Grief Therapists in Lakewood, CO

Photo of Kathleen Renee Koelsch, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kathleen Renee Koelsch
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lakewood, CO 80215
My work with clients focuses on emotional distress, relationship issues, and spiritual conflict. I also support individuals struggling with their core sense-of-self, grief, and loss of desire and pleasure.
My work with clients focuses on emotional distress, relationship issues, and spiritual conflict. I also support individuals struggling with their core sense-of-self, grief, and loss of desire and pleasure.
(720) 784-8152 View (720) 784-8152
Photo of Robyn McQuitty, LCSW, LAC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Robyn McQuitty
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LAC
Verified Verified
Lakewood, CO 80226
Understanding that trauma and grief are a major source of suffering, I focus on the origin of the problem and not the coping mechanisms which can include isolation, anger issues and drug & alcohol use disorders.
My role and purpose is to help people find their freedom in order to find deep meaning in life and to love freely. The people I see often feel diminished and beaten down by many things including substance use disorders, shame put upon them by others, early childhood trauma and the grief associated with living. In my practice I help people learn skills and ways to cope with their individual issues so that they are able to live with the pain and not in it. I work with many modalities of treatment including Rapid Resolution Therapy used to treat trauma. I provide Acudetox to all my clients at every session for no additional fee.
Understanding that trauma and grief are a major source of suffering, I focus on the origin of the problem and not the coping mechanisms which can include isolation, anger issues and drug & alcohol use disorders.
My role and purpose is to help people find their freedom in order to find deep meaning in life and to love freely. The people I see often feel diminished and beaten down by many things including substance use disorders, shame put upon them by others, early childhood trauma and the grief associated with living. In my practice I help people learn skills and ways to cope with their individual issues so that they are able to live with the pain and not in it. I work with many modalities of treatment including Rapid Resolution Therapy used to treat trauma. I provide Acudetox to all my clients at every session for no additional fee.
(720) 759-3633 View (720) 759-3633
Photo of Susy Newman, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Susy Newman
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Lakewood, CO 80228  (Online Only)
I enjoy working with people dealing with grief, depression, life transitions, and challenges with relationships.
I am passionate in my work as a counselor because I believe redemption is possible, hope can be renewed, and beauty can emerge from the messiness of life. If you are here because you want to discover (or rediscover) the joy and fulfillment that have been missing in your life, I would love to talk with you! In my spare time I am a potter. I find my work with clay provides a meaningful metaphor for the counseling process as it involves patience, gentleness, messiness, and the potential for growth, beauty, and purpose.
I enjoy working with people dealing with grief, depression, life transitions, and challenges with relationships.
I am passionate in my work as a counselor because I believe redemption is possible, hope can be renewed, and beauty can emerge from the messiness of life. If you are here because you want to discover (or rediscover) the joy and fulfillment that have been missing in your life, I would love to talk with you! In my spare time I am a potter. I find my work with clay provides a meaningful metaphor for the counseling process as it involves patience, gentleness, messiness, and the potential for growth, beauty, and purpose.
(720) 679-6377 View (720) 679-6377
Photo of Andrea Rosenstein, MSW, LCSW, LICSW, CCTP II, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Andrea Rosenstein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LICSW, CCTP II
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lakewood, CO 80226
Has it been hard to feel like yourself for a while? Constantly fighting off feelings of stress, tension, anxiety, or that critical inner voice that's always telling you you're not good enough? Are you looking to learn to be fully present and comfortable in who you are? Let's help you break free from unhealthy patterns and inner turmoil, whether it's feeling numb and disconnected, or panicked and fearful. I help people struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, shame, body dissatisfaction, and insecurity to feel more connected and confident in themselves.
Has it been hard to feel like yourself for a while? Constantly fighting off feelings of stress, tension, anxiety, or that critical inner voice that's always telling you you're not good enough? Are you looking to learn to be fully present and comfortable in who you are? Let's help you break free from unhealthy patterns and inner turmoil, whether it's feeling numb and disconnected, or panicked and fearful. I help people struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, shame, body dissatisfaction, and insecurity to feel more connected and confident in themselves.
(303) 622-0246 View (303) 622-0246
Photo of Sara J. Hills, PhD,  IMH-E®, Psychologist
Sara J. Hills
Psychologist, PhD, IMH-E®
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lakewood, CO 80228  (Online Only)
I provide trauma-informed care for parents and caregivers experiencing distress or grief related to relationships with babies and young children.
Are you struggling to move through the pain of infertility, pregnancy loss, or the death of an infant or young child? Are you finding it difficult to bond with your baby? Does a traumatic birth or early separation from your baby cause distressing or intrusive thoughts? I want to meet you in The Middle of your journey through caregiver experiences with babies and young children (ages 0-5) who are here, were here, or are wished for. So many people experience the pain of the loss of identity, relationship, hopes, and dreams related to difficult reproductive choices and challenges. So may of them do so in isolation. You don't have to.
I provide trauma-informed care for parents and caregivers experiencing distress or grief related to relationships with babies and young children.
Are you struggling to move through the pain of infertility, pregnancy loss, or the death of an infant or young child? Are you finding it difficult to bond with your baby? Does a traumatic birth or early separation from your baby cause distressing or intrusive thoughts? I want to meet you in The Middle of your journey through caregiver experiences with babies and young children (ages 0-5) who are here, were here, or are wished for. So many people experience the pain of the loss of identity, relationship, hopes, and dreams related to difficult reproductive choices and challenges. So may of them do so in isolation. You don't have to.
(720) 580-5137 View (720) 580-5137
Photo of Catherine Moxley, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Catherine Moxley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lakewood, CO 80226  (Online Only)
Whether it’s a career change, relationship shift, loss, or relocation, I help clients navigate the uncertainties and adjustments that come with major life changes.
Are you struggling with a major life transition or past trauma? Do you feel stuck in the stress of everyday life, or in trying to be good enough? All of these things can have negative impacts on our wellbeing and take up our mental space, time, and energy. We are left feeling as if things won't ever get better. I can join alongside you and serve as a guide as we learn about tools which can help you manage your life's challenges. I work with teens and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, or impacts from past trauma using a variety of approaches such as DBT, CBT, and EMDR.
Whether it’s a career change, relationship shift, loss, or relocation, I help clients navigate the uncertainties and adjustments that come with major life changes.
Are you struggling with a major life transition or past trauma? Do you feel stuck in the stress of everyday life, or in trying to be good enough? All of these things can have negative impacts on our wellbeing and take up our mental space, time, and energy. We are left feeling as if things won't ever get better. I can join alongside you and serve as a guide as we learn about tools which can help you manage your life's challenges. I work with teens and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, or impacts from past trauma using a variety of approaches such as DBT, CBT, and EMDR.
(720) 815-4842 View (720) 815-4842
Photo of Tammis Jahn, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Tammis Jahn
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Lakewood, CO 80232
I love hearing your story, we all have one but has anyone taken the time to really listen to yours? I enjoy working with clients from all different backgrounds, struggling with different issues or just needing a safe place to talk about your thoughts and ideas. I have worked with addiction and substance abuse for over ten years as well as anxiety, depression, grief/ loss, veterans, children, couples/family & trauma. I am someone who enjoys watching my clients' journey and show them a different perspective. I am real and down to earth and love getting to know people. I do a free consult so we can make sure that we are a good fit.
I love hearing your story, we all have one but has anyone taken the time to really listen to yours? I enjoy working with clients from all different backgrounds, struggling with different issues or just needing a safe place to talk about your thoughts and ideas. I have worked with addiction and substance abuse for over ten years as well as anxiety, depression, grief/ loss, veterans, children, couples/family & trauma. I am someone who enjoys watching my clients' journey and show them a different perspective. I am real and down to earth and love getting to know people. I do a free consult so we can make sure that we are a good fit.
(720) 492-1069 View (720) 492-1069
Photo of Melissa LaLonde, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Melissa LaLonde
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Lakewood, CO 80235
My counseling experience has included a focus on emotional issues, trauma, attachment, and grief and loss.
Are you or someone in your family experiencing conflict and stress in their everyday life? As a parent, do you often find yourself not knowing what to say or how to respond? If this sounds like you or your family, you are not alone. For the past 25 years I have been providing therapy to children, adolescents, adults and families. Many of the clients I see have a history of trauma and struggle with anxiety, fluctuating moods, issues related to self-esteem, challenging behaviors and complications in relationships.
My counseling experience has included a focus on emotional issues, trauma, attachment, and grief and loss.
Are you or someone in your family experiencing conflict and stress in their everyday life? As a parent, do you often find yourself not knowing what to say or how to respond? If this sounds like you or your family, you are not alone. For the past 25 years I have been providing therapy to children, adolescents, adults and families. Many of the clients I see have a history of trauma and struggle with anxiety, fluctuating moods, issues related to self-esteem, challenging behaviors and complications in relationships.
(720) 606-6031 View (720) 606-6031
Photo of Sarah Shrier, MS, LPC, LMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Sarah Shrier
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
Lakewood, CO 80214  (Online Only)
I am an endometriosis therapist, and enjoy working with cisgender women and AFAB who have experienced chronic pain, medical gaslighting, body changes, depression and/or grief related to Endometriosis, Adenomyosis, and PCOS.
I believe human connection is imperative in healing. As a counselor, I have developed the unique gift of connecting with people of various ages and backgrounds. My approach is warm, empathetic, non-judgmental and my extensive training helps my clients heal efficiently and effectively. I use a highly personalized approach and tailor treatment to each individual while utilizing evidence-based treatment. I have specialized training in EMDR, which I use regularly to successfully treat individuals who experience distress due to past trauma, anxiety, depression and unresolved grief.
I am an endometriosis therapist, and enjoy working with cisgender women and AFAB who have experienced chronic pain, medical gaslighting, body changes, depression and/or grief related to Endometriosis, Adenomyosis, and PCOS.
I believe human connection is imperative in healing. As a counselor, I have developed the unique gift of connecting with people of various ages and backgrounds. My approach is warm, empathetic, non-judgmental and my extensive training helps my clients heal efficiently and effectively. I use a highly personalized approach and tailor treatment to each individual while utilizing evidence-based treatment. I have specialized training in EMDR, which I use regularly to successfully treat individuals who experience distress due to past trauma, anxiety, depression and unresolved grief.
(720) 730-4882 View (720) 730-4882
Photo of David Mallo, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
David Mallo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lakewood, CO 80228
I use a cognitive-behavioral, person-centered approach. I have experience in clinical hypnosis and various types of psychotherapeutic approaches. The type of intervention is dependant upon the client’s willingness to engage in that particular modality and appropriateness of that modality for your needs. I try to be solution-focused and give my clients tools they can use for a lifetime. I am skilled in working with the following conditions: Addictions Adjustment Problems Anger Management Anxiety Bipolar I and Bipolar II Disorders Depression Grief and Loss
I use a cognitive-behavioral, person-centered approach. I have experience in clinical hypnosis and various types of psychotherapeutic approaches. The type of intervention is dependant upon the client’s willingness to engage in that particular modality and appropriateness of that modality for your needs. I try to be solution-focused and give my clients tools they can use for a lifetime. I am skilled in working with the following conditions: Addictions Adjustment Problems Anger Management Anxiety Bipolar I and Bipolar II Disorders Depression Grief and Loss
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Photo of Crista James (E-M-D-R Trained), MSW , LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Crista James (E-M-D-R Trained)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW , LCSW
Verified Verified
Lakewood, CO 80215
She applies researched based methods such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, Narrative Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, and mindfulness techniques, to address anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and other complex issues.
Schedule instantly through my website in my bio! Crista is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Telehealth Mental Health Therapist at Higher Sights. Originally from the Northwest, Crista moved to Fort Collins, Colorado, to attend Colorado State University where she earned a Bachelor's of Social Work degree with a minor in gerontology and a Master's of Social Work degree. Crista also has an Associates of Applied Science degree in Holistic Health and is licensed and certified in Massage Therapy.
She applies researched based methods such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, Narrative Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, and mindfulness techniques, to address anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and other complex issues.
Schedule instantly through my website in my bio! Crista is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Telehealth Mental Health Therapist at Higher Sights. Originally from the Northwest, Crista moved to Fort Collins, Colorado, to attend Colorado State University where she earned a Bachelor's of Social Work degree with a minor in gerontology and a Master's of Social Work degree. Crista also has an Associates of Applied Science degree in Holistic Health and is licensed and certified in Massage Therapy.
(970) 315-7348 View (970) 315-7348
Photo of Ruchi Malhotra, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Ruchi Malhotra
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lakewood, CO 80228
Feeling disempowered or searching for increased self-love, meaning and joy in your life? In the midst of life's challenges, I am here as an advocate, guide and witness to your healing. My goal is to partner with you to increase a sense of personal freedom, self-understanding and hope. As a child of South Asian immigrants, I understand the process of healing when faced with intergenerational trauma, grief/ loss, and internalized oppression.
Feeling disempowered or searching for increased self-love, meaning and joy in your life? In the midst of life's challenges, I am here as an advocate, guide and witness to your healing. My goal is to partner with you to increase a sense of personal freedom, self-understanding and hope. As a child of South Asian immigrants, I understand the process of healing when faced with intergenerational trauma, grief/ loss, and internalized oppression.
(720) 594-6350 View (720) 594-6350
Photo of Shelby Hetherington, CSWC, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Shelby Hetherington
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, CSWC, MSW
Verified Verified
Lakewood, CO 80214
I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and am a trained Grief informed Professional.
I work with a range of clients with varying intersecting identities. I like to provide a safe space and a safe and trusting relationship with my clients in order to harbor their growth. I want my clients to feel seen, understood, and heard, all of which are vital to understanding the self and healing. There is so much we need to process and I want to be there help.
I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and am a trained Grief informed Professional.
I work with a range of clients with varying intersecting identities. I like to provide a safe space and a safe and trusting relationship with my clients in order to harbor their growth. I want my clients to feel seen, understood, and heard, all of which are vital to understanding the self and healing. There is so much we need to process and I want to be there help.
(303) 952-2405 View (303) 952-2405
Photo of Lisa Madsen, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lisa Madsen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lakewood, CO 80215  (Online Only)
Change is hard for most of us, especially when dealing with transitions (think birth, death, relationships, jobs, moving, illness, coming out, etc). Few humans navigate these with ease. Many people benefit from help at these times. I act as a guide on your journey to help make the changes more manageable. My goal is to help you through challenges and set you free. I do not believe most people need to be in therapy long term. I look forward to meeting you. I have been in therapy off and on throughout my life so realize it can be hard to ask for help. I'm glad you are here. Please reach out, you have nothing to lose.
Change is hard for most of us, especially when dealing with transitions (think birth, death, relationships, jobs, moving, illness, coming out, etc). Few humans navigate these with ease. Many people benefit from help at these times. I act as a guide on your journey to help make the changes more manageable. My goal is to help you through challenges and set you free. I do not believe most people need to be in therapy long term. I look forward to meeting you. I have been in therapy off and on throughout my life so realize it can be hard to ask for help. I'm glad you are here. Please reach out, you have nothing to lose.
(720) 702-8647 View (720) 702-8647
Photo of Kathleen Widlund, LPC, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kathleen Widlund
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA
Verified Verified
Lakewood, CO 80215
I work with adults, adolescents, and couples struggling with a range of issues including depression, anxiety, bipolar, grief, loss, and relationship challenges. I am available Monday through Friday daytime hours with some evening sessions. I offer in-person sessions from my Lakewood office, as well as teletherapy sessions. I draw from cognitive behavioral therapies, psychodynamic, and client centered approaches to support clients.
I work with adults, adolescents, and couples struggling with a range of issues including depression, anxiety, bipolar, grief, loss, and relationship challenges. I am available Monday through Friday daytime hours with some evening sessions. I offer in-person sessions from my Lakewood office, as well as teletherapy sessions. I draw from cognitive behavioral therapies, psychodynamic, and client centered approaches to support clients.
(720) 664-9239 View (720) 664-9239
Photo of Kelsey Powell, MA, LPC, NCC, Counselor
Kelsey Powell
Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lakewood, CO 80235
I specialize with grief and loss, anxiety, depression, and attachment and couples work.
When I became a counselor I decided that I wanted to understand others suffering and value them as a whole person. Part of my core belief is that each facet of your life and self contribute to your overall health. In the counseling process, I try to explore with you all parts of self and integrate them to restore balance and help you to achieve your goals.
I specialize with grief and loss, anxiety, depression, and attachment and couples work.
When I became a counselor I decided that I wanted to understand others suffering and value them as a whole person. Part of my core belief is that each facet of your life and self contribute to your overall health. In the counseling process, I try to explore with you all parts of self and integrate them to restore balance and help you to achieve your goals.
(720) 408-3456 View (720) 408-3456
Photo of Sean McNamara - Now Taking New Clients, MA, LPCC
Sean McNamara - Now Taking New Clients
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lakewood, CO 80215
Schedule instantly through my website link in my bio! Hello, I’m Sean McNamara. Whether you’re going through a major life change, relationship difficulties, loss of a loved one, want to feel happier, or change your behavior for the better, I’m here to help you as an individual or as a couple. Come as you are. You are welcome here. The broken-hearted you – the furious you – the depressed, traumatized, confused, anxious, distracted, abused, addicted, and overworked you. You don’t have to “get ready” to see me or get your “stuff” together first. Coming to my office or meeting with me online can be effortless.
Schedule instantly through my website link in my bio! Hello, I’m Sean McNamara. Whether you’re going through a major life change, relationship difficulties, loss of a loved one, want to feel happier, or change your behavior for the better, I’m here to help you as an individual or as a couple. Come as you are. You are welcome here. The broken-hearted you – the furious you – the depressed, traumatized, confused, anxious, distracted, abused, addicted, and overworked you. You don’t have to “get ready” to see me or get your “stuff” together first. Coming to my office or meeting with me online can be effortless.
(720) 706-6637 View (720) 706-6637
Photo of Jeffrey Mowery - Hope Mountain Behavioral Health, MA, LPC-S, LAC, ACS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Hope Mountain Behavioral Health
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S, LAC, ACS
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Lakewood, CO 80232
We have helped countless individuals overcome addiction, trauma, grief, anxiety and depression and go on to live a satisfying life.
Are you tired of being exhausted with worry, depression and lack of direction? Maybe you've made mistakes that are leaving you bogged down by self-defeat, doubt? And as a result, are you fed up? Like you just can't take another minute of it. If either of these is true, you are our specialty. We thrive working with families (and anyone else) suffering with self-destructive behaviors, anxiety, addictions, trauma, grief or loss. After working with us, people usually begin to embrace their shortcomings and rediscover their dreams.
We have helped countless individuals overcome addiction, trauma, grief, anxiety and depression and go on to live a satisfying life.
Are you tired of being exhausted with worry, depression and lack of direction? Maybe you've made mistakes that are leaving you bogged down by self-defeat, doubt? And as a result, are you fed up? Like you just can't take another minute of it. If either of these is true, you are our specialty. We thrive working with families (and anyone else) suffering with self-destructive behaviors, anxiety, addictions, trauma, grief or loss. After working with us, people usually begin to embrace their shortcomings and rediscover their dreams.
(719) 345-1278 View (719) 345-1278
Photo of Ted Gomez, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Ted Gomez
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Lakewood, CO 80226
My area of emphasis is grief and loss - although I work with all populations to include: parenting, childhood and adolescent issues, school performance, couples and family issues, as well as, life coaching.
What do you want your life to stand for? What holds you back? What thoughts, memories or experiences are gripping you like a weight and pulling you down or keeping you from doing the things that matter most in this life? Whether you are a child or an adult, each of these questions has meaning. As living, breathing and feeling human beings we go through this "Life" journey encountering and experiencing many glimpses of happiness, as well as, tastes of struggle. These experiences in our "Life" journey are shared from childhood to old age.
My area of emphasis is grief and loss - although I work with all populations to include: parenting, childhood and adolescent issues, school performance, couples and family issues, as well as, life coaching.
What do you want your life to stand for? What holds you back? What thoughts, memories or experiences are gripping you like a weight and pulling you down or keeping you from doing the things that matter most in this life? Whether you are a child or an adult, each of these questions has meaning. As living, breathing and feeling human beings we go through this "Life" journey encountering and experiencing many glimpses of happiness, as well as, tastes of struggle. These experiences in our "Life" journey are shared from childhood to old age.
(303) 647-4345 View (303) 647-4345
Photo of Maggie McDanal, MA, LPC, MHC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Maggie McDanal
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, MHC
Verified Verified
Lakewood, CO 80226  (Online Only)
I specialize in trauma, grief, oppression, anxiety and depression, life transitions, women’s issues (marriage, pregnancy, infertility, IVF, infidelity, divorce, menopause, etc), identity exploration, and spiritual & existential wayfinding.
You are NOT crazy! The part of your brain concerned with survival is likely feeling frantic, causing your logical self to go offline and your emotional self to be dysregulated. Are your old triggers and dysfunctional coping responses intensifying? Trauma, loss, change, conflict, and oppression can make you feel hopeless, lonely, anxious, depressed, and distrusting of you. You don't have to be defined by your past; you can transform your life by overcoming obstacles that keep you stuck and in pain. “Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.” Rumi
I specialize in trauma, grief, oppression, anxiety and depression, life transitions, women’s issues (marriage, pregnancy, infertility, IVF, infidelity, divorce, menopause, etc), identity exploration, and spiritual & existential wayfinding.
You are NOT crazy! The part of your brain concerned with survival is likely feeling frantic, causing your logical self to go offline and your emotional self to be dysregulated. Are your old triggers and dysfunctional coping responses intensifying? Trauma, loss, change, conflict, and oppression can make you feel hopeless, lonely, anxious, depressed, and distrusting of you. You don't have to be defined by your past; you can transform your life by overcoming obstacles that keep you stuck and in pain. “Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.” Rumi
(720) 583-9365 View (720) 583-9365
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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.