Grief Therapists in Iowa City, IA
![Photo of Jaret M Morlan, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/facf2f34-8b44-461e-a226-9aadb78e55fb/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Iowa, and I work with adults (18 and up) in both individual and couples therapy. I have experience working with diverse clients on a wide-range of concerns, that include grief and loss, anxiety, depression, substance use, family-of-origin concerns, interpersonal functioning, trauma, identity-based concerns, and sex/intimacy concerns. I work best with individuals who are motivated and interested in change, and in engaging with deep exploration of their own behaviors and experiences.
I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Iowa, and I work with adults (18 and up) in both individual and couples therapy. I have experience working with diverse clients on a wide-range of concerns, that include grief and loss, anxiety, depression, substance use, family-of-origin concerns, interpersonal functioning, trauma, identity-based concerns, and sex/intimacy concerns. I work best with individuals who are motivated and interested in change, and in engaging with deep exploration of their own behaviors and experiences.
![Photo of John Michael Cilek, MA, tLMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1c670683-a931-4969-bcb4-46af5f521399/3/320x400.jpeg)
John Michael Cilek
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, tLMFT
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Iowa City, IA 52245
I am drawn to working with stories and metaphors for the ways they may provide access to emotions and language to better understand who we are, what matters, and how we find - or rediscover - energy and comfort, particularly in the context of life transitions, grief, and loss.
Now accepting new clients (UI Gradcare, SHIP, UIChoice) - near campus in Northside of Iowa City & on bus routes > For so many of us, life can be overwhelming, disorienting, and difficult. In working with you, my hope is to have an opportunity to slow down, to be curious, and to uncover deeper meaning and connections within ourselves and in relating to others. Your particular knowledge, challenges, experiences, and expertise will be listened to carefully and sensitively responded to with transparency, kindness, and compassion. It is my commitment to greet you in each session with trust, a calm presence, and unconditional hospitality.
I am drawn to working with stories and metaphors for the ways they may provide access to emotions and language to better understand who we are, what matters, and how we find - or rediscover - energy and comfort, particularly in the context of life transitions, grief, and loss.
Now accepting new clients (UI Gradcare, SHIP, UIChoice) - near campus in Northside of Iowa City & on bus routes > For so many of us, life can be overwhelming, disorienting, and difficult. In working with you, my hope is to have an opportunity to slow down, to be curious, and to uncover deeper meaning and connections within ourselves and in relating to others. Your particular knowledge, challenges, experiences, and expertise will be listened to carefully and sensitively responded to with transparency, kindness, and compassion. It is my commitment to greet you in each session with trust, a calm presence, and unconditional hospitality.
![Photo of Michele Armstrong, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e3a5cad8-a309-473e-96b4-e3efe9f8c2f2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Michele Armstrong
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Iowa City, IA 52245
I am a licensed clinical social worker with many years of experience working with a diverse background of clients. I have a warm and positive approach that focuses on you. I strive to create a safe space by building a trusting relationship where we can work as a team. I am passionate about providing holistic care that is personalized to each individual’s unique needs. I have experiencing working with neurodiversity, grief and loss, chronic illness, depression, anxiety, the LBGTQ community, and trauma. I use an approach that examines factors of injustice and oppression on feelings of self-worth and personal development.
I am a licensed clinical social worker with many years of experience working with a diverse background of clients. I have a warm and positive approach that focuses on you. I strive to create a safe space by building a trusting relationship where we can work as a team. I am passionate about providing holistic care that is personalized to each individual’s unique needs. I have experiencing working with neurodiversity, grief and loss, chronic illness, depression, anxiety, the LBGTQ community, and trauma. I use an approach that examines factors of injustice and oppression on feelings of self-worth and personal development.
![Photo of Lanaya L Ethington, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b14a33e0-579f-45a1-8064-f02208c62300/3/320x400.jpeg)
I work well with clients whose concerns are related to anxiety, eating disorders, OCD, grief/loss, trauma, mood disorders, depression, perfectionism, and concerns related to identity. I enjoy helping people build skills to more effectively respond to their distress, and to engage in their lives with an increased sense of purpose and awareness of their values. I worked in a college counseling center for 10 years before co-founding a private practice, and work well with people who are making a life transition.
I work well with clients whose concerns are related to anxiety, eating disorders, OCD, grief/loss, trauma, mood disorders, depression, perfectionism, and concerns related to identity. I enjoy helping people build skills to more effectively respond to their distress, and to engage in their lives with an increased sense of purpose and awareness of their values. I worked in a college counseling center for 10 years before co-founding a private practice, and work well with people who are making a life transition.
![Photo of Sally H Darley, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/be4152b0-c802-4ce6-b5c5-9636d7705c74/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sally H Darley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Iowa City, IA 52240
As the coordinator of bereavement outreach for children and teens at Iowa City Hospice (2004) I learned the value of a "grief lens.
My ideal client is commited to personal growth. I believe we are all fragile creatures, yet capable of resilience. We experience painful thought/feeling states and then we weave stories to explain them. Narrative Therapy has been a natural fit for me: the client defines the goals, we examine the details of self-limiting stories, including family and cultural "scripts." We work to co-create stories about identity that have more space for possibilities and emotional resilience.
As the coordinator of bereavement outreach for children and teens at Iowa City Hospice (2004) I learned the value of a "grief lens.
My ideal client is commited to personal growth. I believe we are all fragile creatures, yet capable of resilience. We experience painful thought/feeling states and then we weave stories to explain them. Narrative Therapy has been a natural fit for me: the client defines the goals, we examine the details of self-limiting stories, including family and cultural "scripts." We work to co-create stories about identity that have more space for possibilities and emotional resilience.
![Photo of Bruce Douglas Williams, MDiv, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46e96c6a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
My direct phone is 319-364-5106. My areas of special interest are grief counseling and helping those coping with anxiety, depression, life transitions, spirituality , relationship issues, existential struggles, and recovery from domestic violence. I have years of experience doing individual, premarital, and couple therapy. I am especially sensitive to those who've had losses and are coping with sadness, sorrow, or grief. My clients tell me I have exceptional listening skills and the ability to make each person feel valued. I value each person's story and honor it as I help people find meaningful, healthy, and productive lives.
My direct phone is 319-364-5106. My areas of special interest are grief counseling and helping those coping with anxiety, depression, life transitions, spirituality , relationship issues, existential struggles, and recovery from domestic violence. I have years of experience doing individual, premarital, and couple therapy. I am especially sensitive to those who've had losses and are coping with sadness, sorrow, or grief. My clients tell me I have exceptional listening skills and the ability to make each person feel valued. I value each person's story and honor it as I help people find meaningful, healthy, and productive lives.
![Photo of Kathy Fox, MA, t-MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9fb2818f-a353-41b4-b4fe-581416c05212/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kathy Fox
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, t-MFT
Verified Verified
Iowa City, IA 52240 (Online Only)
I practice therapy that is both structured and integrative, using approaches and interventions backed by research and in which I have special training: Gottman Method, Discernment Counseling, Complicated Grief, Relational Life Therapy, IFS-informed parts therapy, and Trauma-informed approaches).
Currently accepting new clients in Iowa via Telehealth. I specialize in helping individuals and couples who seek to enhance, repair or save a relationship, prepare for marriage, discern the best path for a relationship in crisis, end a relationship (if decided), recover from a relationship that has ended, or grieve the passing of a partner or other loved one. If you and your partner would like to learn new relationship skills, please reach out for information about my next Gottman 7 Principles for Couples Workshop.
I practice therapy that is both structured and integrative, using approaches and interventions backed by research and in which I have special training: Gottman Method, Discernment Counseling, Complicated Grief, Relational Life Therapy, IFS-informed parts therapy, and Trauma-informed approaches).
Currently accepting new clients in Iowa via Telehealth. I specialize in helping individuals and couples who seek to enhance, repair or save a relationship, prepare for marriage, discern the best path for a relationship in crisis, end a relationship (if decided), recover from a relationship that has ended, or grieve the passing of a partner or other loved one. If you and your partner would like to learn new relationship skills, please reach out for information about my next Gottman 7 Principles for Couples Workshop.
![Photo of Kate Zera Kray, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44e87c99-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kate Zera Kray
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Iowa City, IA 52240
Are you overcome with grief and wondering how you will (ever) recover from the death of a loved one; the loss of a job; a divorce; or your own decline in health? Are you finding that time does not heal all wounds? I am sorry you are going through a difficult time and I commend you for reaching out for support along your journey. It is my hope that my extensive clinical experience, coupled with your resiliency and resolve, will enable us to uncover the tools necessary to reinvest in your life. I am accepting new clients for virtual meetings. I am licensed in Georgia, Illinois and Iowa.
Are you overcome with grief and wondering how you will (ever) recover from the death of a loved one; the loss of a job; a divorce; or your own decline in health? Are you finding that time does not heal all wounds? I am sorry you are going through a difficult time and I commend you for reaching out for support along your journey. It is my hope that my extensive clinical experience, coupled with your resiliency and resolve, will enable us to uncover the tools necessary to reinvest in your life. I am accepting new clients for virtual meetings. I am licensed in Georgia, Illinois and Iowa.
![Photo of Laura L Housel, LMHC, ATR, CSAT, CTRS, CYI, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51cf20b7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Laura L Housel
Counselor, LMHC, ATR, CSAT, CTRS, CYI
Verified Verified
Iowa City, IA 52240 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Feeling lost, alone, and misunderstood? Life and relationships aren't turning out quite like you thought? Maybe you never quite fit in or were able figure things out like others. You might be going through changes such as: shift in your work or career due to burnout or distress; transitioning from a religion; late diagnosis related to neurodivergence (autism, ADHD, etc.); exploring identity; realizing your coping strategies have become addictive or harmful; re-examining relationships, intimacy, roles, experiencing conflict or time of reckoning; feeling disconnected from self, others, spirituality; or experiencing grief or loss
Feeling lost, alone, and misunderstood? Life and relationships aren't turning out quite like you thought? Maybe you never quite fit in or were able figure things out like others. You might be going through changes such as: shift in your work or career due to burnout or distress; transitioning from a religion; late diagnosis related to neurodivergence (autism, ADHD, etc.); exploring identity; realizing your coping strategies have become addictive or harmful; re-examining relationships, intimacy, roles, experiencing conflict or time of reckoning; feeling disconnected from self, others, spirituality; or experiencing grief or loss
![Photo of Carolina Isleib, MA, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/26908f0c-b0c3-4985-b098-97699b5b9280/1/320x400.jpeg)
Carolina Isleib
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Iowa City, IA 52240
Hi there! I am a LMSW with a Certificate in Aging and Longevity Studies. I offer individual psychotherapy to those 15+. In my practice, I work with clients who are adopted and may be experiencing challenges in life transitions, relationships, identity, and self-esteem. I work with clients experiencing grief over the loss of a loved one or change (work, life, relationship). I work with clients of color and how their identity affects them here in Iowa. My clients come wanting to share their lived experiences with someone who is safe, warm, and can offer a different perspective with tools to cope and understand the self better.
Hi there! I am a LMSW with a Certificate in Aging and Longevity Studies. I offer individual psychotherapy to those 15+. In my practice, I work with clients who are adopted and may be experiencing challenges in life transitions, relationships, identity, and self-esteem. I work with clients experiencing grief over the loss of a loved one or change (work, life, relationship). I work with clients of color and how their identity affects them here in Iowa. My clients come wanting to share their lived experiences with someone who is safe, warm, and can offer a different perspective with tools to cope and understand the self better.
![Photo of Julie Peterson, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/490ae12a-a631-4f53-a1f7-6c28b9529110/1/320x400.jpeg)
Julie Peterson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Iowa City, IA 52240
“Before you assist others, put your oxygen mask on first." Prioritizing your wellness is essential. Perhaps you feel pulled in a million directions or you have suffered a loss. Perhaps you are stuck in an unhealthy relationship or you constantly compare yourself to others. Breaking unhealthy cycles of thought can be life-changing.
“Before you assist others, put your oxygen mask on first." Prioritizing your wellness is essential. Perhaps you feel pulled in a million directions or you have suffered a loss. Perhaps you are stuck in an unhealthy relationship or you constantly compare yourself to others. Breaking unhealthy cycles of thought can be life-changing.
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![Photo of Christine Vincent, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/424c8241-30ba-4614-92f1-b1bb19197fb3/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have been providing psychotherapy to adults and children since 1997. My expertise includes the treatment of depression, anxiety, grief and trauma. I have advanced training in EMDR, which is used to treat traumatic stress. I see therapy as the building of a relationship which focuses on the goals of growth and healing. I view my clients as persons who possess limitless potential for change, problem solving and wholeness. My role is to help clients learn about themselves as well as develop new perspectives and skills for living a more balanced and fulfilling life.
I have been providing psychotherapy to adults and children since 1997. My expertise includes the treatment of depression, anxiety, grief and trauma. I have advanced training in EMDR, which is used to treat traumatic stress. I see therapy as the building of a relationship which focuses on the goals of growth and healing. I view my clients as persons who possess limitless potential for change, problem solving and wholeness. My role is to help clients learn about themselves as well as develop new perspectives and skills for living a more balanced and fulfilling life.
![Photo of Toni Elliott, MS, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dc8b630f-9a80-4362-b1c2-724ce8cd31c6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Finding the right therapist can be a journey in itself and connecting with your therapist is imperative. I offer services for depression, grief, anxiety, stress, career & workplace difficulties, women's issues, postpartum anxiety, anger management, and coping with life changes. Nutrition is also a key player in some mental wellness issues and I feel is very important to assess. My approach provides empathy, engaged listening and behavior change support as part of my therapy style. I am licensed in both Iowa (MHC License 123416) & Texas (LPC 62282) as a counselor. I look forward to supporting you.
Finding the right therapist can be a journey in itself and connecting with your therapist is imperative. I offer services for depression, grief, anxiety, stress, career & workplace difficulties, women's issues, postpartum anxiety, anger management, and coping with life changes. Nutrition is also a key player in some mental wellness issues and I feel is very important to assess. My approach provides empathy, engaged listening and behavior change support as part of my therapy style. I am licensed in both Iowa (MHC License 123416) & Texas (LPC 62282) as a counselor. I look forward to supporting you.
![Photo of Alyssa Anne Drury, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f039bb3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Areas I specialize include anxiety, depression, childhood sexual abuse, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, childhood trauma, cutting and self-harm, grief and loss, domestic violence, Emotional Intensity Disorder, addiction, couples counseling, stress management, adolescents, eating disorders, EAP services, and chronic mental illness.
All of us have some hard and difficult times in life and we need some help. Although this can be humbling, it usually pays off in the end. I am a very flexible and laid back person and am here to help you with whatever it is you are struggling with. There will be no judgment and we will work on what only you want to work on. I believe there is no magic answer to everything and not everything works for everybody, so it is you and I trying to figure out what works best for you.
Areas I specialize include anxiety, depression, childhood sexual abuse, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, childhood trauma, cutting and self-harm, grief and loss, domestic violence, Emotional Intensity Disorder, addiction, couples counseling, stress management, adolescents, eating disorders, EAP services, and chronic mental illness.
All of us have some hard and difficult times in life and we need some help. Although this can be humbling, it usually pays off in the end. I am a very flexible and laid back person and am here to help you with whatever it is you are struggling with. There will be no judgment and we will work on what only you want to work on. I believe there is no magic answer to everything and not everything works for everybody, so it is you and I trying to figure out what works best for you.
![Photo of Talia Meidlinger - United Action for Youth Psychotherapy Services, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1ceeede1-809e-4397-983f-770d46534ba0/2/320x400.jpeg)
United Action for Youth Psychotherapy Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
Iowa City, IA 52244
Waitlist for new clients
Our therapists are trained to treat depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, behavioral problems, family conflict, grief, self-harm (cutting), and the consequences of physical and sexual abuse.
The therapists at United Action for Youth have a unique ability to engage teenagers in individual adolescent psychotherapy. They balance listening with talking; they don't lecture or blame; they tailor their style to increase the youth's comfort. UAY therapists have expertise in the areas that are common concerns for teens, parents, and young adults. Although our focus is serving youth 10-25, we can also provide services for adults if space is available.
Our therapists are trained to treat depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, behavioral problems, family conflict, grief, self-harm (cutting), and the consequences of physical and sexual abuse.
The therapists at United Action for Youth have a unique ability to engage teenagers in individual adolescent psychotherapy. They balance listening with talking; they don't lecture or blame; they tailor their style to increase the youth's comfort. UAY therapists have expertise in the areas that are common concerns for teens, parents, and young adults. Although our focus is serving youth 10-25, we can also provide services for adults if space is available.
![Photo of Dan Stribling-Vergara, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/586c66b1-c061-410c-8bca-27dd1160713d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dan Stribling-Vergara
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Iowa City, IA 52242 (Online Only)
Thank you for considering me for your healing journey. Many clients that I work with are members of the LGBTQ community, both teens and adults. In addition, I am a great fit for adults interested in finding the tools to navigate an increasingly more challenging world. I offer individual services as well as relationship therapy services. My areas of clinical expertise are working with anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship concerns. I also have extensive experience supporting folks navigating grief and loss.
Thank you for considering me for your healing journey. Many clients that I work with are members of the LGBTQ community, both teens and adults. In addition, I am a great fit for adults interested in finding the tools to navigate an increasingly more challenging world. I offer individual services as well as relationship therapy services. My areas of clinical expertise are working with anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship concerns. I also have extensive experience supporting folks navigating grief and loss.
![Photo of Rachel Leach, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/685fd349-6fce-4111-bef2-91c446e1a1ce/1/320x400.jpeg)
I provide psychotherapy to adult individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, grief and loss, identity and relationship issues, life transitions, complex trauma, post traumatic stress disorder, and emotional intensity.
I provide psychotherapy to adult individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, grief and loss, identity and relationship issues, life transitions, complex trauma, post traumatic stress disorder, and emotional intensity.
![Photo of Susan G Schmitz - Interplay Counseling Services, MSW, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/720c6bfa-f0dc-44c3-95d5-98e8b72b48a9/3/320x400.jpeg)
Interplay Counseling Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW
Verified Verified
Iowa City, IA 52245 (Online Only)
Susan G Schmitz, MSW, LISW and Sarah K Anderson, MSW, LISW work with adults, adolescents and some older elementary school-aged children along with their families. Common presenting issues include anxiety, depression, trauma, difficulty with life transitions such as divorce, grief and loss, and relationship issues. We employ a strengths-based approach within a non-judgmental, eclectic framework. We will work together to tailor treatment plans to your needs. Each of us offers a unique, yet similar approach, having been trained a generation apart, but within the same theories and modalities.
Susan G Schmitz, MSW, LISW and Sarah K Anderson, MSW, LISW work with adults, adolescents and some older elementary school-aged children along with their families. Common presenting issues include anxiety, depression, trauma, difficulty with life transitions such as divorce, grief and loss, and relationship issues. We employ a strengths-based approach within a non-judgmental, eclectic framework. We will work together to tailor treatment plans to your needs. Each of us offers a unique, yet similar approach, having been trained a generation apart, but within the same theories and modalities.
![Photo of Sandy Healey, LISW, IAADC, SAP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/79cdde2d-e27f-47c0-ab28-502c7a0a84b3/1/320x400.jpeg)
In my career I have worked with people dealing with addiction, grief, divorce/marital issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, legal problems, family and relationship issues.
Limited availability for New Clients. Call/email for free consultation. I specialize in working with people with anxiety, addiction, depression and marital concerns. I have extensive training and certification in addiction counseling and offer SAP/DOT evaluations.
In my career I have worked with people dealing with addiction, grief, divorce/marital issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, legal problems, family and relationship issues.
Limited availability for New Clients. Call/email for free consultation. I specialize in working with people with anxiety, addiction, depression and marital concerns. I have extensive training and certification in addiction counseling and offer SAP/DOT evaluations.
![Photo of Omnia Yeater, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c72a2560-18a8-4f9c-aa62-47403f87d106/1/320x400.jpeg)
Omnia is a licensed social worker who is passionate about providing services to individuals experiencing grief, loss, trauma, opioid and substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, and life adjustments/transitions. Omnia provides individual therapy to clients ranging from 15 years old to adults. Omnia has worked in many different settings, including behavioral health clinics specializing in substance use disorders, crisis stabilization units, and supporting individuals and families experiencing the death of a loved one.
Omnia is a licensed social worker who is passionate about providing services to individuals experiencing grief, loss, trauma, opioid and substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, and life adjustments/transitions. Omnia provides individual therapy to clients ranging from 15 years old to adults. Omnia has worked in many different settings, including behavioral health clinics specializing in substance use disorders, crisis stabilization units, and supporting individuals and families experiencing the death of a loved one.
See more therapy options for Iowa City
Nearby Grief Therapists Searches for Iowa City
- Alburnett
- Anamosa
- Cedar Rapids
- Coralville
- Hiawatha
- Marion
- Mount Vernon
- Muscatine
- North Liberty
- Tiffin
- Wapello
- Washington
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.