Grief Therapists in Toronto, ON

Photo of Ashley Skinner, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Ashley Skinner
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M6K  (Online Only)
Hello! I'm Ashley, a registered social worker passionate about supporting individuals through times of transition and change. Life transitions can be overwhelming, often filled with both excitement and uncertainty. With extensive experience in helping clients navigate issues like loss, illness, stress, anxiety and challenges in work and school, I'm here to guide you through these difficult moments. Whether you're facing challenges in school, exploring career paths, grappling with personal identity, managing health concerns or navigating relationships, I provide the support you need moving forward.
Hello! I'm Ashley, a registered social worker passionate about supporting individuals through times of transition and change. Life transitions can be overwhelming, often filled with both excitement and uncertainty. With extensive experience in helping clients navigate issues like loss, illness, stress, anxiety and challenges in work and school, I'm here to guide you through these difficult moments. Whether you're facing challenges in school, exploring career paths, grappling with personal identity, managing health concerns or navigating relationships, I provide the support you need moving forward.
(647) 697-4838 View (647) 697-4838
Photo of Kate Love, MACP, MA, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Kate Love
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6G
I strongly believe that everyone who sees me is doing the best they can with what they have. I support parents riding the roller coaster of parenthood, including fertility, navigating pregnancy loss and a wide range of other experiences. I provide support around grief and loss and exploring all the ways those themes show up during the perinatal, postnatal period and beyond. My therapy practice is integrative, person-centred, trauma-informed, and adapted to meet each of my client's individual needs. My goal is to provide support, bear witness and create spaces for clients to process the messiness of being human.
I strongly believe that everyone who sees me is doing the best they can with what they have. I support parents riding the roller coaster of parenthood, including fertility, navigating pregnancy loss and a wide range of other experiences. I provide support around grief and loss and exploring all the ways those themes show up during the perinatal, postnatal period and beyond. My therapy practice is integrative, person-centred, trauma-informed, and adapted to meet each of my client's individual needs. My goal is to provide support, bear witness and create spaces for clients to process the messiness of being human.
View
Photo of Jennifer Ritchie, MA, RP, CYW, Registered Psychotherapist
Jennifer Ritchie
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, CYW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M4E  (Online Only)
Effective November 4th, I am welcoming new clients. With over 20 years experience, I help adults, teens and pre-teens (9+) find hope and regain balance. Perhaps you're worried about your child who is being bullied or struggling with their mood, anxiety, or friendships. Or you're tired of feeling so anxious, stressed and overwhelmed all the time or you've suffered a loss that has rocked your world. Maybe you're just wanting to learn to cope with the tough feelings that keep showing up. Whatever it is, if you're feeling unsure, unsettled, or just not quite feeling like yourself these days please allow me to support you.
Effective November 4th, I am welcoming new clients. With over 20 years experience, I help adults, teens and pre-teens (9+) find hope and regain balance. Perhaps you're worried about your child who is being bullied or struggling with their mood, anxiety, or friendships. Or you're tired of feeling so anxious, stressed and overwhelmed all the time or you've suffered a loss that has rocked your world. Maybe you're just wanting to learn to cope with the tough feelings that keep showing up. Whatever it is, if you're feeling unsure, unsettled, or just not quite feeling like yourself these days please allow me to support you.
(416) 800-3146 View (416) 800-3146
Photo of Daryna Skybina, HBSc, MPS, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Daryna Skybina
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), HBSc, MPS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5V  (Online Only)
Living with an advanced or chronic illness can feel like a full-time job.Alongside regular responsibilities, you’re juggling countless medical appointments and managing symptoms, while carrying a heavy mental/emotional load. You may be grieving life before illness, anxious about an uncertain future, and be grappling with difficult thoughts about death/dying, the purpose of suffering, or how to live a meaningful life. The process of finding a ‘new normal’ is unique to everyone. At times, it can feel isolating and exhausting, but you don't have to do it alone.
Living with an advanced or chronic illness can feel like a full-time job.Alongside regular responsibilities, you’re juggling countless medical appointments and managing symptoms, while carrying a heavy mental/emotional load. You may be grieving life before illness, anxious about an uncertain future, and be grappling with difficult thoughts about death/dying, the purpose of suffering, or how to live a meaningful life. The process of finding a ‘new normal’ is unique to everyone. At times, it can feel isolating and exhausting, but you don't have to do it alone.
View
Photo of Denise Eccleston, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Denise Eccleston
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5V  (Online Only)
I know life can be hard at times. You can be doing your dance most enjoyably and then life happens, the music changes and you find yourself stumbling to find the moves, catch your feet up to the new music and stabilize. With that, there can be feelings of anxiety, confusion, overwhelm, feeling like you are doing it all wrong and you will never get it right again. I am here to help support individuals, couples and through major and minor life challenges such as academics, health, grief/ loss, employment, relationships and self discovery. I will support you find your new steps, get back in the groove so that life is enjoyable again.
I know life can be hard at times. You can be doing your dance most enjoyably and then life happens, the music changes and you find yourself stumbling to find the moves, catch your feet up to the new music and stabilize. With that, there can be feelings of anxiety, confusion, overwhelm, feeling like you are doing it all wrong and you will never get it right again. I am here to help support individuals, couples and through major and minor life challenges such as academics, health, grief/ loss, employment, relationships and self discovery. I will support you find your new steps, get back in the groove so that life is enjoyable again.
(437) 747-6687 View (437) 747-6687
Photo of Kristy Buck, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Kristy Buck
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M6G  (Online Only)
Whether you or someone you care about is dealing with the shock of a new diagnosis, the stress of an ongoing chronic condition (including chronic pain), the challenges in facing end of life concerns or the struggles in coping with grief or loss, I’m here to help you understand your situation and support you in finding your way forward. I also understand and am sensitive to the needs of the COVID-conscious community. If you’re a healthcare provider, I’m equipped to support you in managing the unique stresses you face in your caregiving role and in working to create a healthy balance in life.
Whether you or someone you care about is dealing with the shock of a new diagnosis, the stress of an ongoing chronic condition (including chronic pain), the challenges in facing end of life concerns or the struggles in coping with grief or loss, I’m here to help you understand your situation and support you in finding your way forward. I also understand and am sensitive to the needs of the COVID-conscious community. If you’re a healthcare provider, I’m equipped to support you in managing the unique stresses you face in your caregiving role and in working to create a healthy balance in life.
(647) 493-4393 View (647) 493-4393
Photo of Phoebe Chin, MA, RP, Registered Psychotherapist
Phoebe Chin
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5B
Now accepting new clients! - - - I specialize in supporting racialized LGBTQ+ clients through trauma, codependency, and grief. I work from a strengths-based, trauma-informed, anti-oppression framework that acknowledges the systems we live in. My work is always informed by the client’s social and cultural location, and all sessions are facilitated with the client’s strengths, needs, and goals in mind.
Now accepting new clients! - - - I specialize in supporting racialized LGBTQ+ clients through trauma, codependency, and grief. I work from a strengths-based, trauma-informed, anti-oppression framework that acknowledges the systems we live in. My work is always informed by the client’s social and cultural location, and all sessions are facilitated with the client’s strengths, needs, and goals in mind.
View
Photo of Virginia Boquiren, PhD, CPsych, Psychologist
Virginia Boquiren
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M5R  (Online Only)
Dr. Virginia Boquiren is a clinical health psychologist, registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. Dr. Boquiren works with clients who are experiencing a variety of psychological disorders, including anxiety and depressive difficulties. In addition, she helps individuals who are coping with various psychosocial stressors, including low self-esteem and confidence, body image issues, self-criticism, relationship issues, work stress, trauma, grief/ loss, as well as challenges living with chronic illness.
Dr. Virginia Boquiren is a clinical health psychologist, registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. Dr. Boquiren works with clients who are experiencing a variety of psychological disorders, including anxiety and depressive difficulties. In addition, she helps individuals who are coping with various psychosocial stressors, including low self-esteem and confidence, body image issues, self-criticism, relationship issues, work stress, trauma, grief/ loss, as well as challenges living with chronic illness.
(647) 493-1565 View (647) 493-1565
Photo of Sonia Comiré, BA Psyc, MACP, RP, Registered Psychotherapist
Sonia Comiré
Registered Psychotherapist, BA Psyc, MACP, RP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M3C
Difficult losses are also found in different aspects of life: job loss, divorce, children leaving home, immigration, illness, injury, or other major life changes.
Life can be very difficult at times. We can find ourselves feeling overwhelmed and overcome with emotions or feeling shut down and unable to cope. I understand personally that life can be difficult. Because of this I believe in working with my clients as a warm and kind fellow human being. I combine this with my knowledge and skills to help my clients navigate through their personal challenges. I can offer you a safe non-judgmental space to share your troubles and find hope for a future with less struggle.
Difficult losses are also found in different aspects of life: job loss, divorce, children leaving home, immigration, illness, injury, or other major life changes.
Life can be very difficult at times. We can find ourselves feeling overwhelmed and overcome with emotions or feeling shut down and unable to cope. I understand personally that life can be difficult. Because of this I believe in working with my clients as a warm and kind fellow human being. I combine this with my knowledge and skills to help my clients navigate through their personal challenges. I can offer you a safe non-judgmental space to share your troubles and find hope for a future with less struggle.
(437) 422-2273 View (437) 422-2273
Photo of Danielle Rabbat, (Q), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Danielle Rabbat
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), (Q)
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M2R  (Online Only)
My therapeutic approach focuses on ADHD, stress, life transitions, anxiety, and grief, all informed by my personal experiences.
My clients face challenges such as ADHD, anxiety, entrepreneurial struggles, conflict, relationship issues, attachment issues, grief, depression, and managing difficult emotions. I also work with donor conceived clients and adopted clients. Additionally, I work with couples where one partner (or both) is neurodivergent (such as ADHD). As a mother of parent of three, a partner in a cross-cultural marriage, and a business owner for over 20 years, I bring a deal deal of real-life experience to our sessions, which help enhance my therapeutic approach. I'm honored that you're considering me as your guide, and I hope you reach out.
My therapeutic approach focuses on ADHD, stress, life transitions, anxiety, and grief, all informed by my personal experiences.
My clients face challenges such as ADHD, anxiety, entrepreneurial struggles, conflict, relationship issues, attachment issues, grief, depression, and managing difficult emotions. I also work with donor conceived clients and adopted clients. Additionally, I work with couples where one partner (or both) is neurodivergent (such as ADHD). As a mother of parent of three, a partner in a cross-cultural marriage, and a business owner for over 20 years, I bring a deal deal of real-life experience to our sessions, which help enhance my therapeutic approach. I'm honored that you're considering me as your guide, and I hope you reach out.
(437) 372-5436 View (437) 372-5436
Photo of Laura Anderson, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Laura Anderson
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5C  (Online Only)
Whatever may have motivated you to begin your journey in seeking support, I'm so glad you have taken this courageous first step. Whether you have recently experienced a loss or traumatic event, or are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, and not sure how to manage, counselling is a powerful tool to help you cope and thrive. My approach in counselling is warm and non-judgemental. I help my clients to realize the strengths within themselves, while helping them to tap into their inner resources, build resiliency, and enhance their "tool-box" of coping skills.
Whatever may have motivated you to begin your journey in seeking support, I'm so glad you have taken this courageous first step. Whether you have recently experienced a loss or traumatic event, or are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, and not sure how to manage, counselling is a powerful tool to help you cope and thrive. My approach in counselling is warm and non-judgemental. I help my clients to realize the strengths within themselves, while helping them to tap into their inner resources, build resiliency, and enhance their "tool-box" of coping skills.
(647) 370-6693 View (647) 370-6693
Photo of Karl Hardy, MPS, RP, Registered Psychotherapist
Karl Hardy
Registered Psychotherapist, MPS, RP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6B  (Online Only)
Together we will explore the causes and conditions of your struggles including self-esteem and identity, personal/professional relationships, traumas and related triggers, grief and bereavement, depression and anxiety, and moral or ethical distress.
I specialize in working with healthcare workers, post-secondary students, professors, arts and cultural creators, political activists, as well as anyone seeking culturally-sensitive and spiritually-integrated psychotherapy. I am experienced providing psychotherapy and spiritual care at many area hospitals including the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and the University Health Network. I believe we must recognize the intersectional factors that influence our daily lives and our mental health. I seek to empower clients and support them in claiming their own power to grow and heal.
Together we will explore the causes and conditions of your struggles including self-esteem and identity, personal/professional relationships, traumas and related triggers, grief and bereavement, depression and anxiety, and moral or ethical distress.
I specialize in working with healthcare workers, post-secondary students, professors, arts and cultural creators, political activists, as well as anyone seeking culturally-sensitive and spiritually-integrated psychotherapy. I am experienced providing psychotherapy and spiritual care at many area hospitals including the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and the University Health Network. I believe we must recognize the intersectional factors that influence our daily lives and our mental health. I seek to empower clients and support them in claiming their own power to grow and heal.
(437) 747-6425 View (437) 747-6425
Photo of Adelaide Pinder, MDiv, RP, Registered Psychotherapist
Adelaide Pinder
Registered Psychotherapist, MDiv, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M2K
I have experience in helping people with depression, grief, addictions, anxiety, trauma as well as faith challenges and relationship issues.
Did you lose your job or a loved one? Or maybe you feel defeated or frustrated in life? Are you emotionally and/or physically hurting in a relationship. The challenges we face in life will sometimes knock us down or throw us off course. These experiences do not need to overtake your life and you don't have to suffer alone. If you are an individual or a couple who needs a safe space to explore, heal and grow, I am here for you.
I have experience in helping people with depression, grief, addictions, anxiety, trauma as well as faith challenges and relationship issues.
Did you lose your job or a loved one? Or maybe you feel defeated or frustrated in life? Are you emotionally and/or physically hurting in a relationship. The challenges we face in life will sometimes knock us down or throw us off course. These experiences do not need to overtake your life and you don't have to suffer alone. If you are an individual or a couple who needs a safe space to explore, heal and grow, I am here for you.
(647) 360-3305 x2856 View (647) 360-3305 x2856
Photo of Faith Sundaralingam, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Faith Sundaralingam
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5A  (Online Only)
Therapy is unique to each individual, and I value your strengths through a narrative approach to highlight the importance of who you are! I specialize in trauma, grief, depression, stress, anxiety, and life transitions while incorporating various modalities of therapy, such as Emotion Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and psychodynamic approaches.
The experiences and challenges we go through in life do not define us but, instead, shape us into the individuals we are today. These experiences help us flourish and grow in ways we could not imagine ourselves. This is a philosophy that I hold in great regard when it comes to my practice and work with clients. I recognize that therapy can be intimidating to some. However, I am passionate about creating a space where we can come together and work through whatever you’re going through, no matter what it may look like.
Therapy is unique to each individual, and I value your strengths through a narrative approach to highlight the importance of who you are! I specialize in trauma, grief, depression, stress, anxiety, and life transitions while incorporating various modalities of therapy, such as Emotion Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and psychodynamic approaches.
The experiences and challenges we go through in life do not define us but, instead, shape us into the individuals we are today. These experiences help us flourish and grow in ways we could not imagine ourselves. This is a philosophy that I hold in great regard when it comes to my practice and work with clients. I recognize that therapy can be intimidating to some. However, I am passionate about creating a space where we can come together and work through whatever you’re going through, no matter what it may look like.
View
Photo of Grace Pat, MDiv, MEd, HonBA, DipCS, EMDR, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Grace Pat
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MDiv, MEd, HonBA, DipCS, EMDR
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4W  (Online Only)
I've had the privilege to work in a therapeutic capacity, serving all ages, including survivors of war, CPTSD, grief & addictions.
We each walk a unique path that shapes who we are, at times it's the experiences along this journey that shape us to act and react to situations. Much of the time we act how things were modeled to us by authority figures in our lives. We learn what works and what doesn't, and some get stuck in a cycle producing unhealthy patterns.
I've had the privilege to work in a therapeutic capacity, serving all ages, including survivors of war, CPTSD, grief & addictions.
We each walk a unique path that shapes who we are, at times it's the experiences along this journey that shape us to act and react to situations. Much of the time we act how things were modeled to us by authority figures in our lives. We learn what works and what doesn't, and some get stuck in a cycle producing unhealthy patterns.
(289) 275-9199 View (289) 275-9199
Photo of Caroline Smoyer, BA, ATPPP, TIP, Pre-Licensed Professional
Caroline Smoyer
Pre-Licensed Professional, BA, ATPPP, TIP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4B
Talking to that right person during a time of need can be like good medicine for your mind, your heart and your life. Talk therapy provides you with a safe place to discuss your thoughts and emotions triggered by daily stressors, physical illness, relationship issues, grief and loss, the impact of a specific life circumstance or trauma. My role as your psychotherapist is to help you better understand how these stressors affect you and your life, and work with you to uncover considerations and solutions which help decrease your distress, improve your well-being, and confidence to make choices for your life which are true to you.
Talking to that right person during a time of need can be like good medicine for your mind, your heart and your life. Talk therapy provides you with a safe place to discuss your thoughts and emotions triggered by daily stressors, physical illness, relationship issues, grief and loss, the impact of a specific life circumstance or trauma. My role as your psychotherapist is to help you better understand how these stressors affect you and your life, and work with you to uncover considerations and solutions which help decrease your distress, improve your well-being, and confidence to make choices for your life which are true to you.
(437) 292-3689 View (437) 292-3689
Photo of Aly Bird | Grief Specialist, MScPl, MACP, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Aly Bird | Grief Specialist
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MScPl, MACP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6G
I work with clients who have experienced the death of someone important in their life (that could be a spouse, partner, parent, child, friend or someone else).
Has someone really important in your life died? Someone that you never imagined having to live without? I know that the death of a significant person in your life can be devastating. Even worse, they might have been the person who would comfort you in your toughest moments and now they're gone. Grief in this magnitude can be destabilizing and leave you to wonder if you're going to be able to survive the relentlessness of it all. If you've tried avoiding the pain or "acting normal" but it hasn't worked, I can give you the space and guidance to come apart and then help you put yourself back together in a different and meaningful way.
I work with clients who have experienced the death of someone important in their life (that could be a spouse, partner, parent, child, friend or someone else).
Has someone really important in your life died? Someone that you never imagined having to live without? I know that the death of a significant person in your life can be devastating. Even worse, they might have been the person who would comfort you in your toughest moments and now they're gone. Grief in this magnitude can be destabilizing and leave you to wonder if you're going to be able to survive the relentlessness of it all. If you've tried avoiding the pain or "acting normal" but it hasn't worked, I can give you the space and guidance to come apart and then help you put yourself back together in a different and meaningful way.
(437) 747-0825 x735 View (437) 747-0825 x735
Photo of Elena Salini, RP, Registered Psychotherapist
Elena Salini
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6P  (Online Only)
I have 27 years of experience working in the field of mental health in various roles. As a Psychodynamic Psychotherapist my focus areas are working with grief and loss, shame, anxiety, and self esteem. My approach is informed by the Existential/Humanistic perspective, compassionate inquiry, and mindfulness approaches.
I have 27 years of experience working in the field of mental health in various roles. As a Psychodynamic Psychotherapist my focus areas are working with grief and loss, shame, anxiety, and self esteem. My approach is informed by the Existential/Humanistic perspective, compassionate inquiry, and mindfulness approaches.
(647) 360-3183 x416356 View (647) 360-3183 x416356
Photo of Megan Quinn, M Ed, RP (Qu), Registered Psychotherapist
Megan Quinn
Registered Psychotherapist, M Ed, RP (Qu)
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M4P  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
If you are in need of compassionate and skilled grief support, if you need a space in which to really explore your grief free from platitudes or judgements, it would be my true privilege to hear from you.
Grief can be completely devastating, and perhaps one of the most difficult things you may face in life. Grief is also a normal, human response to having loved and lost, and normal in the face of any loss, not just loss due to death. Grief is not a pathological problem in need of "fixing", but instead requires compassionate care, witness, and empathic support. It requires a safe space for its expression, and so do you. Whatever type of loss you are experiencing, your grieving heart needs extra TLC. There is nothing wrong with needing a little extra help or seeking the guidance of a counsellor at such a difficult time.
If you are in need of compassionate and skilled grief support, if you need a space in which to really explore your grief free from platitudes or judgements, it would be my true privilege to hear from you.
Grief can be completely devastating, and perhaps one of the most difficult things you may face in life. Grief is also a normal, human response to having loved and lost, and normal in the face of any loss, not just loss due to death. Grief is not a pathological problem in need of "fixing", but instead requires compassionate care, witness, and empathic support. It requires a safe space for its expression, and so do you. Whatever type of loss you are experiencing, your grieving heart needs extra TLC. There is nothing wrong with needing a little extra help or seeking the guidance of a counsellor at such a difficult time.
(647) 559-0167 View (647) 559-0167
Photo of Michaele-Sue Goldblatt, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Michaele-Sue Goldblatt
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M4V
Families formed by Adoption or Blended Families need support and insight as they, too, need to recognize loss as they move forward.
Are you struggling with Loss? Infertility, Pregnancy Loss, Stillbirth, Neonatal death? Are you pregnant after loss? Loss of a loved one. Anxiety combined with Grief? Helping you cope with illness, I offer a compassionate, sensitive space for you to express your sadness, despair & rage at the unfairness of it all & will provide you with support & insight as you try to rebuild your life. Are you adopted & considering Reunion? Are you in a Blended Family needing support? I am available ONLINE by Zoom in Ontario. Early morning, evening & weekend appointments available. See website for more information. Sliding scale re fees.
Families formed by Adoption or Blended Families need support and insight as they, too, need to recognize loss as they move forward.
Are you struggling with Loss? Infertility, Pregnancy Loss, Stillbirth, Neonatal death? Are you pregnant after loss? Loss of a loved one. Anxiety combined with Grief? Helping you cope with illness, I offer a compassionate, sensitive space for you to express your sadness, despair & rage at the unfairness of it all & will provide you with support & insight as you try to rebuild your life. Are you adopted & considering Reunion? Are you in a Blended Family needing support? I am available ONLINE by Zoom in Ontario. Early morning, evening & weekend appointments available. See website for more information. Sliding scale re fees.
(647) 370-4012 View (647) 370-4012
1
...

See more therapy options for Toronto

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.