped me to offer valuable support to clients confronting a range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, grief, navigating the unique complexities of growing up with immigrant parents who have a different cultural mindset, life transitions, and more.
(613) 707-3527 View (613) 707-3527
Photo of Colleen Moffitt - Colleen Moffitt Counselling, MEd, RCC, Counsellor
Colleen Moffitt Counselling
Counsellor, MEd, RCC
Verified Verified
Mission, BC V2V
Life's journey is filled with twists, turns and challenges that can leave us feeling overwhelmed, confused or stuck. I am dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment and at your own pace. ​ Whether you're facing issues related to anxiety, stress, depression, grief or loss, self-esteem, relationships, life transitions, or seeking personal development, I am here to help you navigate and support you on your path to healing and personal growth. Together we will work to uncover your strengths and empower you to create meaningful change in your life.
Life's journey is filled with twists, turns and challenges that can leave us feeling overwhelmed, confused or stuck. I am dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment and at your own pace. ​ Whether you're facing issues related to anxiety, stress, depression, grief or loss, self-esteem, relationships, life transitions, or seeking personal development, I am here to help you navigate and support you on your path to healing and personal growth. Together we will work to uncover your strengths and empower you to create meaningful change in your life.
(249) 487-0614 View (249) 487-0614
Photo of Heidi Maxwell, MA, RCC
Heidi Maxwell
MA, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mission, BC V2V
I support clients with a wide range of concerns such as post-trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, life transitions, values-alignment, emotional development, and matters related to self-esteem, confidence, and empowerment.
Are you looking for a therapist who will accept you for who you are, right now, without judgement? Maybe you have long-term trauma that hasn't been addressed, or have parts of yourself that feel too shameful to speak about. I, too, have been there and realize how it is to feel vulnerable. With warmth and compassion, I will help you to address the vulnerable parts of yourself and look to your inner sense of knowing to bring them to light in a way that is trauma-informed and sensitive to your needs. I believe that only you what you truly need, and I can provide a supportive atmosphere for your self-work.
I support clients with a wide range of concerns such as post-trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, life transitions, values-alignment, emotional development, and matters related to self-esteem, confidence, and empowerment.
Are you looking for a therapist who will accept you for who you are, right now, without judgement? Maybe you have long-term trauma that hasn't been addressed, or have parts of yourself that feel too shameful to speak about. I, too, have been there and realize how it is to feel vulnerable. With warmth and compassion, I will help you to address the vulnerable parts of yourself and look to your inner sense of knowing to bring them to light in a way that is trauma-informed and sensitive to your needs. I believe that only you what you truly need, and I can provide a supportive atmosphere for your self-work.
(782) 822-6509 View (782) 822-6509
Photo of Clo Nickel - Anxiety Counselling Services - Clo Nickel, MPCC, RPC, MPCC, Counsellor
Anxiety Counselling Services - Clo Nickel, MPCC
Counsellor, RPC, MPCC
Verified Verified
Mission, BC V2V
Struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, panic attacks, OCD, grief & loss, life transitions or other life challenges? Take the first step towards healing through evidence-based strategies, and the deep work of core emotional processing. My therapeutic approach is person-centered, warm, compassionate, and uniquely understanding. During my career, I have been profoundly honoured to witness and help guide my clients to not only heal, but thrive and grow into their authentic selves.
Struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, panic attacks, OCD, grief & loss, life transitions or other life challenges? Take the first step towards healing through evidence-based strategies, and the deep work of core emotional processing. My therapeutic approach is person-centered, warm, compassionate, and uniquely understanding. During my career, I have been profoundly honoured to witness and help guide my clients to not only heal, but thrive and grow into their authentic selves.
(778) 655-8600 View (778) 655-8600
Photo of Yoko Gifford, MCP-AT, RCC, CCC, Counsellor
Yoko Gifford
Counsellor, MCP-AT, RCC, CCC
Verified Verified
Mission, BC V2V
Perhaps, you’ve heard yourself say to yourself: • I’ve struggled with anxiety all my life. • I feel so overwhelmed with my emotions, I don't know what to do. • I’m tired of over-thinking. • I struggle with chronic pain, and I'm so tired of it. • I have so much built up anger. • I can see myself reacting the exact same way my parents did to me, and I want to break the cycle. You are not alone if you find yourself feeling this way. These are common painful human experiences. The truth is that we are not meant to carry pain, and I want to help carry it with you.
Perhaps, you’ve heard yourself say to yourself: • I’ve struggled with anxiety all my life. • I feel so overwhelmed with my emotions, I don't know what to do. • I’m tired of over-thinking. • I struggle with chronic pain, and I'm so tired of it. • I have so much built up anger. • I can see myself reacting the exact same way my parents did to me, and I want to break the cycle. You are not alone if you find yourself feeling this way. These are common painful human experiences. The truth is that we are not meant to carry pain, and I want to help carry it with you.
(226) 799-2149 View (226) 799-2149
1

See more therapy options for Mission

Grief Counsellors

How long does therapy take for grief?

There is no exact timeline for grief counseling. Some people may start to feel better after just a few sessions, while others may take months or longer to feel relief. Some specific approaches, including some types of CBT, may involve a set number of sessions, or therapy may be open-ended until the patient determines they are ready to wrap up. Just as there is no right or wrong way to grieve, there is no right or wrong way to seek therapy for grief.

When should you seek therapy for grief?

Many people mistakenly believe that their grief needs to be debilitating or all-encompassing to warrant therapy. This is not the case. While people who experience severe, prolonged grief—particularly those who are considering self-harm or engaging in unhealthy substance use—are especially likely to benefit from therapy, so too are people whose grief is less intense but still interfering with well-being or daily functioning. In practice, almost anyone struggling to process a loss could benefit from grief counseling.

Can grief be managed without therapy?

Oftentimes, yes. Grief is a near-universal part of being human, and many find that their grief, while profound, does not stop them from participating in day-to-day life and steadily eases over time without outside help. For others, however, the harsh pain of early grief persists for months or years or leaves them unable to function. This group is especially likely to benefit from seeing a therapist, who can guide them through their grief and help them reconnect with the world.

What happens if grief is left untreated?

Because grief does not in itself necessitate therapy, untreated grief will often resolve on its own. However, for some people—particularly those who would qualify for a diagnosis of prolonged grief disorder—untreated grief can be a source of seemingly endless pain or lead them to withdraw from the world. In such cases, treatment can be indispensable, as it can help an individual adapt to the loss and start living again.