Grief Therapists in Tustin, CA

Photo of Nina Tilka, PhD, Psychologist
Nina Tilka
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Tustin, CA 92780
My style is compassionate, calm, and collaborative, which tends to be helpful for people during times of intense stress, change, or loss.
Do you feel exhausted? Maybe you feel a lot of pressure to be strong and keep going. Sometimes, you are hit with an overwhelming anxiety or grief or both. These things that are happening internally are impacting your ability to be the person, friend, or athlete you want to be. You long to find a space where you can be seen and heard, find peace and confidence, and overcome the challenges that you face.
My style is compassionate, calm, and collaborative, which tends to be helpful for people during times of intense stress, change, or loss.
Do you feel exhausted? Maybe you feel a lot of pressure to be strong and keep going. Sometimes, you are hit with an overwhelming anxiety or grief or both. These things that are happening internally are impacting your ability to be the person, friend, or athlete you want to be. You long to find a space where you can be seen and heard, find peace and confidence, and overcome the challenges that you face.
(657) 214-4787 View (657) 214-4787
Photo of Cristina Minchala, MA, MFT, RPT-S, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cristina Minchala
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, RPT-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Tustin, CA 92780
Are you a parent struggling to have a better relationship with your child? Are you, or someone else (teachers, family) worried about your child's behavior? Are you or your family going through a difficult time? If so, you need a therapist with experience working with children, teens, and families. I am a Bilingual (Spanish) licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 17 years of experience specializing in working with children from ages 2 to 21. I have worked with children and their families dealing with a variety of issues including learning difficulties, ADHD, behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, and loss.
Are you a parent struggling to have a better relationship with your child? Are you, or someone else (teachers, family) worried about your child's behavior? Are you or your family going through a difficult time? If so, you need a therapist with experience working with children, teens, and families. I am a Bilingual (Spanish) licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 17 years of experience specializing in working with children from ages 2 to 21. I have worked with children and their families dealing with a variety of issues including learning difficulties, ADHD, behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, and loss.
(855) 288-9308 View (855) 288-9308
Photo of Sara Pointer, PsyD, Psychologist
Sara Pointer
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Tustin, CA 92780
Are you ready to take the next step towards inner peace? If so, I would like to help you feel equipped to effectively manage your areas of concern. I have extensive experience working with challenges including (but not limited to) depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions (eg retirement), relationship issues, and stress management. Together we will create an individualized plan that addresses your needs and goals. I help hold you accountable as we identify barriers impeding your goals. I value highlighting successes to increase your sense of mastery and empowerment as well as your belief in your capacity to change.
Are you ready to take the next step towards inner peace? If so, I would like to help you feel equipped to effectively manage your areas of concern. I have extensive experience working with challenges including (but not limited to) depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions (eg retirement), relationship issues, and stress management. Together we will create an individualized plan that addresses your needs and goals. I help hold you accountable as we identify barriers impeding your goals. I value highlighting successes to increase your sense of mastery and empowerment as well as your belief in your capacity to change.
(714) 452-1734 View (714) 452-1734
Photo of Crystal Delaney, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Crystal Delaney
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Tustin, CA 92780
I have extensive experience working with a variety of conditions, such as PTSD, abuse, anxiety, panic attacks, sexual trauma, stress, emotional dysregulation, and complicated grief.
Anxiety, sleep difficulties, or intense emotions may be disrupting your life. Maybe you are replaying upsetting events in your mind. It sometimes feels like you don’t have control over your thoughts or your feelings. By taking this important first step of meeting with me, you can feel more peaceful, confident, and in control. With therapy that is specifically tailored to your needs, you can have more fulfilling relationships and a more secure idea of where you are going in life.
I have extensive experience working with a variety of conditions, such as PTSD, abuse, anxiety, panic attacks, sexual trauma, stress, emotional dysregulation, and complicated grief.
Anxiety, sleep difficulties, or intense emotions may be disrupting your life. Maybe you are replaying upsetting events in your mind. It sometimes feels like you don’t have control over your thoughts or your feelings. By taking this important first step of meeting with me, you can feel more peaceful, confident, and in control. With therapy that is specifically tailored to your needs, you can have more fulfilling relationships and a more secure idea of where you are going in life.
(949) 873-0473 View (949) 873-0473
Photo of Denise Mechelle Owens, AMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Denise Mechelle Owens
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tustin, CA 92780
I work with trauma, grief and relationship issues.
My passion is to work with the inner child. I work with anxiety, depression, grief, anger management, parenting and trauma as an EMDR trained therapist. I will facilitate emotional awareness and growth by a set of coping tools and treatment plan unique to your individual needs.
I work with trauma, grief and relationship issues.
My passion is to work with the inner child. I work with anxiety, depression, grief, anger management, parenting and trauma as an EMDR trained therapist. I will facilitate emotional awareness and growth by a set of coping tools and treatment plan unique to your individual needs.
(714) 867-1181 View (714) 867-1181
Photo of Kelsey Gierhart, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kelsey Gierhart
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Tustin, CA 92780
I am a Christian therapist and I specialize in areas of faith, grief and loss, relationship issues and life transitions (marriage, pregnancy/postpartum and parenting).
When you are grieving, struggling to adapt to a major life transition like pregnancy/postpartum, or working out issues with your faith, you can feel overwhelmed and paralyzed. It can be hard to know how you're going to get through it. Faith that was supposed to be a solace, can become a part of the overwhelm and unknown. But you don't have to struggle through this alone. I can help. As your therapist, I want you to feel safe to work through these things in an environment that feels supportive, hopeful, and genuine. I want you to feel seen and understood in the midst of whatever you are facing.
I am a Christian therapist and I specialize in areas of faith, grief and loss, relationship issues and life transitions (marriage, pregnancy/postpartum and parenting).
When you are grieving, struggling to adapt to a major life transition like pregnancy/postpartum, or working out issues with your faith, you can feel overwhelmed and paralyzed. It can be hard to know how you're going to get through it. Faith that was supposed to be a solace, can become a part of the overwhelm and unknown. But you don't have to struggle through this alone. I can help. As your therapist, I want you to feel safe to work through these things in an environment that feels supportive, hopeful, and genuine. I want you to feel seen and understood in the midst of whatever you are facing.
(949) 666-6712 View (949) 666-6712
Photo of Angelica Martinez-Victor - GiraSoul Talk Therapy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
GiraSoul Talk Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Tustin, CA 92782  (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Angie. I am a licensed therapist primarily specializing in cancer, grief & loss, and bereavement. My second specialty is working with survivors of sexual abuse/violence. While each event is distinct, the profound impact on a person’s life can be similar in terms of the emotional and psychological trauma they can cause. These stressors can push people beyond their limits as they struggle with depression, anxiety, PTSD, relationship issues, chronic stress, etc.
Hello, my name is Angie. I am a licensed therapist primarily specializing in cancer, grief & loss, and bereavement. My second specialty is working with survivors of sexual abuse/violence. While each event is distinct, the profound impact on a person’s life can be similar in terms of the emotional and psychological trauma they can cause. These stressors can push people beyond their limits as they struggle with depression, anxiety, PTSD, relationship issues, chronic stress, etc.
(657) 206-7477 View (657) 206-7477
Photo of Anna Chung, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Anna Chung
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Tustin, CA 92780
I like to work with a diverse population in the areas as follows: Relationship Issues, Anxiety and Mood Disorders, Grief and Loss, Life Transitions, Self-Esteem, Spirituality, Group Therapy.
Munju Anna Chung, LCSW 114974. Hello! I prefer to be called "Anna." I enjoy servicing a diverse population and have worked with adults (18 and up) with OCD, anxiety, depression, and trauma. My approach to therapy is holistic and trauma-informed. My approach to therapy is holistic and integrative. Some common theoretical approaches I use are Exposure and Response Prevention, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution-Focused, and Trauma and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Informed.
I like to work with a diverse population in the areas as follows: Relationship Issues, Anxiety and Mood Disorders, Grief and Loss, Life Transitions, Self-Esteem, Spirituality, Group Therapy.
Munju Anna Chung, LCSW 114974. Hello! I prefer to be called "Anna." I enjoy servicing a diverse population and have worked with adults (18 and up) with OCD, anxiety, depression, and trauma. My approach to therapy is holistic and trauma-informed. My approach to therapy is holistic and integrative. Some common theoretical approaches I use are Exposure and Response Prevention, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution-Focused, and Trauma and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Informed.
(714) 924-3574 View (714) 924-3574
Photo of Lindsay Snow, PhD, Psychologist
Lindsay Snow
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Tustin, CA 92780
I am experienced in helping individuals from all walks of life navigate an array of concerns, including chronic depression, anxiety, grief and loss, spiritual issues, and managing significant life transitions.
I believe therapy is one way we can start to unpack all that life has thrown at you. If you're feeling stuck, lost, at wits' end, or if you're dissatisfied with the current state of your relationships or career, therapy may be a source of great help to you. I approach therapy as an opportunity to explore what's going on underneath the surface and get to the "why." This usually means meeting at least once per week, sometimes more, to more fully understand and resolve the problems at hand. I have great hope that this work can bring long-term symptom relief and greater self-understanding.
I am experienced in helping individuals from all walks of life navigate an array of concerns, including chronic depression, anxiety, grief and loss, spiritual issues, and managing significant life transitions.
I believe therapy is one way we can start to unpack all that life has thrown at you. If you're feeling stuck, lost, at wits' end, or if you're dissatisfied with the current state of your relationships or career, therapy may be a source of great help to you. I approach therapy as an opportunity to explore what's going on underneath the surface and get to the "why." This usually means meeting at least once per week, sometimes more, to more fully understand and resolve the problems at hand. I have great hope that this work can bring long-term symptom relief and greater self-understanding.
(714) 582-1375 View (714) 582-1375
Photo of Margaret Mickelson, LMFT, ATR, EMDR, Marriage & Family Therapist
Margaret Mickelson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR, EMDR
Verified Verified
Tustin, CA 92780
With over 22 years of experience, I have the deepest respect for my clients. I acknowledge the courage and commitment it takes for you to begin this journey of therapy. Utilizing EMDR, art therapy, and traditional talk therapy, I blend my skills to help meet your needs, assisting you in recovering from issues related to loss, grief, trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, sexual abuse, life transitions, or self-esteem. There is life in embracing both the pain and the joy. I provide Christian based therapy encouraging individuals to reclaim their hearts and hold onto hope.
With over 22 years of experience, I have the deepest respect for my clients. I acknowledge the courage and commitment it takes for you to begin this journey of therapy. Utilizing EMDR, art therapy, and traditional talk therapy, I blend my skills to help meet your needs, assisting you in recovering from issues related to loss, grief, trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, sexual abuse, life transitions, or self-esteem. There is life in embracing both the pain and the joy. I provide Christian based therapy encouraging individuals to reclaim their hearts and hold onto hope.
(949) 272-0624 View (949) 272-0624
Photo of Kellie A Derifield, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kellie A Derifield
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Tustin, CA 92780
In addition to my education and experience, I have the following certifications and training: Relationship Enhancement, Bereavement/ Grief and Comfort Zone Camp for Bereaved Children.
It is my objective to create the connection and trust with each client to help them work towards their individual goals. My experience has been in a variety of settings with adults, teens, couples and children, and includes a range of issues such as anxiety, depression, improving relationships, navigating life transitions, children's behavioral problems, and those suffering from chronic medical conditions.
In addition to my education and experience, I have the following certifications and training: Relationship Enhancement, Bereavement/ Grief and Comfort Zone Camp for Bereaved Children.
It is my objective to create the connection and trust with each client to help them work towards their individual goals. My experience has been in a variety of settings with adults, teens, couples and children, and includes a range of issues such as anxiety, depression, improving relationships, navigating life transitions, children's behavioral problems, and those suffering from chronic medical conditions.
(714) 643-8006 View (714) 643-8006
Photo of Susannah Reynolds, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Susannah Reynolds
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tustin, CA 92780
I tend to work best with clients that have anxiety, depression, or are experiencing transitions in life (career, family, relationships), grief, and parenting concerns.
Hello, my name is Susannah Reynolds and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I have a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy with a specialization in Trauma. I work with adults (18+) and provide a non-judgmental environment for my clients. I utilized techniques from Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Attachment Theory, and Client-Centered. My goal in sessions is to build on your current strengths while diving deeper into the triggers/drivers for your current functioning to get each person to what "better" looks like for them.
I tend to work best with clients that have anxiety, depression, or are experiencing transitions in life (career, family, relationships), grief, and parenting concerns.
Hello, my name is Susannah Reynolds and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I have a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy with a specialization in Trauma. I work with adults (18+) and provide a non-judgmental environment for my clients. I utilized techniques from Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Attachment Theory, and Client-Centered. My goal in sessions is to build on your current strengths while diving deeper into the triggers/drivers for your current functioning to get each person to what "better" looks like for them.
(818) 924-3497 View (818) 924-3497
Photo of Cory Ball, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cory Ball
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Tustin, CA 92782
I have helped people with marital/relationship issues, depression, anxiety, loss/ bereavement, trauma, spirituality, physical/sexual/emotional abuse, self-esteem, personal growth, anger, and more.
Life poses many challenges and seasons for us all and most of the time we are able to take control of these situations in a healthy manner and move forward. However, sometimes we are unexpectedly troubled by our experiences and need help navigating beyond them. It is with these moments that therapy can offer insight into the cause, objective feedback, and treatment that will help you to move forward in a happy and healthy way.
I have helped people with marital/relationship issues, depression, anxiety, loss/ bereavement, trauma, spirituality, physical/sexual/emotional abuse, self-esteem, personal growth, anger, and more.
Life poses many challenges and seasons for us all and most of the time we are able to take control of these situations in a healthy manner and move forward. However, sometimes we are unexpectedly troubled by our experiences and need help navigating beyond them. It is with these moments that therapy can offer insight into the cause, objective feedback, and treatment that will help you to move forward in a happy and healthy way.
(949) 536-7324 View (949) 536-7324
Photo of Carol Eddy, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Carol Eddy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Tustin, CA 92780
I have extensive experience supporting people dealing with loss and grief.
Are you struggling to recover from a painful loss? Feeling down, stressed, or overwhelmed? Maybe you find yourself lying awake worrying about your relationship, family, money, or life in general. Being strong all the time can be exhausting. We are all just doing the best we can every day, and it's easy to feel alone. Therapy can be a great place to slow down, to think carefully about your life, and get support. Maybe you just need someone to talk to, who will listen, without judgment. With over 20 years of experience I can also give constructive feedback, and help you find new approaches to old problems.
I have extensive experience supporting people dealing with loss and grief.
Are you struggling to recover from a painful loss? Feeling down, stressed, or overwhelmed? Maybe you find yourself lying awake worrying about your relationship, family, money, or life in general. Being strong all the time can be exhausting. We are all just doing the best we can every day, and it's easy to feel alone. Therapy can be a great place to slow down, to think carefully about your life, and get support. Maybe you just need someone to talk to, who will listen, without judgment. With over 20 years of experience I can also give constructive feedback, and help you find new approaches to old problems.
(949) 799-1353 View (949) 799-1353
Photo of Margarita Calzadilla-Kishimoto, MSG, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Margarita Calzadilla-Kishimoto
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSG, LCSW
Verified Verified
Tustin, CA 92782  (Online Only)
I can help with communication, being real with others, decreasing conflict and bringing back love and joy! With loss, grief, trauma and divorce occurring daily, you're not alone, let me help you have the relationship with your kids you desire.
Are you unhappy, unfulfilled,Sad, disconnected from life? struggle with guilt and shame? I can help! Get focused, more aware. I will empower you through discovering what it means to be authentic, congruent and living with intention. I define insanity is doing the same thing over and over, getting the same result and being surprised by that. Learning to be nonjudgmental of yourself and others and finding appreciation for who you are leads to a more meaningful and intentional life.
I can help with communication, being real with others, decreasing conflict and bringing back love and joy! With loss, grief, trauma and divorce occurring daily, you're not alone, let me help you have the relationship with your kids you desire.
Are you unhappy, unfulfilled,Sad, disconnected from life? struggle with guilt and shame? I can help! Get focused, more aware. I will empower you through discovering what it means to be authentic, congruent and living with intention. I define insanity is doing the same thing over and over, getting the same result and being surprised by that. Learning to be nonjudgmental of yourself and others and finding appreciation for who you are leads to a more meaningful and intentional life.
(714) 752-0990 View (714) 752-0990
Photo of Antoinette Gupta, MS, LMFT, Psy D, Marriage & Family Therapist
Antoinette Gupta
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, Psy D
Verified Verified
Tustin, CA 92780
I use EMDR to alleviate anxiety, depression and PTSD and treat issues related to addiction, grief, deployment, and abuse.
Do you wish to have a deeper connection and intimacy with your partner? Would you like to learn more positive ways of communicating with your partner, parent or child? Or perhaps you may feel stuck with anxious and/or depressed feelings and would like to learn healthy ways to cope and move forward. You hold the key to make positive changes for a more happy, satisfying and fulfilling life.Your Journey begins with a single step which you have already made by reading this information.
I use EMDR to alleviate anxiety, depression and PTSD and treat issues related to addiction, grief, deployment, and abuse.
Do you wish to have a deeper connection and intimacy with your partner? Would you like to learn more positive ways of communicating with your partner, parent or child? Or perhaps you may feel stuck with anxious and/or depressed feelings and would like to learn healthy ways to cope and move forward. You hold the key to make positive changes for a more happy, satisfying and fulfilling life.Your Journey begins with a single step which you have already made by reading this information.
(714) 584-4950 View (714) 584-4950
Photo of Janelle Santucci, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Janelle Santucci
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Tustin, CA 92782
I have experience working with families, couples, teenagers, first responders, child loss, and LGBTQ+.
I am passionate about working with you on your path to healing. I have a warm, understanding, and direct approach. My role is to create a nonjudgmental, compassionate safe space to better facilitate you in gaining the insight and tools necessary to meet your goals. I strongly believe the relationship between the therapist and the client is the most important as it is the foundation where trust is built which promotes sharing your thoughts and emotions, leading to healing and a sense of peace.
I have experience working with families, couples, teenagers, first responders, child loss, and LGBTQ+.
I am passionate about working with you on your path to healing. I have a warm, understanding, and direct approach. My role is to create a nonjudgmental, compassionate safe space to better facilitate you in gaining the insight and tools necessary to meet your goals. I strongly believe the relationship between the therapist and the client is the most important as it is the foundation where trust is built which promotes sharing your thoughts and emotions, leading to healing and a sense of peace.
(714) 924-3799 View (714) 924-3799
Photo of Mimi Almero, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Mimi Almero
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS
Verified Verified
Tustin, CA 92780  (Online Only)
Hi there! I'm Mimi, your local therapist. I want to let you know how brave and resilient you are for seeking support through therapy. Whether you're looking for a therapist for yourself, a loved one, or your family, I know it’s not always easy to take this step. Wherever you’re coming from or what you’re facing—whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, life transitions, relationship challenges, ADHD, Autism, or anything else—I’m here with you. My goal is to provide a space where you feel safe, heard, and supported as you nurture your well-being and work toward flourishing and thriving in your life.
Hi there! I'm Mimi, your local therapist. I want to let you know how brave and resilient you are for seeking support through therapy. Whether you're looking for a therapist for yourself, a loved one, or your family, I know it’s not always easy to take this step. Wherever you’re coming from or what you’re facing—whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, life transitions, relationship challenges, ADHD, Autism, or anything else—I’m here with you. My goal is to provide a space where you feel safe, heard, and supported as you nurture your well-being and work toward flourishing and thriving in your life.
(657) 837-5939 View (657) 837-5939
Photo of Kristen Anderson, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kristen Anderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Tustin, CA 92780  (Online Only)
Drawing from client-centered, CBT, and EMDR modalities, I often work with clients who face symptoms of ADHD, depression, stress, anxiety, grief, and life transition symptoms.
Struggling to find your way through life's trials? Feeling low on hope? Whether you're battling stress, anxiety, depression, executive functioning challenges or a life transition, I want you to know that you don't have to face it alone. I'm here to offer guidance and walk alongside you as you navigate the path to where you want to be. I approach sessions relationally and uniquely, offering age appropriate tools to best address your goals. Together we will begin the process of discovering and exploring your resilience, amidst processing areas of pain, struggle, or trauma, as you move forward on your path towards restoration and hope.
Drawing from client-centered, CBT, and EMDR modalities, I often work with clients who face symptoms of ADHD, depression, stress, anxiety, grief, and life transition symptoms.
Struggling to find your way through life's trials? Feeling low on hope? Whether you're battling stress, anxiety, depression, executive functioning challenges or a life transition, I want you to know that you don't have to face it alone. I'm here to offer guidance and walk alongside you as you navigate the path to where you want to be. I approach sessions relationally and uniquely, offering age appropriate tools to best address your goals. Together we will begin the process of discovering and exploring your resilience, amidst processing areas of pain, struggle, or trauma, as you move forward on your path towards restoration and hope.
View
Photo of Doris Nguyen, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Doris Nguyen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Tustin, CA 92780
When you’re struggling or in pain, you shouldn’t have to go through it alone. There are reasons why you’re feeling the way that you do, and I am here to work through it with you. I provide counseling services for individual adults and couples through issues such as identity formation, anxiety, grief/ loss, life transitions and relationship struggles. My desire is to help you in your particular areas of suffering, and bring healing, hope and growth into your process.
When you’re struggling or in pain, you shouldn’t have to go through it alone. There are reasons why you’re feeling the way that you do, and I am here to work through it with you. I provide counseling services for individual adults and couples through issues such as identity formation, anxiety, grief/ loss, life transitions and relationship struggles. My desire is to help you in your particular areas of suffering, and bring healing, hope and growth into your process.
(714) 487-0945 x100 View (714) 487-0945 x100
1
...
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.