Grief Therapists in Fountain Hills, AZ

Photo of Michelle Gallagher - Around the Corner Counseling, PLLC, LPC, LISAC, CT, SEP, CGRS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Around the Corner Counseling, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LISAC, CT, SEP, CGRS
Verified Verified
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
Hello, I am Michelle Gallagher. I have over 20 years of experience as a therapist and have a private practice. I work with adults who experience symptoms of trauma, attachment issues, substance use disorders, mood disorders, grief and loss, stress management, and a variety of other issues that impact your life, and the lives of those who care about you. I have a small office in North Scottsdale. Due to COVID-19, HIPAA approved video platform sessions are also available.
Hello, I am Michelle Gallagher. I have over 20 years of experience as a therapist and have a private practice. I work with adults who experience symptoms of trauma, attachment issues, substance use disorders, mood disorders, grief and loss, stress management, and a variety of other issues that impact your life, and the lives of those who care about you. I have a small office in North Scottsdale. Due to COVID-19, HIPAA approved video platform sessions are also available.
(602) 737-1139 View (602) 737-1139
Photo of Janet Elizabeth Hardin - Headway, BA, MSW, LCSW
Headway
BA, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
I have 20+years of experience in mental health therapy with specializations in depression and anxiety. I address most mental health issues such as self esteem, problem solving, serious mental illness, women's issues, grief ,addiction and aging. Anyone having any of these issues will be well served I feel. I am a great listener who is supportive, positive, and friendly. My approach to therapy is my life's work. I am unique because I have had issues in the past and received very positive and adaptive help. I consider that my therapy is effective and has been verified by 100's of clients who rated me 4.8 to 5 Stars.
I have 20+years of experience in mental health therapy with specializations in depression and anxiety. I address most mental health issues such as self esteem, problem solving, serious mental illness, women's issues, grief ,addiction and aging. Anyone having any of these issues will be well served I feel. I am a great listener who is supportive, positive, and friendly. My approach to therapy is my life's work. I am unique because I have had issues in the past and received very positive and adaptive help. I consider that my therapy is effective and has been verified by 100's of clients who rated me 4.8 to 5 Stars.
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Photo of Ashleigh Fall, MA, LPC, RPT-S, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Ashleigh Fall
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, RPT-S, NCC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
Waitlist for new clients
Skilled in Play Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy and EMDR, Ashleigh treats issues such as trauma, anxiety, depression, anger, grief, low self-esteem, abuse, and neglect.
Ashleigh is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, providing individual and family therapy with people of all ages. She specializes in working with young children 2-6 years old, as well as teens and young adults. She also provides supervision to associate therapists seeking independent licensure, as well as therapists looking to earn their Registered Play Therapist credentials. Her primarily styles of therapy are Client-Centered and Adlerian approaches.
Skilled in Play Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy and EMDR, Ashleigh treats issues such as trauma, anxiety, depression, anger, grief, low self-esteem, abuse, and neglect.
Ashleigh is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, providing individual and family therapy with people of all ages. She specializes in working with young children 2-6 years old, as well as teens and young adults. She also provides supervision to associate therapists seeking independent licensure, as well as therapists looking to earn their Registered Play Therapist credentials. Her primarily styles of therapy are Client-Centered and Adlerian approaches.
(480) 212-5531 View (480) 212-5531
Photo of Rick Day, PsyD, PhD, ABPP, MBA, Psychologist
Rick Day
Psychologist, PsyD, PhD, ABPP, MBA
Verified Verified
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
Individuals and couples, those experiencing depression, anxiety, conflict, grief / loss or who find themselves at a crucial juncture or important decision which needs to be made in their life.
The people I usually work with are individuals and couples who are facing important life or relationship challenges and have tried the typical strategies for improvement or making changes. I work best with those who want to take an honest and thorough look at his / her / their functioning and set in motion pragmatic steps toward sustaining a genuinely better life. While conflict and various forms of emotionality are a normal part of life, when these experiences negatively affect one's capacity to have a successful, enjoyable or fulfilling life, it is important to consider other avenues of support.
Individuals and couples, those experiencing depression, anxiety, conflict, grief / loss or who find themselves at a crucial juncture or important decision which needs to be made in their life.
The people I usually work with are individuals and couples who are facing important life or relationship challenges and have tried the typical strategies for improvement or making changes. I work best with those who want to take an honest and thorough look at his / her / their functioning and set in motion pragmatic steps toward sustaining a genuinely better life. While conflict and various forms of emotionality are a normal part of life, when these experiences negatively affect one's capacity to have a successful, enjoyable or fulfilling life, it is important to consider other avenues of support.
(480) 568-6042 View (480) 568-6042
Photo of Amanda Keiser - Balanced Beings Counseling, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Balanced Beings Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
I specialize in treating children and families and commonly treat issues pertaining to anxiety, depression, grief, eating disorders, substance use and abuse, ADHD, co-dependency, child-parent relational issues, and transition struggles related to parental divorce.
I specialize in providing individual and family therapy to children, adolescents, and families. My passion is to help children, families, and individuals of all ages experiencing relational or behavioral difficulties find healing and an increased sense of well-being. Trauma healing, ADHD, and eating disorder recovery are some of my special interest areas. And with specialized training, I am able to apply many of the techniques that my adult clients find helpful to my work with younger children using play therapy, sand tray therapy, art therapy and EMDR techniques.
I specialize in treating children and families and commonly treat issues pertaining to anxiety, depression, grief, eating disorders, substance use and abuse, ADHD, co-dependency, child-parent relational issues, and transition struggles related to parental divorce.
I specialize in providing individual and family therapy to children, adolescents, and families. My passion is to help children, families, and individuals of all ages experiencing relational or behavioral difficulties find healing and an increased sense of well-being. Trauma healing, ADHD, and eating disorder recovery are some of my special interest areas. And with specialized training, I am able to apply many of the techniques that my adult clients find helpful to my work with younger children using play therapy, sand tray therapy, art therapy and EMDR techniques.
(480) 573-6390 View (480) 573-6390
Photo of Kathleen Donaghy, PhD, Psychologist
Kathleen Donaghy
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
Dr. Donaghy is a licensed psychologist providing psychotherapy and hypnosis for adults and children who present with a variety of issues. She has specialized training in conflict management, cancer, pain, disabilities, medical concerns, wellness, and medication management. She also treats depression, grief, anxiety, anger, and relationship problems. Her approach to therapy is based on extensive training, research, and publications. She offers individualized treatment for each patient, and integrates their spirituality/philosophy into the sessions as a means of strengthening existing resources.
Dr. Donaghy is a licensed psychologist providing psychotherapy and hypnosis for adults and children who present with a variety of issues. She has specialized training in conflict management, cancer, pain, disabilities, medical concerns, wellness, and medication management. She also treats depression, grief, anxiety, anger, and relationship problems. Her approach to therapy is based on extensive training, research, and publications. She offers individualized treatment for each patient, and integrates their spirituality/philosophy into the sessions as a means of strengthening existing resources.
(480) 788-0957 View (480) 788-0957
Photo of Karen E Peterson, PhD, Psychologist
Karen E Peterson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268  (Online Only)
These issues may arise from so many of life's challenges, whether we are seeking motivation to overcome procrastination, coping strategies for chronic illness or pain, or dealing with tremendous loss.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults. I believe in treating the whole person, and I work closely with other professionals as needed in order to help clients with difficulties in both mind (motivation, depression, stress management, anxiety, learning disabilities) and body (autoimmune disorders, chronic/complex pain, cancer). I am particularly interested in helping clients who are coping with multiple stressors (e.g., relationship problems, career issues, health concerns, trauma). I believe it is essential that each client's treatment strategy is tailored specifically to his or her needs, style of interaction, and ability to work toward specific goals.
These issues may arise from so many of life's challenges, whether we are seeking motivation to overcome procrastination, coping strategies for chronic illness or pain, or dealing with tremendous loss.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults. I believe in treating the whole person, and I work closely with other professionals as needed in order to help clients with difficulties in both mind (motivation, depression, stress management, anxiety, learning disabilities) and body (autoimmune disorders, chronic/complex pain, cancer). I am particularly interested in helping clients who are coping with multiple stressors (e.g., relationship problems, career issues, health concerns, trauma). I believe it is essential that each client's treatment strategy is tailored specifically to his or her needs, style of interaction, and ability to work toward specific goals.
(623) 239-4672 View (623) 239-4672
Photo of Diane P Goula - Diane P. Goula LCSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Diane P. Goula LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
I help parents grieve the loss of their idealized child and love/adapt to the child they have.
Let me help you find your balance. We'll focus on the goals and timelines you set by building upon your individual strengths, beliefs and life experience. I'm interactive and will intertwine technology, insights, and practical feedback with compassion and humor (especially if you have a mentally ill family member, difficult or special-needs child /spouse or an aging parent). I'm available to conduct video and in-person sessions after 5:00 pm. You can book your first appointment in less than 5 minutes via my 24/7 online scheduler. Please visit my website, www.DianeGoula.com to learn more.
I help parents grieve the loss of their idealized child and love/adapt to the child they have.
Let me help you find your balance. We'll focus on the goals and timelines you set by building upon your individual strengths, beliefs and life experience. I'm interactive and will intertwine technology, insights, and practical feedback with compassion and humor (especially if you have a mentally ill family member, difficult or special-needs child /spouse or an aging parent). I'm available to conduct video and in-person sessions after 5:00 pm. You can book your first appointment in less than 5 minutes via my 24/7 online scheduler. Please visit my website, www.DianeGoula.com to learn more.
(480) 568-4425 View (480) 568-4425
Photo of Bobette Smith Siegel, MSW, LCSW, ACSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Bobette Smith Siegel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
Many of my clients have not felt comfortable or helped by previous therapists. Experience and professional success are vital to working in the mental health field. I am experienced in individual and couples counseling. My work is focused on helping people with their depression, relationship issues, grief, anxiety, illness, family issues and health problems. I love my career and have invaluable life experience in addition to years of professional supervision. I am comfortable with people from all different backgrounds.Having been in therapy myself helps me to be a better therapist and to assist my clients with non judgement and compassion.
Many of my clients have not felt comfortable or helped by previous therapists. Experience and professional success are vital to working in the mental health field. I am experienced in individual and couples counseling. My work is focused on helping people with their depression, relationship issues, grief, anxiety, illness, family issues and health problems. I love my career and have invaluable life experience in addition to years of professional supervision. I am comfortable with people from all different backgrounds.Having been in therapy myself helps me to be a better therapist and to assist my clients with non judgement and compassion.
(480) 646-4708 View (480) 646-4708
Photo of Leigh Anne Randa, PhD, Psychologist
Leigh Anne Randa
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
Helping people rekindle true connection to self and others is my underlying passion and a cornerstone of the healing experience. Many of my clients have experienced acute/chronic stressors or trauma (PTSD, cPTSD). They struggle with anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, grief, relationship issues or just "I'm stuck". I work with each client to focus on what is most important to them in their healing, creating a true collaborative relationship in which they are honored as the expert on themselves. We create a safe environment in which we work together to resolve challenges and mental health concerns.
Helping people rekindle true connection to self and others is my underlying passion and a cornerstone of the healing experience. Many of my clients have experienced acute/chronic stressors or trauma (PTSD, cPTSD). They struggle with anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, grief, relationship issues or just "I'm stuck". I work with each client to focus on what is most important to them in their healing, creating a true collaborative relationship in which they are honored as the expert on themselves. We create a safe environment in which we work together to resolve challenges and mental health concerns.
(520) 467-5941 View (520) 467-5941
Photo of Jeanne Brown - Jeanne Brown Counseling, LLC, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jeanne Brown Counseling, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
I specialize working with clients reporting concerns related to anxiety, depression, grief/loss, post-traumatic stress, attachment, social skills, parenting, and relational distress.
Ready to sort through some challenges to live your best life? Have you been dealing with issues in the same way with the same outcome? Wondering how you choose a therapist to help with the process? Easy! Find someone you feel is approachable, with expertise in supporting your needs and meeting your goals. You may be a highly achieving individual who is in need of a confidential space to recharge for an hour a week to focus on you, struggling to find motivation to engage in life and are experiencing more extreme symptoms, or simply looking for a new “normal”. The right therapist can help.
I specialize working with clients reporting concerns related to anxiety, depression, grief/loss, post-traumatic stress, attachment, social skills, parenting, and relational distress.
Ready to sort through some challenges to live your best life? Have you been dealing with issues in the same way with the same outcome? Wondering how you choose a therapist to help with the process? Easy! Find someone you feel is approachable, with expertise in supporting your needs and meeting your goals. You may be a highly achieving individual who is in need of a confidential space to recharge for an hour a week to focus on you, struggling to find motivation to engage in life and are experiencing more extreme symptoms, or simply looking for a new “normal”. The right therapist can help.
(623) 253-8829 View (623) 253-8829
Photo of Marc Bagnasco, MA, LPC, Counselor
Marc Bagnasco
Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
, Marc specializes in the treatment of clients diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, the spectrum of behaviors associated with other personality disorders, PTSD, grief/loss, marital distress, mood disorders.
Marc is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been practicing in Arizona since 2002. He works with individual adults, couples, families and adolescents (16 years and older he does his best work with) to improve their quality of life by strengthening/developing/utilizing problem solving skills, improving interpersonal relationships, managing/regulating emotions, increasing motivation for change, and overcoming past traumatic experiences so as to live more freely in the here and now.
, Marc specializes in the treatment of clients diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, the spectrum of behaviors associated with other personality disorders, PTSD, grief/loss, marital distress, mood disorders.
Marc is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been practicing in Arizona since 2002. He works with individual adults, couples, families and adolescents (16 years and older he does his best work with) to improve their quality of life by strengthening/developing/utilizing problem solving skills, improving interpersonal relationships, managing/regulating emotions, increasing motivation for change, and overcoming past traumatic experiences so as to live more freely in the here and now.
(480) 725-4713 View (480) 725-4713
Photo of Sherri Sierens, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sherri Sierens
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
We are met with many unique challenges which may cause stress, anxiety, depression, relational conflict, or issues with communication. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I have experience working with couples, individual adults, parenting/family, relationship strains, depression, anxiety, grief, along with other issues. I am able to provide a warm, compassionate and supportive environment to safely explore your needs for positive change. Accept BCBS, Optum/UHC Insurance and Aetna.
We are met with many unique challenges which may cause stress, anxiety, depression, relational conflict, or issues with communication. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I have experience working with couples, individual adults, parenting/family, relationship strains, depression, anxiety, grief, along with other issues. I am able to provide a warm, compassionate and supportive environment to safely explore your needs for positive change. Accept BCBS, Optum/UHC Insurance and Aetna.
(520) 346-0898 View (520) 346-0898
Photo of Karen Lamb, NMD, MC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Karen Lamb
Licensed Professional Counselor, NMD, MC, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
Imagine waking up each morning with a clear mind, excited to accomplish your daily goals. What would it feel like to have emotional peace – free from anxiety and overwhelm? Crossing things off your lists, getting proper sleep, being able to say no instead of always trying to accommodate others could be your reality with the right tools and guidance.
Imagine waking up each morning with a clear mind, excited to accomplish your daily goals. What would it feel like to have emotional peace – free from anxiety and overwhelm? Crossing things off your lists, getting proper sleep, being able to say no instead of always trying to accommodate others could be your reality with the right tools and guidance.
(303) 803-7734 View (303) 803-7734
Photo of Allie Schultheis, MA, LPC, LLC, Counselor
Allie Schultheis
Counselor, MA, LPC, LLC
Verified Verified
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268  (Online Only)
Hi. Im Allie. What do you need? This is where we start. Need is a strength, not a weakness. Whether personal growth, relationships, grieving, healing of past abuse, trauma or codependency, leadership skills, or overcoming that dang shame judge in our heads, we need support. Isolation is not helpful to us, and I encourage you to build a life team of authentic relationships. I am trained in the Townsend Model of Competency and Character Growth incorporating Grace, Truth and Time to your bonding, boundaries, accepting reality and embracing your competency for good fruit to grow in your personal, professional and relational life.
Hi. Im Allie. What do you need? This is where we start. Need is a strength, not a weakness. Whether personal growth, relationships, grieving, healing of past abuse, trauma or codependency, leadership skills, or overcoming that dang shame judge in our heads, we need support. Isolation is not helpful to us, and I encourage you to build a life team of authentic relationships. I am trained in the Townsend Model of Competency and Character Growth incorporating Grace, Truth and Time to your bonding, boundaries, accepting reality and embracing your competency for good fruit to grow in your personal, professional and relational life.
(480) 780-1932 View (480) 780-1932
Photo of Susan Adams, MSW, LCSW, C-IAYT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Susan Adams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, C-IAYT
Verified Verified
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268  (Online Only)
Offering a caring and compassionate therapeutic journey towards your emotional health and well-being. My role in the therapeutic process is to help individuals identify and understand their fundamental instinctive reaction to their environment (people, places & things), through mindful awareness of emotions (mood & affect), thoughts (beliefs, images & memories), behaviors (what you say & do), and physiological factors (how your body responds). Understanding this natural-occurring process of how individuals interact within their environment lays the groundwork in creating life-long change and personal transformation.
Offering a caring and compassionate therapeutic journey towards your emotional health and well-being. My role in the therapeutic process is to help individuals identify and understand their fundamental instinctive reaction to their environment (people, places & things), through mindful awareness of emotions (mood & affect), thoughts (beliefs, images & memories), behaviors (what you say & do), and physiological factors (how your body responds). Understanding this natural-occurring process of how individuals interact within their environment lays the groundwork in creating life-long change and personal transformation.
(480) 725-3470 View (480) 725-3470
Photo of Lisa Fortino, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lisa Fortino
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
I came to this work as a result of the adoption of my daughter through the foster care system in California. From the day I began work, I have devoted my work to the well-being of others. I specialize in: EMDR, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, trauma therapy, Gottman Method of couples therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy, strengths-base therapies and more. I am committed to helping individuals, couples, and families through difficult times and assist people in finding their best selves. I truly have seen real growth and healing in people through positive guidance.
I came to this work as a result of the adoption of my daughter through the foster care system in California. From the day I began work, I have devoted my work to the well-being of others. I specialize in: EMDR, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, trauma therapy, Gottman Method of couples therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy, strengths-base therapies and more. I am committed to helping individuals, couples, and families through difficult times and assist people in finding their best selves. I truly have seen real growth and healing in people through positive guidance.
(480) 498-0848 View (480) 498-0848
Photo of Jenn McFarland - COUNSELING WITH CARE, MC, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
COUNSELING WITH CARE
Licensed Professional Counselor, MC, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
There is no such thing as "normal." I embrace the uniqueness of each client. After assessing your individual needs I draw from an eclectic variety of therapeutic techniques, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) as well as Christian principles if the client chooses (all faiths and backgrounds are welcomed). Your time is precious and I treat it as such by asking the right questions providing straight forward feedback with genuine empathy. You have come to me for help and I am honored to be a part of your journey. Visit : Www.counselingwc.com
There is no such thing as "normal." I embrace the uniqueness of each client. After assessing your individual needs I draw from an eclectic variety of therapeutic techniques, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) as well as Christian principles if the client chooses (all faiths and backgrounds are welcomed). Your time is precious and I treat it as such by asking the right questions providing straight forward feedback with genuine empathy. You have come to me for help and I am honored to be a part of your journey. Visit : Www.counselingwc.com
(480) 690-9424 View (480) 690-9424
Photo of Katie Marie Golbeck - Azure Counseling and Consulting, PLLC, BA, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Azure Counseling and Consulting, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, BA, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
Azure Counseling and Consulting, PLLC is owned by lead clinician Katie M. Golbeck, LCSW. She is a responsive mental health practitioner, serving all ages, and specializing in older adult issues. Her interventions are centered in positive psychology methods, creating a dynamic and fresh therapeutic atmosphere. She promotes practical approaches that stimulate immediate stability, resilience, and change. If you are experiencing phase of life issues, low motivation, or poor relationship/life satisfaction, Azure Counseling has solutions!
Azure Counseling and Consulting, PLLC is owned by lead clinician Katie M. Golbeck, LCSW. She is a responsive mental health practitioner, serving all ages, and specializing in older adult issues. Her interventions are centered in positive psychology methods, creating a dynamic and fresh therapeutic atmosphere. She promotes practical approaches that stimulate immediate stability, resilience, and change. If you are experiencing phase of life issues, low motivation, or poor relationship/life satisfaction, Azure Counseling has solutions!
(480) 405-5159 View (480) 405-5159
Photo of Izabela Weber, MA, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Izabela Weber
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
A key question is: are you new to counseling or did previous therapy not fulfill your expectations? I am a seasoned counselor focused on achieving CONCRETE GOALS that we establish together at the beginning of the therapy process. I frequently assess whether you have been making significant progress. If not, we work together on applying alternative methods in order to get where you want and need to be. In my cozy private practice office, you will be receiving my complete attention. This is a place where you find acceptance, peace of mind, and solutions to questions that have been troubling you for a long time.
A key question is: are you new to counseling or did previous therapy not fulfill your expectations? I am a seasoned counselor focused on achieving CONCRETE GOALS that we establish together at the beginning of the therapy process. I frequently assess whether you have been making significant progress. If not, we work together on applying alternative methods in order to get where you want and need to be. In my cozy private practice office, you will be receiving my complete attention. This is a place where you find acceptance, peace of mind, and solutions to questions that have been troubling you for a long time.
(480) 520-1381 View (480) 520-1381
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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.