Grief Therapists in Los Altos, CA

Photo of Susan Zweig, LCSW, BCD, CEAP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Susan Zweig
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD, CEAP
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022
It has been my privilege to provide counseling and psychotherapy services to individuals and couples for over 20 years. I work with clients experiencing a wide variety of issues including anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress related to work, family, or relationships, parenting, grief and loss, addiction, and medical and aging concerns. I view therapy as an active partnership in which my clients and I work together to identify core concerns, solve problems, and reach goals. With guidance and support, my clients make the changes they desire to feel healthy and satisfied.
It has been my privilege to provide counseling and psychotherapy services to individuals and couples for over 20 years. I work with clients experiencing a wide variety of issues including anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress related to work, family, or relationships, parenting, grief and loss, addiction, and medical and aging concerns. I view therapy as an active partnership in which my clients and I work together to identify core concerns, solve problems, and reach goals. With guidance and support, my clients make the changes they desire to feel healthy and satisfied.
(650) 209-7914 View (650) 209-7914
Photo of Karen Wride, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Karen Wride
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94024
My strengths and experience are varied: grief & loss (prevalent in so many of life's transitions); working with children & adolescents (more than 20 years in schools and hospitals); treatment of addictions (drugs, alcohol & problematic behaviors, i.
In many ways good psychotherapy is like a successful remodel, frequently resulting in a stronger and more spacious sense of one's self, lovely new rooms, remarkable views and better access to the world outside (and in). The journey of self-discovery takes courage, but increasing one's awareness of old limitations and obstacles, and developing the ability to gently and carefully dismantle and rebuild where necessary is incredibly rewarding -- often beyond what we can imagine. I believe that it's a collaborative journey on which we embark, moving together towards creating a more fulfilling and rewarding life for you.
My strengths and experience are varied: grief & loss (prevalent in so many of life's transitions); working with children & adolescents (more than 20 years in schools and hospitals); treatment of addictions (drugs, alcohol & problematic behaviors, i.
In many ways good psychotherapy is like a successful remodel, frequently resulting in a stronger and more spacious sense of one's self, lovely new rooms, remarkable views and better access to the world outside (and in). The journey of self-discovery takes courage, but increasing one's awareness of old limitations and obstacles, and developing the ability to gently and carefully dismantle and rebuild where necessary is incredibly rewarding -- often beyond what we can imagine. I believe that it's a collaborative journey on which we embark, moving together towards creating a more fulfilling and rewarding life for you.
(650) 668-4089 View (650) 668-4089
Photo of Hong Zhang, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Hong Zhang
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022
My specialties are the multicultural treatment of adolescents and adults with anxiety, grief and loss, and depression.
When we feel safe and encouraged, we change, and we thrive.
My specialties are the multicultural treatment of adolescents and adults with anxiety, grief and loss, and depression.
When we feel safe and encouraged, we change, and we thrive.
(650) 686-2644 View (650) 686-2644
Photo of Olivia Schulz, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Olivia Schulz
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94024
Hi there, I'm Olivia, an LMFT based in Sacramento, CA. I am a Woman, Mother, Wife, and Therapist, in that order. I am a Latina and have lived in California my entire life. I have experience with children, teens, foster youth, at-risk youth, young adults, young professionals, persons in the helping field, and couples. I have experience working with issues and diagnoses such as addiction, recovery, self-harm, life transitions, parental loss, blended families, LGBTQ, parent-child relational issues, communication issues, anger, mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and trauma.
Hi there, I'm Olivia, an LMFT based in Sacramento, CA. I am a Woman, Mother, Wife, and Therapist, in that order. I am a Latina and have lived in California my entire life. I have experience with children, teens, foster youth, at-risk youth, young adults, young professionals, persons in the helping field, and couples. I have experience working with issues and diagnoses such as addiction, recovery, self-harm, life transitions, parental loss, blended families, LGBTQ, parent-child relational issues, communication issues, anger, mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and trauma.
(562) 268-4115 View (562) 268-4115
Photo of Alexis Johnson, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alexis Johnson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94022  (Online Only)
I specialize in assisting clients experiencing grief and loss, trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction and/or substance use issues.
Feeling "stuck" and experiencing feelings that won't seem to give you a break can feel maddening. Reaching out for support and having someone to bounce ideas off is vital to our lives, especially after the stress of living through a global pandemic. Life can be overwhelming and exhausting, but I’m here to help you navigate any obstacles. My aim is to help you understand yourself more deeply and better cope with change. Through collaborative goal setting, I work with clients during session on what is most important to them. From stressful circumstances, to traumatic experiences - my therapy style is focused on the individual's needs.
I specialize in assisting clients experiencing grief and loss, trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction and/or substance use issues.
Feeling "stuck" and experiencing feelings that won't seem to give you a break can feel maddening. Reaching out for support and having someone to bounce ideas off is vital to our lives, especially after the stress of living through a global pandemic. Life can be overwhelming and exhausting, but I’m here to help you navigate any obstacles. My aim is to help you understand yourself more deeply and better cope with change. Through collaborative goal setting, I work with clients during session on what is most important to them. From stressful circumstances, to traumatic experiences - my therapy style is focused on the individual's needs.
(408) 668-2645 View (408) 668-2645
Photo of Janina Scarlet, PhD, Psychologist
Janina Scarlet
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94024  (Online Only)
Do you often feel disconnected from others? Do you pretend to be “fine” while you’re actually struggling on the inside? Do you have a hard time managing your symptoms? I understand your pain. I specialize in working with people with trauma and PTSD, including assault, physical and emotional abuse, bullying, neglect, abandonment, and narcissistic abuse. I also treat grief, burnout, and stress. I have many years of experience working with mental health providers and other healthcare professionals. I am a LGBTQIA-affirming provider, as well as a body positivity provider, and I offer neurodiversity-affirming care.
Do you often feel disconnected from others? Do you pretend to be “fine” while you’re actually struggling on the inside? Do you have a hard time managing your symptoms? I understand your pain. I specialize in working with people with trauma and PTSD, including assault, physical and emotional abuse, bullying, neglect, abandonment, and narcissistic abuse. I also treat grief, burnout, and stress. I have many years of experience working with mental health providers and other healthcare professionals. I am a LGBTQIA-affirming provider, as well as a body positivity provider, and I offer neurodiversity-affirming care.
(858) 260-3499 View (858) 260-3499
Photo of Maryam Ashraf, LCSW, EMDR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maryam Ashraf
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94022
Do you find yourself struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, grief or difficult life transitions? Do you find yourself feeling stuck and can’t seem to focus or move forward? There are many ways to get unstuck, and this is the work I love to do to help you heal, grow and live a more fulfilling life. I use an integrative approach including attachment-based work, family therapy, relational therapy, psychoeducation, CBT and mindfulness, bringing in each as needed. Above all, I strive to hold space and empathy for your life experience.
Do you find yourself struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, grief or difficult life transitions? Do you find yourself feeling stuck and can’t seem to focus or move forward? There are many ways to get unstuck, and this is the work I love to do to help you heal, grow and live a more fulfilling life. I use an integrative approach including attachment-based work, family therapy, relational therapy, psychoeducation, CBT and mindfulness, bringing in each as needed. Above all, I strive to hold space and empathy for your life experience.
(714) 886-3044 View (714) 886-3044
Photo of Anna Alper, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Anna Alper
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022  (Online Only)
I have extensive experience working in medical social work with patients who are battling cancer and helping with adjustment to illness, supporting caregivers, providing pre-bereavement & grief support.
I once heard this metaphor about the lotus flower: "The lotus flower grows deep in muddy waters, far away from the sun. In time the Lotus reaches the light and transforms into a beautiful flower." You may be faced with many challenges right now: stress, anxiety, a terminal diagnosis, or perhaps you are experiencing loss of a loved one. Like the lotus flower, it may seem that everything around you is dark and the light seems very distant. It is my passion to help get you through that muddy water and help you bloom into the beautiful lotus that I know you are.
I have extensive experience working in medical social work with patients who are battling cancer and helping with adjustment to illness, supporting caregivers, providing pre-bereavement & grief support.
I once heard this metaphor about the lotus flower: "The lotus flower grows deep in muddy waters, far away from the sun. In time the Lotus reaches the light and transforms into a beautiful flower." You may be faced with many challenges right now: stress, anxiety, a terminal diagnosis, or perhaps you are experiencing loss of a loved one. Like the lotus flower, it may seem that everything around you is dark and the light seems very distant. It is my passion to help get you through that muddy water and help you bloom into the beautiful lotus that I know you are.
(650) 590-8869 View (650) 590-8869
Photo of Beryl Hattori, PhD, Psychologist
Beryl Hattori
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94024
I am licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience in counseling with adult individuals. I work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, grief and loss, life transitions, trauma, work stress and cultural diversity issues. I also have a specialty interest in women’s issues including prenatal and postpartum mood disorders, fertility issues and traumatic losses.
I am licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience in counseling with adult individuals. I work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, grief and loss, life transitions, trauma, work stress and cultural diversity issues. I also have a specialty interest in women’s issues including prenatal and postpartum mood disorders, fertility issues and traumatic losses.
(650) 318-6384 View (650) 318-6384
Photo of Maria Porch, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maria Porch
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94024
Are you struggling in your relationships with others, or with how you view yourself? Do you have problems at work, or are you grappling with a loss? Many times we may feel unhappy, or bland but are not clear about the causes and what we can do. Personal growth is a lifelong process, and at times, choosing to embark in a psychotherapeutic relationship can help. We all have the capacity to better understand ourselves and improve our lives. In our work together, you would begin to understand the relationship you have with yourself and how you navigate other relationships.
Are you struggling in your relationships with others, or with how you view yourself? Do you have problems at work, or are you grappling with a loss? Many times we may feel unhappy, or bland but are not clear about the causes and what we can do. Personal growth is a lifelong process, and at times, choosing to embark in a psychotherapeutic relationship can help. We all have the capacity to better understand ourselves and improve our lives. In our work together, you would begin to understand the relationship you have with yourself and how you navigate other relationships.
(408) 831-3959 View (408) 831-3959
Photo of Gail Shen, PhD, Psychologist
Gail Shen
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022
I have a special interest in treating perinatal mood disorders, and provide support for pregnancy loss and infertility issues.
With 20 years of therapy experience, I enjoy helping clients realize their potential and believe that creating a supportive and caring environment is essential to this process. My areas of expertise include treating depression, anxiety, and relationship/interpersonal issues. I view therapy as a partnership where I have the privilege of helping clients navigate their lives more effectively. Clients seek my help for a variety of reasons, including adjusting to major life transitions, better coping with emotions, breaking old behavior patterns, or better understanding themselves.
I have a special interest in treating perinatal mood disorders, and provide support for pregnancy loss and infertility issues.
With 20 years of therapy experience, I enjoy helping clients realize their potential and believe that creating a supportive and caring environment is essential to this process. My areas of expertise include treating depression, anxiety, and relationship/interpersonal issues. I view therapy as a partnership where I have the privilege of helping clients navigate their lives more effectively. Clients seek my help for a variety of reasons, including adjusting to major life transitions, better coping with emotions, breaking old behavior patterns, or better understanding themselves.
(650) 464-9519 View (650) 464-9519
Photo of Ruth Schifrin, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ruth Schifrin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94024
I am an experienced therapist who is passionate about my work with individuals, couples and families - helping them navigate the many challenges of modern life. I see myself on a journey with my clients as they work on and gain a better understanding of self, and develop the skills of acceptance, mindfulness, growth and change on their path to well being. I work with depression, anxiety, grief, loss, stress, family, couples' issues and life issues, including work and friendships. I see my office as a warm safe space where tears and laughter exist side by side as we learn and grow together.
I am an experienced therapist who is passionate about my work with individuals, couples and families - helping them navigate the many challenges of modern life. I see myself on a journey with my clients as they work on and gain a better understanding of self, and develop the skills of acceptance, mindfulness, growth and change on their path to well being. I work with depression, anxiety, grief, loss, stress, family, couples' issues and life issues, including work and friendships. I see my office as a warm safe space where tears and laughter exist side by side as we learn and grow together.
(650) 656-2541 View (650) 656-2541
Photo of Theresa Maria Allocco, MA, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Theresa Maria Allocco
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94022
My specializations include: couples, grief, life transitions, boundary setting, depression/anxiety, adolescents/young adults, 2nd generation immigrant identity exploration, and people that identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
With over 15 years of licensed experience providing therapy in the state of California, I have treated a diversity of clients with a wide array of struggles and strengths. We will work together to create a solid plan that meets your needs using therapeutic techniques that the research has shown will help make improvements in the shortest amount of time. To put it simply, the people I meet with for individual or couples therapy often get better in a short amount of time. The path to "better" looks different for each person/couple and I enjoy figuring that puzzle out.
My specializations include: couples, grief, life transitions, boundary setting, depression/anxiety, adolescents/young adults, 2nd generation immigrant identity exploration, and people that identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
With over 15 years of licensed experience providing therapy in the state of California, I have treated a diversity of clients with a wide array of struggles and strengths. We will work together to create a solid plan that meets your needs using therapeutic techniques that the research has shown will help make improvements in the shortest amount of time. To put it simply, the people I meet with for individual or couples therapy often get better in a short amount of time. The path to "better" looks different for each person/couple and I enjoy figuring that puzzle out.
(408) 205-8302 View (408) 205-8302
Photo of Jené Edwards, PhD, Psychologist
Jené Edwards
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94022  (Online Only)
Being able to find peace within our lives takes effort and a commitment to making ourselves a priority. We are bombarded with messages telling us to put family and work first, but without self-care our commitments will suffer. My passion is helping my clients understand themselves on a deeper level and be able to engage with their everyday lives in a positive way. I have interests and expertise in helping my clients work through many areas including stress and anxiety, depression, trauma, grief or loss, relationship and sexual concerns, self-esteem, and life transitions. I have experience working with teens, adults, and couples.
Being able to find peace within our lives takes effort and a commitment to making ourselves a priority. We are bombarded with messages telling us to put family and work first, but without self-care our commitments will suffer. My passion is helping my clients understand themselves on a deeper level and be able to engage with their everyday lives in a positive way. I have interests and expertise in helping my clients work through many areas including stress and anxiety, depression, trauma, grief or loss, relationship and sexual concerns, self-esteem, and life transitions. I have experience working with teens, adults, and couples.
(650) 618-1267 View (650) 618-1267
Photo of Christine Chang, PhD, Psychologist
Christine Chang
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94024  (Online Only)
My areas of expertise include grief, loss, trauma, relationship concerns, existential/spiritual issues, anxiety, and depression.
Therapy is an opportunity to address problems we want to change, gain insights into our concerns, and develop new ways of being. My approach to therapy is best described as integrative with a strong grounding in psychodynamic, relational, and multicultural principles. I draw on cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and accelerated experiential dynamic psychotherapy to co-construct effective strategies for everyday life beyond the therapy room. I strive to provide clients a safe space to increase awareness, make meaning of the experience, and begin to cope and overcome life's difficulties. I provide individual and couple's therapy. I speak Mandarin and English.
My areas of expertise include grief, loss, trauma, relationship concerns, existential/spiritual issues, anxiety, and depression.
Therapy is an opportunity to address problems we want to change, gain insights into our concerns, and develop new ways of being. My approach to therapy is best described as integrative with a strong grounding in psychodynamic, relational, and multicultural principles. I draw on cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and accelerated experiential dynamic psychotherapy to co-construct effective strategies for everyday life beyond the therapy room. I strive to provide clients a safe space to increase awareness, make meaning of the experience, and begin to cope and overcome life's difficulties. I provide individual and couple's therapy. I speak Mandarin and English.
(510) 757-1320 View (510) 757-1320
Photo of Mara L Bronstein, PsyD, Psychologist
Mara L Bronstein
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94024
My treatment specialties and areas of interest include: therapy for depression and anxiety, relationship issues, work and career issues, stress management, aging, living with medical issues, parenting issues, conflict resolution, grief counseling, addiction and recovery, identity development, and men's issues.
Welcome! With a warm, open, and interactive style, I aim to work collaboratively with you to help you examine what is getting in the way of your well being, learn new ways to approach your challenges and concerns, and move your life in a direction that is reflective of what matters to you most. I offer both brief and long term psychotherapy. I work with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.
My treatment specialties and areas of interest include: therapy for depression and anxiety, relationship issues, work and career issues, stress management, aging, living with medical issues, parenting issues, conflict resolution, grief counseling, addiction and recovery, identity development, and men's issues.
Welcome! With a warm, open, and interactive style, I aim to work collaboratively with you to help you examine what is getting in the way of your well being, learn new ways to approach your challenges and concerns, and move your life in a direction that is reflective of what matters to you most. I offer both brief and long term psychotherapy. I work with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.
(650) 830-5336 View (650) 830-5336
Photo of Susan M Lindblade - Susan Lindblade, LMFT-AT, LMFT, AT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Susan Lindblade, LMFT-AT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, AT
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94024
Populations treated also include teens struggling with trauma, sexual abuse, anxiety, social conflicts, low self esteem, ADHD, Autism spectrum, grief, and eating disorders.
As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Art Therapist, I offer a genuine and non judgmental approach to helping individuals who are seeking to improve their relational and emotional well being. My experience includes working with adults, couples, adolescents, and school aged children.
Populations treated also include teens struggling with trauma, sexual abuse, anxiety, social conflicts, low self esteem, ADHD, Autism spectrum, grief, and eating disorders.
As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Art Therapist, I offer a genuine and non judgmental approach to helping individuals who are seeking to improve their relational and emotional well being. My experience includes working with adults, couples, adolescents, and school aged children.
(415) 856-9726 View (415) 856-9726
Photo of Lilo Campeau, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lilo Campeau
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94024
I enjoy working with a variety of clients, providing psychotherapy for children, adolescents, adults, and older adults, in individual or family sessions. You may be struggling to adjust to a loss, a new phase of life or change in circumstances, feeling overwhelmed or chronically worried, grappling with anger, sadness or fear. You may be suffering from trauma, PTSD, working with AD/HD, disordered eating, or just want someone to listen. You may have a goal in mind for which you need a plan and support, or you are not at all sure what's wrong, but things feel bad.
I enjoy working with a variety of clients, providing psychotherapy for children, adolescents, adults, and older adults, in individual or family sessions. You may be struggling to adjust to a loss, a new phase of life or change in circumstances, feeling overwhelmed or chronically worried, grappling with anger, sadness or fear. You may be suffering from trauma, PTSD, working with AD/HD, disordered eating, or just want someone to listen. You may have a goal in mind for which you need a plan and support, or you are not at all sure what's wrong, but things feel bad.
(650) 910-2296 View (650) 910-2296
Photo of Chen Bentov-Hamam, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Chen Bentov-Hamam
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94023
In my role as your therapist, I listen, think , propose, explore, teach, and challenge. My approach to therapy is best described as caring, and compassionate. I am committed to providing depth-oriented psychotherapy for you and your loved one. I bring a warm, non-judgmental approach that provides a safe environment and opportunities to address both short and long terms goals. Grief, loss, trauma, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, ADHD, Asperger, divorce, postpartum depression, cultural diversity and adjustment, are among the different issues I have experience working with. I work with adult, couples, school-age children, pre-teens, adolescents, and their families.
In my role as your therapist, I listen, think , propose, explore, teach, and challenge. My approach to therapy is best described as caring, and compassionate. I am committed to providing depth-oriented psychotherapy for you and your loved one. I bring a warm, non-judgmental approach that provides a safe environment and opportunities to address both short and long terms goals. Grief, loss, trauma, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, ADHD, Asperger, divorce, postpartum depression, cultural diversity and adjustment, are among the different issues I have experience working with. I work with adult, couples, school-age children, pre-teens, adolescents, and their families.
(650) 489-9650 View (650) 489-9650
Photo of Jaclyn Kelly Long, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jaclyn Kelly Long
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Altos, CA 94024
It is my passion to help people lead fulfilling lives and cultivate nourishing relationships. Through mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR, Internal Family Systems and somatic interventions, I empower adults, children & teens with tools to navigate their lives and nourish their relationships. I offer couples counseling, parenting support and therapy for children & teens who are struggling with worry, stress, anxiety, defiance, depression and overwhelm. I also offer support for loss & major life transitions. It is a sincere honor to work with my clients, and I hope I get the opportunity to work with you!
It is my passion to help people lead fulfilling lives and cultivate nourishing relationships. Through mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR, Internal Family Systems and somatic interventions, I empower adults, children & teens with tools to navigate their lives and nourish their relationships. I offer couples counseling, parenting support and therapy for children & teens who are struggling with worry, stress, anxiety, defiance, depression and overwhelm. I also offer support for loss & major life transitions. It is a sincere honor to work with my clients, and I hope I get the opportunity to work with you!
(650) 770-8388 x2 View (650) 770-8388 x2
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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.