Grief Therapists in Milpitas, CA

Photo of Jason Allen McClure, MA, LPCC
Jason Allen McClure
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Milpitas, CA 95035
I've worked with a variety of issues, such as grief and loss, anxiety, depression, Existential conundrums, eating disorders, self-esteem issues, technology addiction, and more.
Stuck in a rut? Relationships on the rocks? Feeling paralysed by anxiety or crippled by depression? If you know that you're in need of change in your life, but aren't sure where to start, you've come to the right place. I can help you sort through the numerous complex pieces of your life to help you find ways to move forward that best match your unique life situations. I can help you find new ways to cope with the stress of modern living, I can help you repair fractured relationships, and I can assist you in your journey to find purpose.
I've worked with a variety of issues, such as grief and loss, anxiety, depression, Existential conundrums, eating disorders, self-esteem issues, technology addiction, and more.
Stuck in a rut? Relationships on the rocks? Feeling paralysed by anxiety or crippled by depression? If you know that you're in need of change in your life, but aren't sure where to start, you've come to the right place. I can help you sort through the numerous complex pieces of your life to help you find ways to move forward that best match your unique life situations. I can help you find new ways to cope with the stress of modern living, I can help you repair fractured relationships, and I can assist you in your journey to find purpose.
(408) 752-5916 View (408) 752-5916
Photo of Jill Garman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jill Garman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Milpitas, CA 95035
Hello, I’m Jill Garman, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I hope to serve as a compassionate and helpful guide toward your personal goals by helping you access your strengths and by developing new tools and skills that will serve you currently and in the future. For over 20 years I've provided an individualized approach to counseling those with varied levels of anxiety, depression, relationship issues, complicated grief, loss of purpose, loss of lifestyle, health decline, role or identity issues, and an abusive family history.
Hello, I’m Jill Garman, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I hope to serve as a compassionate and helpful guide toward your personal goals by helping you access your strengths and by developing new tools and skills that will serve you currently and in the future. For over 20 years I've provided an individualized approach to counseling those with varied levels of anxiety, depression, relationship issues, complicated grief, loss of purpose, loss of lifestyle, health decline, role or identity issues, and an abusive family history.
(669) 322-8325 View (669) 322-8325
Photo of Angela Topcu, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Angela Topcu
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Milpitas, CA 95035
Despite your best efforts to be happy, are you finding that a sense of contentment, authenticity and self-confidence continues to elude you? Do you long for a way to finally feel that you are managing your anxiety rather than your anxiety is managing you? What would it feel like to begin healing the pain of your past, including your most painful losses, and move forward into new possibilities? I work with a variety of issues including depression and anxiety and I specialize in the challenges of grief & loss and low self-esteem.
Despite your best efforts to be happy, are you finding that a sense of contentment, authenticity and self-confidence continues to elude you? Do you long for a way to finally feel that you are managing your anxiety rather than your anxiety is managing you? What would it feel like to begin healing the pain of your past, including your most painful losses, and move forward into new possibilities? I work with a variety of issues including depression and anxiety and I specialize in the challenges of grief & loss and low self-esteem.
(510) 771-7382 View (510) 771-7382
Photo of Leilei Yuan, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Leilei Yuan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Milpitas, CA 95035
I provide evidenced based therapies to help my clients cope with life transitions, trauma, grief, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, adjustment and relationship issues etc.
Do you feel depressed, anxious or emotionally stuck? Feeling lost or overwhelmed? Life is full of up and down, and a lot of us chose to hide true feeling and try to move on. However, like physical injury, emotional wound needs appropriate attention & treatment too. If you let me, I would appreciate this great opportunity to join you on your journey of feeling, healing and growing. As a licensed clinical social worker with 6 years’ experience in the field, I have worked passionately with individuals, families, adults, hospital patients and children to learn positive ways and skills to cope with many stressors in life.
I provide evidenced based therapies to help my clients cope with life transitions, trauma, grief, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, adjustment and relationship issues etc.
Do you feel depressed, anxious or emotionally stuck? Feeling lost or overwhelmed? Life is full of up and down, and a lot of us chose to hide true feeling and try to move on. However, like physical injury, emotional wound needs appropriate attention & treatment too. If you let me, I would appreciate this great opportunity to join you on your journey of feeling, healing and growing. As a licensed clinical social worker with 6 years’ experience in the field, I have worked passionately with individuals, families, adults, hospital patients and children to learn positive ways and skills to cope with many stressors in life.
(410) 324-6761 View (410) 324-6761
Photo of Christopher Boyt, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Christopher Boyt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Milpitas, CA 95035
Hi! My name is Chris! I am a licensed clinical social worker who focuses on compassion, empathy, and the unique story that each of us has. My focus is on promoting resiliency and acceptance as a means of empowering each client to create the change they want in their lives. I enjoy working with all types of clients, though I enjoy being a part of a client's journey out of their trauma and pain and towards the life they want to live. I have worked with many in the LGBTQ+ community, various types of abuse survivors, complex grief, and neurodivergence.
Hi! My name is Chris! I am a licensed clinical social worker who focuses on compassion, empathy, and the unique story that each of us has. My focus is on promoting resiliency and acceptance as a means of empowering each client to create the change they want in their lives. I enjoy working with all types of clients, though I enjoy being a part of a client's journey out of their trauma and pain and towards the life they want to live. I have worked with many in the LGBTQ+ community, various types of abuse survivors, complex grief, and neurodivergence.
(408) 752-5732 View (408) 752-5732
Photo of Angel Ouza, LMSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Angel Ouza
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Milpitas, CA 95035  (Online Only)
Welcome and thank you for being brave! I am honored to walk alongside your journey & grateful that you reached out for help. I believe, at one point, everyone needs some type of assistance. We are human and will no doubt encounter challenges. At some point, we may deal with family/relationship issues, self-identity issues, grief, unforeseen circumstances, depression, trauma, career changes, self-esteem concerns, anxiety, and/or trouble coping with the stressors of daily life. Embracing these challenges with the right support allows you to be on your way to achieving your goals.Together we can make things better. I believe in you!
Welcome and thank you for being brave! I am honored to walk alongside your journey & grateful that you reached out for help. I believe, at one point, everyone needs some type of assistance. We are human and will no doubt encounter challenges. At some point, we may deal with family/relationship issues, self-identity issues, grief, unforeseen circumstances, depression, trauma, career changes, self-esteem concerns, anxiety, and/or trouble coping with the stressors of daily life. Embracing these challenges with the right support allows you to be on your way to achieving your goals.Together we can make things better. I believe in you!
(408) 547-4093 View (408) 547-4093
Photo of Harsha Vaishnav - Hypnotherapy & Reiki @ Natural Health Center, BS, CCHT, Reiki
Hypnotherapy & Reiki @ Natural Health Center
BS, CCHT, Reiki
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Milpitas, CA 95035
Seeking solutions that bring balance and calm in your life? I offer guided mind body healing therapies such as Hypnotherapy and EFT, that empower you to find solutions for the following issues: PAIN, INSOMNIA, GRIEF, WEIGHT, ANXIETY, STRESS, TRAUMA, HABITS, CRAVINGS, RELATIONSHIPS, or PAST LIVES. Hypnotherapy can be effective in building a bridge between the conscious mind and subconscious mind in order to explore the source and solutions of emotional, mental, and physical issues. This expanded state of consciousness allows for genuine realizations and the motivation to implement lasting transformations.
Seeking solutions that bring balance and calm in your life? I offer guided mind body healing therapies such as Hypnotherapy and EFT, that empower you to find solutions for the following issues: PAIN, INSOMNIA, GRIEF, WEIGHT, ANXIETY, STRESS, TRAUMA, HABITS, CRAVINGS, RELATIONSHIPS, or PAST LIVES. Hypnotherapy can be effective in building a bridge between the conscious mind and subconscious mind in order to explore the source and solutions of emotional, mental, and physical issues. This expanded state of consciousness allows for genuine realizations and the motivation to implement lasting transformations.
(408) 707-3142 View (408) 707-3142
Photo of Kelleen Stainer, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kelleen Stainer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Milpitas, CA 95035
Hello, I am Kelleen Stainer. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I take a 'client-centered' approach to therapy and believe therapy is a partnership between the client and the therapist. I typically work with adult clients in need of additional support to cope with their current life challenges. I am most comfortable treating individuals with generalized anxiety disorder, depression, grief, self-esteem issues, chronic illness and relationship issues.
Hello, I am Kelleen Stainer. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I take a 'client-centered' approach to therapy and believe therapy is a partnership between the client and the therapist. I typically work with adult clients in need of additional support to cope with their current life challenges. I am most comfortable treating individuals with generalized anxiety disorder, depression, grief, self-esteem issues, chronic illness and relationship issues.
(805) 317-7954 View (805) 317-7954
Photo of Frederick MacHado, PsyD, Psychologist
Frederick MacHado
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Milpitas, CA 95035
My experience includes couples therapy and treating individuals with anxiety, depression, obsession-compulsion, phobias, post-traumatic stress, eating disorders, and addictions, such as gambling and sex. Furthermore, because of my experience in the ministry field, I also do well in counseling on religious issues, grievances, loss crises, and other unresolved issues.
My experience includes couples therapy and treating individuals with anxiety, depression, obsession-compulsion, phobias, post-traumatic stress, eating disorders, and addictions, such as gambling and sex. Furthermore, because of my experience in the ministry field, I also do well in counseling on religious issues, grievances, loss crises, and other unresolved issues.
(213) 674-3595 View (213) 674-3595
Photo of Kathy Rose, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kathy Rose
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Milpitas, CA 95035
For my clients, this may manifest as depression, anxiety, grief, self-esteem issues, or a desire to work on personal development.
I am a licensed marriage & family therapist with over 40 years of experience in psychotherapy & personal development. My approach to therapy is best described as eclectic. I draw from a number of therapeutic approaches, primarily Client-Centered, CBT, Mindfulness, & Strength-Based. To me, the most important aspect of a successful therapy experience is the quality of the relationship established between client & therapist, based on mutual trust & willingness to commit to the process.
For my clients, this may manifest as depression, anxiety, grief, self-esteem issues, or a desire to work on personal development.
I am a licensed marriage & family therapist with over 40 years of experience in psychotherapy & personal development. My approach to therapy is best described as eclectic. I draw from a number of therapeutic approaches, primarily Client-Centered, CBT, Mindfulness, & Strength-Based. To me, the most important aspect of a successful therapy experience is the quality of the relationship established between client & therapist, based on mutual trust & willingness to commit to the process.
(424) 400-3084 View (424) 400-3084
Photo of Kathleen Weldon, LPCC
Kathleen Weldon
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Milpitas, CA 95035
Hello, I am Katie Weldon, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in San Diego, CA. My approach to therapy is eclectic and tailored to the needs of each client or couple. My areas of greatest clinical interest include survivors of prior trauma or abuse, military members and families, LGBTQIA2S+, disordered eating, couples therapy, grief counseling and life transitions. Couples, Veterans/Active-Duty Service Members or their Families, PTSD, Survivors of Abuse, LGBTQIA2S+ and Queer clients, eating disorders/Disordered Eating, Anxiety, and Depression.
Hello, I am Katie Weldon, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in San Diego, CA. My approach to therapy is eclectic and tailored to the needs of each client or couple. My areas of greatest clinical interest include survivors of prior trauma or abuse, military members and families, LGBTQIA2S+, disordered eating, couples therapy, grief counseling and life transitions. Couples, Veterans/Active-Duty Service Members or their Families, PTSD, Survivors of Abuse, LGBTQIA2S+ and Queer clients, eating disorders/Disordered Eating, Anxiety, and Depression.
(559) 314-6557 View (559) 314-6557
Photo of Nita Prasad - Nita Prasad, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Nita Prasad
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Milpitas, CA 95035  (Online Only)
I will support you with utmost compassion and mindfulness to address life challenges that brought you to therapy- transitions, domestic violence, parenting, marital problems, divorce/separation, substance abuse, family court, depression, chronic illness, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma and my goal is to provide you relief from distress as fast as possible.
Greetings! I commend you for making a decision to seek counseling at this time in your life journey. It is my great pleasure to offer you such support and guidance at this time. I'm a licensed mental health professional practicing in Bay Area for two decades. I am only offering telehealth services at this time. My experience encompasses working with diverse ethnic groups on various issues and challenges and my passion is to assist my clients in confronting them. I look forward to working with you.
I will support you with utmost compassion and mindfulness to address life challenges that brought you to therapy- transitions, domestic violence, parenting, marital problems, divorce/separation, substance abuse, family court, depression, chronic illness, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma and my goal is to provide you relief from distress as fast as possible.
Greetings! I commend you for making a decision to seek counseling at this time in your life journey. It is my great pleasure to offer you such support and guidance at this time. I'm a licensed mental health professional practicing in Bay Area for two decades. I am only offering telehealth services at this time. My experience encompasses working with diverse ethnic groups on various issues and challenges and my passion is to assist my clients in confronting them. I look forward to working with you.
(650) 603-5885 View (650) 603-5885
Photo of Jennifer Myers, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jennifer Myers
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Milpitas, CA 95036  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 13 years of experience helping clients overcome the effects of trauma, anxiety, and chronic stress; the challenges brought on by grief, various stage-of-life transitions, compassion fatigue/burnout, relationship stressors, as well as those who may be launching into the adult world for the first time.
Are you an “overthinker” with complex feelings that are hard to put into words? Do you feel misunderstood, lonely, isolated, or unfulfilled? Are you striving to please others at the expense of yourself? Perhaps you feel exhausted, overworked, over-stressed, and as though you're never enough. You may crave a deep connection with yourself, your loved ones and the world around you...but may also find yourself struggling to make sense of the world. Unexpectedly life-changing or stressful events can increase these feelings, and hope for change can seem so far away. If so, you're not alone. I warmly welcome you to my practice.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 13 years of experience helping clients overcome the effects of trauma, anxiety, and chronic stress; the challenges brought on by grief, various stage-of-life transitions, compassion fatigue/burnout, relationship stressors, as well as those who may be launching into the adult world for the first time.
Are you an “overthinker” with complex feelings that are hard to put into words? Do you feel misunderstood, lonely, isolated, or unfulfilled? Are you striving to please others at the expense of yourself? Perhaps you feel exhausted, overworked, over-stressed, and as though you're never enough. You may crave a deep connection with yourself, your loved ones and the world around you...but may also find yourself struggling to make sense of the world. Unexpectedly life-changing or stressful events can increase these feelings, and hope for change can seem so far away. If so, you're not alone. I warmly welcome you to my practice.
(408) 882-9213 View (408) 882-9213
Photo of Kate Merrill Evans - Kate Evans Therapy - Attachment Medicine, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kate Evans Therapy - Attachment Medicine
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Milpitas, CA 95035  (Online Only)
My clients are individuals and couples who are ready to take a deeper look into themselves and the thoughts and behaviors that aren't serving them any longer. Maybe they've noticed patterns in their lives and/or relationships that they'd like to step away from or help their partners with; issues like explosive anger, emotional withdrawal, people pleasing, codependency, substance abuse, depression, or anxiety. These patterns may be longstanding or they may have arisen as a result of a recent grief or other trauma event. My clients feel there's more to life then what they may be living, they just don't know how to access it yet.
My clients are individuals and couples who are ready to take a deeper look into themselves and the thoughts and behaviors that aren't serving them any longer. Maybe they've noticed patterns in their lives and/or relationships that they'd like to step away from or help their partners with; issues like explosive anger, emotional withdrawal, people pleasing, codependency, substance abuse, depression, or anxiety. These patterns may be longstanding or they may have arisen as a result of a recent grief or other trauma event. My clients feel there's more to life then what they may be living, they just don't know how to access it yet.
(415) 598-5862 View (415) 598-5862
Photo of Ken Mallon, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ken Mallon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Milpitas, CA 95035
Trauma/grief experience, Gottman trained couples counselor.
I enjoy working with couples, families and individuals. Couples and families often struggle to see eye-to-eye on critical issues. I can help reduce conflict by restoring affection and admiration and teaching tools to help turn adversaries into allies. I have experience helping individuals going through significant life changes such as leaving home, divorce, marriage, having a baby, starting a new job, quitting a job, finding a life partner, exploring sexuality or gender identity, etc. I also have two associates in my practice in case you prefer a woman or POC.
Trauma/grief experience, Gottman trained couples counselor.
I enjoy working with couples, families and individuals. Couples and families often struggle to see eye-to-eye on critical issues. I can help reduce conflict by restoring affection and admiration and teaching tools to help turn adversaries into allies. I have experience helping individuals going through significant life changes such as leaving home, divorce, marriage, having a baby, starting a new job, quitting a job, finding a life partner, exploring sexuality or gender identity, etc. I also have two associates in my practice in case you prefer a woman or POC.
(408) 351-0262 View (408) 351-0262
Photo of Leslie Romero-Gallegos, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Leslie Romero-Gallegos
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Milpitas, CA 95035
I have experience working with adults who suffer from mood disorders, daily stress, grief, relationship issues, women's issues, and anxiety disorders.
Hello, My name is Leslie Romero-Gallegos and I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker located in Southern California. I work with adult individuals who are struggling in many areas of their mental health.
I have experience working with adults who suffer from mood disorders, daily stress, grief, relationship issues, women's issues, and anxiety disorders.
Hello, My name is Leslie Romero-Gallegos and I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker located in Southern California. I work with adult individuals who are struggling in many areas of their mental health.
(657) 837-5888 View (657) 837-5888
Photo of Caryn Torres, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Caryn Torres
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Milpitas, CA 95035  (Online Only)
Are there certain aspects of your life that you are dissatisfied with?  Are there struggles within that leave you drained?  Anxiety, depression, work distress, relationship and family conflict, trauma, grief and loss are all a part of being human.  In therapy, I offer support, tools, help with emotional regulation, reframing your false self beliefs and healing your inner child.  From the school sandbox, to the hospital, to the privacy of a quiet office, I will meet you where you are at without judgement.
Are there certain aspects of your life that you are dissatisfied with?  Are there struggles within that leave you drained?  Anxiety, depression, work distress, relationship and family conflict, trauma, grief and loss are all a part of being human.  In therapy, I offer support, tools, help with emotional regulation, reframing your false self beliefs and healing your inner child.  From the school sandbox, to the hospital, to the privacy of a quiet office, I will meet you where you are at without judgement.
(831) 777-4788 View (831) 777-4788
Photo of Rickey Bates, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rickey Bates
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Milpitas, CA 95035
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces, I have extensive experience working with individuals, couples, teenagers, and adults specializing in PTSD, MST, mood disorders, grief, CBT, DBT, Trauma-Informed Mindfulness, and Narrative Therapy are some of my approaches to helping my clients identify their challenges.
Hi there, I'm Rickey! I have been practicing as a psychotherapist for over 7 years. My Master's in Social Work focused on Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality and how our different life experiences shape how we navigate our surroundings. I recognize my client's right to self-determination, and I want to empower my clients to collaboratively come up with their obtainable short-term and long-term plans and goals. Let's further explore together how to make better use of the tools we've been working with and perhaps add new additional tools to the toolbox or not.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces, I have extensive experience working with individuals, couples, teenagers, and adults specializing in PTSD, MST, mood disorders, grief, CBT, DBT, Trauma-Informed Mindfulness, and Narrative Therapy are some of my approaches to helping my clients identify their challenges.
Hi there, I'm Rickey! I have been practicing as a psychotherapist for over 7 years. My Master's in Social Work focused on Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality and how our different life experiences shape how we navigate our surroundings. I recognize my client's right to self-determination, and I want to empower my clients to collaboratively come up with their obtainable short-term and long-term plans and goals. Let's further explore together how to make better use of the tools we've been working with and perhaps add new additional tools to the toolbox or not.
(619) 332-2495 View (619) 332-2495
Photo of Alexandro Valdivia, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alexandro Valdivia
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Milpitas, CA 95035
Hello! I am Alexandro Valdivia, and I am board certified licensed clinical social worker who offers a safe and confidential space for individuals to explore and address their emotional and psychological challenges. I am a grief and crisis support therapist, dedicated to helping individuals navigate the difficult and overwhelming experiences of loss, trauma, and life transitions. My approach is person-centered. I practice with empathy, active listening, and a non-judgmental attitude. I work with my clients to help them gain insight, improve their well-being, and achieve their therapeutic goals.
Hello! I am Alexandro Valdivia, and I am board certified licensed clinical social worker who offers a safe and confidential space for individuals to explore and address their emotional and psychological challenges. I am a grief and crisis support therapist, dedicated to helping individuals navigate the difficult and overwhelming experiences of loss, trauma, and life transitions. My approach is person-centered. I practice with empathy, active listening, and a non-judgmental attitude. I work with my clients to help them gain insight, improve their well-being, and achieve their therapeutic goals.
(747) 293-4934 View (747) 293-4934
Photo of Terri Edwards, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Terri Edwards
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Milpitas, CA 95035
Hello, my name is Terri Edwards, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over twenty years of experience in the Southern California area providing mental health services to individuals, couples, and families to support optimal interpersonal relationships. My focus areas of practice are anxiety, trauma, grief, relationships, and families. I have worked in Community Mental Health Clinics, School-Based settings, and Residential treatment facilities. I am a Veteran of the U.S. Navy and have had the opportunity to provide therapy to veterans and their families.
Hello, my name is Terri Edwards, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over twenty years of experience in the Southern California area providing mental health services to individuals, couples, and families to support optimal interpersonal relationships. My focus areas of practice are anxiety, trauma, grief, relationships, and families. I have worked in Community Mental Health Clinics, School-Based settings, and Residential treatment facilities. I am a Veteran of the U.S. Navy and have had the opportunity to provide therapy to veterans and their families.
(619) 863-1851 View (619) 863-1851
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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.