Grief Therapists in Smyth County, VA
![Photo of Justine F Bradley, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bd9476d2-5cee-4965-ac0b-c90d8ccf44c3/1/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in navigating the complexities of grief, loss, and trauma.
Are you facing tough times, grappling with life's challenges, or finding it hard to shake off those persistent negative thoughts? Perhaps you're overwhelmed and just need a safe space to share your experiences, thoughts, or feelings. You don't have to navigate this journey alone. In our therapeutic partnership, I see the client-therapist relationship as a crucial foundation. As your counselor, my goal is to support you in understanding your situation, co-create strategies for effective communication, and equip you with coping skills for those stressful moments. I genuinely believe in the strength within you to overcome challenges .
I specialize in navigating the complexities of grief, loss, and trauma.
Are you facing tough times, grappling with life's challenges, or finding it hard to shake off those persistent negative thoughts? Perhaps you're overwhelmed and just need a safe space to share your experiences, thoughts, or feelings. You don't have to navigate this journey alone. In our therapeutic partnership, I see the client-therapist relationship as a crucial foundation. As your counselor, my goal is to support you in understanding your situation, co-create strategies for effective communication, and equip you with coping skills for those stressful moments. I genuinely believe in the strength within you to overcome challenges .
![Photo of Christine Buzitsky, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/65cde12b-657f-4417-b8b9-aec1776bc5a3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome, and thank you for considering me as a therapist to partner with you on your therapy journey! I am Christine Buzitsky, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in North Carolina and Virginia. I have twenty-five years of experience working with adults, adolescents, children, couples, and families to address relationship issues, anxiety, depression, women's issues, grief, ADHD, coping with chronic medical concerns, and life transitions. I believe therapy must be individualized to the client.
Welcome, and thank you for considering me as a therapist to partner with you on your therapy journey! I am Christine Buzitsky, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in North Carolina and Virginia. I have twenty-five years of experience working with adults, adolescents, children, couples, and families to address relationship issues, anxiety, depression, women's issues, grief, ADHD, coping with chronic medical concerns, and life transitions. I believe therapy must be individualized to the client.
![Photo of Keith Alan Medeiros, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a13715f7-dffc-4a97-bdbe-dd7d8145664d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Keith Alan Medeiros
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Marion, VA 24354
I have worked with clients experiencing a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, low self esteem, family conflict, addiction issues, relationship conflict, ADHD and parenting concerns.
I believe we all should be able to live as full a life as possible, rich with positive experiences and relationships. Unfortunately, sometimes things get in the way of that goal. When this happens, we may need help getting back on track. That help can come from many forms, and this is where I may be of assistance. As a counselor for eight years working with children, adolescents, adults and families, I have developed an eclectic style utilizing evidence-based treatments including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, Structural Family Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy.
I have worked with clients experiencing a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, low self esteem, family conflict, addiction issues, relationship conflict, ADHD and parenting concerns.
I believe we all should be able to live as full a life as possible, rich with positive experiences and relationships. Unfortunately, sometimes things get in the way of that goal. When this happens, we may need help getting back on track. That help can come from many forms, and this is where I may be of assistance. As a counselor for eight years working with children, adolescents, adults and families, I have developed an eclectic style utilizing evidence-based treatments including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, Structural Family Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy.
![Photo of Ali Holbrook - Connections Counseling - Owner, Ali Holbrook , LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5e6c6a49-434d-4c9c-9f37-85bdfb6c438f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Connections Counseling - Owner, Ali Holbrook
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Marion, VA 24354 (Online Only)
Depression, Anxiety, not knowing how to handle something, family stress, work stress. These are all good reasons to talk to someone. To feel supported is one of the best feelings you will ever have. To move past a personal struggle is to feel free. You deserve joy and a sense of peace.
Depression, Anxiety, not knowing how to handle something, family stress, work stress. These are all good reasons to talk to someone. To feel supported is one of the best feelings you will ever have. To move past a personal struggle is to feel free. You deserve joy and a sense of peace.
![Photo of Jessica Ratcliff, MSW, LCSW-S, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ed84cbe-f429-4a96-82d6-48c3c0751f47/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Ratcliff
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chilhowie, VA 24319 (Online Only)
Sometimes, life can be challenging. You might be overwhelmed with constant stress, plagued by continuous worry, struggling in your relationships, or just feeling trapped in repetitive, unhelpful patterns. Relief is possible. I know firsthand how scary it is to take the first step toward change. I help facilitate growth and awareness, instill hope, and empower people to overcome personal obstacles that keep them stuck. I offer a warm, supportive space to explore your best options, develop practical and creative solutions that are uniquely tailored to you, and help you implement new strategies that will lead you to achieve your goals.
Sometimes, life can be challenging. You might be overwhelmed with constant stress, plagued by continuous worry, struggling in your relationships, or just feeling trapped in repetitive, unhelpful patterns. Relief is possible. I know firsthand how scary it is to take the first step toward change. I help facilitate growth and awareness, instill hope, and empower people to overcome personal obstacles that keep them stuck. I offer a warm, supportive space to explore your best options, develop practical and creative solutions that are uniquely tailored to you, and help you implement new strategies that will lead you to achieve your goals.
![Photo of Christin Long - Pathways to Wellness Counseling , LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f3a2199a-3f4e-44a9-87bc-086f2c331c0b/3/320x400.jpeg)
Pathways to Wellness Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Marion, VA 24354
NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!!! Do you feel like you have tried everything and it still isn't working? Are you tired of existing in life and not fully living life? Do you feel stuck, depressed, or anxious? I provide a safe, non-judgmental atmosphere so you can feel free to express your needs and work together on a plan that best fits your needs. I have worked in emergency crisis services, crisis management services, and trauma for years and this has brought with it the experience to be able to quickly meet and address your immediate needs and then work toward addressing the long-term needs.
NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!!! Do you feel like you have tried everything and it still isn't working? Are you tired of existing in life and not fully living life? Do you feel stuck, depressed, or anxious? I provide a safe, non-judgmental atmosphere so you can feel free to express your needs and work together on a plan that best fits your needs. I have worked in emergency crisis services, crisis management services, and trauma for years and this has brought with it the experience to be able to quickly meet and address your immediate needs and then work toward addressing the long-term needs.
![Photo of Alimatu Mustapha-Palmer, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/00480a0f-ae44-466a-a214-9bade7f37383/1/320x400.png)
I am Alimatu Mustapha- Palmer (nee Alima Palmer),PhD., NCC, LPC, MAC, CSAC, BCC. I have been in the world of behavioral health and services for the past 25 years. I am experienced and well-credentialed including several board certifications, awards, and recognitions. My experience includes conducting trainings, workshops, and assessments and working with individuals, families, groups, non-profits, local and international government agencies including DSS- CPS, law enforcement, minority populations, specific women and children’s issues, spirituality, cultural dynamics, marriage, divorce, life transitions, coaching and more.
I am Alimatu Mustapha- Palmer (nee Alima Palmer),PhD., NCC, LPC, MAC, CSAC, BCC. I have been in the world of behavioral health and services for the past 25 years. I am experienced and well-credentialed including several board certifications, awards, and recognitions. My experience includes conducting trainings, workshops, and assessments and working with individuals, families, groups, non-profits, local and international government agencies including DSS- CPS, law enforcement, minority populations, specific women and children’s issues, spirituality, cultural dynamics, marriage, divorce, life transitions, coaching and more.
![Photo of Erin R Jurich-Finney - Finneys Incorporated, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cf91f8d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I like helping people who are going through a rough patch and need a little extra help to get through. This can be kids, adults, and whole families. While the people who need my help are not feeling so great when they first come in, I am so happy to help them through the tough times and see them come out on the other side feeling like themselves again, and perhaps even stronger.
I like helping people who are going through a rough patch and need a little extra help to get through. This can be kids, adults, and whole families. While the people who need my help are not feeling so great when they first come in, I am so happy to help them through the tough times and see them come out on the other side feeling like themselves again, and perhaps even stronger.
![Photo of Victoria Evans-Fulton - Family Refuge Center of Southwest Virginia , PhD, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/84a9de88-2be6-41d2-894a-ae5d49e66251/1/320x400.png)
Family Refuge Center of Southwest Virginia
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Marion, VA 24354
Welcome to the Family Refuge Center of Southwest Virginia, where individuals and their families find support, resources, and healing. We specialize in providing short-term services aimed at addressing immediate concerns and fostering positive change within an individual's life or within their family dynamics. Our team of experienced counselors is dedicated to guiding families through challenges, offering practical strategies, and empowering them to navigate life's complexities together.
Welcome to the Family Refuge Center of Southwest Virginia, where individuals and their families find support, resources, and healing. We specialize in providing short-term services aimed at addressing immediate concerns and fostering positive change within an individual's life or within their family dynamics. Our team of experienced counselors is dedicated to guiding families through challenges, offering practical strategies, and empowering them to navigate life's complexities together.
![Photo of Amir Cotton, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d8d043ae-f53d-4471-b793-3d146bc4d8c8/1/320x400.png)
Hello there,My name is Amir Cotton, and I’m one of the counselors at Breakthrough Counselling LLC. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner in the state of Virginia. I am also a National Certified Counselor, a Certified Clinical Mental Counselor, and a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I also have a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling and over 12 years of experience working in the mental health field. I have experience treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, addiction, bipolar, and adjustment disorders.
Hello there,My name is Amir Cotton, and I’m one of the counselors at Breakthrough Counselling LLC. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner in the state of Virginia. I am also a National Certified Counselor, a Certified Clinical Mental Counselor, and a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I also have a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling and over 12 years of experience working in the mental health field. I have experience treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, addiction, bipolar, and adjustment disorders.
![Photo of Kristian Delaney, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/91f30774-089b-49ad-98cb-ff9ec06c5a73/3/320x400.jpeg)
If you have ever asked yourself "why do I do this," or "why do I feel this way," I want you to know those are valid questions and the answers are not out of reach. I believe that you deserve the best version of yourself that you can have and that includes working through past trauma/experiences, anxiety, self-esteem, and other concerns. I have dedicated myself to help clients understand themselves more, help process and heal through, and assist in the journey of life. I believe you deserve to live life fully the way you want to, as who you are, and I use my expertise to support you wherever you are in the process.
If you have ever asked yourself "why do I do this," or "why do I feel this way," I want you to know those are valid questions and the answers are not out of reach. I believe that you deserve the best version of yourself that you can have and that includes working through past trauma/experiences, anxiety, self-esteem, and other concerns. I have dedicated myself to help clients understand themselves more, help process and heal through, and assist in the journey of life. I believe you deserve to live life fully the way you want to, as who you are, and I use my expertise to support you wherever you are in the process.
![Photo of Brittany L S Krackow, LPC, CCTP, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a6a36b0b-aeec-42c1-9d65-6e93db02bc62/1/320x400.jpeg)
Brittany L S Krackow
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CCTP, NCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Marion, VA 24354
Ambrose Redmoon said, "Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear." Brittany recognizes the courage it takes to reach out to someone for counseling or to seek out a psychological assessment. Brittany places great importance on knowing what the client wants to achieve and focusing on finding the most effective techniques to help them reach their goals! She emphasizes the importance of self-growth and recognizes that everyone can create change for their future when given the tools to do so.
Ambrose Redmoon said, "Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear." Brittany recognizes the courage it takes to reach out to someone for counseling or to seek out a psychological assessment. Brittany places great importance on knowing what the client wants to achieve and focusing on finding the most effective techniques to help them reach their goals! She emphasizes the importance of self-growth and recognizes that everyone can create change for their future when given the tools to do so.
![Photo of Amy L Justice, MA, LPC, ADHD, CCSP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b87bbc8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Amy L Justice
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, ADHD, CCSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Marion, VA 24354 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
My passion is to help people overcome feeling "stuck" in unhealthy patterns by facilitating real, healthy changes through self-discovery and practical applications. I am a good "first" therapist for people who are a little afraid of therapy. I have extensive experience working with first responders, military personnel and veterans. It is not just about talking, it is about assessing how life has affected us and developing tools to live a valued life going forward.
My passion is to help people overcome feeling "stuck" in unhealthy patterns by facilitating real, healthy changes through self-discovery and practical applications. I am a good "first" therapist for people who are a little afraid of therapy. I have extensive experience working with first responders, military personnel and veterans. It is not just about talking, it is about assessing how life has affected us and developing tools to live a valued life going forward.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Terra Alagna, LCSW, EMDR-C, CAGCS, DBT-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9487ea9c-03aa-48f3-ad60-2dd65470f545/1/320x400.jpeg)
Terra Alagna
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR-C, CAGCS, DBT-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Roanoke, VA 24014
I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, complex trauma, grief, and parent-child interaction therapy.
My goal is to help others find their life worth living through specific and measurable steps that can ease the stress of change and create long-lasting improvement in daily functioning.
I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, complex trauma, grief, and parent-child interaction therapy.
My goal is to help others find their life worth living through specific and measurable steps that can ease the stress of change and create long-lasting improvement in daily functioning.
![Photo of Lindsey Livesay, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46a9e14f-0928-4602-9ff5-e9b78a3e73ca/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lindsey is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, with 23 years of experience helping teens, adults, and couples find an optimal way to navigate life's issues. Lindsey specializes in depression, anxiety, LGBTQIA+ issues, trauma, grief, substance use issues, managing anger or stress, unproductive communication patterns, phase of life issues, and more. Lindsey also utilizes skills from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, and more, tailoring intentional interventions to the unique needs of her clients.
Lindsey is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, with 23 years of experience helping teens, adults, and couples find an optimal way to navigate life's issues. Lindsey specializes in depression, anxiety, LGBTQIA+ issues, trauma, grief, substance use issues, managing anger or stress, unproductive communication patterns, phase of life issues, and more. Lindsey also utilizes skills from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, and more, tailoring intentional interventions to the unique needs of her clients.
![Photo of Dr. Hannah Bayne - Alchemy Counseling and Consulting, PhD, LPC, LMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0be978cb-98ff-4ffd-95d9-0adc5fe0aefa/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alchemy Counseling and Consulting
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
Roanoke, VA 24015
My approach to counseling is eclectic – I like to select theories and techniques based on what is needed by each client. My primary clinical approaches are Humanistic/Person Centered, Cognitive, Narrative, and Existential. I have received additional training in incorporating spirituality/religion in counseling, grief and loss counseling, utilizing meditation in counseling, and strength-based counseling. I also conduct research in the areas of cultural differences, issues of oppression and marginalization, empathy, and value conflicts (particularly related to religion, sexual/gender identity, and politics).
My approach to counseling is eclectic – I like to select theories and techniques based on what is needed by each client. My primary clinical approaches are Humanistic/Person Centered, Cognitive, Narrative, and Existential. I have received additional training in incorporating spirituality/religion in counseling, grief and loss counseling, utilizing meditation in counseling, and strength-based counseling. I also conduct research in the areas of cultural differences, issues of oppression and marginalization, empathy, and value conflicts (particularly related to religion, sexual/gender identity, and politics).
![Photo of Emily Crutchfield, MA Ed, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4dcd2202-fe3e-42cd-9c9e-fa37f6be3021/2/320x400.jpeg)
Emily Crutchfield
Resident in Counseling, MA Ed, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cave Spring, VA 24018
Welcome! I am currently accepting new clients that may be struggling with a range of issues including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, trauma, attachment, behavioral concerns, relational issues, challenges in the school or work setting, grief, and self-esteem. I am able to offer both in-person and telehealth sessions in Virginia. I would love to hear your story, chat with you about your goals, and support you on your journey of healing and growth.
Welcome! I am currently accepting new clients that may be struggling with a range of issues including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, trauma, attachment, behavioral concerns, relational issues, challenges in the school or work setting, grief, and self-esteem. I am able to offer both in-person and telehealth sessions in Virginia. I would love to hear your story, chat with you about your goals, and support you on your journey of healing and growth.
![Photo of Althea Dent, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/480b2b01-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
My areas of focus are but not limited to life transitions, stress, anxiety/panic, depression, postpartum depression, work and school anxiety, obsessive thinking, spousal divorce/separation, grief as well as career, transitions, academic and life coaching.
I desire to create an atmosphere that is comfortable and accepting and develop with my clients a collaborative therapeutic relationship. My primary goal is to come alongside the client and assist in managing issues that can cause one to feel stuck, overwhelmed or paralyzed while helping clients to move toward a more effective and rewarding life. I primarily use cognitive-behavioral, brief and solution focused therapies and techniques among other tools to develop an integrative approach that is tailored to each client individually. I also do work with engaged, dating and married couples using as customized couples assessment.
My areas of focus are but not limited to life transitions, stress, anxiety/panic, depression, postpartum depression, work and school anxiety, obsessive thinking, spousal divorce/separation, grief as well as career, transitions, academic and life coaching.
I desire to create an atmosphere that is comfortable and accepting and develop with my clients a collaborative therapeutic relationship. My primary goal is to come alongside the client and assist in managing issues that can cause one to feel stuck, overwhelmed or paralyzed while helping clients to move toward a more effective and rewarding life. I primarily use cognitive-behavioral, brief and solution focused therapies and techniques among other tools to develop an integrative approach that is tailored to each client individually. I also do work with engaged, dating and married couples using as customized couples assessment.
![Photo of Kimberly Mcgrady, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9d9bb119-b968-4023-8c0e-94364ad4f8af/1/320x400.png)
Some specific areas are: self-esteem, fertility challenges, depression, anxiety, life transitions, grief/ loss, relationships, parenting, menopause, aging, and stress.
Welcome! My name is Kimberly McGrady (VA license 0904015173). Right now it doesn't feel like it, but you can create change in your life! It is hard work to get your mind to stop doing all that unhealthy stuff like keeping you stuck, unmotivated, ruminating, anxious, fearful, insecure, depressed, being self-critical, and repeating negative patterns. Let's dive in, see where your head is, set some goals, create some new thought patterns, learn self-compassion, and get you back to living your best life. My ideal client wants to actively engage in therapy and learn effective mind skills to evolve and thrive.
Some specific areas are: self-esteem, fertility challenges, depression, anxiety, life transitions, grief/ loss, relationships, parenting, menopause, aging, and stress.
Welcome! My name is Kimberly McGrady (VA license 0904015173). Right now it doesn't feel like it, but you can create change in your life! It is hard work to get your mind to stop doing all that unhealthy stuff like keeping you stuck, unmotivated, ruminating, anxious, fearful, insecure, depressed, being self-critical, and repeating negative patterns. Let's dive in, see where your head is, set some goals, create some new thought patterns, learn self-compassion, and get you back to living your best life. My ideal client wants to actively engage in therapy and learn effective mind skills to evolve and thrive.
![Photo of Kelly Bonebright, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e14b5f96-5d33-458b-b4bd-00c750c8ebbe/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kelly Bonebright
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Blacksburg, VA 24060 (Online Only)
Bonebright enjoys working with individuals and couples in but not limited to the areas of Anxiety Depression Bipolar PTSD Divorce Grief and loss Spiritual identity/abuse Trauma Life transitions Adjustment disorder’s Mood disorders Marriage/couple counseling Chronic mental illness Dr.
Kelly was born in Lynchburg Virginia and raised in Southern California but has been back east in this area since the early 90s. Kelly is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), with over a decade of experience across many different settings consisting of inpatient, outpatient, intensive in-home, university, mental health agency work. Kelly graduated from liberty University with his PhD in professional counseling in January 2013; and has taught graduate students in group therapy skills and individual therapy techniques. Kelly tends to be eclectic in his counseling approach, employing CBT, person centered, reality therapy.
Bonebright enjoys working with individuals and couples in but not limited to the areas of Anxiety Depression Bipolar PTSD Divorce Grief and loss Spiritual identity/abuse Trauma Life transitions Adjustment disorder’s Mood disorders Marriage/couple counseling Chronic mental illness Dr.
Kelly was born in Lynchburg Virginia and raised in Southern California but has been back east in this area since the early 90s. Kelly is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), with over a decade of experience across many different settings consisting of inpatient, outpatient, intensive in-home, university, mental health agency work. Kelly graduated from liberty University with his PhD in professional counseling in January 2013; and has taught graduate students in group therapy skills and individual therapy techniques. Kelly tends to be eclectic in his counseling approach, employing CBT, person centered, reality therapy.
See more therapy options for Smyth County
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.