Grief Therapists in Bolingbrook, IL
![Photo of Maria Goldstein, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/097086db-60de-4407-8e42-e885b9aba6f0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Maria Goldstein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
Waitlist for new clients
Using a culturally sensitive and holistic approach, I draw from many different treatment models to work with those struggling with a variety of issues (complex PTSD; depression; anxiety; grief; financial hardship; chronic illness; caregiver fatigue; relationship or parenting challenges; career difficulties; racial/religious trauma, and life transitions).
If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck, congrats on taking the first step towards change! Therapy can help you gain confidence and the tools necessary for navigating life's many challenges. Your perception of your lived experiences and your vision of the life you want is what drives the therapeutic process. We'll explore your past to better understand unconscious forces that impact your current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. As your therapist, I will offer a supportive, non-judgmental environment that allows you to develop self-awareness and healthy coping strategies that promote healing, wellness, and joy.
Using a culturally sensitive and holistic approach, I draw from many different treatment models to work with those struggling with a variety of issues (complex PTSD; depression; anxiety; grief; financial hardship; chronic illness; caregiver fatigue; relationship or parenting challenges; career difficulties; racial/religious trauma, and life transitions).
If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck, congrats on taking the first step towards change! Therapy can help you gain confidence and the tools necessary for navigating life's many challenges. Your perception of your lived experiences and your vision of the life you want is what drives the therapeutic process. We'll explore your past to better understand unconscious forces that impact your current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. As your therapist, I will offer a supportive, non-judgmental environment that allows you to develop self-awareness and healthy coping strategies that promote healing, wellness, and joy.
![Photo of Regina Thomas - Revisions Counseling Service, MS, LCPC, CADC, CPAIP, GRS, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4eb7ced1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Revisions Counseling Service
Counselor, MS, LCPC, CADC, CPAIP, GRS
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
I emphasize the use of the grief recovery method as I noticed that a majority of individuals I have worked with have been emotionally incapacitated due to loss of loved ones, hopes, and or dreams.
I believe you have have an inner strength that often goes unrecognized. Awareness of that inner strength will allow you to overcome the barriers that have prevented you from moving forward and improving your current situation. As your therapist I will assist you to take control of your therapy and explore the stressors and concerns in your life. I have experience working in adolescent outpatient settings, group homes and therapeutic foster care. I spent the last several years working with adult clients in outpatient settings who are in need of addictions counseling, domestic violence, depression, mood disorders, grief and loss, and crisis intervention.
I emphasize the use of the grief recovery method as I noticed that a majority of individuals I have worked with have been emotionally incapacitated due to loss of loved ones, hopes, and or dreams.
I believe you have have an inner strength that often goes unrecognized. Awareness of that inner strength will allow you to overcome the barriers that have prevented you from moving forward and improving your current situation. As your therapist I will assist you to take control of your therapy and explore the stressors and concerns in your life. I have experience working in adolescent outpatient settings, group homes and therapeutic foster care. I spent the last several years working with adult clients in outpatient settings who are in need of addictions counseling, domestic violence, depression, mood disorders, grief and loss, and crisis intervention.
![Photo of Ana Fajardo, LCSW, CADC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c4861f97-96cd-4433-af0b-4010eb1eec18/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ana Fajardo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
My clinical experience includes working with a variety of populations. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction, domestic violence, grief and loss, or other issues, I can help you set goals for yourself and work toward achieving them.
My clinical experience includes working with a variety of populations. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction, domestic violence, grief and loss, or other issues, I can help you set goals for yourself and work toward achieving them.
![Photo of Sandra Henderson, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9fc17238-3d64-49b6-8e09-d176682ba21c/1/320x400.jpeg)
I work with individuals dealing with emotional and relational conflicts, depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, life-transitions, and family-of-origin issues.
Asking for help can be difficult, even when discussing your struggles with loved ones can be challenging. I want to offer you a safe and supportive space where you feel acknowledged and accepted. Together, we will work towards helping you work through the challenges and regain control of your life. You don't have to face this alone.
I work with individuals dealing with emotional and relational conflicts, depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, life-transitions, and family-of-origin issues.
Asking for help can be difficult, even when discussing your struggles with loved ones can be challenging. I want to offer you a safe and supportive space where you feel acknowledged and accepted. Together, we will work towards helping you work through the challenges and regain control of your life. You don't have to face this alone.
![Photo of Paris Freeman, MSW, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ff5ecaab-a8f7-4c0d-b38c-6d7b7df2e8ed/1/320x400.png)
I am highly experienced with helping individuals process grief/loss and trauma.
Are you dealing with challenging life experiences in silence because you believe that you must be strong? Seeking therapy does not mean you are weak. Everyone needs someone that they can talk to about their emotions, feelings, and life experiences.
I am highly experienced with helping individuals process grief/loss and trauma.
Are you dealing with challenging life experiences in silence because you believe that you must be strong? Seeking therapy does not mean you are weak. Everyone needs someone that they can talk to about their emotions, feelings, and life experiences.
Gail West-Hooper
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
I have had specialized training in dual diagnosis, relaxation/mindfulness for anxiety, grief and loss and marital/divorce counseling.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I have been in practice since 1984. I have a degree in Medical Social Work and a certificate in Substance Abuse. I have worked with adolescents, adults, couples, and families. My specialties include work with women's issues, trauma, PTSD, life transitions, depression and anxiety, and mindfulness training. I believe in the power of relationships to heal and clients natural desire to grow toward health.
I have had specialized training in dual diagnosis, relaxation/mindfulness for anxiety, grief and loss and marital/divorce counseling.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I have been in practice since 1984. I have a degree in Medical Social Work and a certificate in Substance Abuse. I have worked with adolescents, adults, couples, and families. My specialties include work with women's issues, trauma, PTSD, life transitions, depression and anxiety, and mindfulness training. I believe in the power of relationships to heal and clients natural desire to grow toward health.
![Photo of Lisa Valiente, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2bf79659-467c-4796-98d2-a9865abe1724/1/320x400.png)
Lisa Valiente
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bolingbrook, IL 60440 (Online Only)
I often work with people working to overcome depression or anxiety, healing from childhood trauma, dealing with grief and loss, going through life transitions, or just don't feel like themselves and don't know why.
I approach therapy as “expert companionship," guiding people towards healing, personal growth, where they can feel safe and free to learn how to shift from surviving to thriving. In my therapy sessions, my number one priority is to create an environment where each person feels emotionally safe and accepted, no matter what the issues are, and a place to feel welcome to explore what is going on, try out new skills, new ways of looking at situations, and new ways of approaching problems.
I often work with people working to overcome depression or anxiety, healing from childhood trauma, dealing with grief and loss, going through life transitions, or just don't feel like themselves and don't know why.
I approach therapy as “expert companionship," guiding people towards healing, personal growth, where they can feel safe and free to learn how to shift from surviving to thriving. In my therapy sessions, my number one priority is to create an environment where each person feels emotionally safe and accepted, no matter what the issues are, and a place to feel welcome to explore what is going on, try out new skills, new ways of looking at situations, and new ways of approaching problems.
![Photo of Casey Wegner, LCPC, CADC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/800da31e-da75-41ef-8686-1aad658ae329/1/320x400.jpeg)
Casey Wegner
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, CADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
I have over 14 years experience working with teens and adults with a vast array of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, addiction, adjustment disorders, mood disorders, attachment issues, and low self-esteem.
In the last few years, we have seen an increase in individuals experiencing stress, sadness, and frustration that can be impacting their careers, relationships, health, finances, and life satisfaction. Whether it is feeling the need to be perfect, procrastinating tasks, disconnection within your marriage, distracted in thought, or feeling unmotivated to get out of bed in the morning, we can work together to identify origins of these issues and then solutions to healing. Reaching out for help can be the most difficult part of the healing journey. You don't have to do it all alone.
I have over 14 years experience working with teens and adults with a vast array of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, addiction, adjustment disorders, mood disorders, attachment issues, and low self-esteem.
In the last few years, we have seen an increase in individuals experiencing stress, sadness, and frustration that can be impacting their careers, relationships, health, finances, and life satisfaction. Whether it is feeling the need to be perfect, procrastinating tasks, disconnection within your marriage, distracted in thought, or feeling unmotivated to get out of bed in the morning, we can work together to identify origins of these issues and then solutions to healing. Reaching out for help can be the most difficult part of the healing journey. You don't have to do it all alone.
![Photo of Deanne Wolter, LCPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/da95fda0-f6cf-4f05-9842-4e088775d430/1/320x400.jpeg)
My practice is particularly focused on addressing grief, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and relationship challenges.
I deeply value the courage and vulnerability demonstrated by individuals, couples, and families who embark on the therapeutic journey. With extensive training in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and advanced specialization in emotion-focused therapy (EFT), I am dedicated to utilizing evidence-based treatments to help alleviate psychological and emotional distress.
My practice is particularly focused on addressing grief, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and relationship challenges.
I deeply value the courage and vulnerability demonstrated by individuals, couples, and families who embark on the therapeutic journey. With extensive training in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and advanced specialization in emotion-focused therapy (EFT), I am dedicated to utilizing evidence-based treatments to help alleviate psychological and emotional distress.
![Photo of Candice Razo, MS, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fda4a8af-61eb-441f-9554-a8e9d5563f3d/3/320x400.jpeg)
Certifications and training completed within the areas of Trauma, Crisis, Grief & Loss, Domestic Violence, and Sexual Assault, Treating Complex Trauma with Internal Family Systems, and Premarital/Marital training.
Candice is passionate about working with individuals, couples, and adolescents. Consulting with clients and giving them professional advice while helping them understand their full potential. In addition to helping better their lives, achieve a happier life through positive changes. Influences of Family Systems Theory (IFS), Positive Parenting Solutions, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Using holistic methods, such as mindfulness, meditation, & yoga, with interventions to engage individuals & families as co-facilitators of change.
Certifications and training completed within the areas of Trauma, Crisis, Grief & Loss, Domestic Violence, and Sexual Assault, Treating Complex Trauma with Internal Family Systems, and Premarital/Marital training.
Candice is passionate about working with individuals, couples, and adolescents. Consulting with clients and giving them professional advice while helping them understand their full potential. In addition to helping better their lives, achieve a happier life through positive changes. Influences of Family Systems Theory (IFS), Positive Parenting Solutions, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Using holistic methods, such as mindfulness, meditation, & yoga, with interventions to engage individuals & families as co-facilitators of change.
![Photo of Loreta Stavskiene, MS, LCPC, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42d9925c-a066-4aea-a8f2-4f268382c419/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am also certified in Rapid Resolution therapy that provides immediate relief to people who are struggling with post traumatic stress disorder, panic attacks, flashbacks, addictions, grief and loss and other issues.
My goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth living. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life today. We will explore long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
I am also certified in Rapid Resolution therapy that provides immediate relief to people who are struggling with post traumatic stress disorder, panic attacks, flashbacks, addictions, grief and loss and other issues.
My goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth living. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life today. We will explore long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
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EMDR is a very powerful therapy that allows individuals to reprocess traumatic events (war, sexual abuse, bullying, grief).
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are suffering from anxiety, depression or PTSD? Are you ready to make a positive change in your life? What change would you like to see happen in yourself and your life and how would you feel different as a result? Life can sometimes feel overwhelming and counseling can help. We can discover long-standing patterns that may be holding you back from experiencing a more meaningful life. Whether you are looking for extra support and guidance through a difficult situation or you are just ready to move to a new direction in life, I look forward to working with you.
EMDR is a very powerful therapy that allows individuals to reprocess traumatic events (war, sexual abuse, bullying, grief).
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are suffering from anxiety, depression or PTSD? Are you ready to make a positive change in your life? What change would you like to see happen in yourself and your life and how would you feel different as a result? Life can sometimes feel overwhelming and counseling can help. We can discover long-standing patterns that may be holding you back from experiencing a more meaningful life. Whether you are looking for extra support and guidance through a difficult situation or you are just ready to move to a new direction in life, I look forward to working with you.
![Photo of Chiamaka Ihejirika, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bc05d74a-ea12-4214-9061-a6a09e7527ea/1/320x400.jpeg)
I also treat people across the lifespan who are struggling with their emotions (grief, depression, anxiety, anger, etc.
I love supporting People of Color. I also have a special interest in meeting the mental health needs and concerns of those that identify as Black and/or African through a culturally sensitive lens. I strive to really listen attentively to you and/or your child, help you make sense of how you or your child's symptoms developed, and provide an active, results-oriented approach regardless of which type of pain you or your child are in. I thoughtfully integrate evidence-based treatments to help reduce your symptoms as quickly as possible.
I also treat people across the lifespan who are struggling with their emotions (grief, depression, anxiety, anger, etc.
I love supporting People of Color. I also have a special interest in meeting the mental health needs and concerns of those that identify as Black and/or African through a culturally sensitive lens. I strive to really listen attentively to you and/or your child, help you make sense of how you or your child's symptoms developed, and provide an active, results-oriented approach regardless of which type of pain you or your child are in. I thoughtfully integrate evidence-based treatments to help reduce your symptoms as quickly as possible.
![Photo of Dawn Vance, LCPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c283d1f1-337e-4c8c-8fba-1eca796ee848/1/320x400.png)
Dawn Vance is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with over 20 years of experience. She has extensive experience helping clients, couples, and families with a variety of different life challenges and mental health difficulties. Dawn specializes in treating depression, anxiety, feelings of overwhelm, guilt, grief, ADHD, and anger-related issues. She knows that life is full of challenges and struggles which can leave us feeling depressed, anxious, overwhelmed, or angry. It takes courage to look at the areas of your life that you are dissatisfied with and share your thoughts and feelings.
Dawn Vance is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with over 20 years of experience. She has extensive experience helping clients, couples, and families with a variety of different life challenges and mental health difficulties. Dawn specializes in treating depression, anxiety, feelings of overwhelm, guilt, grief, ADHD, and anger-related issues. She knows that life is full of challenges and struggles which can leave us feeling depressed, anxious, overwhelmed, or angry. It takes courage to look at the areas of your life that you are dissatisfied with and share your thoughts and feelings.
![Photo of Sandra Lukashevich, LCPC, MS, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f8835f50-e2fc-4a1e-9cf1-0c903bedeef8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sandra Lukashevich is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor. Sandy is licensed in both Illinois and Indiana. She works with children, adolescents, adults, seniors, couples, and families to provide counseling for anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, domestic violence, and other life challenges. Her experience also spans the life course to include counselling for self-harm, bullying, PTSD, dementia, and gender and sexual identity issues. Sandra is Gamer Affirmative and welcomes geek culture clients. She is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR).
Sandra Lukashevich is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor. Sandy is licensed in both Illinois and Indiana. She works with children, adolescents, adults, seniors, couples, and families to provide counseling for anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, domestic violence, and other life challenges. Her experience also spans the life course to include counselling for self-harm, bullying, PTSD, dementia, and gender and sexual identity issues. Sandra is Gamer Affirmative and welcomes geek culture clients. She is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR).
![Photo of Erlinda A de la Torre, MSW, LSW, CTP, CGP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f310b96c-7a19-473b-b2d8-a204ce0bce90/2/320x400.jpeg)
Erlinda A de la Torre
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW, CTP, CGP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
Are you feeling depressed, overwhelmed, or anxious? Do you often feel alone in your struggle, like people don't get it? When we face emotional or mental health struggles such as anxiety depression, relationship issues, low self-esteem, grief, loss, and past trauma, it can make us feel alone, lost, and hopeless. I want you to know, you are not alone, and there is help.
Are you feeling depressed, overwhelmed, or anxious? Do you often feel alone in your struggle, like people don't get it? When we face emotional or mental health struggles such as anxiety depression, relationship issues, low self-esteem, grief, loss, and past trauma, it can make us feel alone, lost, and hopeless. I want you to know, you are not alone, and there is help.
![Photo of Janea Meeks, MS, LCPC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a61145dd-ed70-4224-9a22-b2faf4b826da/1/320x400.jpeg)
Janea Meeks
Counselor, MS, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bolingbrook, IL 60440 (Online Only)
I am passionate about working with life transitions, identity concerns, grief, sexual assault and domestic violence survivors and racial identity conflicts.
Hello and welcome to your first step! I commend you on taking the time to research counselors. Maybe you have decided you just need a sound board or maybe you are ready for a complete over-hall. Either way, you took the time to start researching and believe it or not, that's the first step. I'm a licensed professional counselor and I would love the opportunity to walk in this journey with you. However, you'll want to make sure you find a good fit with someone you trust.
I am passionate about working with life transitions, identity concerns, grief, sexual assault and domestic violence survivors and racial identity conflicts.
Hello and welcome to your first step! I commend you on taking the time to research counselors. Maybe you have decided you just need a sound board or maybe you are ready for a complete over-hall. Either way, you took the time to start researching and believe it or not, that's the first step. I'm a licensed professional counselor and I would love the opportunity to walk in this journey with you. However, you'll want to make sure you find a good fit with someone you trust.
![Photo of Jessica A. Parks - Rooted Counseling, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6ebc6e81-9358-484b-bc0d-8154f1962910/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rooted Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
Hi there! Do you feel stuck in a constant tug-of-war with painful thoughts? The pain of anxiety, conflict, grief, and traumatic experiences is real and deep. The experience of healing in relationship with a compassionate, skilled therapist is often deeper still. To thrive, human beings must constantly grow and learn. Longing to center your life around the things that matter most to you? Therapy can help shift your life in that direction.
Hi there! Do you feel stuck in a constant tug-of-war with painful thoughts? The pain of anxiety, conflict, grief, and traumatic experiences is real and deep. The experience of healing in relationship with a compassionate, skilled therapist is often deeper still. To thrive, human beings must constantly grow and learn. Longing to center your life around the things that matter most to you? Therapy can help shift your life in that direction.
![Photo of Maria Mangiardi, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/60559b83-9b50-4996-b059-c28f1528f27e/1/320x400.png)
Maria Mangiardi
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
Hi, my name is Maria Mangiardi, and I hold an LCPC license. My approach to therapy is looking at the total mind, body, and spirit of a person and how all areas of life can affect mental health. I specialize in a variety of areas, such as Anxiety, Depression, LGBTQ, and OCD, to name a few. I look at the totality of a person because I find that possible medical issues, relationship issues, and environmental influences can be a factor. I typically work with adults over the age of 18. I have many clients that question their life relationships, stressors, and internal struggles.
Hi, my name is Maria Mangiardi, and I hold an LCPC license. My approach to therapy is looking at the total mind, body, and spirit of a person and how all areas of life can affect mental health. I specialize in a variety of areas, such as Anxiety, Depression, LGBTQ, and OCD, to name a few. I look at the totality of a person because I find that possible medical issues, relationship issues, and environmental influences can be a factor. I typically work with adults over the age of 18. I have many clients that question their life relationships, stressors, and internal struggles.
![Photo of Lauren Brymer, MA, LCPC, CADC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fa38bddf-251f-4ace-895e-ae29c463580a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lauren Brymer
Counselor, MA, LCPC, CADC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bolingbrook, IL 60440 (Online Only)
Just as we exist within an external system; family, work environments, neighborhoods, school community, we have a personal internal system within each of us. These two systems influence each other throughout every day of our lives. Just as our minds need to understand our external systems like the rules at our office or school, we need to understand the interaction of the parts within ourselves. This may be a difficult concept to wrap your mind around because we live in a world with such external rules. What would it be like if we lived by the knowledge of the internal and external systems ?
Just as we exist within an external system; family, work environments, neighborhoods, school community, we have a personal internal system within each of us. These two systems influence each other throughout every day of our lives. Just as our minds need to understand our external systems like the rules at our office or school, we need to understand the interaction of the parts within ourselves. This may be a difficult concept to wrap your mind around because we live in a world with such external rules. What would it be like if we lived by the knowledge of the internal and external systems ?
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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.