Grief Therapists in Hendersonville, TN

Photo of Joanna Dixon - Matters of the Heart Counseling, 2 & Jinny Glasco, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Matters of the Heart Counseling, 2 & Jinny Glasco
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hendersonville, TN 37075
In our Goodlettsville location, Jinny Glasco, LCSW, is our site director and brings an expertise in grief, addiction, the aging population, and end of life care.
STOP GUESSING! Let us help connect you with the counselor who best meets your emotional, financial, and scheduling needs! We have everything from masters level interns to licensed providers ranging in all areas of expertise! We have our Goodlettsville/Davidson Co location and our Hendersonville location to better serve the Middle TN area. VISIT OUR WEBSITE TODAY to look through all of our counselor profiles and EMAIL US your preference & we can connect you to one of our providers here at MATTERS OF THE HEART COUNSELING. We have also been very intentional to create a warm, inviting space at both 100+ yr old Craftsman buildings!
In our Goodlettsville location, Jinny Glasco, LCSW, is our site director and brings an expertise in grief, addiction, the aging population, and end of life care.
STOP GUESSING! Let us help connect you with the counselor who best meets your emotional, financial, and scheduling needs! We have everything from masters level interns to licensed providers ranging in all areas of expertise! We have our Goodlettsville/Davidson Co location and our Hendersonville location to better serve the Middle TN area. VISIT OUR WEBSITE TODAY to look through all of our counselor profiles and EMAIL US your preference & we can connect you to one of our providers here at MATTERS OF THE HEART COUNSELING. We have also been very intentional to create a warm, inviting space at both 100+ yr old Craftsman buildings!
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Photo of Kay Collake, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kay Collake
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Hendersonville, TN 37075
Common areas of practice include anxiety and depression management, women's issues, support with chronic illness, minority stress, trauma, relationship difficulties, and grief/loss.
Do you find yourself overwhelmed with the competing priorities of daily life? Stuck in unhealthy patterns such as overuse of alcohol, procrastination, or emotional eating? Are your days spent battling perfectionism and negative self-talk? Would you like to be more active socially but struggle with anxiety or feelings of low self-worth? Hi. I’m Kay. Congratulations on taking the first step toward living your best life! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 15 years of experience providing psychotherapy, assessment, and referral services to adults, children, and families.
Common areas of practice include anxiety and depression management, women's issues, support with chronic illness, minority stress, trauma, relationship difficulties, and grief/loss.
Do you find yourself overwhelmed with the competing priorities of daily life? Stuck in unhealthy patterns such as overuse of alcohol, procrastination, or emotional eating? Are your days spent battling perfectionism and negative self-talk? Would you like to be more active socially but struggle with anxiety or feelings of low self-worth? Hi. I’m Kay. Congratulations on taking the first step toward living your best life! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 15 years of experience providing psychotherapy, assessment, and referral services to adults, children, and families.
(615) 392-6827 View (615) 392-6827
Photo of Kim Corts, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kim Corts
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Hendersonville, TN 37075  (Online Only)
My primary areas of interest include grief and loss, phase of life transitions, compassion fatigue, dementia, and other aging-related illnesses.
Hello, and thank you for reading my bio! I'm Kim Corts, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Tennessee. Like most people, I have a varied life history full of experiences and challenges that have shaped me for better or worse. In my work, I help others to find the "better" in those challenges.
My primary areas of interest include grief and loss, phase of life transitions, compassion fatigue, dementia, and other aging-related illnesses.
Hello, and thank you for reading my bio! I'm Kim Corts, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Tennessee. Like most people, I have a varied life history full of experiences and challenges that have shaped me for better or worse. In my work, I help others to find the "better" in those challenges.
(629) 468-2920 View (629) 468-2920
Photo of Emily Guest, MMFT, Pre-Licensed Professional
Emily Guest
Pre-Licensed Professional, MMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Hendersonville, TN 37075
Hi, I’m Emily! I’m a middle Tennessee native, passionate about helping others. My specialty is with teen girls dealing with anxiety, grief, and OCD, I have experience with children (male and female) ages 6-12, teen girls, adult women ages 18-50, and premarital couples. I have worked with anxiety, depression, grief, adoption, divorce, self-harm, eating disorders, addiction and behavioral issues. I am certified in the Prepare Enrich couples therapy model.
Hi, I’m Emily! I’m a middle Tennessee native, passionate about helping others. My specialty is with teen girls dealing with anxiety, grief, and OCD, I have experience with children (male and female) ages 6-12, teen girls, adult women ages 18-50, and premarital couples. I have worked with anxiety, depression, grief, adoption, divorce, self-harm, eating disorders, addiction and behavioral issues. I am certified in the Prepare Enrich couples therapy model.
(615) 558-5262 View (615) 558-5262
Photo of Sheree Rucker-Grafton, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sheree Rucker-Grafton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Hendersonville, TN 37075
My experience is wide ranged; from Domestic Violence and the effects of trauma to grief & loss, identity challenges, anxiety, depression, stress management, parenting skills, and relationship/marital challenges.
NOW Accepting NEW Clients! My focus is helping client’s get through life challenges. I work alongside adults, couples, and families in a private practice setting. I use a multifaceted therapeutic approach as I believe that each individual is unique & diverse; so, their treatment should reflect their needs. I have a passion for bridging gaps across generations and repairing existing generational cycles. As I have a strong belief that childhood experiences not only affect us as individuals, but also the relationships that we create with others.
My experience is wide ranged; from Domestic Violence and the effects of trauma to grief & loss, identity challenges, anxiety, depression, stress management, parenting skills, and relationship/marital challenges.
NOW Accepting NEW Clients! My focus is helping client’s get through life challenges. I work alongside adults, couples, and families in a private practice setting. I use a multifaceted therapeutic approach as I believe that each individual is unique & diverse; so, their treatment should reflect their needs. I have a passion for bridging gaps across generations and repairing existing generational cycles. As I have a strong belief that childhood experiences not only affect us as individuals, but also the relationships that we create with others.
(615) 326-6732 View (615) 326-6732
Photo of Teryl Fleming, MEd, NCC, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Teryl Fleming
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, NCC, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hendersonville, TN 37075
**ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS** I work with Adults and teens. I offer a creative, integrative,compassionate approach. I work with adults who are navigating life's everyday challenges and transitions (e.g., Anxiety/Depression, Self-worth, Career issues, Grief, Parenthood, Relationship issues Marriage/ Divorce and much more. I also, offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing therapy) for Adults EMDR is not only used for PTSD but an array of clinical problems that can have positive life changing results. I work with teens to help with self esteem, social anxiety, ADHD, Autism and other concerns.
**ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS** I work with Adults and teens. I offer a creative, integrative,compassionate approach. I work with adults who are navigating life's everyday challenges and transitions (e.g., Anxiety/Depression, Self-worth, Career issues, Grief, Parenthood, Relationship issues Marriage/ Divorce and much more. I also, offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing therapy) for Adults EMDR is not only used for PTSD but an array of clinical problems that can have positive life changing results. I work with teens to help with self esteem, social anxiety, ADHD, Autism and other concerns.
(615) 590-3303 View (615) 590-3303
Photo of Erin Samuels Lpc-Mhsp Cardinal Counseling Llc, LPC-, MSHP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Erin Samuels Lpc-Mhsp Cardinal Counseling Llc
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-, MSHP
Verified Verified
Hendersonville, TN 37075
Whether you are struggling with problems related to a recent life adjustment, are stuck in a rut & need a sounding board, or are wading through deep unrelenting currents of depression, grief, trauma, anxiety or lack of self-worth, seeking the help of a mental health service provider is one of the most important decisions you could make to help yourself as you strive to heal. Research supports that choosing a therapist you feel comfortable with is key to successful outcomes. Choosing one who will wade through the currents with you in partnership, while offering compassion, encouragement and a safe place to express yourself is vital.
Whether you are struggling with problems related to a recent life adjustment, are stuck in a rut & need a sounding board, or are wading through deep unrelenting currents of depression, grief, trauma, anxiety or lack of self-worth, seeking the help of a mental health service provider is one of the most important decisions you could make to help yourself as you strive to heal. Research supports that choosing a therapist you feel comfortable with is key to successful outcomes. Choosing one who will wade through the currents with you in partnership, while offering compassion, encouragement and a safe place to express yourself is vital.
(615) 675-6110 View (615) 675-6110
Photo of Alexine Batts, LPCMHSP, NCC, PMH-C, EMDR, Licensed Professional Counselor
Alexine Batts
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCMHSP, NCC, PMH-C, EMDR
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Hendersonville, TN 37075
Waitlist for new clients
Sometimes this includes the deep pain associated with infertility, pregnancy loss or other complications.
Life tends to pile on, and sometimes the stress gets to the point where it just feels toxic. We question everything, especially when the hurts from our past feel like they're a heavy shroud over our happiness and what we hope to accomplish. I firmly believe that it doesn't have to be this way; that healing and meeting whatever goals you set for your overall well-being can be possible with the right kind of support. I work from the perspective of 'what has happened to lead to this problem, and how can we work through it together?'
Sometimes this includes the deep pain associated with infertility, pregnancy loss or other complications.
Life tends to pile on, and sometimes the stress gets to the point where it just feels toxic. We question everything, especially when the hurts from our past feel like they're a heavy shroud over our happiness and what we hope to accomplish. I firmly believe that it doesn't have to be this way; that healing and meeting whatever goals you set for your overall well-being can be possible with the right kind of support. I work from the perspective of 'what has happened to lead to this problem, and how can we work through it together?'
(615) 420-7376 View (615) 420-7376
Photo of Alex MacWilliam, LMFT, Pre-Licensed Professional
Alex MacWilliam
Pre-Licensed Professional, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hendersonville, TN 37075
I believe that today is the perfect day for letting go of hurt. My clients are people who want to find practical solutions to their problems. They want to find healing from things such as religious trauma, addiction, and grief. I want to see men be able to access emotional health as they've never seen before. I want to walk alongside people from the LGBTQIA+ community as they journey for identity and love. I believe my clients will have a safe space to explore their untapped potential!
I believe that today is the perfect day for letting go of hurt. My clients are people who want to find practical solutions to their problems. They want to find healing from things such as religious trauma, addiction, and grief. I want to see men be able to access emotional health as they've never seen before. I want to walk alongside people from the LGBTQIA+ community as they journey for identity and love. I believe my clients will have a safe space to explore their untapped potential!
(615) 471-7493 View (615) 471-7493
Photo of Tamika M Tomlin, MMFT, Pre-Licensed Professional
Tamika M Tomlin
Pre-Licensed Professional, MMFT
Verified Verified
Hendersonville, TN 37075
Accepting New Clients: Are you feeling stuck and ready for a change? I am here to provide a safe space for you to find the change you've been looking for. With more than 20 years of helping and healing others, I have walked through life with those facing grief and life changes, depression, anxiety, and marital and divorce adjustments. My aim is to help you learn from the pain of your experiences and apply that to your growth to better reach your goals. My own journey, life experiences, and faith have brought me to a place of healing and hope. It is my desire to help you find you find your own "Healing Journey."
Accepting New Clients: Are you feeling stuck and ready for a change? I am here to provide a safe space for you to find the change you've been looking for. With more than 20 years of helping and healing others, I have walked through life with those facing grief and life changes, depression, anxiety, and marital and divorce adjustments. My aim is to help you learn from the pain of your experiences and apply that to your growth to better reach your goals. My own journey, life experiences, and faith have brought me to a place of healing and hope. It is my desire to help you find you find your own "Healing Journey."
(615) 338-6683 View (615) 338-6683
Photo of Shervetta Porter, MA, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Shervetta Porter
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Hendersonville, TN 37075
My ideal client is a person that needs help with regulating their day to day life due to relationship issues, codependency, couples issues, emotion regulation, parenting concerns, issues with the law, weight loss and obesity, and self-esteem concerns. I have worked a lot with victims of abuse in many forms. I enjoy helping others put the pieces of their life together step by step.
My ideal client is a person that needs help with regulating their day to day life due to relationship issues, codependency, couples issues, emotion regulation, parenting concerns, issues with the law, weight loss and obesity, and self-esteem concerns. I have worked a lot with victims of abuse in many forms. I enjoy helping others put the pieces of their life together step by step.
(615) 219-1081 View (615) 219-1081
Photo of Stefanie Dedman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Stefanie Dedman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Hendersonville, TN 37075
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been working in this field for over 10 years. I am passionate about working with people aiming to learn more about themselves, own their story, and make positive change toward a healthy life. I have experience in helping people with a wide range of issues including self-worth, trauma, mood disorders, anxiety problems, grief, addiction, and relationship issues.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been working in this field for over 10 years. I am passionate about working with people aiming to learn more about themselves, own their story, and make positive change toward a healthy life. I have experience in helping people with a wide range of issues including self-worth, trauma, mood disorders, anxiety problems, grief, addiction, and relationship issues.
(615) 265-1083 View (615) 265-1083
Photo of Shaine Talia Malekgoodar, MS, LPC, MHSP, Counselor
Shaine Talia Malekgoodar
Counselor, MS, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Hendersonville, TN 37075
Waitlist for new clients
I work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues that include depression and grief counseling to parenting support, couples counseling and beyond. I specialize in helping individuals overcome the challenges that occur on a daily basis. I have found that everyday stress can become overwhelming and can result in self-destructive behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. I offer support and assistance in searching for ways to achieve growth in your personal life and relationships. In a comfortable and supportive atmosphere, I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each of my clients individual needs to help attain the personal growth they're striving for.
I work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues that include depression and grief counseling to parenting support, couples counseling and beyond. I specialize in helping individuals overcome the challenges that occur on a daily basis. I have found that everyday stress can become overwhelming and can result in self-destructive behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. I offer support and assistance in searching for ways to achieve growth in your personal life and relationships. In a comfortable and supportive atmosphere, I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each of my clients individual needs to help attain the personal growth they're striving for.
(615) 697-4584 View (615) 697-4584
Photo of Dixie Gibbs, MEd
Dixie Gibbs
LPC Associate, MEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hendersonville, TN 37075
Feeling exhausted trying to hold it all together or dread having to keep up a smile and say the repetitious "I'm good, how are you?" knowing that you are moments away from tears? I hear you. Life is tough and sometimes we feel like all we can do is just stay above the water. If you're wanting to get out of this pattern and seek support, let's start today. I can offer support to help tackle whatever is weighing you down. I work with daily life stressors, anxiety, depression, trauma, and women's issues (such as pregnancy, postpartum and perinatal mental health, infertility, and grief/loss).
Feeling exhausted trying to hold it all together or dread having to keep up a smile and say the repetitious "I'm good, how are you?" knowing that you are moments away from tears? I hear you. Life is tough and sometimes we feel like all we can do is just stay above the water. If you're wanting to get out of this pattern and seek support, let's start today. I can offer support to help tackle whatever is weighing you down. I work with daily life stressors, anxiety, depression, trauma, and women's issues (such as pregnancy, postpartum and perinatal mental health, infertility, and grief/loss).
(615) 560-9711 View (615) 560-9711
Photo of Anika K Mullen, LPCMHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Anika K Mullen
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCMHSP
Verified Verified
Hendersonville, TN 37075  (Online Only)
Have the terrible 2's never stopped or gotten worse after your child turned 2.5 yrs? Do you have a young child with more frequent, long, or intense temper tantrums and behavior problems than is expected for the child’s age? Does your child seem to get a thrill out of purposely annoying others, get in trouble regularly at preschool, or react with defiance and aggression to adult requests and limits? Or, is your child so anxious that you are dreading daycare or school drop offs because your child has to be pried off of you? Is your child struggling to adjust to a big transition like parents’ divorce, a new sibling, grief, or trauma?
Have the terrible 2's never stopped or gotten worse after your child turned 2.5 yrs? Do you have a young child with more frequent, long, or intense temper tantrums and behavior problems than is expected for the child’s age? Does your child seem to get a thrill out of purposely annoying others, get in trouble regularly at preschool, or react with defiance and aggression to adult requests and limits? Or, is your child so anxious that you are dreading daycare or school drop offs because your child has to be pried off of you? Is your child struggling to adjust to a big transition like parents’ divorce, a new sibling, grief, or trauma?
(615) 802-6905 View (615) 802-6905
Photo of Anishia Holman - Hope Pathway Therapy, LLC, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Hope Pathway Therapy, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Hendersonville, TN 37075
My goal is to help humans examine and challenge barriers that have gotten in their way of achieving mental health wellness. Afterall, we all want to be happy and confident humans with healthy relationships. I specialize in serving preteens, adolescents and adults. Our team at Hope Pathway Therapy serves children through the elderly population. I have experience in serving those who may be experiencing the following: anger management, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, grief and loss, hyperactivity and impulse control, ineffective communication, life transitions, relationship concerns, self-esteem, social skills and trauma.
My goal is to help humans examine and challenge barriers that have gotten in their way of achieving mental health wellness. Afterall, we all want to be happy and confident humans with healthy relationships. I specialize in serving preteens, adolescents and adults. Our team at Hope Pathway Therapy serves children through the elderly population. I have experience in serving those who may be experiencing the following: anger management, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, grief and loss, hyperactivity and impulse control, ineffective communication, life transitions, relationship concerns, self-esteem, social skills and trauma.
(615) 265-1398 View (615) 265-1398
Photo of Emily Webster Johnson, MA, EdS, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Emily Webster Johnson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, EdS, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Hendersonville, TN 37075
I help families of divorce, step, blended or grief to overcome and become uniquely blessed.
As a masters level clinician, I work alongside you to help you increase! I help individuals discover their authenticity, couples rekindle their intimacy and relationships establish unity. Whether you’re stuck, going through a transition in life or simply burnt out, I help you cultivate the roots of your wounds, plant healthy habits and water empowered beliefs so you grow into the best version of yourself and step into your life’s purpose. Are you ready to live a life of peace and freedom? Let’s Plant + Water together!
I help families of divorce, step, blended or grief to overcome and become uniquely blessed.
As a masters level clinician, I work alongside you to help you increase! I help individuals discover their authenticity, couples rekindle their intimacy and relationships establish unity. Whether you’re stuck, going through a transition in life or simply burnt out, I help you cultivate the roots of your wounds, plant healthy habits and water empowered beliefs so you grow into the best version of yourself and step into your life’s purpose. Are you ready to live a life of peace and freedom? Let’s Plant + Water together!
(615) 265-0897 View (615) 265-0897
Photo of Jody Babb, MSEd, LMHC, LPC, MHSP, Counselor
Jody Babb
Counselor, MSEd, LMHC, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Hendersonville, TN 37075  (Online Only)
Are you struggling with everyday life stressors? Perhaps you have anxiety, depression, or just not feeling like your usual self. Do you have racing thoughts, loss of sleep, lack of motivation? Maybe you are telling yourself "life has been more overwhelming than usual, I just want things to be different." You might say you are ok but you feel like you are wearing a mask, and you have a hard time functioning. Are your relationships suffering? Are you feeling like you don't want to get out of bed or go to work? Lost that spiritual connection? Maybe, you want to learn healthier ways to cope. Today you take back your life!
Are you struggling with everyday life stressors? Perhaps you have anxiety, depression, or just not feeling like your usual self. Do you have racing thoughts, loss of sleep, lack of motivation? Maybe you are telling yourself "life has been more overwhelming than usual, I just want things to be different." You might say you are ok but you feel like you are wearing a mask, and you have a hard time functioning. Are your relationships suffering? Are you feeling like you don't want to get out of bed or go to work? Lost that spiritual connection? Maybe, you want to learn healthier ways to cope. Today you take back your life!
(585) 312-6971 View (585) 312-6971
Photo of Debra Knight Walker, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Debra Knight Walker
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Hendersonville, TN 37075
I also utilize EMDR and am Certified in Brainspotting, used for trauma, anxiety, grief, and other problems.
Is anxiety getting the best of you? Are you feeling depressed, with low energy and motivation? Or, could it be that your most important relationships are suffering from a lack of emotional connection, with frequent arguments or stony silence? We all have times in life where things may not be going the way we envision, but if you feel stuck in a bad place, there is hope. Many people find therapy helps to get them back on track. It can be a bit scary to think about taking this step, but it can make a difference.
I also utilize EMDR and am Certified in Brainspotting, used for trauma, anxiety, grief, and other problems.
Is anxiety getting the best of you? Are you feeling depressed, with low energy and motivation? Or, could it be that your most important relationships are suffering from a lack of emotional connection, with frequent arguments or stony silence? We all have times in life where things may not be going the way we envision, but if you feel stuck in a bad place, there is hope. Many people find therapy helps to get them back on track. It can be a bit scary to think about taking this step, but it can make a difference.
(615) 745-9956 View (615) 745-9956
Photo of Lauren Johnson, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lauren Johnson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Hendersonville, TN 37075
Lauren works with anxiety, depression, grief, issues with religion and spirituality, and life transitions, and specializes in Trauma, PTSD, and C-PTSD.
Lauren is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who earned her degree from Trevecca University in Nashville. Lauren offers holistic therapy for individuals through a trauma-focused lens. She strives to assist clients in creating change through positive regard, warmth, and safety. Lauren seeks to help clients who have experienced trauma, feel stuck, or struggle to find worth in themselves. She considers it an honor to accompany clients on their journey toward healing. In addition to providing therapy, Lauren is an AAMFT-approved Supervisor in training, under Dr. Laura Anderson, LMFT.
Lauren works with anxiety, depression, grief, issues with religion and spirituality, and life transitions, and specializes in Trauma, PTSD, and C-PTSD.
Lauren is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who earned her degree from Trevecca University in Nashville. Lauren offers holistic therapy for individuals through a trauma-focused lens. She strives to assist clients in creating change through positive regard, warmth, and safety. Lauren seeks to help clients who have experienced trauma, feel stuck, or struggle to find worth in themselves. She considers it an honor to accompany clients on their journey toward healing. In addition to providing therapy, Lauren is an AAMFT-approved Supervisor in training, under Dr. Laura Anderson, LMFT.
(615) 908-2616 View (615) 908-2616
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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.