Grief Therapists in Naval Academy, MD
![Photo of Jessica Opalski, MEd, LCPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1a659af7-5f7a-42b1-874d-f430adb8ca2e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Opalski
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MEd, LCPC
Verified Verified
Naval Academy, MD 21402
In her free time, Jessica enjoys the outdoors, walking on the trails throughout the city, spending time on the water whether it is on a boat, sitting on a beach, or enjoying the view of the river. Family and friends are important to her, she believes creating trusting relationships is a strength towards contentment. Humor is a powerful tool for her. She enjoys laughing with friends or while watching standup routines on TV, or even better, in person!
In her free time, Jessica enjoys the outdoors, walking on the trails throughout the city, spending time on the water whether it is on a boat, sitting on a beach, or enjoying the view of the river. Family and friends are important to her, she believes creating trusting relationships is a strength towards contentment. Humor is a powerful tool for her. She enjoys laughing with friends or while watching standup routines on TV, or even better, in person!
![Photo of Jacqueline Myers, LCPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1c1e9051-ec79-48c6-ad44-71ca7b33ec6e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jacqueline Myers
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Naval Academy, MD 21402
Jacqueline is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) with a dual Master's degree in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from West Virginia University. She has many years of experience as a vocational rehabilitation counselor. She assists individuals with psychological aspects of chronic illnesses and various disabilities, illicit backgrounds, co-occurring disorders, depression, anxiety, and complex needs in obtaining optimal mental health, economic self-sufficiency, and independence.
Jacqueline is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) with a dual Master's degree in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from West Virginia University. She has many years of experience as a vocational rehabilitation counselor. She assists individuals with psychological aspects of chronic illnesses and various disabilities, illicit backgrounds, co-occurring disorders, depression, anxiety, and complex needs in obtaining optimal mental health, economic self-sufficiency, and independence.
![Photo of Michele Logan, LCPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d00cd9c6-a0b7-4414-a51a-d4534c1d134d/1/320x400.png)
Michele Logan, LCPC provides therapy to teenagers, college students, and adults with a trauma-informed approach. Michele introduces resources and provides validation to address difficult or stressful situations they have experienced in life. Together, a focus is placed on ways to explore traumatic experiences by acknowledging what has worked in healing so far and providing education and expressive therapies to help you move forward in your goals. Michele specializes in exploring trauma from a strengths-based and holistic point of view.
Michele Logan, LCPC provides therapy to teenagers, college students, and adults with a trauma-informed approach. Michele introduces resources and provides validation to address difficult or stressful situations they have experienced in life. Together, a focus is placed on ways to explore traumatic experiences by acknowledging what has worked in healing so far and providing education and expressive therapies to help you move forward in your goals. Michele specializes in exploring trauma from a strengths-based and holistic point of view.
![Photo of Carmen Getty, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2c8998cc-da77-4627-be9b-961ca71f30c8/1/320x400.png)
Carmen Getty, LCPC Carmen Getty is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Maryland who started practicing in 1990. She has a background in Clinical Psychology and Clinical Counseling, including Addiction Counseling and Substance Use Disorder. Carmen believes in a treatment approach that incudes motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic, and solution focus therapy among others.
Carmen Getty, LCPC Carmen Getty is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Maryland who started practicing in 1990. She has a background in Clinical Psychology and Clinical Counseling, including Addiction Counseling and Substance Use Disorder. Carmen believes in a treatment approach that incudes motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic, and solution focus therapy among others.
![Photo of Amanda Wiemken, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/266a8ff4-99fc-4d13-ad70-04591ae5450c/1/320x400.png)
Amanda Wiemken, Psy. D. , is a licensed clinical psychologist. She completed her post-doctoral fellowship at Spectrum Behavioral Health under the supervision of Scott E. Smith, Ph.D. Dr. Wiemken works with adolescents, adults, and couples. She has worked with individuals presenting with a broad range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and trauma. Dr. Wiemken provides evidence-based, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and incorporates aspects of mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches into treatment. Dr. Wiemken received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Monmouth University in Long Branch, NJ.
Amanda Wiemken, Psy. D. , is a licensed clinical psychologist. She completed her post-doctoral fellowship at Spectrum Behavioral Health under the supervision of Scott E. Smith, Ph.D. Dr. Wiemken works with adolescents, adults, and couples. She has worked with individuals presenting with a broad range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and trauma. Dr. Wiemken provides evidence-based, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and incorporates aspects of mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches into treatment. Dr. Wiemken received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Monmouth University in Long Branch, NJ.
![Photo of Maryann Boyle, LCSW-C, CCTP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/96fd6b08-8700-45a1-8e39-5e079eccff9b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Maryann Boyle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, CCTP
Verified Verified
Naval Academy, MD 21402
It's not easy to take these first steps in your healing journey (or to start again if this isn't the first time you've done this). I look forward to helping you discover your own strength and inner resources as we work together toward your healing and overall wellness.
It's not easy to take these first steps in your healing journey (or to start again if this isn't the first time you've done this). I look forward to helping you discover your own strength and inner resources as we work together toward your healing and overall wellness.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Roberta Wasserman, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8840414f-ba9a-45a6-b584-064a8b3bb0a4/3/320x400.jpeg)
Roberta Wasserman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Annapolis, MD 21401 (Online Only)
Trained in TF-CBT, CBT+, SMART Recovery, 12 Step Model of addiction, GOTTMAN (Level 3) and Addiction/Trauma/Infidelity, SYMBIS , Positive Parenting Solutions, Estrangement & Alienation with Josh Coleman and Grief with David Kessler.
How are your relationships going these days? Relationships can be rewarding, but also complicated and messy. I offer hope, support, and personal and professional expertise to those struggling in their relationships with their spouse, partner, or adult children. I am a fully trained Gottman counselor, certified family estrangement coach, and grief educator. These credentials allow me to equip my clients to move forward in their lives. Please reach out for support. You are worth it! Virtual sessions only.
Trained in TF-CBT, CBT+, SMART Recovery, 12 Step Model of addiction, GOTTMAN (Level 3) and Addiction/Trauma/Infidelity, SYMBIS , Positive Parenting Solutions, Estrangement & Alienation with Josh Coleman and Grief with David Kessler.
How are your relationships going these days? Relationships can be rewarding, but also complicated and messy. I offer hope, support, and personal and professional expertise to those struggling in their relationships with their spouse, partner, or adult children. I am a fully trained Gottman counselor, certified family estrangement coach, and grief educator. These credentials allow me to equip my clients to move forward in their lives. Please reach out for support. You are worth it! Virtual sessions only.
![Photo of Joselyn Brown, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a0c0883a-7219-4b7f-936f-df5663a919ef/2/320x400.png)
My ideal client presents depressive symptoms related to trauma & grief. They express that they want to process unresolved childhood issues. They express that the issues have prevented close relationships with their adult children. They want forgiveness and help in creating better ties. The goal may be to explore & resolve issues related to traumatic events and improve overall mood. Interventions may include sharing details of the event and how it has affected their relationships, using positive self-talk, developing positive coping skills, and identifying effective strategies to communicate thoughts and feelings.
My ideal client presents depressive symptoms related to trauma & grief. They express that they want to process unresolved childhood issues. They express that the issues have prevented close relationships with their adult children. They want forgiveness and help in creating better ties. The goal may be to explore & resolve issues related to traumatic events and improve overall mood. Interventions may include sharing details of the event and how it has affected their relationships, using positive self-talk, developing positive coping skills, and identifying effective strategies to communicate thoughts and feelings.
![Photo of Kerriann E Murray, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/68e188b6-b16a-44be-876f-a123721802f3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kerriann E Murray
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Annapolis, MD 21403 (Online Only)
I support my clients with parenting, anxiety, and grief/ loss.
If you're a mom who's feeling overwhelmed by the endless ups and downs of parenting, I can help. I'm a telehealth therapist specializing in anxiety, grief and loss, and parenting support. I love to work with moms, caregivers, and helping professionals who need a safe space to talk through their stressors and meet their challenges with a solution-focused mindset. If you're looking for support so that you can show up the way you want to for your people, please visit kerriannmurraylcsw.com today.
I support my clients with parenting, anxiety, and grief/ loss.
If you're a mom who's feeling overwhelmed by the endless ups and downs of parenting, I can help. I'm a telehealth therapist specializing in anxiety, grief and loss, and parenting support. I love to work with moms, caregivers, and helping professionals who need a safe space to talk through their stressors and meet their challenges with a solution-focused mindset. If you're looking for support so that you can show up the way you want to for your people, please visit kerriannmurraylcsw.com today.
![Photo of Linda A White, LCPC, MA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/88d12c80-8b21-4ddc-9483-48c1211fca9a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Support is provided in moving through grief, loss, life transitions/uncertainty and maintenance of long term recovery Three weekly sessions to begin with follow up sessions biweekly, or monthly sessions as needed.
Specializing for over forty years in recovery from trauma, grief/ loss, addictive tendencies, and stress-related illnesses, Linda’s life work has been a unique synthesis of somatic therapies (body), developmental psychology (mind), and applied spirituality. Her approach integrates principles of integral, Jungian, and transpersonal psychology, 12 step recovery & evolutionary spirituality. Psychosomatic integration (PSI) sessions deepen subtle body awareness, reduce stress, and invite relaxation. As a PhD candidate her transpersonal research engages egoic and addictive tendencies within culture and impact of anomalous phenomena.
Support is provided in moving through grief, loss, life transitions/uncertainty and maintenance of long term recovery Three weekly sessions to begin with follow up sessions biweekly, or monthly sessions as needed.
Specializing for over forty years in recovery from trauma, grief/ loss, addictive tendencies, and stress-related illnesses, Linda’s life work has been a unique synthesis of somatic therapies (body), developmental psychology (mind), and applied spirituality. Her approach integrates principles of integral, Jungian, and transpersonal psychology, 12 step recovery & evolutionary spirituality. Psychosomatic integration (PSI) sessions deepen subtle body awareness, reduce stress, and invite relaxation. As a PhD candidate her transpersonal research engages egoic and addictive tendencies within culture and impact of anomalous phenomena.
![Photo of Don L Firmani, LCSW-C, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cc53220-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Don L Firmani
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LCSW
Verified Verified
Annapolis, MD 21402 (Online Only)
In a safe and comfortable environment we work together to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression as well as to assist you in your life transitions: loss of loved one or pet, separation/divorce, military deployment and reintegration, job loss, illness/health crisis, alcohol/drug use, childbirth, retirement, spiritual emptiness.
I am a provider for ValueOptions Military OneSource working with veterans and their families, am trained in EMDR for treatment of anxiety, PTSD and related issues, and work with couples based on John Gottman's (Gottman Institute) and Susan Johnson's (Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy) treatment approaches. 35 years of experience as a private business owner/manager, 28 years of counseling experience, a loving marriage and parenting/grand-parenting experience informs my work with adults and couples. I work in private practice via virtual only and was formerly a clinical supervisor and therapist for Catholic Charities.
In a safe and comfortable environment we work together to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression as well as to assist you in your life transitions: loss of loved one or pet, separation/divorce, military deployment and reintegration, job loss, illness/health crisis, alcohol/drug use, childbirth, retirement, spiritual emptiness.
I am a provider for ValueOptions Military OneSource working with veterans and their families, am trained in EMDR for treatment of anxiety, PTSD and related issues, and work with couples based on John Gottman's (Gottman Institute) and Susan Johnson's (Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy) treatment approaches. 35 years of experience as a private business owner/manager, 28 years of counseling experience, a loving marriage and parenting/grand-parenting experience informs my work with adults and couples. I work in private practice via virtual only and was formerly a clinical supervisor and therapist for Catholic Charities.
![Photo of Tatiana Gurubatham, BS, MA, LGPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d1b86d65-6fa6-4c28-b3bd-de119bcfeb8a/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have experience working with adults facing various needs including divorce, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, peri and postpartum, relationship issues, and more.
Life can often feel overwhelming. You may be seeking peace and happiness but instead find yourself feeling stuck, lonely, afraid, and lost. If this resonates with you, you are in the right place. My primary goal as a therapist is to create a sense of safety for you. Our working relationship is a place where you have the freedom to discover your authentic self, free from fear or judgment, or the need to perform. The client-therapist relationship is sacred to me, and I am always honored when you allow me to come along on your journey toward authenticity, growth, healing, peace, belonging, and joy.
I have experience working with adults facing various needs including divorce, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, peri and postpartum, relationship issues, and more.
Life can often feel overwhelming. You may be seeking peace and happiness but instead find yourself feeling stuck, lonely, afraid, and lost. If this resonates with you, you are in the right place. My primary goal as a therapist is to create a sense of safety for you. Our working relationship is a place where you have the freedom to discover your authentic self, free from fear or judgment, or the need to perform. The client-therapist relationship is sacred to me, and I am always honored when you allow me to come along on your journey toward authenticity, growth, healing, peace, belonging, and joy.
![Photo of Heather Joy Silver And The Silverleaf Counseling Crew, LCSW-C, CPLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4804e4a9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Heather Joy Silver And The Silverleaf Counseling Crew
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, CPLC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Annapolis, MD 21401
Have you been devastated by miscarriage, stillbirth or the death of a baby? Are you struggling with perinatal or postpartum depression? Are you having a hard time with a subsequent pregnancy after a loss? Have you received a pregnancy diagnosis of a life-threatening illness. I assist parents with difficult decision making and counseling through a difficult journey. With any type of grief there are challenges, different grieving styles, and communication. I am honored to come alongside families at their most difficult times and help them find hope, establish goals, and help advocate for their wants, needs, and wishes.
Have you been devastated by miscarriage, stillbirth or the death of a baby? Are you struggling with perinatal or postpartum depression? Are you having a hard time with a subsequent pregnancy after a loss? Have you received a pregnancy diagnosis of a life-threatening illness. I assist parents with difficult decision making and counseling through a difficult journey. With any type of grief there are challenges, different grieving styles, and communication. I am honored to come alongside families at their most difficult times and help them find hope, establish goals, and help advocate for their wants, needs, and wishes.
![Photo of Heidi Hanes, LCPC, LCADC, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bccfd9ce-581d-4b5e-ab75-dd2a05f7a20a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Heidi Hanes
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, LCADC, NCC
Verified Verified
Annapolis, MD 21401 (Online Only)
Welcome! Congratulations on beginning therapy and taking a brave step toward creating the life you want to live! As your therapist, I will utilize integrated treatment approaches and "outside of the box" techniques to move at your pace and facilitate change to meet your goals. I strive to provide a caring environment and supportive emotional space in which to safely explore and heal personal issues. There is no such thing as too big or too small when it comes to your goals for health and wellness. I am specialized in the treatment of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, as well as trauma, grief and loss.
Welcome! Congratulations on beginning therapy and taking a brave step toward creating the life you want to live! As your therapist, I will utilize integrated treatment approaches and "outside of the box" techniques to move at your pace and facilitate change to meet your goals. I strive to provide a caring environment and supportive emotional space in which to safely explore and heal personal issues. There is no such thing as too big or too small when it comes to your goals for health and wellness. I am specialized in the treatment of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, as well as trauma, grief and loss.
![Photo of Lindsey Presti, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ca44f17f-5515-4253-8a0f-24230d00df67/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am not accepting new clients at this time. Are you struggling currently with feelings of anxiety, depression, or difficulty getting through the stressors of everyday life? I have helped people for over 15 years successfully improve their quality of life and achieve happiness by working with them to learn coping strategies they need for effective change. I specialize in treating issues related to stress, anxiety, depression, grief/ loss, trauma, perfectionism, navigating difficult life transitions, ADHD, and OCD.
I am not accepting new clients at this time. Are you struggling currently with feelings of anxiety, depression, or difficulty getting through the stressors of everyday life? I have helped people for over 15 years successfully improve their quality of life and achieve happiness by working with them to learn coping strategies they need for effective change. I specialize in treating issues related to stress, anxiety, depression, grief/ loss, trauma, perfectionism, navigating difficult life transitions, ADHD, and OCD.
![Photo of Marissa Neal, MSW, LCSW-C, CAGCS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/347d3a62-1ee8-41d4-bda6-74551494b653/1/320x400.jpeg)
Marissa Neal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C, CAGCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Annapolis, MD 21401 (Online Only)
I am certified in Grief Counseling ( loss of a loved one, a job etc), and I work with many people who have ADHD, anxiety, Depression, parenting or relationship struggles or anyone looking to improve themselves.
I work with clients who are want to heal and grow. If you are grieving, struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, life stressors, feeling stuck.... or anything in between, this is a place for you. I am fluent in American Sign Language. I also offer Clinical Supervision for those working towards your LCSW in Pennsylvania or your LCSW-C in Maryland.
I am certified in Grief Counseling ( loss of a loved one, a job etc), and I work with many people who have ADHD, anxiety, Depression, parenting or relationship struggles or anyone looking to improve themselves.
I work with clients who are want to heal and grow. If you are grieving, struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, life stressors, feeling stuck.... or anything in between, this is a place for you. I am fluent in American Sign Language. I also offer Clinical Supervision for those working towards your LCSW in Pennsylvania or your LCSW-C in Maryland.
![Photo of Linda Fiesta, MS, NCC, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50e9c6b4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Linda Fiesta
Counselor, MS, NCC, LCPC
Verified Verified
Annapolis, MD 21401
Waitlist for new clients
LifePsycle Counseling specializes in addressing the needs of adult individuals, and elder clients as they are faced with issues associated with personal life transition, various types of loss and recovery. Typical clients are seeking support for stress management, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship issues, and personal / professional growth, including life and interview coaching. In addition to having raised three successful children with my husband, I bring background experience as a classroom teacher, success in corporate business and clinical mental health counseling.
LifePsycle Counseling specializes in addressing the needs of adult individuals, and elder clients as they are faced with issues associated with personal life transition, various types of loss and recovery. Typical clients are seeking support for stress management, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship issues, and personal / professional growth, including life and interview coaching. In addition to having raised three successful children with my husband, I bring background experience as a classroom teacher, success in corporate business and clinical mental health counseling.
![Photo of Jessi Collins, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48bda6ed-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Jessi Collins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Annapolis, MD 21401
I have over a decade of experience helping adults who are struggling with grief and loss of all types, anxiety, depression, impactful life changes, low self-worth, and setting and maintaining healthy boundaries.
If you are feeling stuck in a cycle of unhealthy thought patterns, plagued by the stress of strained relationships, or feeling overwhelmed by a change in your life, I would love to help you begin to increase your ability to cope and adapt to all that life has thrown at you. I genuinely enjoy building a trusting and friendly relationship with my clients. Our work together may look like taking time to process feelings, confronting difficult issues, and learning new, productive ways of handling life's many curveballs. The power of taking time for yourself and feeling heard by another person is often underestimated.
I have over a decade of experience helping adults who are struggling with grief and loss of all types, anxiety, depression, impactful life changes, low self-worth, and setting and maintaining healthy boundaries.
If you are feeling stuck in a cycle of unhealthy thought patterns, plagued by the stress of strained relationships, or feeling overwhelmed by a change in your life, I would love to help you begin to increase your ability to cope and adapt to all that life has thrown at you. I genuinely enjoy building a trusting and friendly relationship with my clients. Our work together may look like taking time to process feelings, confronting difficult issues, and learning new, productive ways of handling life's many curveballs. The power of taking time for yourself and feeling heard by another person is often underestimated.
![Photo of Sharon L Ridley - Aspire Clinical Treatment Solutions, LLC, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51f0c89d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Aspire Clinical Treatment Solutions, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Annapolis, MD 21404
Are you ready to turn the page from struggling with daily life challenges? Aspire Clinical Treatment Solutions, LLC provides a broad range of goal-oriented treatment services for clients ages 16 and older. Clients glean the benefits of 20+ years of experiences from a broad range of diverse settings including community mental health, private/federal health care, public schools, military installations (U.S. and abroad). We have extensive expertise dealing with crises; coping with catastrophic illnesses, major life stressors, anxiety, anger, grief, family, marital/premarital concerns, domestic violence, and workplace issues..
Are you ready to turn the page from struggling with daily life challenges? Aspire Clinical Treatment Solutions, LLC provides a broad range of goal-oriented treatment services for clients ages 16 and older. Clients glean the benefits of 20+ years of experiences from a broad range of diverse settings including community mental health, private/federal health care, public schools, military installations (U.S. and abroad). We have extensive expertise dealing with crises; coping with catastrophic illnesses, major life stressors, anxiety, anger, grief, family, marital/premarital concerns, domestic violence, and workplace issues..
See more therapy options for Naval Academy
Nearby Grief Therapists Searches for Naval Academy
- Annapolis
- Arnold
- Cape Saint Claire
- Chester
- Crownsville
- Davidsonville
- Edgewater
- Gibson Island
- Pasadena
- Riviera Beach
- Severna Park
- Stevensville
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.