Bereavement Counselling in West London, London

Photo of Brenda Denise Clarke-Wills Bsc (Hons) Psych (Open), MBACP, Counsellor
Brenda Denise Clarke-Wills Bsc (Hons) Psych (Open)
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West London, London W14  (Online Only)
I can help with: abuse, anxiety, bereavement, cultural issues, depression, loss, post-traumatic stress, relationships (couples), trauma, low mood, sense of self, self-esteem and confidence. Also, developing resilience and the capacity to be with unbearable feelings; personal growth and transformation; healing from trauma and emotional hurts; overcoming stress, burnout; anxiety; overcoming negative life patterns that are holding you back, developing healthy boundaries; stopping the intergenerational transmission of negative emotional patterns, combating negative relationship dynamics; connecting more deeply with your inner self, etc.
I can help with: abuse, anxiety, bereavement, cultural issues, depression, loss, post-traumatic stress, relationships (couples), trauma, low mood, sense of self, self-esteem and confidence. Also, developing resilience and the capacity to be with unbearable feelings; personal growth and transformation; healing from trauma and emotional hurts; overcoming stress, burnout; anxiety; overcoming negative life patterns that are holding you back, developing healthy boundaries; stopping the intergenerational transmission of negative emotional patterns, combating negative relationship dynamics; connecting more deeply with your inner self, etc.
020 4538 9131 View 020 4538 9131
Photo of Robert Anderson, MBACP, Counsellor
Robert Anderson
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
West London, London W5
I have a BA (Hons) in Person-Centred Counselling. I able to provide the right environment for the change you need to occur and one that is at the right pace. I have wide experience in meeting adults and teenagers who are wanting to improve their life or going through difficult times in their life and are needing support. These include people who are experiencing bereavement, depression, anxiety, self-harm, feelings of hopelessness, feelings of being stuck in life, abuse, trying to achieve life goals.
I have a BA (Hons) in Person-Centred Counselling. I able to provide the right environment for the change you need to occur and one that is at the right pace. I have wide experience in meeting adults and teenagers who are wanting to improve their life or going through difficult times in their life and are needing support. These include people who are experiencing bereavement, depression, anxiety, self-harm, feelings of hopelessness, feelings of being stuck in life, abuse, trying to achieve life goals.
020 3835 6160 View 020 3835 6160
Photo of Kevin Scott, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Kevin Scott
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
West London, London W4
We may explore your past and how that informs how you feel and act today; look at current and past relationships, investigate losses and traumas that have affected you, identify thoughts or behaviours - in fact anything holding you back.
Is there something troubling you? Something upsetting you? Something making you sad, anxious, angry, fearful, lonely or unheard? Have you lost someone you love or lost direction? Or is it something inside that you can’t fathom out, but is affecting your life? These feelings and many others are ones we all face during our lives and when they remain unaddressed they can lead to anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship problems, work issues, loss of self-confidence and self-esteem, or simply a feeling of being stuck. The good news is that therapy can help you explore one's issues you in a safe, caring and confidential space.
We may explore your past and how that informs how you feel and act today; look at current and past relationships, investigate losses and traumas that have affected you, identify thoughts or behaviours - in fact anything holding you back.
Is there something troubling you? Something upsetting you? Something making you sad, anxious, angry, fearful, lonely or unheard? Have you lost someone you love or lost direction? Or is it something inside that you can’t fathom out, but is affecting your life? These feelings and many others are ones we all face during our lives and when they remain unaddressed they can lead to anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship problems, work issues, loss of self-confidence and self-esteem, or simply a feeling of being stuck. The good news is that therapy can help you explore one's issues you in a safe, caring and confidential space.
020 3974 1328 View 020 3974 1328
Photo of Shirley Archibald-William, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Shirley Archibald-William
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
West London, London W13
I want to offer you the space to exhale, share, dissect, be transparent, feel refreshed, as you find & accept self! I enjoy working with concerns relating to life's trauma, culture, 1st generation immigrants, self - acceptance, mid-life, family and work relationships, marriages, retirement, grief, & health.
My mantra, "Once we face the things we fear, they no longer have power over us!" So well done for taking your initial steps towards change. We get stuck within our own worlds (especially our past), fearful that we will not be heard or even understood. The 'noises' within us remain unheard setting the tone to overthink/discredit our way own way of being. We find sanctuary in others peoples words, feelings, emotions, thoughts & continue to dishonor our own as we are fearful for what we mite have to face - demeaning our needs seem so much easier than confront them?
I want to offer you the space to exhale, share, dissect, be transparent, feel refreshed, as you find & accept self! I enjoy working with concerns relating to life's trauma, culture, 1st generation immigrants, self - acceptance, mid-life, family and work relationships, marriages, retirement, grief, & health.
My mantra, "Once we face the things we fear, they no longer have power over us!" So well done for taking your initial steps towards change. We get stuck within our own worlds (especially our past), fearful that we will not be heard or even understood. The 'noises' within us remain unheard setting the tone to overthink/discredit our way own way of being. We find sanctuary in others peoples words, feelings, emotions, thoughts & continue to dishonor our own as we are fearful for what we mite have to face - demeaning our needs seem so much easier than confront them?
020 3835 4612 View 020 3835 4612
Photo of Hannah Cruttenden, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Hannah Cruttenden
Psychologist, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
West London, London W13
I am particularly interested in how clients think about their past relationships and losses, and how this impacts their functioning in the present day.
Experienced and friendly psychologist and psychotherapist offering relaxed and confidential psychotherapy/counselling to adults. I work with a range of issues, including anxiety, generalised anxiety disorder, depression, bereavement and loss, relationship difficulties (past and present), life transitions, low self-esteem, and trauma. My work incorporates thinking and techniques from psychodynamic theory, Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Densensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
I am particularly interested in how clients think about their past relationships and losses, and how this impacts their functioning in the present day.
Experienced and friendly psychologist and psychotherapist offering relaxed and confidential psychotherapy/counselling to adults. I work with a range of issues, including anxiety, generalised anxiety disorder, depression, bereavement and loss, relationship difficulties (past and present), life transitions, low self-esteem, and trauma. My work incorporates thinking and techniques from psychodynamic theory, Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Densensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
020 4538 6304 View 020 4538 6304
Photo of Dr Gertrude Reiss, PhD, BPC, Psychotherapist
Dr Gertrude Reiss
Psychotherapist, PhD, BPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West London, London W1B
As a Psychotherapist, I provide support to individuals who are seeking professional guidance in navigating processes of change in their lives. It is common for people to experience periods of anxiety or depression. You may find yourself feeling stagnant, lacking motivation, or grappling with a traumatic experience or loss that impacts your life. Work-related stress and relationship difficulties are also commonplace, as is the pursuit of self-development. Therapy provides an opportunity to explore and understand these challenges, fostering self-understanding and enhancing interpersonal relationships.
As a Psychotherapist, I provide support to individuals who are seeking professional guidance in navigating processes of change in their lives. It is common for people to experience periods of anxiety or depression. You may find yourself feeling stagnant, lacking motivation, or grappling with a traumatic experience or loss that impacts your life. Work-related stress and relationship difficulties are also commonplace, as is the pursuit of self-development. Therapy provides an opportunity to explore and understand these challenges, fostering self-understanding and enhancing interpersonal relationships.
020 3915 5910 View 020 3915 5910
Photo of Irene Jermoli, MBACP, Counsellor
Irene Jermoli
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West London, London W4
If you are suffering because of a bereavement or a loss in your life (a breakup, chronic illness, infertility, miscarriage, financial instability), feeling sad about your present state or anxious about the future, I can help you go through your emotional and psychological difficulties, exploring together patterns and how these can be changed, so you can live your present with joy and love for yourself and the people you care about most. My extensive experience and warm approach has helped many people to live a fulfilled life, finding purpose and grow around their losses.
If you are suffering because of a bereavement or a loss in your life (a breakup, chronic illness, infertility, miscarriage, financial instability), feeling sad about your present state or anxious about the future, I can help you go through your emotional and psychological difficulties, exploring together patterns and how these can be changed, so you can live your present with joy and love for yourself and the people you care about most. My extensive experience and warm approach has helped many people to live a fulfilled life, finding purpose and grow around their losses.
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Photo of Renata P Andrade, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Renata P Andrade
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
West London, London W4  (Online Only)
Hi, I’m Renata – a location-independent Counselor and Brazilian Psychologist. Just like most of the people I work with, I’ve moved countries a few times, been figuring out how to raise my kids internationally, and met a few obstacles to continuing my career as we moved around. Some people come for a more profound healing journey. Others, for work more focused on a specific aspect of their lives, like their career, a recent loss, or after an overwhelming life event like divorce, medical diagnosis, or moving.
Hi, I’m Renata – a location-independent Counselor and Brazilian Psychologist. Just like most of the people I work with, I’ve moved countries a few times, been figuring out how to raise my kids internationally, and met a few obstacles to continuing my career as we moved around. Some people come for a more profound healing journey. Others, for work more focused on a specific aspect of their lives, like their career, a recent loss, or after an overwhelming life event like divorce, medical diagnosis, or moving.
020 3835 2539 View 020 3835 2539
Photo of Amanda Rijlaarsdam, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Amanda Rijlaarsdam
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
West London, London W13
People come to therapy for all sorts of reasons - anxiety, bereavement, relationship or family issues, sexual issues or personal and emotional crises, and anything else that is making their life difficult or confusing.
I know it can be a daunting process to find a therapist that you feel is right for you, and I hope this helps make it simpler. If you're feeling concerned by something in your life, it's helpful to be able to discuss it with someone who isn't involved in your daily life - I aim to provide a safe, comfortable and confidential space for us to explore what's going on for you and to help you make any changes you might want to make, or just to explore your feelings.
People come to therapy for all sorts of reasons - anxiety, bereavement, relationship or family issues, sexual issues or personal and emotional crises, and anything else that is making their life difficult or confusing.
I know it can be a daunting process to find a therapist that you feel is right for you, and I hope this helps make it simpler. If you're feeling concerned by something in your life, it's helpful to be able to discuss it with someone who isn't involved in your daily life - I aim to provide a safe, comfortable and confidential space for us to explore what's going on for you and to help you make any changes you might want to make, or just to explore your feelings.
020 4572 0589 View 020 4572 0589
Photo of Claire Sayer, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Claire Sayer
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
West London, London W10  (Online Only)
Welcome. I know life can be overwhelming at times, and cause a great deal of distress. This presents in a multitude of ways, sometimes as unhelpful behaviours, or destructive patterns in relationships to others and with ourselves. Maybe you are searching for renewed purpose, depth, and meaning to your life, or trying to make sense of things after a profound loss that has ripped the ground from under you. Therapy can offer the space for growth and exploration, a shift in perspective, more clarity and a better more fulfilling relationship with yourself.
Welcome. I know life can be overwhelming at times, and cause a great deal of distress. This presents in a multitude of ways, sometimes as unhelpful behaviours, or destructive patterns in relationships to others and with ourselves. Maybe you are searching for renewed purpose, depth, and meaning to your life, or trying to make sense of things after a profound loss that has ripped the ground from under you. Therapy can offer the space for growth and exploration, a shift in perspective, more clarity and a better more fulfilling relationship with yourself.
020 7123 8554 View 020 7123 8554
Photo of Dr Meherangiz Press, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Meherangiz Press
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
West London, London W1G
I have been a practising psychotherapist for 13 years and have worked internationally in the area of psychology and mental health. I have have been serving as a counselling psychologist in the NHS for the last 5 years. I have also worked in a therapeutic capacity with corporations such as Johnson & Johnson, JPMC and Accenture. My training and experience spans working with people suffering from different degrees of distress, including anxiety, depression, bereavement and work stress. The labels are incidental - I believe in working with the PERSON, who is currently struggling in his/her unique social and psychological context.
I have been a practising psychotherapist for 13 years and have worked internationally in the area of psychology and mental health. I have have been serving as a counselling psychologist in the NHS for the last 5 years. I have also worked in a therapeutic capacity with corporations such as Johnson & Johnson, JPMC and Accenture. My training and experience spans working with people suffering from different degrees of distress, including anxiety, depression, bereavement and work stress. The labels are incidental - I believe in working with the PERSON, who is currently struggling in his/her unique social and psychological context.
020 3667 2637 View 020 3667 2637
Photo of Venetia Leonidaki, PhD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Venetia Leonidaki
Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
West London, London W1K
Having also gone through my therapy and lived experience of profound loss myself has allowed me to stay human and humble.
We could all do with help sometimes. I get it. Our world is imperfect and challenging and there is no way to know what life throws next. You may have experienced a loss or trauma and others around you cannot grasp its magnitude. Or you may have resorted to ways of coping that harm you and cannot break free. Or perhaps you are tired of recurrent disappointments, rejections, criticism that have affected how you feel within yourself and your relationships. Forming a genuine connection with each other in therapy will hopefully make it possible for you to work toward changes or make what you cannot change easier to bear.
Having also gone through my therapy and lived experience of profound loss myself has allowed me to stay human and humble.
We could all do with help sometimes. I get it. Our world is imperfect and challenging and there is no way to know what life throws next. You may have experienced a loss or trauma and others around you cannot grasp its magnitude. Or you may have resorted to ways of coping that harm you and cannot break free. Or perhaps you are tired of recurrent disappointments, rejections, criticism that have affected how you feel within yourself and your relationships. Forming a genuine connection with each other in therapy will hopefully make it possible for you to work toward changes or make what you cannot change easier to bear.
020 3917 4668 View 020 3917 4668
Photo of Dominic Palmer-Brown, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Dominic Palmer-Brown
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West London, London W1W
I offer a compassionate, confidential space in which to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences, with an openness to whatever issues you may wish to bring. I often work with clients who are experiencing difficulties or undergoing significant changes in personal relationships, employment or social life. These difficulties may for example include anxiety, the end of a relationship, bereavement, depression, perfectionism, lack of purpose, the impacts of abuse and other forms of trauma. We explore together how, whilst facing these difficulties, you can be at home in the world in a way that is meanighful to you.
I offer a compassionate, confidential space in which to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences, with an openness to whatever issues you may wish to bring. I often work with clients who are experiencing difficulties or undergoing significant changes in personal relationships, employment or social life. These difficulties may for example include anxiety, the end of a relationship, bereavement, depression, perfectionism, lack of purpose, the impacts of abuse and other forms of trauma. We explore together how, whilst facing these difficulties, you can be at home in the world in a way that is meanighful to you.
020 3984 9340 View 020 3984 9340
Photo of Don French - Life After Traumatic Events, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Life After Traumatic Events
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
West London, London W1G  (Online Only)
Having experienced grief, trauma and other mental health issues, I have an understanding of what it is that you may be going through.
Sometimes we may find ourselves overwhelmed with what life sends our way and we lose confidence in ourselves and abilities. Sessions can be either a one off or a series of events, depending on your needs. As Gandhi said, "Be the change that you want to see."
Having experienced grief, trauma and other mental health issues, I have an understanding of what it is that you may be going through.
Sometimes we may find ourselves overwhelmed with what life sends our way and we lose confidence in ourselves and abilities. Sessions can be either a one off or a series of events, depending on your needs. As Gandhi said, "Be the change that you want to see."
020 3053 9829 View 020 3053 9829
Photo of Dr Emma Jartell, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Emma Jartell
Psychologist, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
West London, London W1G  (Online Only)
I have experience of a wide variety of therapeutic settings, working with loss and bereavement, work-related stress, migration, anxiety, depression and relationship issues. In therapy I will provide a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space where we can explore the challenges in your life and how you can make the choices that are right for you at this point in your life. I provide therapy in English and in Swedish.
I have experience of a wide variety of therapeutic settings, working with loss and bereavement, work-related stress, migration, anxiety, depression and relationship issues. In therapy I will provide a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space where we can explore the challenges in your life and how you can make the choices that are right for you at this point in your life. I provide therapy in English and in Swedish.
01707 938063 View 01707 938063
Photo of Marilyn Allen - Dr Marilyn Allen, PhD, MBACP, Counsellor
Dr Marilyn Allen
Counsellor, PhD, MBACP
Verified Verified
West London, London W1G
I work with: Esteem Issues, Existential Crisis, Trauma, Self harm, Addictions, Anger, Loss/ Bereavement, Relationship Issues, Isolation, Social Media Crisis, Substance Abuse, Adolescent & Trust Issues, Anxiety & Stress Issues, Depression, Bullying, Feeling alone Problems with food, Feelings of being unable to cope, Abuse, Academic & Career Issues, and Trauma.
Therapeutic Counselling using the Arts, encompasses therapy and developmental psychology which enables me to work with and support clients to develop skills, to understand their personal circumstances better. Such skills are then internalised over time which helps their situation to be more manageable. l offer a safe, non-judgemental and confidential environment to support our work, which brings skills of heightened empathy, observational skills and counter-transference into the clinical work, & broadens the experience for the client. I strongly believe in the importance of the therapeutic relationship and its impact on our work.
I work with: Esteem Issues, Existential Crisis, Trauma, Self harm, Addictions, Anger, Loss/ Bereavement, Relationship Issues, Isolation, Social Media Crisis, Substance Abuse, Adolescent & Trust Issues, Anxiety & Stress Issues, Depression, Bullying, Feeling alone Problems with food, Feelings of being unable to cope, Abuse, Academic & Career Issues, and Trauma.
Therapeutic Counselling using the Arts, encompasses therapy and developmental psychology which enables me to work with and support clients to develop skills, to understand their personal circumstances better. Such skills are then internalised over time which helps their situation to be more manageable. l offer a safe, non-judgemental and confidential environment to support our work, which brings skills of heightened empathy, observational skills and counter-transference into the clinical work, & broadens the experience for the client. I strongly believe in the importance of the therapeutic relationship and its impact on our work.
020 3962 2187 View 020 3962 2187
Photo of Karen Simpson, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Karen Simpson
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West London, London W1W
There are times we may find ourselves with more questions than answers. There are the big questions, 'what is the meaning of life?' 'or Why am I here?' Perhaps you are stuck with '...and what now?'. When faced with life's difficulties, counselling helps to make meaning of and process painful life experiences. I have worked with children, young people & adults for over 12 years with Issues such as loss and grief, anxiety, depression, relationship & family breakdown, self-harm, abuse, poor self-esteem, trauma, spirituality, harmful sexual behaviour, and identity.
There are times we may find ourselves with more questions than answers. There are the big questions, 'what is the meaning of life?' 'or Why am I here?' Perhaps you are stuck with '...and what now?'. When faced with life's difficulties, counselling helps to make meaning of and process painful life experiences. I have worked with children, young people & adults for over 12 years with Issues such as loss and grief, anxiety, depression, relationship & family breakdown, self-harm, abuse, poor self-esteem, trauma, spirituality, harmful sexual behaviour, and identity.
020 7078 9410 View 020 7078 9410
Photo of Beata Wierzbicka, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Beata Wierzbicka
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West London, London W5
I have specialist training and have extensive experience helping people with a range of personal, emotional and behavioural issues including stress, anxiety, depression, loss, bereavement, trauma, sexual assault, difficulties in relationships, identity, work-related problems, personal growth and self-development.
I am a humanistic psychotherapist who offers supportive therapy, helping to resolve emotional difficulties and struggles in your life, and enabling you to live the life you want to live. I work with your individual life experiences, utilising your personal strengths and unique identity to enable personal growth and emotional well-being. In all cases, my aim is to enhance your quality of life through self-fulfilment and personal development. I work with adult individuals and couples, offering both short-term counselling and longer-term, open-ended therapy. As well as seeing people in private practice, I work extensively in the NHS.
I have specialist training and have extensive experience helping people with a range of personal, emotional and behavioural issues including stress, anxiety, depression, loss, bereavement, trauma, sexual assault, difficulties in relationships, identity, work-related problems, personal growth and self-development.
I am a humanistic psychotherapist who offers supportive therapy, helping to resolve emotional difficulties and struggles in your life, and enabling you to live the life you want to live. I work with your individual life experiences, utilising your personal strengths and unique identity to enable personal growth and emotional well-being. In all cases, my aim is to enhance your quality of life through self-fulfilment and personal development. I work with adult individuals and couples, offering both short-term counselling and longer-term, open-ended therapy. As well as seeing people in private practice, I work extensively in the NHS.
020 4538 0211 View 020 4538 0211
Photo of Bêne Otto, MA, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Bêne Otto
Psychologist, MA, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West London, London W1S  (Online Only)
Welcome, my name is Bêne (pronounced as Beanie). I am a counselling psychologist practicing online. I am honoured to work with adults and couples facing a variety of life challenges including trauma, depression, anxiety, burnout, relationship difficulties, and bereavement. I'm particularly interested in thanatology (focusing on loss, grief, terminal illness, and end-of-life care) and working with couples using Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT). Whatever brings you to therapy, I provide a safe, empathetic space for exploring yourself, nurturing relationships, and navigating the complexities of life's challenges.
Welcome, my name is Bêne (pronounced as Beanie). I am a counselling psychologist practicing online. I am honoured to work with adults and couples facing a variety of life challenges including trauma, depression, anxiety, burnout, relationship difficulties, and bereavement. I'm particularly interested in thanatology (focusing on loss, grief, terminal illness, and end-of-life care) and working with couples using Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT). Whatever brings you to therapy, I provide a safe, empathetic space for exploring yourself, nurturing relationships, and navigating the complexities of life's challenges.
024 7542 0766 View 024 7542 0766
Photo of Alice DIANA Peterson - Alice Peterson, Psychotherapy and Counselling, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Alice Peterson, Psychotherapy and Counselling
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
West London, London W6
Hello, I'm Alice. I'm a person-centred psychotherapist and counsellor. I have learned people often don’t need advice or solutions. They need someone who will listen, care and understand them. From both personal and professional experience, I have a deep understanding of the challenges many of us face in life. I can help you if you are struggling with difficulties such as grief, relationship issues, suicidal thoughts, or you are living with chronic pain and disability. Or perhaps you are feeling really anxious and depressed and you just don’t understand why but need somebody to talk to.
Hello, I'm Alice. I'm a person-centred psychotherapist and counsellor. I have learned people often don’t need advice or solutions. They need someone who will listen, care and understand them. From both personal and professional experience, I have a deep understanding of the challenges many of us face in life. I can help you if you are struggling with difficulties such as grief, relationship issues, suicidal thoughts, or you are living with chronic pain and disability. Or perhaps you are feeling really anxious and depressed and you just don’t understand why but need somebody to talk to.
020 8016 3674 View 020 8016 3674
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Bereavement 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.