Therapists in Merriam, KS
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![Photo of Patti DeMarco, LCPC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/18c2b5dd-ad5d-40f0-84cd-ae6b48797a76/2/320x400.jpeg)
Patti DeMarco
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, LPC
Verified Verified
Overland Park, KS 66207 (Online Only)
I am a certified grief educator through David Kessler, Inc, passionate about working with grief by utilizing a combination of Acceptance and Commitment therapy, mindfulness, and experiential techniques.
Sometimes things happen that profoundly change the way we experience life. Whether expected or not, life transitions can leave us feeling anxious, angry, alone, or depressed. These changes can come in many forms, including the loss of a loved one, infertility, a divorce or break up, job changes, chronic illness, leaving home, etc. My goal is to help you process the many emotions that accompany the adjustments in your life and discover new strengths and experiences that come along with it. Give me a call to embrace your new day.
I am a certified grief educator through David Kessler, Inc, passionate about working with grief by utilizing a combination of Acceptance and Commitment therapy, mindfulness, and experiential techniques.
Sometimes things happen that profoundly change the way we experience life. Whether expected or not, life transitions can leave us feeling anxious, angry, alone, or depressed. These changes can come in many forms, including the loss of a loved one, infertility, a divorce or break up, job changes, chronic illness, leaving home, etc. My goal is to help you process the many emotions that accompany the adjustments in your life and discover new strengths and experiences that come along with it. Give me a call to embrace your new day.
![Photo of Kimberly Clark Winsor, LCSW , LSCSW, MSW, CADODTS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dce81df9-00c1-4265-b9ff-9163f8b1634f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kimberly Clark Winsor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW , LSCSW, MSW, CADODTS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Olathe, KS 66062 (Online Only)
Do you feel like an imposter and struggle with your self-esteem? People think you have it all together, but have no idea how much you struggle. You want to live an authentic life but are unsure where to start. You don't have to figure this out alone! I work with perfectionist, high achieving people with a harsh inner critic, adults raised to be caregivers before they should have had to care for themselves, having a hard time relaxing, connecting or enjoying the life they've worked so hard to build. Also, those navigating life transitions, relationships, new diagnosis, caring for aging partents and weight loss.
Do you feel like an imposter and struggle with your self-esteem? People think you have it all together, but have no idea how much you struggle. You want to live an authentic life but are unsure where to start. You don't have to figure this out alone! I work with perfectionist, high achieving people with a harsh inner critic, adults raised to be caregivers before they should have had to care for themselves, having a hard time relaxing, connecting or enjoying the life they've worked so hard to build. Also, those navigating life transitions, relationships, new diagnosis, caring for aging partents and weight loss.
![Photo of Susan Ahlstedt, MS, LCMFT, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bfc11695-6b60-46de-9129-765fca62779d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Susan Ahlstedt
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LCMFT, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Overland Park, KS 66212 (Online Only)
Anxiety, grief and shame are feelings that you do not have to feel alone. Through my therapeutic approach, tailored for your unique situation, to help experience the transforming power of change. I believe every person is created to be self-confident and emotionally whole. I treat individuals to strengthen your relationships and improve quality of life.
Anxiety, grief and shame are feelings that you do not have to feel alone. Through my therapeutic approach, tailored for your unique situation, to help experience the transforming power of change. I believe every person is created to be self-confident and emotionally whole. I treat individuals to strengthen your relationships and improve quality of life.
![Photo of Fred Mayfield, PhD, LCPC, LCMFT, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cb52613-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have the most experience with Marriage Counseling, Parent /Adult Child, Care Giving, Blending Families, Childhood Issues, Parenting, Careers, Grief, Divorce Adjustment, Sexual Difficulties, Shy Bladder, Depression, Parenting, Self harming behaviors, Asperger's, Anxiety, and Needle Phobia.
I am grateful to have been a part of helping so many individuals, couples, and blending families resolve their issues over the past 35 years. While the experience has honed my therapy skills, each new person or relationship is unique and requires exploring solutions that fit their individual personality.
I have the most experience with Marriage Counseling, Parent /Adult Child, Care Giving, Blending Families, Childhood Issues, Parenting, Careers, Grief, Divorce Adjustment, Sexual Difficulties, Shy Bladder, Depression, Parenting, Self harming behaviors, Asperger's, Anxiety, and Needle Phobia.
I am grateful to have been a part of helping so many individuals, couples, and blending families resolve their issues over the past 35 years. While the experience has honed my therapy skills, each new person or relationship is unique and requires exploring solutions that fit their individual personality.
![Photo of Sara Baker, LMLP, LMAC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/be23c8c3-dff1-452d-b79d-8157c8d5ec7c/2/320x400.jpeg)
I provide couples and individual counseling for Substance Abuse/Addictions, Chronic Health, Trauma(s)/PTSD, Depression/Anxiety, Loss/Grief, Career, & Life Adjustments.
I believe that everyone has the ability to change, to grow, to learn, and to feel better. I know how hard it can be to seek therapy services and I want to help you navigate this step so that you can feel healthier and happier. If you are seeking help with making life changes, learning how to more effectively cope with mental health, relationship struggles, trauma(s), substances, your self worth, managing life adjustments, or letting go of the past I can help you.
I provide couples and individual counseling for Substance Abuse/Addictions, Chronic Health, Trauma(s)/PTSD, Depression/Anxiety, Loss/Grief, Career, & Life Adjustments.
I believe that everyone has the ability to change, to grow, to learn, and to feel better. I know how hard it can be to seek therapy services and I want to help you navigate this step so that you can feel healthier and happier. If you are seeking help with making life changes, learning how to more effectively cope with mental health, relationship struggles, trauma(s), substances, your self worth, managing life adjustments, or letting go of the past I can help you.
![Photo of Lori Bell, MBA, LMSW, CSW-I, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9ba34ef8-07ba-47ed-b417-e3f4c97e3c58/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lori Bell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MBA, LMSW, CSW-I
Verified Verified
Overland Park, KS 66210
As a mental health professional, I am here to walk with you into the unknown, to listen to your experiences, life changes, tragedies and joys and to listen without judgement. Whether you feel stuck from trauma, anger, navigating career changes, life stage changes, grief or relationship matters I will work with you to find recovery utilizing your strengths and support system. I believe in a fully holistic view of identifying mental health issues that may cause or compound physical ailments and work to release emotions that may cause pain.
As a mental health professional, I am here to walk with you into the unknown, to listen to your experiences, life changes, tragedies and joys and to listen without judgement. Whether you feel stuck from trauma, anger, navigating career changes, life stage changes, grief or relationship matters I will work with you to find recovery utilizing your strengths and support system. I believe in a fully holistic view of identifying mental health issues that may cause or compound physical ailments and work to release emotions that may cause pain.
![Photo of Katie Smith, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e9fdf470-2e2a-4faf-b518-c88657694398/3/320x400.jpeg)
My individual therapy sessions offer personalized support to help you navigate life’s challenges. Whether you prefer in-person sessions in the Kansas City Metro area or virtual meetings from anywhere in Kansas, I am here to help you on your journey to well-being. Areas of Focus: Individual therapy for those 12 and older experiencing betrayal, difficult past experiences, stress management, relationship concerns, grief and loss (pets included), or feeling of sadness, hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, loneliness, overwhelm, numbness, worry, fear, nervousness, panic, irritability, restlessness, dread, agitation, or tension.
My individual therapy sessions offer personalized support to help you navigate life’s challenges. Whether you prefer in-person sessions in the Kansas City Metro area or virtual meetings from anywhere in Kansas, I am here to help you on your journey to well-being. Areas of Focus: Individual therapy for those 12 and older experiencing betrayal, difficult past experiences, stress management, relationship concerns, grief and loss (pets included), or feeling of sadness, hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, loneliness, overwhelm, numbness, worry, fear, nervousness, panic, irritability, restlessness, dread, agitation, or tension.
![Photo of Vanessa Wray Knight, LCPC, NCC, CCMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/edc18813-c799-40b0-8513-1f11ccfe8251/2/320x400.jpeg)
In the work of death and dying, I'm a certified End-of-Life Doula for the terminally ill.
Hello! I'm Vanessa, co-owner of Secure Counseling Clinics. I've lived in KC for 20 years with my husband, 4 children, 3 dogs, 3 cats, 1 bearded dragon, and a flock of backyard chickens! I'm a Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in both MO and KS, Nationally Certified Counselor, National Clinical Mental Health Counselor, and clinical supervisor. My heart work is helping humans with complex trauma. Couples, as well as parents and their children, work with me to form secure attachments with each other. I help clients experiencing relationship difficulties and those who experience pain from circumstances/losses. Full bio on website!
In the work of death and dying, I'm a certified End-of-Life Doula for the terminally ill.
Hello! I'm Vanessa, co-owner of Secure Counseling Clinics. I've lived in KC for 20 years with my husband, 4 children, 3 dogs, 3 cats, 1 bearded dragon, and a flock of backyard chickens! I'm a Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in both MO and KS, Nationally Certified Counselor, National Clinical Mental Health Counselor, and clinical supervisor. My heart work is helping humans with complex trauma. Couples, as well as parents and their children, work with me to form secure attachments with each other. I help clients experiencing relationship difficulties and those who experience pain from circumstances/losses. Full bio on website!
![Photo of Erica Magsam, PhD, t-LP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bce04ca4-9f61-48a3-90a3-d484e2876fd4/3/320x400.jpeg)
My clinical specialties include: Anxiety & Panic Disorders, Depression, Chronic Pain, Chronic Illness, Adjustment Reactions, Grief & Loss , Stress Management & more.
Taking the step to connect with a therapist requires significant strength and I'm happy to assist with your therapy journey. As a provider I strive to diversify each therapeutic relationship based on your needs every session. My goal in providing services is to build coping skills, strengths, and promote behavioral change that lead you towards the values and goals you have for yourself. This includes creating a safe, warm, inclusive, and judgement free space that promotes openness and transparency in the therapeutic relationship. We can work together to process life challenges and build skills you can maintain outside of therapy.
My clinical specialties include: Anxiety & Panic Disorders, Depression, Chronic Pain, Chronic Illness, Adjustment Reactions, Grief & Loss , Stress Management & more.
Taking the step to connect with a therapist requires significant strength and I'm happy to assist with your therapy journey. As a provider I strive to diversify each therapeutic relationship based on your needs every session. My goal in providing services is to build coping skills, strengths, and promote behavioral change that lead you towards the values and goals you have for yourself. This includes creating a safe, warm, inclusive, and judgement free space that promotes openness and transparency in the therapeutic relationship. We can work together to process life challenges and build skills you can maintain outside of therapy.
![Photo of Lea Lavish - LL Psychological Services, PhD, LP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f6ebfaf4-32b3-4780-9c08-7d1e4423db7f/2/320x400.jpeg)
LL Psychological Services
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified Verified
Overland Park, KS 66210 (Online Only)
My overall therapy style I would say is casual. I like to work as a team when working with people. I know it is difficult to open up and tell someone all about yourself, especially the things that are troubling you. It takes pure courage and I deeply respect that. I have over 10 years of experience working with Veteran’s from 22 to 82 years of age. I have worked with complex cases such as PTSD, Depression, Grief, Brain Injury and Anxiety. I have also helped individuals with relationship issues, self-care, and self-esteem. I know that we can tackle your problems by setting and reaching your goals together.
My overall therapy style I would say is casual. I like to work as a team when working with people. I know it is difficult to open up and tell someone all about yourself, especially the things that are troubling you. It takes pure courage and I deeply respect that. I have over 10 years of experience working with Veteran’s from 22 to 82 years of age. I have worked with complex cases such as PTSD, Depression, Grief, Brain Injury and Anxiety. I have also helped individuals with relationship issues, self-care, and self-esteem. I know that we can tackle your problems by setting and reaching your goals together.
![Photo of Rebecca Sue Baxter - KC Counseling Studio, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2981e446-d4bd-49f9-8718-53cc5231f987/3/320x400.jpeg)
KC Counseling Studio
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Prairie Village, KS 66208
My therapeutic style is ideal for clients looking to reconnect with themselves on all levels. Clients should come curious about identifying emotional and psychological blocks, as well as where trauma, tension, anxiety, or depression is stored in the physical body. I specialize in treating people who are struggling with anxiety, depression, illness, death, sexual assault survivors, and bi-polar. I frequently work with women who are trying to stabilize their body and mind after childbirth, trauma, or menapause. All are welcome.
My therapeutic style is ideal for clients looking to reconnect with themselves on all levels. Clients should come curious about identifying emotional and psychological blocks, as well as where trauma, tension, anxiety, or depression is stored in the physical body. I specialize in treating people who are struggling with anxiety, depression, illness, death, sexual assault survivors, and bi-polar. I frequently work with women who are trying to stabilize their body and mind after childbirth, trauma, or menapause. All are welcome.
![Photo of Elizabeth Kaufman, MS, LCMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d99d95f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth Kaufman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LCMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Prairie Village, KS 66208
Life can often feel painful, overwhelming and lonely. If you are feeling emotionally disconnected from your spouse or partner, struggling with feelings of sadness and anxiety, or suffering from past wounds, I am committed to helping you find balance and restoration. I am experienced in working with individuals, couples and families in all stages of life to foster individual healing, repair and strengthen relationships, and help shed the effects of abuse, loss, and other traumas. My goal is to cultivate a safe and supportive environment for you to process and grow, enabling you to live life with fullness and meaning.
Life can often feel painful, overwhelming and lonely. If you are feeling emotionally disconnected from your spouse or partner, struggling with feelings of sadness and anxiety, or suffering from past wounds, I am committed to helping you find balance and restoration. I am experienced in working with individuals, couples and families in all stages of life to foster individual healing, repair and strengthen relationships, and help shed the effects of abuse, loss, and other traumas. My goal is to cultivate a safe and supportive environment for you to process and grow, enabling you to live life with fullness and meaning.
![Photo of Thomas Nelson - Ellie Mental Health - Overland Park KS](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/119bddb7-83ae-43f4-a9fe-1945e7cbdcc0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Our therapists possess a diverse array of skills and specialties, spanning areas such as anxiety, depression, marriage/couples counseling, family therapy, play therapy, eating disorders, mood disorders, grief and loss, trauma, EMDR, and LGBTQIA2S+ affirming therapy, among others.
Ellie Mental Health of Overland Park, KS is dedicated to filling the gaps in mental health access by creating genuinely inclusive environments that warmly embrace the diversity of our communities. Our unwavering commitment is to utilize all available resources to ensure equitable well-being outcomes for everyone. Within Ellie, a team of highly skilled therapists with diverse specialties and clinical expertise is available to cater to the unique needs of children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.
Our therapists possess a diverse array of skills and specialties, spanning areas such as anxiety, depression, marriage/couples counseling, family therapy, play therapy, eating disorders, mood disorders, grief and loss, trauma, EMDR, and LGBTQIA2S+ affirming therapy, among others.
Ellie Mental Health of Overland Park, KS is dedicated to filling the gaps in mental health access by creating genuinely inclusive environments that warmly embrace the diversity of our communities. Our unwavering commitment is to utilize all available resources to ensure equitable well-being outcomes for everyone. Within Ellie, a team of highly skilled therapists with diverse specialties and clinical expertise is available to cater to the unique needs of children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.
![Photo of Jerald Payne - Jerald Payne, LSCSW, LCSW, LSCSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5479b882-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Jerald Payne, LSCSW, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSCSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kansas City, KS 66101
I work with individuals, couples and families on such issues as relationship issues, problem solving, conflict resolution, communication enhancement, anger management, drug/alcohol abuse and addiction. Many clients present with depression, bipolar disorder and other mood disorders, psychotic disorders, ADHD, childhood disorders such as conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, etc. I work with adults and couples on relationship/marital issues, domestic violence, etc. I work with clients who have experienced abuse, both sexual and physical. I assist parents with parent-child relational issues and behavior modification skill development. I also assist clients with anxiety disorders, grief/loss issues and struggles with adjusting to life circumstances.
I work with individuals, couples and families on such issues as relationship issues, problem solving, conflict resolution, communication enhancement, anger management, drug/alcohol abuse and addiction. Many clients present with depression, bipolar disorder and other mood disorders, psychotic disorders, ADHD, childhood disorders such as conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, etc. I work with adults and couples on relationship/marital issues, domestic violence, etc. I work with clients who have experienced abuse, both sexual and physical. I assist parents with parent-child relational issues and behavior modification skill development. I also assist clients with anxiety disorders, grief/loss issues and struggles with adjusting to life circumstances.
![Photo of Margo A Fallon - Artful Interventions - Dr. Margo Fallon, PhD, MA, BSE, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a5a0726-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Artful Interventions - Dr. Margo Fallon
Psychologist, PhD, MA, BSE
Verified Verified
Lenexa, KS 66215 (Online Only)
When words just aren't enough, try action methods! With a supportive mentoring approach, I try to provide a person centered philosophy - fitting the latest best researched helping methods to the person and their issues, so that feeling better happens as quickly and painlessly as possible. Individuals of all ages are welcome. This special site and service is for potential psychotherapy clients and other professionals only. Please do not solicit through Psych Today. Contact by email is most helpful - which expresses your name, concerns & contact information. Calling Psych Today only gives us a phone number and no further information.
When words just aren't enough, try action methods! With a supportive mentoring approach, I try to provide a person centered philosophy - fitting the latest best researched helping methods to the person and their issues, so that feeling better happens as quickly and painlessly as possible. Individuals of all ages are welcome. This special site and service is for potential psychotherapy clients and other professionals only. Please do not solicit through Psych Today. Contact by email is most helpful - which expresses your name, concerns & contact information. Calling Psych Today only gives us a phone number and no further information.
![Photo of Janet Clevenger, LCMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c7aaf0f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you tired of striving to find happiness in your relationships? Do you long to feel secure, peaceful or confident? Do you struggle to find the kind of relationships where you can thrive? Or maybe you struggle with low self esteem, maintaining boundaries or pleasing others to the point you find yourself resenting others? If you said yes, then consider taking the step to learn to care for yourself so you can have the success and relationships you want. Or if you think your loved one might have an eating disorder please call. If your anxiety or traumatic experiences are interfering -call me.
Are you tired of striving to find happiness in your relationships? Do you long to feel secure, peaceful or confident? Do you struggle to find the kind of relationships where you can thrive? Or maybe you struggle with low self esteem, maintaining boundaries or pleasing others to the point you find yourself resenting others? If you said yes, then consider taking the step to learn to care for yourself so you can have the success and relationships you want. Or if you think your loved one might have an eating disorder please call. If your anxiety or traumatic experiences are interfering -call me.
![Photo of Shadow Love- Erckert, MS, LMLP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/21bc0b26-4d6a-48f1-b258-698efabb4195/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shadow Love- Erckert
Psychologist, MS, LMLP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Overland Park, KS 66210
Waitlist for new clients
Shadow has a masters in Clinical Psychology and is board certified as a Licensed Master Level Psychologist in the state of Kansas; with certification in Crisis prevention, suicide intervention, and counseling on access to lethal means. She takes a strong person centered approach with a combination of self-compassion and intentional action to reflect on your decision-making and inspire growth and change in your day-to-day lives and relationships.
Shadow has a masters in Clinical Psychology and is board certified as a Licensed Master Level Psychologist in the state of Kansas; with certification in Crisis prevention, suicide intervention, and counseling on access to lethal means. She takes a strong person centered approach with a combination of self-compassion and intentional action to reflect on your decision-making and inspire growth and change in your day-to-day lives and relationships.
![Photo of Dan Smith, MS, S-MFT, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/62960bf2-8686-4f91-aedc-e21723ee0bea/2/320x400.jpeg)
Don’t continue doing life closed off and disconnected. Open yourself up to connection and find the peace you’ve been needing. I want to help, but more importantly, I want to point you back to you. You don’t deserve to keep living in the dark. There is hope for all the parts of you.
Don’t continue doing life closed off and disconnected. Open yourself up to connection and find the peace you’ve been needing. I want to help, but more importantly, I want to point you back to you. You don’t deserve to keep living in the dark. There is hope for all the parts of you.
![Photo of Keara Sherman, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49b742a3-2aaf-4872-85de-522c2d630987/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am currently only accepting new clients for Assessments (ADHD, learning disabilities, Autism, mood disorders, etc). Do you feel stuck, or at an impasse in your current life? Perhaps the use of a substance or a behavior has become a larger piece of your life than you wanted it to. It could be that anxiety or depression have kept you from achieving what you want, or being who you want to be. Maybe you’ve had a change in your life that’s been difficult to handle. Perhaps your child/teen is having difficulty at home or in school. I have experience working with clients of all ages, and tailor my approach to each individual.
I am currently only accepting new clients for Assessments (ADHD, learning disabilities, Autism, mood disorders, etc). Do you feel stuck, or at an impasse in your current life? Perhaps the use of a substance or a behavior has become a larger piece of your life than you wanted it to. It could be that anxiety or depression have kept you from achieving what you want, or being who you want to be. Maybe you’ve had a change in your life that’s been difficult to handle. Perhaps your child/teen is having difficulty at home or in school. I have experience working with clients of all ages, and tailor my approach to each individual.
![Photo of Emily Potter, MS, LCMFT, LLC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d235116-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you seeking change in your life? Do you desire something different for yourself and would like help on that journey? If so, I would be honored to hear from you! I love what I do and I strive to offer a comfortable, compassionate and welcoming atmosphere for my clients as we work together to create change.
Are you seeking change in your life? Do you desire something different for yourself and would like help on that journey? If so, I would be honored to hear from you! I love what I do and I strive to offer a comfortable, compassionate and welcoming atmosphere for my clients as we work together to create change.
See more therapy options for Merriam
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.