Grief Therapists in Hoffman Estates, IL

Photo of Tajwar Raziuddin, MA, LCPC, Counselor
Tajwar Raziuddin
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Not Verified Not Verified
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
If you are dealing with depression, anxiety, grief and bereavement or difficulties in your relationships and or your family, adjusting to distress in general, I might be the person to assist you in overcoming your challenges and achieve your personal goals.
Having been in the counseling profession for more than 25 years, my fellow professionals and previous clients have described me as a seasoned therapist, and an emphatic and active listener. My therapeutic approach highlights working with my clients collaboratively and developing an individually tailored intervention plan. My role as a “passionate mentor” is an opportunity that I do not take for granted, and the chance to accompany my clients in their journey to find peace and comfort in their lives is a privilege.
If you are dealing with depression, anxiety, grief and bereavement or difficulties in your relationships and or your family, adjusting to distress in general, I might be the person to assist you in overcoming your challenges and achieve your personal goals.
Having been in the counseling profession for more than 25 years, my fellow professionals and previous clients have described me as a seasoned therapist, and an emphatic and active listener. My therapeutic approach highlights working with my clients collaboratively and developing an individually tailored intervention plan. My role as a “passionate mentor” is an opportunity that I do not take for granted, and the chance to accompany my clients in their journey to find peace and comfort in their lives is a privilege.
(855) 938-2207 View (855) 938-2207
Photo of Suma Karandikar, MA, LCPC, PMH-C
Suma Karandikar
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
Did life take you by surprise? Is your reality different from what you imagined it to be? Whether it be grief and loss, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, and/or low self-esteem... there is hope. You deserve to feel better. You deserve to be happy. I look forward to meeting you and helping you take the steps toward a more fulfilled life. As the owner and director of Thrive Postpartum, Couples and Family Therapy, I welcome you to our center where our mission is to deliver high-quality mental health counseling services that help our clients heal and thrive. Please see our website for more information!
Did life take you by surprise? Is your reality different from what you imagined it to be? Whether it be grief and loss, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, and/or low self-esteem... there is hope. You deserve to feel better. You deserve to be happy. I look forward to meeting you and helping you take the steps toward a more fulfilled life. As the owner and director of Thrive Postpartum, Couples and Family Therapy, I welcome you to our center where our mission is to deliver high-quality mental health counseling services that help our clients heal and thrive. Please see our website for more information!
(224) 291-8976 View (224) 291-8976
Photo of Mayra Douglas, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mayra Douglas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
My clinical areas of expertise include trauma, anxiety, self-injury, depression, life transitions, emotional regulation, grief or loss, anger, and racial/cultural identity.
I am a dedicated and compassionate bilingual therapist with over 12 years of experience in human services. I am passionate about providing empathetic counseling services to support your well-being. I specialize in bilingual and bicultural counseling, offering personalized support to individuals and families.
My clinical areas of expertise include trauma, anxiety, self-injury, depression, life transitions, emotional regulation, grief or loss, anger, and racial/cultural identity.
I am a dedicated and compassionate bilingual therapist with over 12 years of experience in human services. I am passionate about providing empathetic counseling services to support your well-being. I specialize in bilingual and bicultural counseling, offering personalized support to individuals and families.
(224) 507-5445 View (224) 507-5445
Photo of Jane A. Bennett-Elias, LCPC, Counselor
Jane A. Bennett-Elias
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Hoffman Estates, IL 60192  (Online Only)
I also work extensively with those experiencing grief and loss, occupational burnout or difficulty managing life transitions and changes.
Life can feel overwhelming sometimes. This feeling can make it hard to make decisions, manage life transitions or even just move forward. You don't have to do this alone. I can assist in helping you find the answers that are right for you.
I also work extensively with those experiencing grief and loss, occupational burnout or difficulty managing life transitions and changes.
Life can feel overwhelming sometimes. This feeling can make it hard to make decisions, manage life transitions or even just move forward. You don't have to do this alone. I can assist in helping you find the answers that are right for you.
(224) 263-1525 View (224) 263-1525
Photo of Lisa Aranas - Empowered And Authentic Living, LLC, JD, LCPC
Empowered And Authentic Living, LLC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, JD, LCPC
Verified Verified
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
We specialize in anxiety, depression, bipolar, ADD/ADHD, LGBTQ, trauma (PTSD & Complex PTSD), grief and loss, domestic violence, couple, and family issues, shadow work, and inner child healing.
Thank you for taking the time to read about EAL. We believe you have the right to live your best life; to be your most empowered and authentic self. We believe that everyone eventually seeks meaning and purpose in their life, and finding and living this ultimate goal will bring long lasting joy and true happiness. We are a unique holistic practice that focuses on mind, body, and spirit, integrating Psychology, Spirituality, and Metaphysics to get to the root of your emotional issues that block you from experiencing peace and happiness. We help young children, teens, adults, couples, and families to help open and guide them on a path to living and enjoying life fully. We also hold retreats, seminars, and trainings (CEUs) to support the needs of our clients and our community.
We specialize in anxiety, depression, bipolar, ADD/ADHD, LGBTQ, trauma (PTSD & Complex PTSD), grief and loss, domestic violence, couple, and family issues, shadow work, and inner child healing.
Thank you for taking the time to read about EAL. We believe you have the right to live your best life; to be your most empowered and authentic self. We believe that everyone eventually seeks meaning and purpose in their life, and finding and living this ultimate goal will bring long lasting joy and true happiness. We are a unique holistic practice that focuses on mind, body, and spirit, integrating Psychology, Spirituality, and Metaphysics to get to the root of your emotional issues that block you from experiencing peace and happiness. We help young children, teens, adults, couples, and families to help open and guide them on a path to living and enjoying life fully. We also hold retreats, seminars, and trainings (CEUs) to support the needs of our clients and our community.
(847) 780-2081 View (847) 780-2081
Photo of A Better You Counseling Pllc, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
A Better You Counseling Pllc
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
I address depression, anxiety, grief, anger, trauma and family relationship problems.
It is often difficult to ask for help in the face of life's challenges. People attend therapy for a variety of reasons such as; trauma, struggling with anxiety, depression or a life altering event. Ultimately, we want to feel better and live more-productive lives. Therapy is a collaborative endeavor which takes place in a warm, open and non-judgmental environment. My role is to help clients gain a deeper understanding of themselves, what motivates their behaviors and how they can bring about change.
I address depression, anxiety, grief, anger, trauma and family relationship problems.
It is often difficult to ask for help in the face of life's challenges. People attend therapy for a variety of reasons such as; trauma, struggling with anxiety, depression or a life altering event. Ultimately, we want to feel better and live more-productive lives. Therapy is a collaborative endeavor which takes place in a warm, open and non-judgmental environment. My role is to help clients gain a deeper understanding of themselves, what motivates their behaviors and how they can bring about change.
(773) 945-6819 View (773) 945-6819
Photo of Barbara Webb, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Barbara Webb
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169  (Online Only)
Barbara Webb is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 25 years of experience in the mental health field, including working in child welfare agencies, schools, hospitals, and clinical settings. She demonstrates compassion for the tweens, adolescents, adults, couples, and families she serves. She develops rapport, interest, and working relationships with people who want to improve the quality of their lives by participating in talk therapy. She believes in meeting the needs of clients as the first priority. Barbara focuses on depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, mood disorders, and abuse.
Barbara Webb is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 25 years of experience in the mental health field, including working in child welfare agencies, schools, hospitals, and clinical settings. She demonstrates compassion for the tweens, adolescents, adults, couples, and families she serves. She develops rapport, interest, and working relationships with people who want to improve the quality of their lives by participating in talk therapy. She believes in meeting the needs of clients as the first priority. Barbara focuses on depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, mood disorders, and abuse.
(224) 478-0511 View (224) 478-0511
Photo of Teresa Gebhardt, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Teresa Gebhardt
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169  (Online Only)
Teresa is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in adults and adolescents with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/loss and difficult transitions. Her educational background is a Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Masters of Science in Counseling from Northern Illinois University. Teresa is fluent in English and German and provides therapeutic support in both. Teresa believes in an integrated approach to counseling and tailors her use of theoretical methodologies to the individual needs of her clients.
Teresa is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in adults and adolescents with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/loss and difficult transitions. Her educational background is a Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Masters of Science in Counseling from Northern Illinois University. Teresa is fluent in English and German and provides therapeutic support in both. Teresa believes in an integrated approach to counseling and tailors her use of theoretical methodologies to the individual needs of her clients.
(847) 648-9296 View (847) 648-9296
Photo of Theresa Ewing, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Theresa Ewing
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
I also have training in grief therapy and much experience working with individuals with chronic and life limiting illness.
When in the midst of the storm; anxiety, relationship challenges, parenting struggles, perinatal mental health, or medical concerns, connecting with a counselor could be the tool that you need to find hope and skills to get through it. My passion is to get to know you, your thoughts and stress in order to partner with you so you are not alone and establish coping skills, goals and work toward what you long for.
I also have training in grief therapy and much experience working with individuals with chronic and life limiting illness.
When in the midst of the storm; anxiety, relationship challenges, parenting struggles, perinatal mental health, or medical concerns, connecting with a counselor could be the tool that you need to find hope and skills to get through it. My passion is to get to know you, your thoughts and stress in order to partner with you so you are not alone and establish coping skills, goals and work toward what you long for.
(815) 355-6490 View (815) 355-6490
Photo of Erin Taylor, LCPC, Counselor
Erin Taylor
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169  (Online Only)
Erin Taylor is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Illinois who has 16 years of experience partnering with adults and children seeking help with depression, anxiety, life transitions, family and women’s issues, trauma, grief, and relationship issues both in Illinois and Arizona. Erin completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Eastern Illinois University and received her Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Argosy University in Illinois, and Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University in Arizona.
Erin Taylor is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Illinois who has 16 years of experience partnering with adults and children seeking help with depression, anxiety, life transitions, family and women’s issues, trauma, grief, and relationship issues both in Illinois and Arizona. Erin completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Eastern Illinois University and received her Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Argosy University in Illinois, and Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University in Arizona.
(847) 499-1664 View (847) 499-1664
Photo of Sarah Armsey, MA, LPC, CADC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Sarah Armsey
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CADC
Verified Verified
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
I’ve worked with individuals with addictions, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, and trauma.
Life can sometimes feel difficult and overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Allow me to support you in finding ways to feel safe, understood, and able to move forward. I believe that our emotions, especially the uncomfortable ones, provide us with important information about our needs and where we should be headed. My aim is to empower my clients to trust their inner wisdom, rebuild their sense of self, and feel more connected to those around them. In sessions, we’ll spend time talking about everyday stressors, but we’ll also look to identify patterns and dynamics that have ongoing influence in your life.
I’ve worked with individuals with addictions, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, and trauma.
Life can sometimes feel difficult and overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Allow me to support you in finding ways to feel safe, understood, and able to move forward. I believe that our emotions, especially the uncomfortable ones, provide us with important information about our needs and where we should be headed. My aim is to empower my clients to trust their inner wisdom, rebuild their sense of self, and feel more connected to those around them. In sessions, we’ll spend time talking about everyday stressors, but we’ll also look to identify patterns and dynamics that have ongoing influence in your life.
(847) 499-2969 View (847) 499-2969
Photo of Alana Bak, LCPC, LSOTP
Alana Bak
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, LSOTP
Verified Verified
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169  (Online Only)
I enjoy helping my clients turn their struggles into strengths, whether that be life stress, anxiety/depression, relationship problems, grief, trauma, etc.
If your search for peace has brought you this far, give yourself kudos for taking the first and most important step in your healing journey. My name is Alana and I have been a licensed counselor for 13 years. I have experience working with all ages, types of problems and diagnoses, both in individual and group settings. Whether you're struggling with life stress, relationship problems, work-life balance, or past trauma, I am here to walk alongside you on your path to healing. I go at my client's pace and pull from a variety of practices and interventions to help you start to feel back to your old self, or a brand new version!
I enjoy helping my clients turn their struggles into strengths, whether that be life stress, anxiety/depression, relationship problems, grief, trauma, etc.
If your search for peace has brought you this far, give yourself kudos for taking the first and most important step in your healing journey. My name is Alana and I have been a licensed counselor for 13 years. I have experience working with all ages, types of problems and diagnoses, both in individual and group settings. Whether you're struggling with life stress, relationship problems, work-life balance, or past trauma, I am here to walk alongside you on your path to healing. I go at my client's pace and pull from a variety of practices and interventions to help you start to feel back to your old self, or a brand new version!
(847) 534-5713 View (847) 534-5713
Photo of Erin Bracken, LCSW, CADC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Erin Bracken
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Hoffman Estates, IL 60067
I have experience working with individuals with anxiety, depression, drug and alcohol addiction, stress, grief, support through fertility concerns, relationship issues, family struggles, parenting, and more.
Reaching out for help through counseling can be difficult so please recognize that by doing so you are already taking an important step. It is my hope that I can provide the support that you need during the challenges you are dealing with currently. It is important to me to meet you where you are at in your journey and help you identify, explore, and problem-solve what you need right now and also in the long term. After hearing what you want to work on, I’ll help you set reasonable and attainable goals.
I have experience working with individuals with anxiety, depression, drug and alcohol addiction, stress, grief, support through fertility concerns, relationship issues, family struggles, parenting, and more.
Reaching out for help through counseling can be difficult so please recognize that by doing so you are already taking an important step. It is my hope that I can provide the support that you need during the challenges you are dealing with currently. It is important to me to meet you where you are at in your journey and help you identify, explore, and problem-solve what you need right now and also in the long term. After hearing what you want to work on, I’ll help you set reasonable and attainable goals.
(847) 447-2572 View (847) 447-2572
Photo of Lisa Irgang - Relationship Solutions Center, P.C., PsyD, Psychologist
Relationship Solutions Center, P.C.
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Hoffman Estates, IL 60195
Our clinicians realize there are many of you who did not develop a positive self-esteem, or you might have experienced situations that created a lot of self-doubt and loss of self-esteem and confidence.
Relationship Solutions Center focuses on improving self-esteem and how self-esteem impacts your mental health concerns/disorder, developing a lifelong plan for managing your symptoms, understanding the factors that influenced your self-esteem and working to repair challenging and reframing your thoughts, strengthening your communication skills or learning to create and maintain healthy boundaries. Our specialties are Alternative Dispute Resolution, Alternative Sexualities, Anxiety Disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression), Depression and Relationship Counseling.
Our clinicians realize there are many of you who did not develop a positive self-esteem, or you might have experienced situations that created a lot of self-doubt and loss of self-esteem and confidence.
Relationship Solutions Center focuses on improving self-esteem and how self-esteem impacts your mental health concerns/disorder, developing a lifelong plan for managing your symptoms, understanding the factors that influenced your self-esteem and working to repair challenging and reframing your thoughts, strengthening your communication skills or learning to create and maintain healthy boundaries. Our specialties are Alternative Dispute Resolution, Alternative Sexualities, Anxiety Disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression), Depression and Relationship Counseling.
(331) 219-6568 View (331) 219-6568
Photo of Lilly Costigan Crimmins - Lilly Crimmins, LCPC, Counselor
Lilly Crimmins
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169  (Online Only)
If you, or a person close to you are experiencing a life transition, dealing with loss, experiencing communication difficulties, and/or feeling unpleasant emotions such as depression or anxiety, Lilly is here to help.
Sometimes during your journey in life, or in the journeys of persons close to us, we get lost. Ideally, there is a book nearby when lost that tells us specifically how to solve life's challenges. If such a book exists, I've not encountered one. During such times, the practice of psychotherapy is often the "book" and answers we seek. Lilly is a licensed clinical professional counselor who provides therapy for adolescents, adults and families. Her caring and energetic approach involves collaboration with clients and if applicable, families. She integrates all aspects of a person to best help.
If you, or a person close to you are experiencing a life transition, dealing with loss, experiencing communication difficulties, and/or feeling unpleasant emotions such as depression or anxiety, Lilly is here to help.
Sometimes during your journey in life, or in the journeys of persons close to us, we get lost. Ideally, there is a book nearby when lost that tells us specifically how to solve life's challenges. If such a book exists, I've not encountered one. During such times, the practice of psychotherapy is often the "book" and answers we seek. Lilly is a licensed clinical professional counselor who provides therapy for adolescents, adults and families. Her caring and energetic approach involves collaboration with clients and if applicable, families. She integrates all aspects of a person to best help.
(847) 584-1076 View (847) 584-1076
Photo of Melody Knapp - Awakenings Counseling Center - Melody Knapp, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Awakenings Counseling Center - Melody Knapp
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
I’m passionate about helping individuals, couples and families attain and maintain hope and healing by means of a therapeutic relationship and personalized intervention that work best for them. I have a deep empathy for those who are struggling with trauma, grief and loss, unresolved past hurts, and broken relationships.
I’m passionate about helping individuals, couples and families attain and maintain hope and healing by means of a therapeutic relationship and personalized intervention that work best for them. I have a deep empathy for those who are struggling with trauma, grief and loss, unresolved past hurts, and broken relationships.
(312) 697-1860 View (312) 697-1860
Photo of Heather Farina, MSW,  LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Heather Farina
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
Heather Farina is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2009. She has a Masters in Social Work from Jane Addams College of Social Work at University of Illinois at Chicago. Heather has 15 years of experience working in the field of Social Work with an emphasis on individuals who have experienced trauma, depression anxiety and grief. She meets clients where they are and forges with them a path to achieve their goals, step by step. Specifically, Heather can offer EMDR, CBT, and REBT to clients.
Heather Farina is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2009. She has a Masters in Social Work from Jane Addams College of Social Work at University of Illinois at Chicago. Heather has 15 years of experience working in the field of Social Work with an emphasis on individuals who have experienced trauma, depression anxiety and grief. She meets clients where they are and forges with them a path to achieve their goals, step by step. Specifically, Heather can offer EMDR, CBT, and REBT to clients.
(847) 780-9435 View (847) 780-9435
Photo of Dominique M Turner, MA, LCPC, Counselor
Dominique M Turner
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
I work with various issues such as depression, anxiety, stress management, parenting, relationship/family problems, criminal justice, school/work difficulties, LGBTQIA+ issues, grief, death, PTSD, trauma, chronic illness, disabilities, and other major life transitions.
My role as a counselor is to help clients process their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions, assist them in developing effective coping strategies, and help to formulate clear, achievable goals to create positive, sustainable change in their lives. Counseling is a collaborative effort and I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is essential to achieving successful outcomes. In our work together, I will utilize various therapeutic interventions and knowledge in an effort to help all clients identify patterns, triggers, and behaviors that may be contributing to feelings of distress or discontent.
I work with various issues such as depression, anxiety, stress management, parenting, relationship/family problems, criminal justice, school/work difficulties, LGBTQIA+ issues, grief, death, PTSD, trauma, chronic illness, disabilities, and other major life transitions.
My role as a counselor is to help clients process their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions, assist them in developing effective coping strategies, and help to formulate clear, achievable goals to create positive, sustainable change in their lives. Counseling is a collaborative effort and I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is essential to achieving successful outcomes. In our work together, I will utilize various therapeutic interventions and knowledge in an effort to help all clients identify patterns, triggers, and behaviors that may be contributing to feelings of distress or discontent.
(847) 613-1922 View (847) 613-1922
Photo of Katie Leibman, MA, LCPC, Counselor
Katie Leibman
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
Waitlist for new clients
Grief and loss, depression, trauma and family/parenting issues are additional areas where I have many years of experience.
I am passionate about helping others become more self-aware and grow in areas of their life where they feel stuck or frustrated. I have almost 20 years of experience helping individuals who are struggling.
Grief and loss, depression, trauma and family/parenting issues are additional areas where I have many years of experience.
I am passionate about helping others become more self-aware and grow in areas of their life where they feel stuck or frustrated. I have almost 20 years of experience helping individuals who are struggling.
(630) 791-5493 View (630) 791-5493
Photo of Marta M McGuinness, NCC, LCPC, CADC, Counselor
Marta M McGuinness
Counselor, NCC, LCPC, CADC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Congratulations! You are looking into therapy and contemplating making changes in your life. If feelings of sadness, anxiety, relational difficulties, grief or past trauma get in the way of your happiness let's work together to address them. I will respond you in couple hours after you contact me. Effective counseling not only can change the mind but can change the brain as well. Counseling can support the building of new neuron connections! That process is called “neuroplasticity,” I can assist you in exploring what led you here and how to make changes to feel better.
Congratulations! You are looking into therapy and contemplating making changes in your life. If feelings of sadness, anxiety, relational difficulties, grief or past trauma get in the way of your happiness let's work together to address them. I will respond you in couple hours after you contact me. Effective counseling not only can change the mind but can change the brain as well. Counseling can support the building of new neuron connections! That process is called “neuroplasticity,” I can assist you in exploring what led you here and how to make changes to feel better.
(224) 255-4791 View (224) 255-4791
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See more therapy options for Hoffman Estates

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.