Grief Therapists in Monticello, IA
![Photo of Johna J Phillipson, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dc267b5a-73cc-4347-8d1f-7427b9fb8dc2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Johna J Phillipson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Monticello, IA 52310
Areas of experience include adults and families, relationship concerns, grief and loss, life transitions, aging, women issues, stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, coping and parenting.
I believe that within us all lies inherent strength and resilience that allows us to navigate even the most difficult barriers and challenges. I strive to provide a safe, relaxed, compassionate environment free of judgement and pre-conceived notions. It is within this environment that you can begin to explore and access your inner strengths and work through those barriers you may have found to be insurmountable throughout your life. Through practical and supportive methods based on cognitive behavioral, client-centered and humanistic approaches, we will collaborate in order to address your self determined goals.
Areas of experience include adults and families, relationship concerns, grief and loss, life transitions, aging, women issues, stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, coping and parenting.
I believe that within us all lies inherent strength and resilience that allows us to navigate even the most difficult barriers and challenges. I strive to provide a safe, relaxed, compassionate environment free of judgement and pre-conceived notions. It is within this environment that you can begin to explore and access your inner strengths and work through those barriers you may have found to be insurmountable throughout your life. Through practical and supportive methods based on cognitive behavioral, client-centered and humanistic approaches, we will collaborate in order to address your self determined goals.
![Photo of Melissa Paulsen, MA, LMFT, RPT-S, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f6793654-08b3-4d18-90de-1839258c1e3c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Melissa Paulsen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RPT-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Monticello, IA 52310
No matter why you are seeking therapy, my goal is to make you feel comfortable while helping you to explore whatever life stressor you are currently experiencing in a safe and accepting environment. I have helped individuals, couples, and families to develop open communication, conflict resolution, emotional regulation, and overall improvement in each client's emotional wellbeing and life satisfaction. I also have experience working on issues such as depression and mood disorders, anxiety, grief and loss, oppositional defiant disorder, self-harm, and other adjustment-related stressors.
No matter why you are seeking therapy, my goal is to make you feel comfortable while helping you to explore whatever life stressor you are currently experiencing in a safe and accepting environment. I have helped individuals, couples, and families to develop open communication, conflict resolution, emotional regulation, and overall improvement in each client's emotional wellbeing and life satisfaction. I also have experience working on issues such as depression and mood disorders, anxiety, grief and loss, oppositional defiant disorder, self-harm, and other adjustment-related stressors.
![Photo of Lauren Welter, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/de65ae44-b590-462d-a558-9f026c5560cd/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am passionate about helping others reach their true potential and I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to work with you to overcome mental health problems, trauma, grief and loss, relationship problems and other life struggles and transitions. Individuals from all backgrounds are welcome - care is confidential and non-judgmental. My goal is to help you become the best possible version of yourself.
I am passionate about helping others reach their true potential and I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to work with you to overcome mental health problems, trauma, grief and loss, relationship problems and other life struggles and transitions. Individuals from all backgrounds are welcome - care is confidential and non-judgmental. My goal is to help you become the best possible version of yourself.
![Photo of Nicole M Monk-Stoneking, LISW, RPT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/79efb05f-e950-471b-9093-15b013e991d0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nicole M Monk-Stoneking
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW, RPT
Verified Verified
Monticello, IA 52310
Hello! My name is Nicole and I am providing therapy services at my private practice in Monticello since 2017. I specialize in children and adolescents. I’ve worked as a therapist since 2008, in the school system as well as doing in-home family therapy with juveniles in the court system. I look forward to helping children work through various issues in a safe, fun, non-threatening setting. I am a registered play therapist but utilize several other evidence based approaches depending on client needs. My office has 3 long term therapists, allowing us to provide consistent services to multiple family members, when needed! Thank you!
Hello! My name is Nicole and I am providing therapy services at my private practice in Monticello since 2017. I specialize in children and adolescents. I’ve worked as a therapist since 2008, in the school system as well as doing in-home family therapy with juveniles in the court system. I look forward to helping children work through various issues in a safe, fun, non-threatening setting. I am a registered play therapist but utilize several other evidence based approaches depending on client needs. My office has 3 long term therapists, allowing us to provide consistent services to multiple family members, when needed! Thank you!
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Jacqueline Lambert, LMHC, NCC, CCTP, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5ec5f947-2937-41d2-aa00-34c11fc56e86/1/320x400.jpeg)
I see therapy as a non-judgmental space where clients can feel safe to express themselves freely. I provide a laid-back approach to help clients feel at ease. Therapy is provided to children from the ages of 5 to 18, and adults. I also provide couple's therapy and family therapy. I have experience with anger management, ADHD, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief, self-harm, and other disorders. I also have experience with those that may have learning disabilities or intellectual disabilities.
I see therapy as a non-judgmental space where clients can feel safe to express themselves freely. I provide a laid-back approach to help clients feel at ease. Therapy is provided to children from the ages of 5 to 18, and adults. I also provide couple's therapy and family therapy. I have experience with anger management, ADHD, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief, self-harm, and other disorders. I also have experience with those that may have learning disabilities or intellectual disabilities.
![Photo of Megan Conrad, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48a1edb5-641c-45d0-8538-e69ce3776c5c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Have you ever woken up and felt like getting out of bed was like trying to climb Mount Everest, but no one understood? Ever just thought about work and felt fear clawing at your chest and throat? Have you been told you were not “trying hard enough” or were just “unmotivated” or “lazy” when behind the scenes you try so hard it overwhelmed you? I have, and you are not alone. Now imagine waking up, jumping out of bed, feeling refreshed. Imagine knowing that despite the challenges you face you can succeed and it “fills you with determination”. Imagine that, even on the worse days, you know “this too shall pass”.
Have you ever woken up and felt like getting out of bed was like trying to climb Mount Everest, but no one understood? Ever just thought about work and felt fear clawing at your chest and throat? Have you been told you were not “trying hard enough” or were just “unmotivated” or “lazy” when behind the scenes you try so hard it overwhelmed you? I have, and you are not alone. Now imagine waking up, jumping out of bed, feeling refreshed. Imagine knowing that despite the challenges you face you can succeed and it “fills you with determination”. Imagine that, even on the worse days, you know “this too shall pass”.
Online Therapists
![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 Candi Francis, MA, LMFT, RPT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5392a28a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Candi Francis
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New London, IA 52645
I seek to help families that have experienced trauma, grief/loss, illness, anxiety, depression or attachment concerns.
Life can feel hard, you feel stuck, no matter what you do. Maybe your child is having a lot of big emotions, taking over. Having a difficult time expressing them to get needs met. Getting out the door to school or activities just does not seem to go as planned. Fears and worries are taking over, and your sweet child just isn't themselves. You want your motto to be "A happy, healthy family" and yet it feels like it just doesn't quite get there. Thoughts of "How do I help this little person, be the best them and our family be the best us?" Sweet parents/caregivers, you and your little one(s) are amazing and I am so glad you found me!
I seek to help families that have experienced trauma, grief/loss, illness, anxiety, depression or attachment concerns.
Life can feel hard, you feel stuck, no matter what you do. Maybe your child is having a lot of big emotions, taking over. Having a difficult time expressing them to get needs met. Getting out the door to school or activities just does not seem to go as planned. Fears and worries are taking over, and your sweet child just isn't themselves. You want your motto to be "A happy, healthy family" and yet it feels like it just doesn't quite get there. Thoughts of "How do I help this little person, be the best them and our family be the best us?" Sweet parents/caregivers, you and your little one(s) are amazing and I am so glad you found me!
![Photo of Katie Johnson, MSW, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/408bf937-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Katie Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
I welcome clients of various backgrounds aged 16+. My specialty areas include anxiety, depression, self-esteem, life transitions, grief and various forms of loss, adjustment, and relationship concerns. Also specialize in treating current and former athletes and student-athletes in individual sport-related therapy. I work to assist clients in self-empowerment, reaching self-defined goals, to realize their personal strengths and identify effective methods of coping. Sessions are offered in a comforting and compassionate environment, and individualized for each client's expressed needs.
I welcome clients of various backgrounds aged 16+. My specialty areas include anxiety, depression, self-esteem, life transitions, grief and various forms of loss, adjustment, and relationship concerns. Also specialize in treating current and former athletes and student-athletes in individual sport-related therapy. I work to assist clients in self-empowerment, reaching self-defined goals, to realize their personal strengths and identify effective methods of coping. Sessions are offered in a comforting and compassionate environment, and individualized for each client's expressed needs.
![Photo of Heidi Vogel, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c6a1b47-a006-4bae-b977-de9b8dbbdfce/1/320x400.jpeg)
Heidi Vogel
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
North Liberty, IA 52317
Waitlist for new clients
I consider it a privilege to walk alongside those who have survived trauma and assist them in healing, empowering themselves and improving their quality of life. I also enjoy working with those who are going through transitions in their life, having spent the past 8 years of my career helping college students of all ages navigate transitions. Whether you are struggling to adjust after a loss, a change in relationship status or a career, we can work together to navigate this change effectively.
I consider it a privilege to walk alongside those who have survived trauma and assist them in healing, empowering themselves and improving their quality of life. I also enjoy working with those who are going through transitions in their life, having spent the past 8 years of my career helping college students of all ages navigate transitions. Whether you are struggling to adjust after a loss, a change in relationship status or a career, we can work together to navigate this change effectively.
![Photo of Karen Davis, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40c33ec7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Karen Davis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 (Online Only)
I also work with people who were adopted, or have experienced mother loss.
Current Openings Available! Individual and Couples.....Experienced Therapist specializing in providing a holistic approach to healing mental and emotional symptoms. I provide psychodynamic psychotherapy; in which the goal is to come to terms with the unique underlying reasons for your distress. I treat each client as an individual. There are no scripted treatment protocols. We work where you find yourself today. Many clients who come to me have been unsuccessful in previous therapy and are feeling STUCK. Why is it so hard to change patterns? Why do you find yourself in the same pattern again and again?
I also work with people who were adopted, or have experienced mother loss.
Current Openings Available! Individual and Couples.....Experienced Therapist specializing in providing a holistic approach to healing mental and emotional symptoms. I provide psychodynamic psychotherapy; in which the goal is to come to terms with the unique underlying reasons for your distress. I treat each client as an individual. There are no scripted treatment protocols. We work where you find yourself today. Many clients who come to me have been unsuccessful in previous therapy and are feeling STUCK. Why is it so hard to change patterns? Why do you find yourself in the same pattern again and again?
![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 Beth M Gallegos - Gallegos Counseling, LLC, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47f6b4b3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Gallegos Counseling, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
Grinnell, IA 50112 (Online Only)
I believe that emotional well-being lies within each person and as a therapist I will work with you to help you discover your emotional strength and health. My services are confidential, strength based and focused on your individual needs. I have over 25 years of experience as a mental health clinician. I have specialized in treating depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, grief and loss.
I believe that emotional well-being lies within each person and as a therapist I will work with you to help you discover your emotional strength and health. My services are confidential, strength based and focused on your individual needs. I have over 25 years of experience as a mental health clinician. I have specialized in treating depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, grief and loss.
![Photo of Heidi Miller, MA, tLMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bcf93284-36bc-46d0-908f-21afc6f93deb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Heidi Miller
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, tLMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
I welcome any variety of client concerns, but have experience working with perinatal loss, racial identity, relationship stressors, grief, parenting, depression, anxiety, OCD, self-esteem, and trauma.
Everyone we meet is fighting a unique battle, and has the innate capacity to face their challenges and reach their goals. When we learn to understand our distinctive human natures, growth and change are possible. I will start wherever you are, taking time to consider your important life. I find authenticity as a therapist through an experiential approach. It is important to me to take time to listen to your experiences and understand what is impacting your overall health. I hope to provide you with genuine empathy while we create new experiences, face challenges, and grow together in the therapeutic space.
I welcome any variety of client concerns, but have experience working with perinatal loss, racial identity, relationship stressors, grief, parenting, depression, anxiety, OCD, self-esteem, and trauma.
Everyone we meet is fighting a unique battle, and has the innate capacity to face their challenges and reach their goals. When we learn to understand our distinctive human natures, growth and change are possible. I will start wherever you are, taking time to consider your important life. I find authenticity as a therapist through an experiential approach. It is important to me to take time to listen to your experiences and understand what is impacting your overall health. I hope to provide you with genuine empathy while we create new experiences, face challenges, and grow together in the therapeutic space.
![Photo of Patricia Ochs Moser, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a65f99e6-6e58-4968-976e-1b83bbc902ff/1/320x400.jpeg)
*Please note I have no availability for evening appointments at this time*. Patty provides individual counseling for children (ages 12+) and adults. She focuses on personal empowerment to help clients achieve their goals and outcomes. Patty works well with clients who are struggling with trauma, anxiety, grief, depression, life transitions, and stress.
*Please note I have no availability for evening appointments at this time*. Patty provides individual counseling for children (ages 12+) and adults. She focuses on personal empowerment to help clients achieve their goals and outcomes. Patty works well with clients who are struggling with trauma, anxiety, grief, depression, life transitions, and stress.
![Photo of Dr. Jackie Kamradt, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/27f906f6-2882-4be9-904f-57b2a8f62b04/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Jackie Kamradt
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Coralville, IA 52241 (Online Only)
I offer counseling/psychotherapy for a range of mental health problems including trauma/PTSD, depression, anxiety, OCD, relational concerns, life transitions, grief/loss, & have expertise helping people in the perinatal period, NICU families, veterans, & individuals with ADHD & concentration/attentional concerns.
As a clinical psychologist & certified yoga instructor, I am passionate about taking a holistic & tailored approach when working with clients. I am committed to helping you get out of your “analysis paralysis” & into your life. I want to help you to discover your freedom in how you relate to your mind (& body!) & share the secret your brain has been keeping from you your whole life: Your thoughts are not your boss. I aim to help not only reduce the symptoms interfering with your life, but also to help optimize your mental health/well-being to live a life aligned with how you want to be in the world.
I offer counseling/psychotherapy for a range of mental health problems including trauma/PTSD, depression, anxiety, OCD, relational concerns, life transitions, grief/loss, & have expertise helping people in the perinatal period, NICU families, veterans, & individuals with ADHD & concentration/attentional concerns.
As a clinical psychologist & certified yoga instructor, I am passionate about taking a holistic & tailored approach when working with clients. I am committed to helping you get out of your “analysis paralysis” & into your life. I want to help you to discover your freedom in how you relate to your mind (& body!) & share the secret your brain has been keeping from you your whole life: Your thoughts are not your boss. I aim to help not only reduce the symptoms interfering with your life, but also to help optimize your mental health/well-being to live a life aligned with how you want to be in the world.
![Photo of Olivia Gould, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a7dd7f48-89cd-48d3-8516-a29b4f2a719c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Olivia Gould
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
I am particularly passionate about working with the LGBTQ+ population, and with patients who have experienced grief, loss, trauma, and dissociation.
Welcome! My name is Olivia, and I received my Masters of Social Work and Certificate in Trauma Practice from Simmons University in Boston, MA. The most important part of my practice is the relationship I build with my clients, and I am committed to providing mental health care in a way that is accessible, compassionate, and meets you where you are at.
I am particularly passionate about working with the LGBTQ+ population, and with patients who have experienced grief, loss, trauma, and dissociation.
Welcome! My name is Olivia, and I received my Masters of Social Work and Certificate in Trauma Practice from Simmons University in Boston, MA. The most important part of my practice is the relationship I build with my clients, and I am committed to providing mental health care in a way that is accessible, compassionate, and meets you where you are at.
![Photo of Bonita Streich Hermanstorfer, MS, LMHC, RPT, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fb1c7c96-83ab-4498-9b6a-02062b5cac6f/3/320x400.jpeg)
Bonita Streich Hermanstorfer
Counselor, MS, LMHC, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Waterloo, IA 50703
I work with ages 3 through adulthood: individuals, couples, and families. I have worked with individuals who have: depression, anxiety, Bipolar, grief from any type of loss, ADHD, Autism, stress, anger, divorce, and those who need a third party to talk to without judgement. I am trained in Adlerian Play Therapy for children and adults to reach beyond traditional talk therapy for self-expression/processing when words are hard to find. It is proven that children say much more in play than they have the words for.
I work with ages 3 through adulthood: individuals, couples, and families. I have worked with individuals who have: depression, anxiety, Bipolar, grief from any type of loss, ADHD, Autism, stress, anger, divorce, and those who need a third party to talk to without judgement. I am trained in Adlerian Play Therapy for children and adults to reach beyond traditional talk therapy for self-expression/processing when words are hard to find. It is proven that children say much more in play than they have the words for.
![Photo of Jason Drwal, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/57d57d45-d707-4a7c-a340-1d4c10a68bd9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Have you gone through a trauma that's still affecting you? Is it affecting your relationships or self-esteem? Or perhaps this trauma has made you feel stressed, overwhelmed and isolated. I’m a trained trauma psychologist and can assist you on a path to recovery and healing. Here are some (but not all) of the issues I can help with: abuse in relationships/childhood/adulthood, accidents, deployment to combat zones, losses/grief, divorce/relationship breakups, events that were humiliating and assaults.
Have you gone through a trauma that's still affecting you? Is it affecting your relationships or self-esteem? Or perhaps this trauma has made you feel stressed, overwhelmed and isolated. I’m a trained trauma psychologist and can assist you on a path to recovery and healing. Here are some (but not all) of the issues I can help with: abuse in relationships/childhood/adulthood, accidents, deployment to combat zones, losses/grief, divorce/relationship breakups, events that were humiliating and assaults.
![Photo of Lauren Holst, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0c641917-23ad-4abe-b249-a1b4d2a99648/3/320x400.jpeg)
Lauren Holst
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Cedar Falls, IA 50613 (Online Only)
Accepting New Clients. Often what brings people to therapy can be summed up by the word “stuck”. You might be stuck in a rut; under a cloud of sadness or depression; caught in the spin cycle of anxiety; trying to process relationship issues or a big decision; or wanting to move past trauma or grief & loss. Maybe someone or something in your life has given you a soft or firm nudge in the direction of therapy. We’ll work through whatever you bring to therapy in a way that prepares you to meet any difficulties along the road while you reach your goals.
Accepting New Clients. Often what brings people to therapy can be summed up by the word “stuck”. You might be stuck in a rut; under a cloud of sadness or depression; caught in the spin cycle of anxiety; trying to process relationship issues or a big decision; or wanting to move past trauma or grief & loss. Maybe someone or something in your life has given you a soft or firm nudge in the direction of therapy. We’ll work through whatever you bring to therapy in a way that prepares you to meet any difficulties along the road while you reach your goals.
See more therapy options for Monticello
Nearby Grief Therapists Searches for Monticello
- Alburnett
- Anamosa
- Cedar Rapids
- Dubuque
- Dyersville
- Hiawatha
- Independence
- Manchester
- Marion
- Mount Vernon
- North Liberty
- Peosta
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.