Therapists in San Mateo County, CA
![Photo of Sara Garrow Ruebelt - Sara Ruebelt, Ph.D, LMFT, PhD, LMFT, LPC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/41794d2a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Sara Ruebelt, Ph.D, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94028
My life’s work is to improve & understand human relationships, and to help others live a life of meaning and authenticity. I strive to build bridges of understanding between multiple realities and reframing perspectives. I work with individuals, couples, families, and groups. I specialize in trauma, transitions, cross-cultural adjustment, personal or professional relationship difficulties, parenting, grief, and marital issues.
My life’s work is to improve & understand human relationships, and to help others live a life of meaning and authenticity. I strive to build bridges of understanding between multiple realities and reframing perspectives. I work with individuals, couples, families, and groups. I specialize in trauma, transitions, cross-cultural adjustment, personal or professional relationship difficulties, parenting, grief, and marital issues.
![Photo of Monika - Grace, PhD, MDiv, ThM, MA, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/97ebb2b2-3465-42b4-b5d5-f3e9f7119732/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am Rev. Dr. Monika Maria Grace and I welcome you to my page! In our first session together, I also welcome you to my real or virtual office and I invite you to make it your own safe space. I explain that therapy is a process, a relationship, and an adventure. It's also a gift of discovery and renewal that only you can give to yourself, especially in our challenging days. In this process, my role is to listen, to support, to challenge, to guide, and to celebrate you as you are becoming more courageous to face the parts of yourself you were avoiding, more accepting of yourself and of others, and fully present in your life.
I am Rev. Dr. Monika Maria Grace and I welcome you to my page! In our first session together, I also welcome you to my real or virtual office and I invite you to make it your own safe space. I explain that therapy is a process, a relationship, and an adventure. It's also a gift of discovery and renewal that only you can give to yourself, especially in our challenging days. In this process, my role is to listen, to support, to challenge, to guide, and to celebrate you as you are becoming more courageous to face the parts of yourself you were avoiding, more accepting of yourself and of others, and fully present in your life.
![Photo of Dr. Melissa Risso, PhD, MA, CSE, CST, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45f75c04-d20c-48cf-8a06-0e404dbf43e4/2/320x400.png)
Dr. Melissa Risso
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MA, CSE, CST
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
San Mateo, CA 94401 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Are you tired of talking endlessly about the problems in your relationships and are ready to find solutions? Are you frustrated with all the general relationship advice out there and just really want a professional therapist to understand your unique situation and guide you through it? I’m Dr. Melissa Risso, and I can help. I am a Licensed MFT, an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and an AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator with a passion for helping individuals and couples live better lives. My education, professional experience, and life experience have taught me how to listen to people without judgment.
Are you tired of talking endlessly about the problems in your relationships and are ready to find solutions? Are you frustrated with all the general relationship advice out there and just really want a professional therapist to understand your unique situation and guide you through it? I’m Dr. Melissa Risso, and I can help. I am a Licensed MFT, an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and an AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator with a passion for helping individuals and couples live better lives. My education, professional experience, and life experience have taught me how to listen to people without judgment.
![Photo of Jessica Urzua-Jones, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a7a29688-2901-4f2b-ae38-106a17e81b71/1/320x400.jpeg)
I was born and raised in Santiago, Chile. I am a licensed Marriage Family Therapist in the state of CA (LMFT 102349). I hold a MA in Counseling Psychology as well as a BA in Latin American Literature and a Minor in German. I am an adjunct professor at USF. I have lived in Lucerne, Switzerland and Munich, Germany. While in Chile, I studied opera.
I was born and raised in Santiago, Chile. I am a licensed Marriage Family Therapist in the state of CA (LMFT 102349). I hold a MA in Counseling Psychology as well as a BA in Latin American Literature and a Minor in German. I am an adjunct professor at USF. I have lived in Lucerne, Switzerland and Munich, Germany. While in Chile, I studied opera.
![Photo of Kanchan Sachdev, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3dff3e94-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kanchan Sachdev
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Redwood City, CA 94065 (Online Only)
Our aspiration for a wholesome and fulfilling life often leads us towards the path of healing and growth. Psychotherapy is a powerful medium for this transformation. In my practice, I strive to create a safe and confidential environment for deep reflection on the self and on relationships. This serves as a catalyst for changes including alleviation of stress, anxiety and depression as well as bettered connections with others. Collaborating with you, I customize and teach a tool box of techniques for you to use at home, work and play.
Our aspiration for a wholesome and fulfilling life often leads us towards the path of healing and growth. Psychotherapy is a powerful medium for this transformation. In my practice, I strive to create a safe and confidential environment for deep reflection on the self and on relationships. This serves as a catalyst for changes including alleviation of stress, anxiety and depression as well as bettered connections with others. Collaborating with you, I customize and teach a tool box of techniques for you to use at home, work and play.
![Photo of Anna McQuinn, PhD, MFT, PSY, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48b002e6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. McQuinn is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and a licensed Marital and Family therapist. Dr. Anna McQuinn has been a Tenured Professor of Notre Dame de Namur University where she has been chair of the Clinical Psychology Graduate Department since 1987. She has also been an Adjunct Faculty member at the University of San Francisco graduate Psychology program. Currently she is a Professor Emeritus at the NDNU & has a private practice in San Carlos. She believes that Psychotherapy Healing takes place within the relational model. There is a profound unconscious connection between therapist and client & a mutuality of influence.
Dr. McQuinn is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and a licensed Marital and Family therapist. Dr. Anna McQuinn has been a Tenured Professor of Notre Dame de Namur University where she has been chair of the Clinical Psychology Graduate Department since 1987. She has also been an Adjunct Faculty member at the University of San Francisco graduate Psychology program. Currently she is a Professor Emeritus at the NDNU & has a private practice in San Carlos. She believes that Psychotherapy Healing takes place within the relational model. There is a profound unconscious connection between therapist and client & a mutuality of influence.
![Photo of Ellen Garfield - Ellen Garfield, LMFT. Specializing in EMDR , LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f3688ebc-4d88-4779-bf43-1bb6ab078333/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ellen Garfield, LMFT. Specializing in EMDR
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
14 Endorsed
San Carlos, CA 94070
IN-PERSON and ZOOM appts available. My style is engaged, curious, warm, direct, and my clients tell me they enjoy my sense of humor. I love working with individuals struggling with conflicts in the family, work, or with friends, those wanting to gain insight into themselves, and individuals in the process of healing from trauma. I have specialized training in EMDR (eye movement desensitization & reprocessing), which is an evidence-based practice shown to be effective in decreasing psychological distress caused by trauma and disturbing life experiences. I also incorporate parts work/IFS. I’m neurodiversity affirming and fat positive.
IN-PERSON and ZOOM appts available. My style is engaged, curious, warm, direct, and my clients tell me they enjoy my sense of humor. I love working with individuals struggling with conflicts in the family, work, or with friends, those wanting to gain insight into themselves, and individuals in the process of healing from trauma. I have specialized training in EMDR (eye movement desensitization & reprocessing), which is an evidence-based practice shown to be effective in decreasing psychological distress caused by trauma and disturbing life experiences. I also incorporate parts work/IFS. I’m neurodiversity affirming and fat positive.
![Photo of Jeanna Eichenbaum, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46606995-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Longing for a different outcome? Want to write a new story? You are probably hoping to find support with the process of healing something that isn't feeling right. Psychotherapy can help by offering an accepting space to look, non-judgmentally, at whatever feels stuck, painful, or unresolved. Use my support and encouragement to help you approach these challenges in new ways, and find new solutions. My goal is to provide you with acceptance and ways to access your own innate wisdom and energy. I offer individual and relationship psychotherapy. Short and long term therapy options are available, depending on your concerns and goals.
Longing for a different outcome? Want to write a new story? You are probably hoping to find support with the process of healing something that isn't feeling right. Psychotherapy can help by offering an accepting space to look, non-judgmentally, at whatever feels stuck, painful, or unresolved. Use my support and encouragement to help you approach these challenges in new ways, and find new solutions. My goal is to provide you with acceptance and ways to access your own innate wisdom and energy. I offer individual and relationship psychotherapy. Short and long term therapy options are available, depending on your concerns and goals.
![Photo of Scott Carollo, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b92c792-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
People come to see me when they feel challenged by life circumstances, by depression, anxiety, or because they know that life holds more for them than they are currently experiencing. We can come to understand the roots of these experiences and to see where the blocks are to either living a life that feels like your own, or being more of yourself in the life that you have. I have found there to be a wide range of people who feel comfortable working with me, quite varied with regard to gender, age, stage of life, cultural background and sexual orientation.
People come to see me when they feel challenged by life circumstances, by depression, anxiety, or because they know that life holds more for them than they are currently experiencing. We can come to understand the roots of these experiences and to see where the blocks are to either living a life that feels like your own, or being more of yourself in the life that you have. I have found there to be a wide range of people who feel comfortable working with me, quite varied with regard to gender, age, stage of life, cultural background and sexual orientation.
![Photo of CK Olivieri Blackmore, MFT, PhD, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/10e4c5c2-a96f-4c78-a265-45b0c4faa3af/1/320x400.jpeg)
CK Olivieri Blackmore
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pacifica, CA 94044 (Online Only)
CK Olivieri Blackmore is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who approaches life with warmth, compassion, and creativity. CK specializes in relationship dynamics, post-traumatic stress disorders, and developmental life transitions. She is particularly adept at issues pertaining to the queer community and their loved ones. CK utilizes eclectic modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, EFT, Gottman, and IFS to navigate the nuanced needs of her diverse clientele and the associated sexual and gendered concerns that arise. Blending insight-oriented and behavioral change practices, CK works from a quirky and truly innovative lens.
CK Olivieri Blackmore is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who approaches life with warmth, compassion, and creativity. CK specializes in relationship dynamics, post-traumatic stress disorders, and developmental life transitions. She is particularly adept at issues pertaining to the queer community and their loved ones. CK utilizes eclectic modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, EFT, Gottman, and IFS to navigate the nuanced needs of her diverse clientele and the associated sexual and gendered concerns that arise. Blending insight-oriented and behavioral change practices, CK works from a quirky and truly innovative lens.
![Photo of Elizabeth (Lisa) Ann Herendeen, LCSW, MEd, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d1536d8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth (Lisa) Ann Herendeen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Emerald Hills, CA 94062
Are your seeking a more peaceful and harmonious life? One that can hold both the challenges and the goodness? Therapy can help. My style is warm, empathic, and collaborative. I use evidence-based techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness and brain science. I would like to help you tackle what is impeding you and open up new options so that you can make good decisions and create more happiness for you and your loved ones.
Are your seeking a more peaceful and harmonious life? One that can hold both the challenges and the goodness? Therapy can help. My style is warm, empathic, and collaborative. I use evidence-based techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness and brain science. I would like to help you tackle what is impeding you and open up new options so that you can make good decisions and create more happiness for you and your loved ones.
![Photo of Suzzette Garcia, MA, LPCC+, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cf2d4c21-1852-4c37-af1c-873fb838121f/1/320x400.png)
Life is complicated, each person has a unique journey with various obstacles and challenges. Think of therapy as your road map to support you in getting to your desired destination. Whether you need support in overcoming past traumas, having difficulty adjusting, need career counseling, support in strengthening your relationships or more, Suzzette would be honored to be your therapist. Suzzette’s goal is to empower individuals to meet their full potential through the integration of wellness and mentorship programs in schools, communities and corporate settings.
Life is complicated, each person has a unique journey with various obstacles and challenges. Think of therapy as your road map to support you in getting to your desired destination. Whether you need support in overcoming past traumas, having difficulty adjusting, need career counseling, support in strengthening your relationships or more, Suzzette would be honored to be your therapist. Suzzette’s goal is to empower individuals to meet their full potential through the integration of wellness and mentorship programs in schools, communities and corporate settings.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Catriona Macrae, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/73f68b88-67f8-4e32-b769-bdc0704850e2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Catriona Macrae
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95816
I view the path of therapy as a gentle exploration of the fullness of emotional experience, opening to suffering and grief as well as appreciation of the joyful moments. I offer an attachment based, holistic, and humanistic approach to therapy, seeing you as a complex whole person with the innate capacity to heal. Guided by compassion, curiosity, connection and courage within the therapeutic relationship, I work from a trauma-sensitive perspective and it is my intention to create a safe space for all races and cultures. I am allied with LGBTQIA+ folks and come from a sex positive perspective.
I view the path of therapy as a gentle exploration of the fullness of emotional experience, opening to suffering and grief as well as appreciation of the joyful moments. I offer an attachment based, holistic, and humanistic approach to therapy, seeing you as a complex whole person with the innate capacity to heal. Guided by compassion, curiosity, connection and courage within the therapeutic relationship, I work from a trauma-sensitive perspective and it is my intention to create a safe space for all races and cultures. I am allied with LGBTQIA+ folks and come from a sex positive perspective.
![Photo of Tim Hartnett - New Perspectives Center for Counseling, PhD, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3a5698f9-9deb-4b06-983f-54ece6a7b734/1/320x400.png)
New Perspectives Center for Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94107
We are a nonprofit counseling center dedicated to providing excellent therapy for adults, teens, children, couples and families. Our diverse staff can help you with a wide variety of issues, such as: depression and anxiety, emotion regulation, coping with illness, ADHD, grief, stage of life changes, couples and relationship issues, gender identity and sexuality concerns. Our affordable fees are based on your income and if you are paying out of pocket we offer a need-based sliding scale to help you make weekly therapy a reality. Plus we accept Medi-Cal with no co-payment!
We are a nonprofit counseling center dedicated to providing excellent therapy for adults, teens, children, couples and families. Our diverse staff can help you with a wide variety of issues, such as: depression and anxiety, emotion regulation, coping with illness, ADHD, grief, stage of life changes, couples and relationship issues, gender identity and sexuality concerns. Our affordable fees are based on your income and if you are paying out of pocket we offer a need-based sliding scale to help you make weekly therapy a reality. Plus we accept Medi-Cal with no co-payment!
![Photo of Landon Zaki - Bloom Therapy, PsyD, PMH-C, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eb035534-e6aa-496e-b1be-b1a77b459313/1/320x400.jpeg)
We provide support for family building challenges including infertility, assisted and third-party reproduction, pregnancy loss, birth trauma, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, adjustment to parenthood, and parenting NICU babies and medically ill children.
Bloom Therapy specializes in women's mental health across the lifespan. Women face unique stressors in their relationships and career, and experience anxiety, depression, and traumatic stress at twice the rate of men. We offer a compassionate, evidence-based approach to address these challenges and help you reach your goals. Our work focuses on building strengths, enhancing self-confidence, and empowering you with knowledge and tools so that you can thrive in your relationships, work, and life.
We provide support for family building challenges including infertility, assisted and third-party reproduction, pregnancy loss, birth trauma, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, adjustment to parenthood, and parenting NICU babies and medically ill children.
Bloom Therapy specializes in women's mental health across the lifespan. Women face unique stressors in their relationships and career, and experience anxiety, depression, and traumatic stress at twice the rate of men. We offer a compassionate, evidence-based approach to address these challenges and help you reach your goals. Our work focuses on building strengths, enhancing self-confidence, and empowering you with knowledge and tools so that you can thrive in your relationships, work, and life.
![Photo of Christopher Boyt, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2ed9be47-25e7-4532-afc6-b647127827cb/2/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Lauren Mizock, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/208b5275-b5fe-4683-a9d2-a05707faaff8/2/320x400.jpeg)
I address issues with relationships, sexuality, gender, career, depression, anxiety, trauma, loss, stress, family, fertility, and parenting among other topics.
My goal is to create an empowering space to draw from your strengths in overcoming current challenges. I work collaboratively with clients to establish ongoing, flexible goals for therapy to make our sessions most effective. I individualize therapy to each person using a range of techniques and approaches. I am particularly interested in the stories we tell about our lives and the meaning we make of them. My clients describe me as warm, positive, and insightful.
I address issues with relationships, sexuality, gender, career, depression, anxiety, trauma, loss, stress, family, fertility, and parenting among other topics.
My goal is to create an empowering space to draw from your strengths in overcoming current challenges. I work collaboratively with clients to establish ongoing, flexible goals for therapy to make our sessions most effective. I individualize therapy to each person using a range of techniques and approaches. I am particularly interested in the stories we tell about our lives and the meaning we make of them. My clients describe me as warm, positive, and insightful.
![Photo of Tara Baker - The Connective (formerly Wellspace SF), Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5528a24d-e568-42bf-921f-660364069703/1/320x400.jpeg)
The Connective (formerly Wellspace SF)
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
Our many specializations include: Gen Z and Millennials, relationship issues, self-esteem, life transitions, anxiety, depression, perfectionism + imposter syndrome, gender, racial and sexual identity, life balance, dating + relationships, career transition, body image, trauma/EMDR, pregnancy and postpartum support, grief, and OCD.
Tired of calling around? We have immediate openings! The Connective is an integrative practice of psychotherapists, certified coaches, and holistic health practitioners dedicated to a common goal: guiding, inspiring, and empowering individuals to live more authentic, fulfulling and healthy lives. From navigating personal and professional roadblocks, to achieving optimal health and wellness, our mission is to provide compassionate and strengths-based support centered on the whole person.
Our many specializations include: Gen Z and Millennials, relationship issues, self-esteem, life transitions, anxiety, depression, perfectionism + imposter syndrome, gender, racial and sexual identity, life balance, dating + relationships, career transition, body image, trauma/EMDR, pregnancy and postpartum support, grief, and OCD.
Tired of calling around? We have immediate openings! The Connective is an integrative practice of psychotherapists, certified coaches, and holistic health practitioners dedicated to a common goal: guiding, inspiring, and empowering individuals to live more authentic, fulfulling and healthy lives. From navigating personal and professional roadblocks, to achieving optimal health and wellness, our mission is to provide compassionate and strengths-based support centered on the whole person.
![Photo of Juliana Campos, PsyD, MA, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5145c5a1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Specialties include: anxiety/depression, trauma, immigration issues, postpartum depression/infertility, grief/loss, creative blocks and life transitions.
Bilingual, Culturally Sensitive, Trauma-informed, Relational Psychotherapy. I believe that engaging in therapy is an act of courage because change is by definition radical. An important goal of therapy is to connect to your authentic/creative self as a way to make meaning in times of suffering. Together we will explore your personal, family, cultural, and political history to understand the ways in which your experiences shape how you feel in the world. Whether you are struggling with life transitions, finding/keeping good relationships, or trying to integrate different identities, our work can help you find some sense of cohesion.
Specialties include: anxiety/depression, trauma, immigration issues, postpartum depression/infertility, grief/loss, creative blocks and life transitions.
Bilingual, Culturally Sensitive, Trauma-informed, Relational Psychotherapy. I believe that engaging in therapy is an act of courage because change is by definition radical. An important goal of therapy is to connect to your authentic/creative self as a way to make meaning in times of suffering. Together we will explore your personal, family, cultural, and political history to understand the ways in which your experiences shape how you feel in the world. Whether you are struggling with life transitions, finding/keeping good relationships, or trying to integrate different identities, our work can help you find some sense of cohesion.
![Photo of Jayn Rajandran - Dr. Jayn Rajandran PsyD / Jayn.Org, PsyD, LMFT, IO, Psych, CGE, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/464c9630-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Jayn Rajandran PsyD / Jayn.Org
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT, IO, Psych, CGE
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Concierge therapy offered in Palo Alto, Rockridge & SF locations. You decide on the day, time, location, in-person or online. This modality is for busy professionals/students who want to graduate psychotherapy fast. Sessions are fun and focused. Most clients can graduate from therapy within 3-6 months for life transition problems. For severe trauma and mental health cases, it can a little longer. Specializing in teens, couples and individuals struggling with trauma, sexual abuse, substances abuse, depression, anxiety, grief, suicide, trust, abandonment, severe mental health and anger.
Concierge therapy offered in Palo Alto, Rockridge & SF locations. You decide on the day, time, location, in-person or online. This modality is for busy professionals/students who want to graduate psychotherapy fast. Sessions are fun and focused. Most clients can graduate from therapy within 3-6 months for life transition problems. For severe trauma and mental health cases, it can a little longer. Specializing in teens, couples and individuals struggling with trauma, sexual abuse, substances abuse, depression, anxiety, grief, suicide, trust, abandonment, severe mental health and anger.
See more therapy options for San Mateo County
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.