Grief Therapists in Little Rock, AR

Photo of Hilary Childers, MS, LPE-I
Hilary Childers
MS, LPE-I
Verified Verified
Little Rock, AR 72211
I have provided services to individuals experiencing challenges such as anxiety, depression, anger, trauma, grief, and behavior problems.
Children’s mental health is an essential part of their overall health. My passion lies in providing effective care to children, adolescents, and families in order to help them live happier and healtiery lives. I have provided mental health services since 2006, which have included individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy, crisis intervention, behavior management, parenting skills training, intensive family services, consultation, and psychological assessment. I am certified in Trauma Focused CBT. I also use a variety of other techniques to help (CBT, solution-focused, person-centered, and therapeutic play).
I have provided services to individuals experiencing challenges such as anxiety, depression, anger, trauma, grief, and behavior problems.
Children’s mental health is an essential part of their overall health. My passion lies in providing effective care to children, adolescents, and families in order to help them live happier and healtiery lives. I have provided mental health services since 2006, which have included individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy, crisis intervention, behavior management, parenting skills training, intensive family services, consultation, and psychological assessment. I am certified in Trauma Focused CBT. I also use a variety of other techniques to help (CBT, solution-focused, person-centered, and therapeutic play).
(501) 292-2932 View (501) 292-2932
Photo of Molly F Telford, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Molly F Telford
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Little Rock, AR 72207  (Online Only)
My personal experience with depression and anxiety stemming from childhood trauma and grief led to my career choice as a social worker.
I am dedicated to providing a safe and confidential environment for patients to connect with self and address any issues that inhibit growth. I believe that healthy relationships with self and others will allow an individual to build a realistic picture of life and assist in moving through challenges. Years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly population in acute, long-term, residential, and outpatient settings has enabled me to obtain a vast understanding of resources available and knowledge of referral sources for additional treatment if needed.
My personal experience with depression and anxiety stemming from childhood trauma and grief led to my career choice as a social worker.
I am dedicated to providing a safe and confidential environment for patients to connect with self and address any issues that inhibit growth. I believe that healthy relationships with self and others will allow an individual to build a realistic picture of life and assist in moving through challenges. Years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly population in acute, long-term, residential, and outpatient settings has enabled me to obtain a vast understanding of resources available and knowledge of referral sources for additional treatment if needed.
(501) 290-7127 View (501) 290-7127
Photo of Britney Spees, BS, MS, LAC, NCC®, Counselor
Britney Spees
Counselor, BS, MS, LAC, NCC®
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Little Rock, AR 72205
Feeling stuck in life because of comparison, perfectionism, shame, relationship issues, or grief? Wanting to start your marriage off right, or just needing a reset? I am dedicated to supporting individuals through their unique journeys, with a special focus on women’s issues, adolescent development, and the experiences of couples facing birth trauma or stillbirth. My approach is rooted in empathy and a deep understanding of each person’s story, values, and goals.
Feeling stuck in life because of comparison, perfectionism, shame, relationship issues, or grief? Wanting to start your marriage off right, or just needing a reset? I am dedicated to supporting individuals through their unique journeys, with a special focus on women’s issues, adolescent development, and the experiences of couples facing birth trauma or stillbirth. My approach is rooted in empathy and a deep understanding of each person’s story, values, and goals.
(501) 356-3688 View (501) 356-3688
Photo of Carrie Calhoon, MSW, LCSW, APHSW-C, OSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Carrie Calhoon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, APHSW-C, OSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Little Rock, AR 72202
Waitlist for new clients
I work with children, teens, and adults and have specialties in working with grief, loss, and those facing life-limiting illnesses as well as those struggling with depression, anxiety, and the effects of trauma.
Whether you are struggling with a life change (life-limiting diagnosis, divorce, a new phase of life), a loss ( death, a relationship, job, sense of your own independence), feeling stuck (life isn't moving in the direction you had hoped, you want to feel different but just don't know where to start), or you are in pain (physical or emotional), I can be a non-biased sounding board and guide. I like to meet my clients "right where they are" and help you with tools to move in the direction you wish to be. I'm easy to talk to, not afraid to talk about hard things, and mix in my own "humanness" with a dose of humor in our sessions.
I work with children, teens, and adults and have specialties in working with grief, loss, and those facing life-limiting illnesses as well as those struggling with depression, anxiety, and the effects of trauma.
Whether you are struggling with a life change (life-limiting diagnosis, divorce, a new phase of life), a loss ( death, a relationship, job, sense of your own independence), feeling stuck (life isn't moving in the direction you had hoped, you want to feel different but just don't know where to start), or you are in pain (physical or emotional), I can be a non-biased sounding board and guide. I like to meet my clients "right where they are" and help you with tools to move in the direction you wish to be. I'm easy to talk to, not afraid to talk about hard things, and mix in my own "humanness" with a dose of humor in our sessions.
(501) 456-4754 View (501) 456-4754
Photo of Jill D Sorrows, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jill D Sorrows
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Little Rock, AR 72202
I have a special interest in working with people who are grieving a loss or learning to cope with a new or chronic illness.
I am a seasoned therapist who will meet you right where you are with compassion and acceptance. Whatever you may be struggling with, I will work collaboratively with you to help you find hope and healing. My goal is to create a safe, trusting therapeutic relationship where you feel fully seen, fully understood, and supported as you do the sometimes difficult work that leads to personal growth and healing.
I have a special interest in working with people who are grieving a loss or learning to cope with a new or chronic illness.
I am a seasoned therapist who will meet you right where you are with compassion and acceptance. Whatever you may be struggling with, I will work collaboratively with you to help you find hope and healing. My goal is to create a safe, trusting therapeutic relationship where you feel fully seen, fully understood, and supported as you do the sometimes difficult work that leads to personal growth and healing.
(501) 424-0889 View (501) 424-0889
Photo of Karen L Fry, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Karen L Fry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Little Rock, AR 72210  (Online Only)
For the past 15 years, I’ve helped people dealing with the death of loved ones, job loss, chronic illness, divorce, and countless other life-altering events.
It’s like your life has been split apart. There was the you from before this devastating loss –happy, hopeful, and enthusiastic for the future. And then there’s you now – confused, angry, and unspeakably sad. You had a plan for your life that gave you comfort and security, but all at once, it disappeared. It’s difficult to accept what’s happened, let alone begin to actually process it. You’re unsure where to go from here, and even worse, you don’t really care. It’s like an integral part of what made you yourself has been taken away, and you don’t know who you are now. You can’t see any way forward, and it feels hopeless.
For the past 15 years, I’ve helped people dealing with the death of loved ones, job loss, chronic illness, divorce, and countless other life-altering events.
It’s like your life has been split apart. There was the you from before this devastating loss –happy, hopeful, and enthusiastic for the future. And then there’s you now – confused, angry, and unspeakably sad. You had a plan for your life that gave you comfort and security, but all at once, it disappeared. It’s difficult to accept what’s happened, let alone begin to actually process it. You’re unsure where to go from here, and even worse, you don’t really care. It’s like an integral part of what made you yourself has been taken away, and you don’t know who you are now. You can’t see any way forward, and it feels hopeless.
(501) 361-3245 View (501) 361-3245
Photo of Angela Stuart-Jackson, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Angela Stuart-Jackson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Little Rock, AR 72201  (Online Only)
Are you ready to take the next step toward healing and rediscovering yourself? Let's work together to navigate your grief and embrace a fulfilling, empowered life.
Hello! My name is Angela. I began my career years ago as an educator in a public school and then in the home. I soon ventured out into the world of nonprofits helping others learn to work, be in relationships, and venture out into an empowered life. After many losses in my own life, I decided to go back to school to learn how to manage unresolved grief and help others understand their grief and walk into a beautiful life after the devastation of loss.
Are you ready to take the next step toward healing and rediscovering yourself? Let's work together to navigate your grief and embrace a fulfilling, empowered life.
Hello! My name is Angela. I began my career years ago as an educator in a public school and then in the home. I soon ventured out into the world of nonprofits helping others learn to work, be in relationships, and venture out into an empowered life. After many losses in my own life, I decided to go back to school to learn how to manage unresolved grief and help others understand their grief and walk into a beautiful life after the devastation of loss.
(479) 425-1088 View (479) 425-1088
Photo of Carter Shields, MS, LAC, Counselor
Carter Shields
Counselor, MS, LAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Little Rock, AR 72211
I specialize in anxiety management and phase-of-life changes, however I am trained to address a wide variety of mental health problems, ranging from trauma and grief to career or relationship confusion.
I love people - it's why I'm a counselor. My ideal client is someone who is looking to make positive changes in their life. We all get stuck in cycles of self-doubt and often find ourselves in circumstances we didn't want. Mental health struggles can make life changes feel impossible, but nothing is set in stone. Counseling is a collaborative relationship first and foremost - let's work together to help you achieve your goals!
I specialize in anxiety management and phase-of-life changes, however I am trained to address a wide variety of mental health problems, ranging from trauma and grief to career or relationship confusion.
I love people - it's why I'm a counselor. My ideal client is someone who is looking to make positive changes in their life. We all get stuck in cycles of self-doubt and often find ourselves in circumstances we didn't want. Mental health struggles can make life changes feel impossible, but nothing is set in stone. Counseling is a collaborative relationship first and foremost - let's work together to help you achieve your goals!
(501) 669-3627 View (501) 669-3627
Photo of Alicia Wingfield, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alicia Wingfield
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Little Rock, AR 72202
My education & clinical license have prepared me to work with people struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and general life stressors.
"You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." A.A. Milne
My education & clinical license have prepared me to work with people struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and general life stressors.
"You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." A.A. Milne
(501) 984-7486 View (501) 984-7486
Photo of Gracyn Sanders, LPC, GC-C, Licensed Professional Counselor
Gracyn Sanders
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, GC-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Little Rock, AR 72203
My hope is to help you identify and understand how grief will fit into your life, and combat the many physical and emotional symptoms that occur during the grieving process.
Considering therapy and choosing a therapist is a great first step toward change and healing. As a licensed professional counselor and certified grief counselor, my focus is on life transitions and grief in the adult population. I recognize that grief comes in many forms throughout life. Whether you have found yourself here due to the loss of a relationship, job, sense of self, or death of a family member, friend, pet, etc., it is my mission to be a supportive listener.
My hope is to help you identify and understand how grief will fit into your life, and combat the many physical and emotional symptoms that occur during the grieving process.
Considering therapy and choosing a therapist is a great first step toward change and healing. As a licensed professional counselor and certified grief counselor, my focus is on life transitions and grief in the adult population. I recognize that grief comes in many forms throughout life. Whether you have found yourself here due to the loss of a relationship, job, sense of self, or death of a family member, friend, pet, etc., it is my mission to be a supportive listener.
(501) 474-3583 View (501) 474-3583
Photo of Sara Whisenhunt - Christian Perspective Counseling, LPC, CT, Counselor
Christian Perspective Counseling
Counselor, LPC, CT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Little Rock, AR 72205
She will also be forming groups about grief and loss.
Sara’s passion and focus in counseling is grief and loss. She is an activate member of the Association of Death Education and Counseling and is a firm believer that grief is a common experience that binds us together in life. Sara has worked with a wide array of populations from geriatric, college students, homeless, perinatal loss, and adolescents.
She will also be forming groups about grief and loss.
Sara’s passion and focus in counseling is grief and loss. She is an activate member of the Association of Death Education and Counseling and is a firm believer that grief is a common experience that binds us together in life. Sara has worked with a wide array of populations from geriatric, college students, homeless, perinatal loss, and adolescents.
(501) 263-2391 View (501) 263-2391
Photo of Anna Ruger, LPC, LAMFT, CSAT, EMDR, CTT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Anna Ruger
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LAMFT, CSAT, EMDR, CTT
Verified Verified
Little Rock, AR 72201
Waitlist for new clients
Whether you are seeking to overcome past trauma, address eating concerns, or find solace and direction in your grief, I am here to provide the guidance and support you need on your journey towards well-being.
Welcome! I am a dedicated mental health professional with specialized training in trauma, eating disorders, and grief therapy. With a deep commitment to supporting individuals through their most challenging times, I bring a compassionate and evidence-based approach to our work together. In my practice, I focus on creating a safe and empathetic space where clients can explore and address the complexities of their experiences. Additionally, my background in grief therapy allows me to guide clients through the profound emotions associated with loss and change. I utilize EMDR and other top experiential modalities in my practice.
Whether you are seeking to overcome past trauma, address eating concerns, or find solace and direction in your grief, I am here to provide the guidance and support you need on your journey towards well-being.
Welcome! I am a dedicated mental health professional with specialized training in trauma, eating disorders, and grief therapy. With a deep commitment to supporting individuals through their most challenging times, I bring a compassionate and evidence-based approach to our work together. In my practice, I focus on creating a safe and empathetic space where clients can explore and address the complexities of their experiences. Additionally, my background in grief therapy allows me to guide clients through the profound emotions associated with loss and change. I utilize EMDR and other top experiential modalities in my practice.
(501) 669-8535 View (501) 669-8535
Photo of Kelly Steed, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kelly Steed
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Little Rock, AR 72201
With this in mind, I also use many expressive therapies to address, loss, grief and trauma.
The human experience can be challenging at times, but can also be beautiful and meaningful. Learning that both are normal parts of the journey can be empowering and allow one to reach our dreams and goals by overcoming the blocks and pain that keep us from reaching those dreams. We can learn to grow through pain, enjoy moments of pure joy and build community. I am a Licensed Masters Social Work, Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor, Equine Therapist and Certified Thanatologist along with EMDR training. I have worked with a wide variety of clients over the course of my 23-year career.
With this in mind, I also use many expressive therapies to address, loss, grief and trauma.
The human experience can be challenging at times, but can also be beautiful and meaningful. Learning that both are normal parts of the journey can be empowering and allow one to reach our dreams and goals by overcoming the blocks and pain that keep us from reaching those dreams. We can learn to grow through pain, enjoy moments of pure joy and build community. I am a Licensed Masters Social Work, Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor, Equine Therapist and Certified Thanatologist along with EMDR training. I have worked with a wide variety of clients over the course of my 23-year career.
(501) 361-4059 View (501) 361-4059
Photo of Michelle Wise Gendusa, LCSW, RYT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michelle Wise Gendusa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RYT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Little Rock, AR 72205  (Online Only)
Experiencing grief & loss, burnout, anxiety, or depression can be profoundly disorienting and isolating. These emotions can disrupt your daily life, challenge your sense of stability, and make even simple tasks feel daunting. Together, we take the time to understand your unique experiences and the specific challenges you are facing. I am dedicated to providing a supportive, and collaborative environment where you can process and discover new ways to cope, thrive and live your best life!
Experiencing grief & loss, burnout, anxiety, or depression can be profoundly disorienting and isolating. These emotions can disrupt your daily life, challenge your sense of stability, and make even simple tasks feel daunting. Together, we take the time to understand your unique experiences and the specific challenges you are facing. I am dedicated to providing a supportive, and collaborative environment where you can process and discover new ways to cope, thrive and live your best life!
(479) 847-1952 View (479) 847-1952
Photo of Melanie McLeain, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Melanie McLeain
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Little Rock, AR 72201
I particularly enjoy working with the Hispanic/Latino Culture, as I speak fluent English/Spanish. However, I enjoy helping all children, adolescents, adults, couples and families who want to heal, grow, and learn. I see clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, problems related to a trauma, phase of life issues, and relationship dilemmas. Because of my extensive knowledge of ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Selective Mutism, and other learning disorders, I often see clients who want to learn to manage their symptoms to have a more successful life outcome. I enjoy working with clients who are engaged and motivated.
I particularly enjoy working with the Hispanic/Latino Culture, as I speak fluent English/Spanish. However, I enjoy helping all children, adolescents, adults, couples and families who want to heal, grow, and learn. I see clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, problems related to a trauma, phase of life issues, and relationship dilemmas. Because of my extensive knowledge of ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Selective Mutism, and other learning disorders, I often see clients who want to learn to manage their symptoms to have a more successful life outcome. I enjoy working with clients who are engaged and motivated.
(501) 459-9475 View (501) 459-9475
Photo of Jayla Robinson, LPC-S, LPC, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jayla Robinson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, LPC, MA
Verified Verified
Little Rock, AR 72219  (Online Only)
I specialize in treating adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, intimate partner violence, substance abuse, behavioral modification, grief, self-image, and other life difficulties.
I can think of no greater responsibility than keeping someone’s secrets or any greater joy than holding someone’s hand while they do the difficult work of changing their lives. I became a therapist because I believe in our ability to CHANGE. The ability to change is one of our greatest gifts and abilities, but in life sometimes we get STUCK. Stuck in bad relationships, stuck in dead-end jobs, or stuck in patterns of behavior that keep us miserable and defeated. My job and my joy is to help you get UN-stuck.
I specialize in treating adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, intimate partner violence, substance abuse, behavioral modification, grief, self-image, and other life difficulties.
I can think of no greater responsibility than keeping someone’s secrets or any greater joy than holding someone’s hand while they do the difficult work of changing their lives. I became a therapist because I believe in our ability to CHANGE. The ability to change is one of our greatest gifts and abilities, but in life sometimes we get STUCK. Stuck in bad relationships, stuck in dead-end jobs, or stuck in patterns of behavior that keep us miserable and defeated. My job and my joy is to help you get UN-stuck.
(501) 298-1067 View (501) 298-1067
Photo of Shante Mormon, LCSW, C-DBT, CGP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Shante Mormon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, C-DBT, CGP
Verified Verified
Little Rock, AR 72201  (Online Only)
I specialize in Depression, Anxiety, Anger, Trauma, Grief, Self-Esteem, Cognitive Distortions, Personality Disorders, Relationship Issues, Chronic Illness, and Major Life Transitions.
My name is Shante Mormon and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 22 years of experience and the Owner of Life Anew Therapy and Consulting, PLLC. I am passionate about helping individuals reach their full potential and live a more satisfying life. We are more resilient than we know! I see my role as helping you to identify the skills that you currently possess, building on those skills, and utilizing them effectively in your daily life.
I specialize in Depression, Anxiety, Anger, Trauma, Grief, Self-Esteem, Cognitive Distortions, Personality Disorders, Relationship Issues, Chronic Illness, and Major Life Transitions.
My name is Shante Mormon and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 22 years of experience and the Owner of Life Anew Therapy and Consulting, PLLC. I am passionate about helping individuals reach their full potential and live a more satisfying life. We are more resilient than we know! I see my role as helping you to identify the skills that you currently possess, building on those skills, and utilizing them effectively in your daily life.
(501) 393-4545 View (501) 393-4545
Photo of Kathy James, LCSW, MSW, BA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kathy James
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, BA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Little Rock, AR 72211
Do you struggle to find happiness and peace on a daily basis? Does depression, anxiety, or grief rule your day. The struggle is real. We all develop stress, anxiety, grief, trauma, and other issues when our lives are turned upside down by events that we cannot control. I am here to help and have professional training and education to do so. The key is to identify the source of the struggle and how to navigate and develop coping skills to manage it effectively. I utilize several approaches including CBT, DBT, faith based, person centered, strengths based, and mindfulness based therapy modalities for you to reach your goals.
Do you struggle to find happiness and peace on a daily basis? Does depression, anxiety, or grief rule your day. The struggle is real. We all develop stress, anxiety, grief, trauma, and other issues when our lives are turned upside down by events that we cannot control. I am here to help and have professional training and education to do so. The key is to identify the source of the struggle and how to navigate and develop coping skills to manage it effectively. I utilize several approaches including CBT, DBT, faith based, person centered, strengths based, and mindfulness based therapy modalities for you to reach your goals.
(501) 382-1056 View (501) 382-1056
Photo of Sarah Beall, MS, LPE-I, Psychologist
Sarah Beall
Psychologist, MS, LPE-I
Verified Verified
Little Rock, AR 72205  (Online Only)
Feeling stuck? Whether you’re coping with an unexpected loss, experiencing difficult feelings like anger or loneliness, struggling to connect with others, wanting to change specific problematic behaviors, or seeking strategies to overcome mental or emotional roadblocks, I am here to help. As an open-minded and experienced therapist, I provide a non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings and find the best solutions for yourself. I am passionate about working with people from all walks of life, listening to their stories, and collaboratively working towards their goals.
Feeling stuck? Whether you’re coping with an unexpected loss, experiencing difficult feelings like anger or loneliness, struggling to connect with others, wanting to change specific problematic behaviors, or seeking strategies to overcome mental or emotional roadblocks, I am here to help. As an open-minded and experienced therapist, I provide a non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings and find the best solutions for yourself. I am passionate about working with people from all walks of life, listening to their stories, and collaboratively working towards their goals.
(501) 261-6653 View (501) 261-6653
Photo of A. Alex Assadi, EdD, LPC, GCDF, Licensed Professional Counselor
A. Alex Assadi
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LPC, GCDF
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Little Rock, AR 72205
Together, we can work towards healing and resolution of your concerns, including: depression, anxiety, relationship and family issues, assertiveness training, career issues, stress reduction, adjustment issues, resiliency skills, grief, trauma or abuse, PTSD, LGBTQ concerns, self harm, and suicidal thinking.
We all have problems and everyone needs help at times. With more than 12 years experience, I provide professional/confidential mental health services to diverse persons. I do not discriminate based on ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation or personal identification and believe that through connection and compassion we can resolve any problem together. Our past experiences do not define us and our future is not yet written. Help is available and you are not alone. Let's work towards building your life the way it was always meant to be: authentic, fulfilling and empowered. Let's find/develop the best version of yourself!
Together, we can work towards healing and resolution of your concerns, including: depression, anxiety, relationship and family issues, assertiveness training, career issues, stress reduction, adjustment issues, resiliency skills, grief, trauma or abuse, PTSD, LGBTQ concerns, self harm, and suicidal thinking.
We all have problems and everyone needs help at times. With more than 12 years experience, I provide professional/confidential mental health services to diverse persons. I do not discriminate based on ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation or personal identification and believe that through connection and compassion we can resolve any problem together. Our past experiences do not define us and our future is not yet written. Help is available and you are not alone. Let's work towards building your life the way it was always meant to be: authentic, fulfilling and empowered. Let's find/develop the best version of yourself!
(501) 404-9928 View (501) 404-9928
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Grief Therapists

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.