Grief Therapists in South Orange, NJ
![Photo of Carolyn Smiley, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/abfd5e64-fad9-4f08-9588-3db4e22f2820/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have extensive experience working with adults and older adults who are dealing with loss, anxiety, depression and trauma.
We all experience times in our lives when we feel that life is out of balance. Perhaps there is sadness, or longing. Something doesn't feel quite right. Or Maybe we experience the effects of past or present trauma and feel disconnected from ourselves or others. With presence and warmth my goal is to provide a nurturing environment where you can explore, process, and develop insight into why life feels the way it does. I'll strive to help you find sure footing as you navigate the uncertainties of life, and develop a deeper connection with yourself and others.
I have extensive experience working with adults and older adults who are dealing with loss, anxiety, depression and trauma.
We all experience times in our lives when we feel that life is out of balance. Perhaps there is sadness, or longing. Something doesn't feel quite right. Or Maybe we experience the effects of past or present trauma and feel disconnected from ourselves or others. With presence and warmth my goal is to provide a nurturing environment where you can explore, process, and develop insight into why life feels the way it does. I'll strive to help you find sure footing as you navigate the uncertainties of life, and develop a deeper connection with yourself and others.
![Photo of LaTonya White, MA, EdS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/469b5408-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
LaTonya White
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, EdS, LPC
Verified Verified
South Orange, NJ 07079
As a client, you can expect specific services based on my expertise to include: * Individual and Couples Counseling * Grief and Loss * Positive Parenting * Domestic Violence * 26 Week Batterer's Intervention, Anxiety and Depression.
Let me help you. Together, we can negotiate the obstacles in life that keep you from being your best. My counseling strengths come with over 20 years of human services and work with adolescents, adults, couples and families dealing with inner conflict, and those struggling with incomplete relationships and loss.
As a client, you can expect specific services based on my expertise to include: * Individual and Couples Counseling * Grief and Loss * Positive Parenting * Domestic Violence * 26 Week Batterer's Intervention, Anxiety and Depression.
Let me help you. Together, we can negotiate the obstacles in life that keep you from being your best. My counseling strengths come with over 20 years of human services and work with adolescents, adults, couples and families dealing with inner conflict, and those struggling with incomplete relationships and loss.
![Photo of Tonisha Joanis - Restored Hope Psychological Services, LLC, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e1d869d-31ac-4415-aa5b-78b821b860b2/3/320x400.jpeg)
Restored Hope Psychological Services, LLC
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
South Orange, NJ 07079
Many of us often feel constrained and emotionally overwhelmed by life challenges. As a licensed and experienced psychologist, I can provide you with a confidential space to help ease your emotional pain and offer guidance as you regain control over your circumstances. My areas of specialty include, but is not limited to, depression, anxiety, bereavement, and relationship discord. I generally work from a multicultural lens and use evidence-based styles that consist of an interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) approach infused with cognitive behavioral techniques (CBT).
Many of us often feel constrained and emotionally overwhelmed by life challenges. As a licensed and experienced psychologist, I can provide you with a confidential space to help ease your emotional pain and offer guidance as you regain control over your circumstances. My areas of specialty include, but is not limited to, depression, anxiety, bereavement, and relationship discord. I generally work from a multicultural lens and use evidence-based styles that consist of an interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) approach infused with cognitive behavioral techniques (CBT).
![Photo of Janelle Thompson, MA, LPC, LMHC, NCC, ACS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c6f71fa9-a453-4825-990f-a7eabef76a7c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Janelle Thompson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LMHC, NCC, ACS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
South Orange, NJ 07079
Our clinicians specialize in areas such as loss & grief, postpartum, trauma, life transitions, & coaching.
Are you feeling overwhelmed with life transitions? Do you feel like you just can’t catch a break and things seem like they are falling apart in your relationships? Whether you are experiencing a huge life transition, experienced a loss, or feeling like you are ready to address your trauma, Simply Redefining is the practice for you. Janelle and her team seeks to empower and shift the narrative of mental health for Christian millennial women of color and couples by helping them heal their trauma and develop tools to sustain them in their everyday life.
Our clinicians specialize in areas such as loss & grief, postpartum, trauma, life transitions, & coaching.
Are you feeling overwhelmed with life transitions? Do you feel like you just can’t catch a break and things seem like they are falling apart in your relationships? Whether you are experiencing a huge life transition, experienced a loss, or feeling like you are ready to address your trauma, Simply Redefining is the practice for you. Janelle and her team seeks to empower and shift the narrative of mental health for Christian millennial women of color and couples by helping them heal their trauma and develop tools to sustain them in their everyday life.
![Photo of Jay Sandys, PhD, LCSW-R, ACC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/492bd8f3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jay Sandys
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW-R, ACC
Verified Verified
South Orange, NJ 07079
I am trained in the use of EMDR as well in the treatment of prolonged grief.
If you are dealing with grief or trauma, you're in the right place. My warm, forthright, collaborative, and interactive style can help you to frame your concerns in a safe space, and to overcome your acute symptoms so you can move beyond the traumatic event or loss. I partner with clients to work towards solutions.
I am trained in the use of EMDR as well in the treatment of prolonged grief.
If you are dealing with grief or trauma, you're in the right place. My warm, forthright, collaborative, and interactive style can help you to frame your concerns in a safe space, and to overcome your acute symptoms so you can move beyond the traumatic event or loss. I partner with clients to work towards solutions.
![Photo of Rodger Goddard, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cf4f079-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
I believe that we are all on a Heroic Life Journey that is filled with tough challenges placed on our path to help us to learn and grow. I provide safe, caring individual, couples, family, group and child therapy. I help clients overcome problems to live the life we deserve. My web site is: www.drrodgergoddard.com. I help clients strengthen skills in the 4 key areas of life: Body, Mind, Heart and Soul. Visit my website or call for more information. I have various books available on Amazon. I provide Zoom groups for overcoming problems with anxiety, stress, parent - child issues and grief.
I believe that we are all on a Heroic Life Journey that is filled with tough challenges placed on our path to help us to learn and grow. I provide safe, caring individual, couples, family, group and child therapy. I help clients overcome problems to live the life we deserve. My web site is: www.drrodgergoddard.com. I help clients strengthen skills in the 4 key areas of life: Body, Mind, Heart and Soul. Visit my website or call for more information. I have various books available on Amazon. I provide Zoom groups for overcoming problems with anxiety, stress, parent - child issues and grief.
![Photo of Caitlin Northern, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1e8bff67-92de-41d4-9788-fabaed12727b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Caitlin is a seasoned therapist with over a decade of experience who is dedicated to help guide you on your journey to healing and personal growth. She specializes in helping children, adults, and families to not only address issues like anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, behavioral problems (child/teen), and autism, but to find their overall path towards happiness and well-being. Her expertise further extends to complex trauma and loss with a deep understanding of attachment-related issues. Her understanding of Child and Family Studies makes her exceptionally well-prepared to address issues at the individual and environmental levels.
Caitlin is a seasoned therapist with over a decade of experience who is dedicated to help guide you on your journey to healing and personal growth. She specializes in helping children, adults, and families to not only address issues like anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, behavioral problems (child/teen), and autism, but to find their overall path towards happiness and well-being. Her expertise further extends to complex trauma and loss with a deep understanding of attachment-related issues. Her understanding of Child and Family Studies makes her exceptionally well-prepared to address issues at the individual and environmental levels.
![Photo of Emmanuel Ruranga, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cb8a389-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a client-centered therapist with extensive experience in providing culturally-competent individual, couples and family therapy. If you are experiencing stress,moments of sadness, feeling overwhelmed by life demands, feeling agitated and depressed I can help you. If you are going through issues of loss of a loved one, having problem controlling your anger, experiencing conflicts in your relationship, I can help you.If you are a teen experiencing transitional, mood issues, relationship issues, or if you are a family experiencing conflicts in your relationships, I can help you. I have a high rate of client-to-client referrals.
I am a client-centered therapist with extensive experience in providing culturally-competent individual, couples and family therapy. If you are experiencing stress,moments of sadness, feeling overwhelmed by life demands, feeling agitated and depressed I can help you. If you are going through issues of loss of a loved one, having problem controlling your anger, experiencing conflicts in your relationship, I can help you.If you are a teen experiencing transitional, mood issues, relationship issues, or if you are a family experiencing conflicts in your relationships, I can help you. I have a high rate of client-to-client referrals.
![Photo of Silvester Oluokun, MEd, LPC, ACS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ffc19c87-d14a-4f6e-a8f1-2d25b572a268/1/320x400.jpeg)
Silvester Oluokun
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, ACS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
South Orange, NJ 07079 (Online Only)
I specialize in substance use, Depression and Anxiety, Attachment, Trauma (including PTSD), Grief and Loss, relationship instability and family dynamics, career guidance and human sexuality (including LGBTQ+ affirming).
Starting the process of therapy can be transformational. I've discovered that many people are looking to work on aspects of themselves but struggle with knowing where to start and how to sustain meaningful change. Sometimes it is a matter of feeling heard and other times we seek direct guidance and feedback. We often need to develop the language to better understand what is happening and to place things in a useful context. No matter what you are looking for, I believe that creating an environment of trust, compassion, empathy and understanding is critical to the process.
I specialize in substance use, Depression and Anxiety, Attachment, Trauma (including PTSD), Grief and Loss, relationship instability and family dynamics, career guidance and human sexuality (including LGBTQ+ affirming).
Starting the process of therapy can be transformational. I've discovered that many people are looking to work on aspects of themselves but struggle with knowing where to start and how to sustain meaningful change. Sometimes it is a matter of feeling heard and other times we seek direct guidance and feedback. We often need to develop the language to better understand what is happening and to place things in a useful context. No matter what you are looking for, I believe that creating an environment of trust, compassion, empathy and understanding is critical to the process.
![Photo of Sherrill Welcome, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/187efd3c-cf60-4b83-b21f-6024076c9a92/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sherrill Welcome
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
South Orange, NJ 07079
Do you find yourself adjusting to new circumstances that you never expected at this stage in your life? Older adults experiencing transitions may see increased feelings of anxiety and depression. Whether you are moving from your home to a facility, being cared for by your children, coping with loss of a loved one, coping with decreased mobility or chronic pain, you are not alone! This is not the end of the story. Imagine for a minute that you can get through this time with a renewed sense of worth and well-being. Change is difficult, but it does not have to be bad. Change the way your think and it will change the way you feel!
Do you find yourself adjusting to new circumstances that you never expected at this stage in your life? Older adults experiencing transitions may see increased feelings of anxiety and depression. Whether you are moving from your home to a facility, being cared for by your children, coping with loss of a loved one, coping with decreased mobility or chronic pain, you are not alone! This is not the end of the story. Imagine for a minute that you can get through this time with a renewed sense of worth and well-being. Change is difficult, but it does not have to be bad. Change the way your think and it will change the way you feel!
![Photo of Rebecca Randall, MA, LPC, LMHC, ACS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/16f4e774-83b8-40f1-9ece-c15fd5362058/3/320x400.jpeg)
Rebecca Randall
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LMHC, ACS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
South Orange, NJ 07079
I offer affordable counseling for adult individuals and couples who are seeking help with a variety of issues: anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, life transitions, etc.
At the heart of my work is a strong belief that the abundant life is characterized by strong interpersonal relatedness and connection. The counseling relationship can be a catalyst for personal growth and change. I use an integrative approach and will listen closely as you work to articulate your goals, respectful of and responsive to your personal worldview and values. I will help you to develop the strengths already within you, as well as identify and develop your growing edges. My hope is that you will feel empowered to create a more abundant, connected life.
I offer affordable counseling for adult individuals and couples who are seeking help with a variety of issues: anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, life transitions, etc.
At the heart of my work is a strong belief that the abundant life is characterized by strong interpersonal relatedness and connection. The counseling relationship can be a catalyst for personal growth and change. I use an integrative approach and will listen closely as you work to articulate your goals, respectful of and responsive to your personal worldview and values. I will help you to develop the strengths already within you, as well as identify and develop your growing edges. My hope is that you will feel empowered to create a more abundant, connected life.
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![Photo of Stephanie Anne Bourgeois, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1d41b0f9-c293-4ceb-9668-23f4000fc61e/2/320x400.png)
Stephanie Anne Bourgeois
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
South Orange, NJ 07079
I specialize in treating the following: children and adolescent issues, cutting and other self-harming behaviors, depression, anxiety, trauma and abuse, eating disorders infertility, parenting concerns, women's issues, relationship issues -- conflict and anger management, self-esteem and assertiveness training, life transitions, loss/ grief, addictions and co-dependency.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1997 and in private practice since 2012, I offer individual psychotherapy for adolescents and adults and also provide couples and family therapy. I offer traditional therapy as well as alternative holistic/somatic treatments such as body psychotherapy, EMDR and sandtray therapy. My work is deeply informed by a holistic mind/body/spirit approach to healing and well-being.
I specialize in treating the following: children and adolescent issues, cutting and other self-harming behaviors, depression, anxiety, trauma and abuse, eating disorders infertility, parenting concerns, women's issues, relationship issues -- conflict and anger management, self-esteem and assertiveness training, life transitions, loss/ grief, addictions and co-dependency.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1997 and in private practice since 2012, I offer individual psychotherapy for adolescents and adults and also provide couples and family therapy. I offer traditional therapy as well as alternative holistic/somatic treatments such as body psychotherapy, EMDR and sandtray therapy. My work is deeply informed by a holistic mind/body/spirit approach to healing and well-being.
![Photo of Robin Davenport, LPC, ACS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cb54586-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Robin Davenport
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, ACS
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
South Orange, NJ 07079
As a psychotherapist who has been practicing therapy for over 25 years, I understand the importance of establishing a trusting, confidential space for all of my clients. There are many reasons that might draw a person to counseling, from experiencing a significant loss and coping with debilitating anxiety or depression, to dealing with difficult relationship issues, or feeling overwhelmed by the demands of family, work, or school. My goal is to provide a caring and non-judgmental presence as we work together to tackle the difficult concerns that are interfering in your life.
As a psychotherapist who has been practicing therapy for over 25 years, I understand the importance of establishing a trusting, confidential space for all of my clients. There are many reasons that might draw a person to counseling, from experiencing a significant loss and coping with debilitating anxiety or depression, to dealing with difficult relationship issues, or feeling overwhelmed by the demands of family, work, or school. My goal is to provide a caring and non-judgmental presence as we work together to tackle the difficult concerns that are interfering in your life.
![Photo of Meredith Strauss, LCSW, MSW, RYT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bb67bb6a-b443-4903-a3a4-713d45abdb85/1/320x400.jpeg)
Meredith Strauss
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, RYT
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
South Orange, NJ 07079
Meredith uses EMDR, IFS, Yoga psychology and interpersonal therapy which helps individuals who have been sexually/physically abused, experienced grief, or witnessed domestic violence.
"Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart". Are you having trouble managing it all? Depressed? Anxious? Angry? At Light Street Psychotherapy we work with adults, adolescents and their families who suffer from trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues and anger management. Meredith's therapeutic approach helps clients learn the skills to stay centered in a stressful and fast paced world. She finds appropriate solutions to problems and enhances interpersonal relationships.
Meredith uses EMDR, IFS, Yoga psychology and interpersonal therapy which helps individuals who have been sexually/physically abused, experienced grief, or witnessed domestic violence.
"Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart". Are you having trouble managing it all? Depressed? Anxious? Angry? At Light Street Psychotherapy we work with adults, adolescents and their families who suffer from trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues and anger management. Meredith's therapeutic approach helps clients learn the skills to stay centered in a stressful and fast paced world. She finds appropriate solutions to problems and enhances interpersonal relationships.
Jennifer A Jones
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
South Orange, NJ 07079
Sometimes issues arise due to the stress and overwhelm of life circumstances, such as trauma, loss, or financial worry.
As a social worker and psychotherapist, I believe in the innate power of every individual to heal. No matter how much of an 'uphill battle' the healing process may at first seem to you, I am dedicated to helping individuals and couples improve their lives - both inside and out. In my therapy practice, I offer a non-judgmental, safe space where you can open up to the solutions that are very likely already inside you. In the therapy process, we can collaborate to identify your goals and build insight into your inner workings.
Sometimes issues arise due to the stress and overwhelm of life circumstances, such as trauma, loss, or financial worry.
As a social worker and psychotherapist, I believe in the innate power of every individual to heal. No matter how much of an 'uphill battle' the healing process may at first seem to you, I am dedicated to helping individuals and couples improve their lives - both inside and out. In my therapy practice, I offer a non-judgmental, safe space where you can open up to the solutions that are very likely already inside you. In the therapy process, we can collaborate to identify your goals and build insight into your inner workings.
![Photo of Jennifer Stemmermann, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/33a5834f-21a7-4d69-a644-aff23de5e390/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Stemmermann
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
South Orange, NJ 07079
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, loss, trauma, or other life stressors? Or is your teen having social or emotional issues at school or home? If so, please give me a call. My top priority is establishing and maintaining a trusting and collaborative relationship with you.
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, loss, trauma, or other life stressors? Or is your teen having social or emotional issues at school or home? If so, please give me a call. My top priority is establishing and maintaining a trusting and collaborative relationship with you.
![Photo of Cynthia J. Raines, PhD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3eacb200-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Cynthia J. Raines
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
South Orange, NJ 07079
I am a licensed professional counselor with over 20 years of experience treating anxiety, mood, stress, and trauma disorders that impact adult men and women. The focus of my practice is on health, healing, and hope. I also specialize in helping individuals work through challenges that occur as a result of midlife transitions, (e.g. career/financial changes, separation, divorce, loss), traumatic events, and/or personal crisis. Despite the stress or anguish that may come with these challenges, they also provide us with opportunities for growth and healing, including repairing relationships, and prioritizing wellness.
I am a licensed professional counselor with over 20 years of experience treating anxiety, mood, stress, and trauma disorders that impact adult men and women. The focus of my practice is on health, healing, and hope. I also specialize in helping individuals work through challenges that occur as a result of midlife transitions, (e.g. career/financial changes, separation, divorce, loss), traumatic events, and/or personal crisis. Despite the stress or anguish that may come with these challenges, they also provide us with opportunities for growth and healing, including repairing relationships, and prioritizing wellness.
![Photo of Stephanie Bailey - Bailey’s Holistic Counseling LLC, LCSW, MBA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eb3cdce8-5b4b-4b70-a729-bb33907023d0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Bailey’s Holistic Counseling LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MBA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
South Orange, NJ 07079
I offer a safe space to explore your circumstances caused by traumatic events; such as abuse, neglect, divorce, and grief/ loss.
Has daily life caused you feelings of despair, hopelessness, anxiety, depression or fear? Bailey’s Holistic Counseling would like to partner with you and collaborate in order to meet your needs. My goal is to provide a holistic treatment approach that is tailored to meet your specific goals that encompasses your body, mind, and spirit.
I offer a safe space to explore your circumstances caused by traumatic events; such as abuse, neglect, divorce, and grief/ loss.
Has daily life caused you feelings of despair, hopelessness, anxiety, depression or fear? Bailey’s Holistic Counseling would like to partner with you and collaborate in order to meet your needs. My goal is to provide a holistic treatment approach that is tailored to meet your specific goals that encompasses your body, mind, and spirit.
![Photo of Eloiza Jorge, MSW, MA, LCSW, CPC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ea2c622-7694-410e-be24-f2a2f5f9d91a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Eloiza Jorge
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, MA, LCSW, CPC
Verified Verified
South Orange, NJ 07079
Hi, I'm a culturally responsive therapist who aims to be compassionate and open-hearted. Some problems I help with are: feeling blue, imposter syndrome, stress, anger, boundaries, parenting, creative blocks, break ups, anxiety and grief.
Hi, I'm a culturally responsive therapist who aims to be compassionate and open-hearted. Some problems I help with are: feeling blue, imposter syndrome, stress, anger, boundaries, parenting, creative blocks, break ups, anxiety and grief.
![Photo of Regina Ann Schaefer, LCSW, she/her, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/18b15fd6-a9ea-414b-b04c-1430b4fd6e3c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Regina Ann Schaefer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, she/her
Verified Verified
South Orange, NJ 07079
My approach to therapy focuses on the person as an individual and how they live and respond in their environment. I provide individual therapy utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavior Modification, Motivational Interviewing, psycho-educational and supportive counseling approaches to adolescents through adults in a respectful, affirming and culturally sensitive manner.
My approach to therapy focuses on the person as an individual and how they live and respond in their environment. I provide individual therapy utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavior Modification, Motivational Interviewing, psycho-educational and supportive counseling approaches to adolescents through adults in a respectful, affirming and culturally sensitive manner.
See more therapy options for South Orange
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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.