Grief Therapists in West Vancouver, BC

Photo of Ruta Yawney, MA, RCC, FAMI, Counsellor
Ruta Yawney
Counsellor, MA, RCC, FAMI
Verified Verified
West Vancouver, BC V7V  (Online Only)
Are you in need of someone to talk to? Do you face challenges with grief and loss, anxiety or substance use? I am here to support you. Many of my clients express a desire to find happiness, yet only 13% of people feel engaged in their daily work, according to a recent poll. I believe we must listen to our hearts and understand what they need to thrive. HOW we do that is through: Honesty, Openness and Willingness. In the words of John O’Donahue, “May you have the courage to listen to the yearning, trust the promise of this opening and discover that the one you long for, longs for you”.
Are you in need of someone to talk to? Do you face challenges with grief and loss, anxiety or substance use? I am here to support you. Many of my clients express a desire to find happiness, yet only 13% of people feel engaged in their daily work, according to a recent poll. I believe we must listen to our hearts and understand what they need to thrive. HOW we do that is through: Honesty, Openness and Willingness. In the words of John O’Donahue, “May you have the courage to listen to the yearning, trust the promise of this opening and discover that the one you long for, longs for you”.
(778) 771-3955 View (778) 771-3955
Photo of Alexandra Wilson, RTC, Counsellor
Alexandra Wilson
Counsellor, RTC
Verified Verified
West Vancouver, BC V7W  (Online Only)
My clients often deal with anxiety, NPE/NCE (non-parent/child expected), loss and grief (including pet loss) as well as other life challenges.
It's not easy taking that first step. You've probably been thinking about it for awhile. Opening up to a stranger, sharing personal thoughts and feelings, fear of being judged; these are some of the reasons people put off going for help. I get it! I'm here to give you a soft place to land, a place where you can speak and be heard, and to process your unique life experiences. Together, we can work on coping skills, grounding techniques or just talk it out, whatever you need to work through any challenging emotions in order to move towards healing.
My clients often deal with anxiety, NPE/NCE (non-parent/child expected), loss and grief (including pet loss) as well as other life challenges.
It's not easy taking that first step. You've probably been thinking about it for awhile. Opening up to a stranger, sharing personal thoughts and feelings, fear of being judged; these are some of the reasons people put off going for help. I get it! I'm here to give you a soft place to land, a place where you can speak and be heard, and to process your unique life experiences. Together, we can work on coping skills, grounding techniques or just talk it out, whatever you need to work through any challenging emotions in order to move towards healing.
(249) 503-3645 View (249) 503-3645
Photo of Dr. Margaret Drewlo, RPsych, Psychologist
Dr. Margaret Drewlo
Psychologist, RPsych
Verified Verified
West Vancouver, BC V7P  (Online Only)
I help provide people with the the tools to live through traumatic loss and other major life transitions.
All grief is not the same. You might think that you cannot survive your traumatic loss and life will never seem right again. You might think that the pain you are in now will never end. You wonder how other people get through the day. My clients seek to make sense of what has happened in their lives, to be understood and have a place of safety to explore new ways of living. Having helped clients in many areas of counselling and psychotherapy and with most age groups over the past 20 years, my experience is broad and deep. This informs my current work with clients, who like you, are looking for hope that life can get better.
I help provide people with the the tools to live through traumatic loss and other major life transitions.
All grief is not the same. You might think that you cannot survive your traumatic loss and life will never seem right again. You might think that the pain you are in now will never end. You wonder how other people get through the day. My clients seek to make sense of what has happened in their lives, to be understood and have a place of safety to explore new ways of living. Having helped clients in many areas of counselling and psychotherapy and with most age groups over the past 20 years, my experience is broad and deep. This informs my current work with clients, who like you, are looking for hope that life can get better.
(604) 409-8957 View (604) 409-8957
Photo of Dr. Deb Cehak, MA, PsyD, Counsellor
Dr. Deb Cehak
Counsellor, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
West Vancouver, BC V7P
I have a particular focus on grief and working with parents, children, adolescents, and families.
I am a narrative trained therapist who believes in collaboration, curiosity, and respect. When dilemmas and obstacles grow big enough, they can come to dominate our lives, pulling us towards dark ideas and stories in which we can feel hopeless, lost, scared, and disconnected. It is my aim as a therapist to work with clients to identify the challenges in their lives and explore how to move into more spaces of joy and preferred ways of living.
I have a particular focus on grief and working with parents, children, adolescents, and families.
I am a narrative trained therapist who believes in collaboration, curiosity, and respect. When dilemmas and obstacles grow big enough, they can come to dominate our lives, pulling us towards dark ideas and stories in which we can feel hopeless, lost, scared, and disconnected. It is my aim as a therapist to work with clients to identify the challenges in their lives and explore how to move into more spaces of joy and preferred ways of living.
(289) 301-8843 View (289) 301-8843
Photo of Julie Hughes, BSSc, RPC, SEP, Counsellor
Julie Hughes
Counsellor, BSSc, RPC, SEP
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
West Vancouver, BC V7V
I specialize in relationship counselling, trauma and grief and loss, however, my practice encompasses much more.
I am a trauma informed Registered Counsellor and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner with over 15 years experience working with couples, individuals and families. I work within the framework of Somatic Experiencing, Attachment based counselling, Emotionally Focused Therapy and Family Systems Theory. I work at the level of the nervous system to help people heal from chronic stress, attachment wounding and trauma through building more capacity, resilience and flexibility in the body, mind and spirit. I have recently completed my training in Advanced Somatic Experiencing and continue to do further training in Somatics.
I specialize in relationship counselling, trauma and grief and loss, however, my practice encompasses much more.
I am a trauma informed Registered Counsellor and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner with over 15 years experience working with couples, individuals and families. I work within the framework of Somatic Experiencing, Attachment based counselling, Emotionally Focused Therapy and Family Systems Theory. I work at the level of the nervous system to help people heal from chronic stress, attachment wounding and trauma through building more capacity, resilience and flexibility in the body, mind and spirit. I have recently completed my training in Advanced Somatic Experiencing and continue to do further training in Somatics.
(604) 706-1764 View (604) 706-1764
Photo of Claire Yangxiezi Cao, MC, Counsellor
Claire Yangxiezi Cao
Counsellor, MC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Vancouver, BC V7P
I hold a profound belief in the inherent wisdom, resilience, and self-actualization potential within every individual. With a compassionate, client-centered and trauma-informed approach, my goal is to cultivate a safe, authentic, and non-judgmental environment where clients can embark on their personal journey of healing, growth, and self-discovery. My areas of expertise encompass childhood and intergenerational trauma, attachment and inner child work, family and relationship issues, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, anger management, self-harm, self-esteem, gender identity, and coping with life transitions.
I hold a profound belief in the inherent wisdom, resilience, and self-actualization potential within every individual. With a compassionate, client-centered and trauma-informed approach, my goal is to cultivate a safe, authentic, and non-judgmental environment where clients can embark on their personal journey of healing, growth, and self-discovery. My areas of expertise encompass childhood and intergenerational trauma, attachment and inner child work, family and relationship issues, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, anger management, self-harm, self-esteem, gender identity, and coping with life transitions.
(236) 239-0339 View (236) 239-0339
Photo of Lisa Woolgar - Lisa Woolgar Counselling, MEd, RCC, RP, Registered Psychotherapist
Lisa Woolgar Counselling
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, RCC, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Vancouver, BC V7W
Waitlist for new clients
I'm a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) in BC, a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) in ON, and was a Sessional Instructor at U of Guelph who specialises in somatic counselling approaches to grief, trauma, anxiety, and relationship issues.
I'm a counsellor with over 12 years of experience and specialized training in supporting people through complex grief, trauma, anxiety/depression, and relationship challenges, including LGBTQIA2S+, BIPOC, and non-monogamous people's lived experiences. I'm accepting new clients for individual in-person sessions in Vancouver and Squamish, and online sessions from anywhere in BC/ON. If you're grieving a major loss, facing big life transitions, trauma, anxiety, depression, overwhelming emotions, relationship issues, or are seeking deeper balance, meaning and purpose in your life, don't hesitate to reach out for support!
I'm a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) in BC, a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) in ON, and was a Sessional Instructor at U of Guelph who specialises in somatic counselling approaches to grief, trauma, anxiety, and relationship issues.
I'm a counsellor with over 12 years of experience and specialized training in supporting people through complex grief, trauma, anxiety/depression, and relationship challenges, including LGBTQIA2S+, BIPOC, and non-monogamous people's lived experiences. I'm accepting new clients for individual in-person sessions in Vancouver and Squamish, and online sessions from anywhere in BC/ON. If you're grieving a major loss, facing big life transitions, trauma, anxiety, depression, overwhelming emotions, relationship issues, or are seeking deeper balance, meaning and purpose in your life, don't hesitate to reach out for support!
(226) 406-5969 View (226) 406-5969
Photo of Helen Whitehead - Helen Whitehead Counselling, MC, RCC, Counsellor
Helen Whitehead Counselling
Counsellor, MC, RCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
West Vancouver, BC V7P
I provide a caring and non-judgmental space in which you can experience in depth therapy to process pain or grief that perhaps needs attention and bring awareness and strategies to the present day so that you can live the life that you want.
Hello and welcome :) I specialize in working with folks who have experienced trauma, grief, and/or challenging family dynamics. Perhaps you've been noticing that the past is showing up in your present day romantic relationships/friendships or perhaps family relationships are still causing pain for you. I am an experienced Registered Clinical Counsellor accepting clients for online video therapy and telephone counselling throughout BC and limited in-person sessions in North Vancouver and West Kelowna.
I provide a caring and non-judgmental space in which you can experience in depth therapy to process pain or grief that perhaps needs attention and bring awareness and strategies to the present day so that you can live the life that you want.
Hello and welcome :) I specialize in working with folks who have experienced trauma, grief, and/or challenging family dynamics. Perhaps you've been noticing that the past is showing up in your present day romantic relationships/friendships or perhaps family relationships are still causing pain for you. I am an experienced Registered Clinical Counsellor accepting clients for online video therapy and telephone counselling throughout BC and limited in-person sessions in North Vancouver and West Kelowna.
(778) 766-4872 View (778) 766-4872
Photo of Suzanne St John Smith, MA, CCC, Counsellor
Suzanne St John Smith
Counsellor, MA, CCC
Verified Verified
West Vancouver, BC V7V
Hello, I'm a West Vancouver psychotherapist in private practice serving West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, and Metro Vancouver. I offer counselling and psychotherapy services to individuals, couples, and families. Practice areas include relationship counseling, depression, anxiety, grief counseling, sexuality, separation & divorce, anger management, and mid-life issues.
Hello, I'm a West Vancouver psychotherapist in private practice serving West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, and Metro Vancouver. I offer counselling and psychotherapy services to individuals, couples, and families. Practice areas include relationship counseling, depression, anxiety, grief counseling, sexuality, separation & divorce, anger management, and mid-life issues.
(866) 775-9233 View (866) 775-9233
Photo of Traci Osullivan, MA, Counsellor
Traci Osullivan
Counsellor, MA
Verified Verified
West Vancouver, BC V7V
I work with a broad range of individuals and issues : Depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/ loss, and relational issues.
Psychodynamic/ Jungian/ Psychoanalytic /Object relations and Family systems theories inform my work. I have been involved in the study and practice of psychology since 1984. My M.A. is in Clinical Psychology and I have 3 years of additional study in Clinical Psychology with a focus in Depth Psychology. Clients will explore current circumstances as well as how generational influences and relationships have impacted their way of viewing the world. I encourage exploration of patterns as well as dream work to engage deeper unconscious processes.
I work with a broad range of individuals and issues : Depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/ loss, and relational issues.
Psychodynamic/ Jungian/ Psychoanalytic /Object relations and Family systems theories inform my work. I have been involved in the study and practice of psychology since 1984. My M.A. is in Clinical Psychology and I have 3 years of additional study in Clinical Psychology with a focus in Depth Psychology. Clients will explore current circumstances as well as how generational influences and relationships have impacted their way of viewing the world. I encourage exploration of patterns as well as dream work to engage deeper unconscious processes.
(778) 766-3905 View (778) 766-3905
Photo of Negar Parsa, RTC, MA, Counsellor
Negar Parsa
Counsellor, RTC, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Vancouver, BC V7V  (Online Only)
I know there are times when it feels as if you are sitting in a dark space, waiting for a glimpse of joy. You may be seeking it in your job, income, relationships, or a variety of other external sources; and yet, it seems unreachable. Growing up with several traumas and experiencing severe depression led me to seek my identity in a high profile title in society. As a lawyer with a Master’s degree, I was not happy. Then I faced the tragic loss of my beloved friend. This pain, shook my belief system: How could I live, despite life's difficulties? Life showed me that painful experiences will always open doors to new paths.
I know there are times when it feels as if you are sitting in a dark space, waiting for a glimpse of joy. You may be seeking it in your job, income, relationships, or a variety of other external sources; and yet, it seems unreachable. Growing up with several traumas and experiencing severe depression led me to seek my identity in a high profile title in society. As a lawyer with a Master’s degree, I was not happy. Then I faced the tragic loss of my beloved friend. This pain, shook my belief system: How could I live, despite life's difficulties? Life showed me that painful experiences will always open doors to new paths.
View
Photo of Heather Aikman, MA, RCC, Counsellor
Heather Aikman
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
West Vancouver, BC V7V
I have extensive knowledge of working with individuals, relationships, and children navigating trauma-related challenges, childhood suffering, anxiety, ADHD, depression, grief, and loss.
My warm and pragmatic approach supports clients in moving from a self-limiting pattern of behaviour to a space of self-awareness and efficacy. I offer a non-judgmental environment where concerns are addressed with compassion and respect. I assist individuals, families, and relationships in clarifying their personal insights and developing deeper perspectives about their own challenges. Through my wealth of experience and advanced expertise, I support clients by providing tools and strategies unique to their individualized needs.
I have extensive knowledge of working with individuals, relationships, and children navigating trauma-related challenges, childhood suffering, anxiety, ADHD, depression, grief, and loss.
My warm and pragmatic approach supports clients in moving from a self-limiting pattern of behaviour to a space of self-awareness and efficacy. I offer a non-judgmental environment where concerns are addressed with compassion and respect. I assist individuals, families, and relationships in clarifying their personal insights and developing deeper perspectives about their own challenges. Through my wealth of experience and advanced expertise, I support clients by providing tools and strategies unique to their individualized needs.
(604) 644-7449 View (604) 644-7449
Photo of Alexandra Vittes, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Alexandra Vittes
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
West Vancouver, BC V7W  (Online Only)
I enjoy helping people with a broad range of concerns including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief, loss, and relationship difficulties, and have a particular interest in working with clients dealing with the often overwhelming stresses of starting a new family. I employ a variety of approaches, but work primarily from a Relational Psychodynamic perspective. One of the distinguishing characteristics of this method is the way in which it uses the relationship between therapist and client as an opportunity for healing and growth.
I enjoy helping people with a broad range of concerns including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief, loss, and relationship difficulties, and have a particular interest in working with clients dealing with the often overwhelming stresses of starting a new family. I employ a variety of approaches, but work primarily from a Relational Psychodynamic perspective. One of the distinguishing characteristics of this method is the way in which it uses the relationship between therapist and client as an opportunity for healing and growth.
(249) 496-3005 View (249) 496-3005
Photo of Angela Merasty, MSW, RSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Angela Merasty
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Vancouver, BC V7P
I specialize in helping youth (14+) and adults address unresolved inner or outer conflict that may be manifesting in emotional pain or impacting wellness. I have helped clients experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, substance use, and trauma. As well as with self-esteem, boundaries and achieving more healthy communication. I have also helped individuals walk through complex concurrent struggles with substance use and mental or emotional challenges.
I specialize in helping youth (14+) and adults address unresolved inner or outer conflict that may be manifesting in emotional pain or impacting wellness. I have helped clients experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, substance use, and trauma. As well as with self-esteem, boundaries and achieving more healthy communication. I have also helped individuals walk through complex concurrent struggles with substance use and mental or emotional challenges.
(226) 840-6211 View (226) 840-6211
Photo of Naz Alavi, MA, RCC, CCC, Counsellor
Naz Alavi
Counsellor, MA, RCC, CCC
Verified Verified
West Vancouver, BC V7V
Are you feeling anxious, stressed, or unfulfilled? As a therapist, I offer a compassionate and supportive space for you to explore these feelings and discover effective tools to overcome them. Together, we can uncover the roots of your challenges and guide you toward living your most authentic and fulfilling life. I specialize in helping clients with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, stress, relationship issues, grief, anger management, and more. I believe you already possess the inner wisdom to achieve well-being and happiness. My role is to illuminate your strengths and support you in making positive changes. By raising awarenes
Are you feeling anxious, stressed, or unfulfilled? As a therapist, I offer a compassionate and supportive space for you to explore these feelings and discover effective tools to overcome them. Together, we can uncover the roots of your challenges and guide you toward living your most authentic and fulfilling life. I specialize in helping clients with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, stress, relationship issues, grief, anger management, and more. I believe you already possess the inner wisdom to achieve well-being and happiness. My role is to illuminate your strengths and support you in making positive changes. By raising awarenes
(289) 460-3428 View (289) 460-3428
Photo of Anna Ho - The Modern Therapy Clinic, MA, CCC, Counsellor
The Modern Therapy Clinic
Counsellor, MA, CCC
Verified Verified
West Vancouver, BC V7T  (Online Only)
We specialize in working with feelings of depression and anxiety, loss of motivation, and difficult life transitions and circumstances.
- Currently accepting clients - At The Modern Therapy Clinic, we are registered with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and hold a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology; we provide quality mental health care. We want to warmly welcome you and we appreciate how much courage it must have taken to take this step. With every session, we endeavour to bring kindness, warmth, and unique insight towards your concerns. With an emphasis on compassion, we sincerely want you to feel heard and cared for. We want you to feel well again.
We specialize in working with feelings of depression and anxiety, loss of motivation, and difficult life transitions and circumstances.
- Currently accepting clients - At The Modern Therapy Clinic, we are registered with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and hold a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology; we provide quality mental health care. We want to warmly welcome you and we appreciate how much courage it must have taken to take this step. With every session, we endeavour to bring kindness, warmth, and unique insight towards your concerns. With an emphasis on compassion, we sincerely want you to feel heard and cared for. We want you to feel well again.
(506) 405-0440 View (506) 405-0440
Photo of Barbara Harris, PhD, MSW, BSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Barbara Harris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, MSW, BSW
Verified Verified
West Vancouver, BC V7T
As an EMDR specialist, I primarily treat anxiety, depression, & PTSD re: accidents, historical abuse, war, violence, sex crimes, bullying, lateral violence, illness or death.
Have you experienced a traumatic event which caused feelings of fear, helplessness or horror; do you find yourself reliving the event or avoiding reminders of the event? Are you easily startled? Do you find that talking about it hasn’t led to the results you're looking for, such as freedom from your symptoms? Are you feeling stuck? Do you find that you are still easily triggered and unable to gain control over your life? When talking isn’t enough, EMDR is often the answer! Treatment includes history taking, assessment, symptom reduction strategies, followed by processing the trauma, & re-evaluation to ensure trauma is cleared.
As an EMDR specialist, I primarily treat anxiety, depression, & PTSD re: accidents, historical abuse, war, violence, sex crimes, bullying, lateral violence, illness or death.
Have you experienced a traumatic event which caused feelings of fear, helplessness or horror; do you find yourself reliving the event or avoiding reminders of the event? Are you easily startled? Do you find that talking about it hasn’t led to the results you're looking for, such as freedom from your symptoms? Are you feeling stuck? Do you find that you are still easily triggered and unable to gain control over your life? When talking isn’t enough, EMDR is often the answer! Treatment includes history taking, assessment, symptom reduction strategies, followed by processing the trauma, & re-evaluation to ensure trauma is cleared.
(855) 969-4805 View (855) 969-4805
Photo of Jeannine A. Davies - Dr. Jeannine Davies Wellness Services, PhD, RCC, Counsellor
Dr. Jeannine Davies Wellness Services
Counsellor, PhD, RCC
Verified Verified
West Vancouver, BC V7T
I specialize in working with individuals, couples and families to heal from the personal and interpersonal obstacles that are preventing them from actualizing their unique potentials and experiencing a fulfilling, dynamic life. My areas of specialization include relationship and intimacy issues, anxiety, stress, loss and grief, depression, trauma, eating disorders, and addictions. I work collaboratively, focusing on the unique needs of each client, to identify your personal goals for change. Insight, awareness, acceptance and strengths building are some of the approaches I use to help transform maladaptive thinking patterns, destructive behaviors, and move toward a more balanced and connected life.
I specialize in working with individuals, couples and families to heal from the personal and interpersonal obstacles that are preventing them from actualizing their unique potentials and experiencing a fulfilling, dynamic life. My areas of specialization include relationship and intimacy issues, anxiety, stress, loss and grief, depression, trauma, eating disorders, and addictions. I work collaboratively, focusing on the unique needs of each client, to identify your personal goals for change. Insight, awareness, acceptance and strengths building are some of the approaches I use to help transform maladaptive thinking patterns, destructive behaviors, and move toward a more balanced and connected life.
(855) 640-7243 View (855) 640-7243
Photo of Danielle Berman, MSW, RCSW, RCC, Counsellor
Danielle Berman
Counsellor, MSW, RCSW, RCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Vancouver, BC V7P
The areas I focus on are Trauma, Grief/ Loss, Relationships, Depression, Anxiety, Suicidal Ideation/Self Harm, Communication/Boundaries, Personal Growth.
It takes a lot of courage to reach out for support and no one needs to feel alone in their struggles. I believe we can all benefit from having someone to share our challenges, with who is trained to help us find our confidence and strengths. I am honoured to be a part of that journey with my clients. When working with an individual I recognize each person's uniqueness and individual needs, therefore I customize my approach. My goal is to ensure my clients always feel safe and supported.
The areas I focus on are Trauma, Grief/ Loss, Relationships, Depression, Anxiety, Suicidal Ideation/Self Harm, Communication/Boundaries, Personal Growth.
It takes a lot of courage to reach out for support and no one needs to feel alone in their struggles. I believe we can all benefit from having someone to share our challenges, with who is trained to help us find our confidence and strengths. I am honoured to be a part of that journey with my clients. When working with an individual I recognize each person's uniqueness and individual needs, therefore I customize my approach. My goal is to ensure my clients always feel safe and supported.
(604) 245-1481 View (604) 245-1481
Photo of Susan Morris-McEwan, MA, RCC, Counsellor
Susan Morris-McEwan
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
West Vancouver, BC V7V  (Online Only)
I have over 30 years experience in mental health and counselling, predominantly working with adolescents in community mental health, adolescent residential mental health and with young offenders. I have a particular interest in working with adolescents and adults helping to address issues related to parent-teen conflict, stress management, anxiety, depression and relationship difficulties. I also specialize in grief, loss and life-transitions with teens and adults.
I have over 30 years experience in mental health and counselling, predominantly working with adolescents in community mental health, adolescent residential mental health and with young offenders. I have a particular interest in working with adolescents and adults helping to address issues related to parent-teen conflict, stress management, anxiety, depression and relationship difficulties. I also specialize in grief, loss and life-transitions with teens and adults.
(604) 243-5778 View (604) 243-5778
1

See more therapy options for West Vancouver

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.