Grief Therapists in Merced, CA

Photo of Grace Ofosua Peprah, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Grace Ofosua Peprah
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Merced, CA 95341
I work with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, grief, and relational issues.
Hi, my name is Grace Peprah. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in working with individuals and couples struggling with various mental illnesses. The most common theoretical approaches I like to focus on in my practice are Cognitive, Behavioral, and Client-Centered. The environment I like to create for my clients in my sessions is trusting, nonjudgmental, safe, with open communication. I am easy to talk to. I refrain from giving my personal opinions but rather use a lot of reflective listening.
I work with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, grief, and relational issues.
Hi, my name is Grace Peprah. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in working with individuals and couples struggling with various mental illnesses. The most common theoretical approaches I like to focus on in my practice are Cognitive, Behavioral, and Client-Centered. The environment I like to create for my clients in my sessions is trusting, nonjudgmental, safe, with open communication. I am easy to talk to. I refrain from giving my personal opinions but rather use a lot of reflective listening.
(909) 378-9477 View (909) 378-9477
Photo of Rachel Navarro, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rachel Navarro
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Merced, CA 95341
Hi! and welcome :) I am Rachel Navarro, a licensed clinical social worker practicing in California with over 15 years of experience in the social services sector. My areas of focus include: addictions, LGBT, grief, intimacy-related issues, career difficulties, depression, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, attachment Issues, blended Family Issues, body image, caregiver issues and stress, communication problems, divorce and separation, family problems, forgiveness, pregnancy and childbirth, self-love, women's issues and workplace challenges.
Hi! and welcome :) I am Rachel Navarro, a licensed clinical social worker practicing in California with over 15 years of experience in the social services sector. My areas of focus include: addictions, LGBT, grief, intimacy-related issues, career difficulties, depression, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, attachment Issues, blended Family Issues, body image, caregiver issues and stress, communication problems, divorce and separation, family problems, forgiveness, pregnancy and childbirth, self-love, women's issues and workplace challenges.
(916) 680-8478 View (916) 680-8478
Photo of Eliza McKenna, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Eliza McKenna
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Merced, CA 95348
I treat: Mood, Anxiety, and Psychotic Disorders, PTSD, Trauma Recovery, Substance Use Disorders and Dual-Diagnosis, Alcoholism and Mental Illness in Families, Chronic Pain, Grief, and Stress Management.
Eliza McKenna, LCSW, based in California, from the east coast. I'm a mom and hobby gardener and artist. I approach my practice with Humanism and strive to co-create insight and transformation with clients. I've worked on helplines, in child protection, with the seriously mentally ill, and as a psychotherapist in psychiatric clinics. In addition to private practice, I help run an Employee Assistance Program, and manage a number of employee health programs. My approach to providing therapy moves through the four noble truths. We diagnose the suffering and identify its cause.
I treat: Mood, Anxiety, and Psychotic Disorders, PTSD, Trauma Recovery, Substance Use Disorders and Dual-Diagnosis, Alcoholism and Mental Illness in Families, Chronic Pain, Grief, and Stress Management.
Eliza McKenna, LCSW, based in California, from the east coast. I'm a mom and hobby gardener and artist. I approach my practice with Humanism and strive to co-create insight and transformation with clients. I've worked on helplines, in child protection, with the seriously mentally ill, and as a psychotherapist in psychiatric clinics. In addition to private practice, I help run an Employee Assistance Program, and manage a number of employee health programs. My approach to providing therapy moves through the four noble truths. We diagnose the suffering and identify its cause.
(424) 381-0911 View (424) 381-0911
Photo of Amy Mundello (Turlock Family Counseling), MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Amy Mundello (Turlock Family Counseling)
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Merced, CA 95340
As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I work with clients of all ages who need help and support in the areas of stress management, relationship discord, parenting, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, and adjustment to life transitions, such as divorce, the diagnosis of a serious illness, and empty nest.
To be heard and understood is one of our most basic, fundamental human needs. Losses, life transitions, relationships, and even extended periods of stress can cause us to feel confused, overwhelmed, and even hopeless. You are not alone if you have found yourself struggling in any of these areas. My primary goal is to welcome you into a safe and collaborative space where personal growth can be fostered, and hope can begin.
As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I work with clients of all ages who need help and support in the areas of stress management, relationship discord, parenting, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, and adjustment to life transitions, such as divorce, the diagnosis of a serious illness, and empty nest.
To be heard and understood is one of our most basic, fundamental human needs. Losses, life transitions, relationships, and even extended periods of stress can cause us to feel confused, overwhelmed, and even hopeless. You are not alone if you have found yourself struggling in any of these areas. My primary goal is to welcome you into a safe and collaborative space where personal growth can be fostered, and hope can begin.
(209) 626-8868 View (209) 626-8868
Photo of Jessica Weisz, LPCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jessica Weisz
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Merced, CA 95340  (Online Only)
I am passionate about clinical work and specialize in education and treatments for coping with stress, family dysfunction, trauma, sexual abuse, grief, relationship, anger issues, anxiety, depression, and Post Traumatic Stress.
During the therapy process, my goal is to aid clients in the discovery of their strengths, increase positive coping skills, build support systems, and develop a healthy lifestyle to set the foundation for life's success. My approach helps to identify negative thought patterns, learn and understand where they come from, and work to change them. I create a non-judgmental, warm, empathic environment, aiming to help you feel comfortable talking honestly about your life. Together we can design a plan for mind, body, and spirit to heal your past, create the future you want, and optimize your overall mental fitness.
I am passionate about clinical work and specialize in education and treatments for coping with stress, family dysfunction, trauma, sexual abuse, grief, relationship, anger issues, anxiety, depression, and Post Traumatic Stress.
During the therapy process, my goal is to aid clients in the discovery of their strengths, increase positive coping skills, build support systems, and develop a healthy lifestyle to set the foundation for life's success. My approach helps to identify negative thought patterns, learn and understand where they come from, and work to change them. I create a non-judgmental, warm, empathic environment, aiming to help you feel comfortable talking honestly about your life. Together we can design a plan for mind, body, and spirit to heal your past, create the future you want, and optimize your overall mental fitness.
(209) 638-7795 View (209) 638-7795
Susan Baldasano LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Merced, CA 95340
Counseling can be a rewarding experience. I enjoy working with individuals, families, and children. I have been in private practice and with agencies for foster care and adoption. I love helping & watching people grow in their personal lives and in relationships. Marriages, divorce, blended families, intimacy, & parenting, past abuse issues are also areas of treatment. Pain disorders, grief, anxiety, and depression can have devastating affects on ones life. Getting help in all of these areas can greatly improve one's overall functioning. I believe contentment in life and knowing your life has purpose is of utmost importance.
Counseling can be a rewarding experience. I enjoy working with individuals, families, and children. I have been in private practice and with agencies for foster care and adoption. I love helping & watching people grow in their personal lives and in relationships. Marriages, divorce, blended families, intimacy, & parenting, past abuse issues are also areas of treatment. Pain disorders, grief, anxiety, and depression can have devastating affects on ones life. Getting help in all of these areas can greatly improve one's overall functioning. I believe contentment in life and knowing your life has purpose is of utmost importance.
(209) 248-6516 View (209) 248-6516
Photo of Danielle Louise Mumford, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Danielle Louise Mumford
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Merced, CA 95348  (Online Only)
Sometimes we all need someone to listen, validate, and hear our story. You may be experiencing emotional pain, suffering, uncontrollable worry, sadness, fatigue, troubled relationships and/ or grief. The reasons for these feelings and struggles may vary based on what has happened to YOU. I work with individuals and couples that feel lost and unsure of what is next for them. I help build and use skills that will support emotion regulation, decrease worried thoughts, and increase meaningful connections with self and others. You don’t have to work on these challenges alone. Allow me to be a part of your journey.
Sometimes we all need someone to listen, validate, and hear our story. You may be experiencing emotional pain, suffering, uncontrollable worry, sadness, fatigue, troubled relationships and/ or grief. The reasons for these feelings and struggles may vary based on what has happened to YOU. I work with individuals and couples that feel lost and unsure of what is next for them. I help build and use skills that will support emotion regulation, decrease worried thoughts, and increase meaningful connections with self and others. You don’t have to work on these challenges alone. Allow me to be a part of your journey.
(209) 257-6245 View (209) 257-6245
Photo of Susan Terris, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Susan Terris
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Merced, CA 95341
Susan C Terris, LMFT 34868. My approach to therapy is first to listen deeply to what a client's needs are, and to work collaboratively and non-judgmentally with them towards their goals. I enjoy working with clients who are motivated to be an active participant in their own treatment. I have worked with clients successfully on depression, mood disorders, bipolar disorders, all types of anxiety (including trauma), grief and any type of adjustment to life changes, including relationships. I'm currently working with young adults and adults from 18 to 100. I enjoy working with many different types of conditions.
Susan C Terris, LMFT 34868. My approach to therapy is first to listen deeply to what a client's needs are, and to work collaboratively and non-judgmentally with them towards their goals. I enjoy working with clients who are motivated to be an active participant in their own treatment. I have worked with clients successfully on depression, mood disorders, bipolar disorders, all types of anxiety (including trauma), grief and any type of adjustment to life changes, including relationships. I'm currently working with young adults and adults from 18 to 100. I enjoy working with many different types of conditions.
(209) 817-8359 View (209) 817-8359
Photo of Mica Cosby, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mica Cosby
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Merced, CA 95340  (Online Only)
Mica is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist & Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor with CCCSJ, and has previous experience and training as a spiritual counselor and teacher. Mica provides an integrative approach toward her clients as she believes each person is different in their approach to life and toward their own healing. Mica brings a “healing spirit” to all she does. She has extensive experience working with older adults and/or their caregivers, self-image and identity concerns amongst teens and young adults as well as life, career and loss transitions for all ages.
Mica is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist & Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor with CCCSJ, and has previous experience and training as a spiritual counselor and teacher. Mica provides an integrative approach toward her clients as she believes each person is different in their approach to life and toward their own healing. Mica brings a “healing spirit” to all she does. She has extensive experience working with older adults and/or their caregivers, self-image and identity concerns amongst teens and young adults as well as life, career and loss transitions for all ages.
(209) 219-2515 View (209) 219-2515
Photo of T. Stephen Pierce, Marriage & Family Therapist
T. Stephen Pierce
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Merced, CA 95340  (Online Only)
I’m Steve Pierce, a licensed marriage and family therapist since 2012. I’m also a veteran, and a former first responder; familiar with blended families, cultural diversity, trauma, grief, and loss. After I spent several years as a therapist for a county agency, I’m now in private practice providing services throughout California and Oregon by Zoom, specializing in couples and individual therapy. I want to hear your story and your hopes. I’m confident that I can help you achieve your desired changes to “live your best life."
I’m Steve Pierce, a licensed marriage and family therapist since 2012. I’m also a veteran, and a former first responder; familiar with blended families, cultural diversity, trauma, grief, and loss. After I spent several years as a therapist for a county agency, I’m now in private practice providing services throughout California and Oregon by Zoom, specializing in couples and individual therapy. I want to hear your story and your hopes. I’m confident that I can help you achieve your desired changes to “live your best life."
(541) 804-8741 View (541) 804-8741
Photo of Kristen Ellis, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kristen Ellis
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Merced, CA 95348
My name is Kristen Ellis, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) working with clients statewide via telehealth. I specialize in anxiety, stress, grief, and life changes, using a variety of modalities. I believe everyone can recover and achieve their goals. I have found my style and approach are a good fit for people who are dealing with life transitions and stressful times. These are common human experiences and normalizing them can allow people to have a better outlook on life and the outcomes of therapy.
My name is Kristen Ellis, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) working with clients statewide via telehealth. I specialize in anxiety, stress, grief, and life changes, using a variety of modalities. I believe everyone can recover and achieve their goals. I have found my style and approach are a good fit for people who are dealing with life transitions and stressful times. These are common human experiences and normalizing them can allow people to have a better outlook on life and the outcomes of therapy.
(916) 439-8366 View (916) 439-8366
Photo of Theppharack Sounthala, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Theppharack Sounthala
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Merced, CA 95340
Hello! I'm Theppharack Sounthala, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with a Master of Social Work from the California State University of Stanislaus. I have over 20 years of diverse experience with adults who are experiencing Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Grief, and Loss. I also have experience working with refugee clients, and am a refugee myself. I speak English, Laotian, and Thai, and provide services via teletherapy. Some of my most used modalities are CBT, Cognitive Processing, Humanistic, Mindfulness, Person-Centered, Psychodynamic, Reality Therapy, Solution Focused, Strength-Based, and more.
Hello! I'm Theppharack Sounthala, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with a Master of Social Work from the California State University of Stanislaus. I have over 20 years of diverse experience with adults who are experiencing Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Grief, and Loss. I also have experience working with refugee clients, and am a refugee myself. I speak English, Laotian, and Thai, and provide services via teletherapy. Some of my most used modalities are CBT, Cognitive Processing, Humanistic, Mindfulness, Person-Centered, Psychodynamic, Reality Therapy, Solution Focused, Strength-Based, and more.
(209) 554-2031 View (209) 554-2031
Photo of Beth Kolakoski, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Beth Kolakoski
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Merced, CA 95348
My name is Beth Leigh Kolakoski and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Marin County, California. In a supportive and empathetic environment, issues such as grief and loss, sadness/depression, anxiety, life transitions, personal growth, low self-esteem, trauma, chronic pain, ADHD difficulties, as well as parent struggles, can be addressed through a strength-based and solution-oriented approach. I specialize in working with adults who are struggling with anxiety, sadness/depression, grief and loss, major life transitions, shame, neurodivergent differences, trauma, PTSD, chronic pain, and parent struggles.
My name is Beth Leigh Kolakoski and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Marin County, California. In a supportive and empathetic environment, issues such as grief and loss, sadness/depression, anxiety, life transitions, personal growth, low self-esteem, trauma, chronic pain, ADHD difficulties, as well as parent struggles, can be addressed through a strength-based and solution-oriented approach. I specialize in working with adults who are struggling with anxiety, sadness/depression, grief and loss, major life transitions, shame, neurodivergent differences, trauma, PTSD, chronic pain, and parent struggles.
(760) 389-1626 View (760) 389-1626
Photo of Jennifer Phang, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jennifer Phang
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Merced, CA 95340
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with extensive experience working with individuals, families, and couples from ethnically and culturally diverse populations. The individuals I work with are overcoming various life transitions that range from mental health issues, interpersonal relationships, career and academic challenges, substance use, grief and loss, and trauma. Having a strong support system, whether it is from friends, family, and/or community members, can help bridge the gap between feeling helpless and alone and feeling supported and understood.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with extensive experience working with individuals, families, and couples from ethnically and culturally diverse populations. The individuals I work with are overcoming various life transitions that range from mental health issues, interpersonal relationships, career and academic challenges, substance use, grief and loss, and trauma. Having a strong support system, whether it is from friends, family, and/or community members, can help bridge the gap between feeling helpless and alone and feeling supported and understood.
(209) 457-5601 View (209) 457-5601
Photo of Cindy Guerrero, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cindy Guerrero
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Merced, CA 95340
Hello, my name is Cindy Guerrero, Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have had the privilege with working with a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, work stress, post partial depression, grief and end of life. My approach is client specific, but I have experience working with cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational therapy, solution-focused and client-centered approach.
Hello, my name is Cindy Guerrero, Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have had the privilege with working with a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, work stress, post partial depression, grief and end of life. My approach is client specific, but I have experience working with cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational therapy, solution-focused and client-centered approach.
(760) 279-1410 View (760) 279-1410
Photo of Dan W Prine, PsyD, Psychologist
Dan W Prine
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Merced, CA 95340
Anger Management ,as well as, grief, loss and depressive issues are a speciality.
Most folks seek professional help in a time of crisis. My initial goal is to help to manage your overwhelming feelings regarding the situation you find yourself in. In many cases, helping you to recognize you may already have the skills to cope and showing you how to access those skills may be enough. Other times, after the crisis has subsided, you may become aware of recurrent patterns resulting in upsetting feelings. I am available to work with those looking for short term interventions, as well as those who want to address problems they have struggled with most of there lives.
Anger Management ,as well as, grief, loss and depressive issues are a speciality.
Most folks seek professional help in a time of crisis. My initial goal is to help to manage your overwhelming feelings regarding the situation you find yourself in. In many cases, helping you to recognize you may already have the skills to cope and showing you how to access those skills may be enough. Other times, after the crisis has subsided, you may become aware of recurrent patterns resulting in upsetting feelings. I am available to work with those looking for short term interventions, as well as those who want to address problems they have struggled with most of there lives.
(209) 227-1469 View (209) 227-1469
Photo of Sherman Glenn, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sherman Glenn
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Merced, CA 95340
I am skilled in a variety of therapies; solution-focused brief therapy, cognitive psychotherapy, family systems, grief therapy, and group therapy.
I am the Founder and Director of Counseling Associates with over 40 years experience helping people with problems like yours. I was awarded a BA in Psychology, MRE in Education, a MA in Psychology. I also have a Marriage, Family and Child Counseling license, Teaching and Administrative Credentials from the State of California. Counseling Associates is housed in the facilities of Family Medical Group and Same Day Care at 911 E. Tuolumne Road, Turlock, CA. I am available for evening appointments. I have been joyfully married for 54 years to my wonderful wife and we have 4 wonderful grandchildren.
I am skilled in a variety of therapies; solution-focused brief therapy, cognitive psychotherapy, family systems, grief therapy, and group therapy.
I am the Founder and Director of Counseling Associates with over 40 years experience helping people with problems like yours. I was awarded a BA in Psychology, MRE in Education, a MA in Psychology. I also have a Marriage, Family and Child Counseling license, Teaching and Administrative Credentials from the State of California. Counseling Associates is housed in the facilities of Family Medical Group and Same Day Care at 911 E. Tuolumne Road, Turlock, CA. I am available for evening appointments. I have been joyfully married for 54 years to my wonderful wife and we have 4 wonderful grandchildren.
(209) 353-4809 View (209) 353-4809
Photo of Kenji Jones, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kenji Jones
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Merced, CA 95348
personality disorders, pregnancy/prenatal/postpartum issues, racial identity, racial trauma, relationship issues, school issues, self-esteem, self-harming, sexual abuse, sexual orientation, sleep or insomnia, spirituality, stress, suicidal ideation,teen violence, thought disorders, trauma and PTSD, weight loss, women's issues, children, and adolescents/teens.
Hey, you all, Dr. Kay Jay here! My clients describe me as a good listener who is warm, empathetic, patient, and encouraging. I've also been told that I have a comforting voice and am easy to talk to. The therapeutic process is unique to each person, so my goal is to meet clients and provide them with what they need to support growth and healing through empathy and active listening in a no-judgment zone. Together, we will work to explore healthy ways of healing and acceptance through self-awareness.
personality disorders, pregnancy/prenatal/postpartum issues, racial identity, racial trauma, relationship issues, school issues, self-esteem, self-harming, sexual abuse, sexual orientation, sleep or insomnia, spirituality, stress, suicidal ideation,teen violence, thought disorders, trauma and PTSD, weight loss, women's issues, children, and adolescents/teens.
Hey, you all, Dr. Kay Jay here! My clients describe me as a good listener who is warm, empathetic, patient, and encouraging. I've also been told that I have a comforting voice and am easy to talk to. The therapeutic process is unique to each person, so my goal is to meet clients and provide them with what they need to support growth and healing through empathy and active listening in a no-judgment zone. Together, we will work to explore healthy ways of healing and acceptance through self-awareness.
(669) 282-6636 View (669) 282-6636
Photo of Linda Comin, LCP, Psychologist
Linda Comin
Psychologist, LCP
Verified Verified
Merced, CA 95341
Today’s world presents each of us many challenges. Life’s challenges, are our best classrooms because they present us with dilemmas that necessitate stimulating solutions. As a practicing psychologist for decades, I know all too well that these solutions can be difficult to access. At times we simply do not have the life experience to meet the current challenging situation. This is when it is beneficial to obtain an outside, unbiased, and alternative solution. For each of us these challenges may be different, such as, personal, spiritual, educational, career, illness, or grief.
Today’s world presents each of us many challenges. Life’s challenges, are our best classrooms because they present us with dilemmas that necessitate stimulating solutions. As a practicing psychologist for decades, I know all too well that these solutions can be difficult to access. At times we simply do not have the life experience to meet the current challenging situation. This is when it is beneficial to obtain an outside, unbiased, and alternative solution. For each of us these challenges may be different, such as, personal, spiritual, educational, career, illness, or grief.
(805) 519-8701 View (805) 519-8701
Photo of Parsi Kim, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Parsi Kim
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Merced, CA 95348
There are times everyone needs to feel heard, especially during times of uncertainty. My focus is to help clients navigate life transitions, teach coping skills to manage anxiety, depression, grief, and loss, and nurture a strong identity. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has a holistic approach that draws from CBT, psycho-dynamic, and mindfulness-based models that help to work through negative thought and behavioral patterns while building insight into intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships.
There are times everyone needs to feel heard, especially during times of uncertainty. My focus is to help clients navigate life transitions, teach coping skills to manage anxiety, depression, grief, and loss, and nurture a strong identity. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has a holistic approach that draws from CBT, psycho-dynamic, and mindfulness-based models that help to work through negative thought and behavioral patterns while building insight into intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships.
(510) 661-3572 View (510) 661-3572
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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.