Therapists in Calgary, AB

Photo of Craft Psychology, Chelsey Morton, Psychologist in Calgary, AB
Craft Psychology, Chelsey Morton
Psychologist, MA, RPsych
Verified Verified
Calgary, AB T3C
With over ten years of experience in being interested in all things troubling, not limited to anxiety, depression, grief, relational struggle and belonging.
Problems can be pretty tricky, they can stump us, limit possibilities and lead us to reconsider the very things that are important in life. I am interested in creating a conversations that welcome both the difficult experience you are up against, like an anxiety or depression or tricky relationship, alongside a commitment to uncovering the responses you have used to get by, and in some cases survive, despite difficult problems. We all have the right to our own experiences and to feel legitimate no matter how big or small, permanent or temporary a problem may be. I take a narrative approach to therapeutic conversation.
With over ten years of experience in being interested in all things troubling, not limited to anxiety, depression, grief, relational struggle and belonging.
Problems can be pretty tricky, they can stump us, limit possibilities and lead us to reconsider the very things that are important in life. I am interested in creating a conversations that welcome both the difficult experience you are up against, like an anxiety or depression or tricky relationship, alongside a commitment to uncovering the responses you have used to get by, and in some cases survive, despite difficult problems. We all have the right to our own experiences and to feel legitimate no matter how big or small, permanent or temporary a problem may be. I take a narrative approach to therapeutic conversation.
(587) 329-8625 View (587) 329-8625
Photo of Fisher Peak Counselling, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Calgary, AB
Fisher Peak Counselling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, BA, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Calgary, AB T1X
I am an EMDR trained, general practitioner who works with individuals, youth, families, couples, and staff teams. I assist clients to work through a variety of life events and mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, substance use, grief, conflict resolution, communication, gender identity and sexual orientation, trauma, employment, education, critical incident stress debriefing and more.
I am an EMDR trained, general practitioner who works with individuals, youth, families, couples, and staff teams. I assist clients to work through a variety of life events and mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, substance use, grief, conflict resolution, communication, gender identity and sexual orientation, trauma, employment, education, critical incident stress debriefing and more.
(778) 762-3590 View (778) 762-3590
Photo of Joanna Card, Psychologist in Calgary, AB
Joanna Card
Psychologist, MEd, RPsych
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Calgary, AB T2M
Waitlist for new clients
I am passionate about working with teens, young adults, adults, and families, and helping them transform into confident and successful people with effective life-management skills. I specialize with clients needing individual, and/or family support with: attachment, anxiety, assertiveness, body image, conflict resolution, cross-cultural parenting, depression, grief, parent coaching, parent/teen conflict, performance enhancement (school, work, socially), pet loss, relationship issues, self-esteem, self harm, sexuality - including sexual orientation & gender identity, stress management, and trauma. 2LGTBQIA+ and HAES affirming.
I am passionate about working with teens, young adults, adults, and families, and helping them transform into confident and successful people with effective life-management skills. I specialize with clients needing individual, and/or family support with: attachment, anxiety, assertiveness, body image, conflict resolution, cross-cultural parenting, depression, grief, parent coaching, parent/teen conflict, performance enhancement (school, work, socially), pet loss, relationship issues, self-esteem, self harm, sexuality - including sexual orientation & gender identity, stress management, and trauma. 2LGTBQIA+ and HAES affirming.
(403) 554-6305 View (403) 554-6305
Photo of Jenn Labrecque, Registered Social Worker in Calgary, AB
Jenn Labrecque
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Calgary, AB T2N
Therapy offers us the opportunity to have the support we need to examine those areas of our lives we find painful, confusing, and challenging. My goal is to help you through any difficulties you are experiencing so that you can have better relationships and feel better about yourself. Topics of interest include depression and anxiety, relationship problems, addiction, self-harming behaviour, trauma and PTSD, life transitions, as well as pet loss.
Therapy offers us the opportunity to have the support we need to examine those areas of our lives we find painful, confusing, and challenging. My goal is to help you through any difficulties you are experiencing so that you can have better relationships and feel better about yourself. Topics of interest include depression and anxiety, relationship problems, addiction, self-harming behaviour, trauma and PTSD, life transitions, as well as pet loss.
(587) 600-7941 View (587) 600-7941
Photo of Ashley Jones, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Calgary, AB
Ashley Jones
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Calgary, AB T2M
Sometimes finding a solution requires us to change the way we think about a problem instead of attempting to change the behaviors that caused it. I take a collaborative approach to therapy, by empowering clients to rely on their own resilience and strength to explore solutions.  I specialize in working with adolescents, families, and adults with concerns involving complex mental health, trauma, grief and loss, and behavioral and mood disorders that can cause high risk or impulsive actions. A positive therapeutic relationship is essential to the therapy process. You need to feel safe, supported, and comfortable during therapy.
Sometimes finding a solution requires us to change the way we think about a problem instead of attempting to change the behaviors that caused it. I take a collaborative approach to therapy, by empowering clients to rely on their own resilience and strength to explore solutions.  I specialize in working with adolescents, families, and adults with concerns involving complex mental health, trauma, grief and loss, and behavioral and mood disorders that can cause high risk or impulsive actions. A positive therapeutic relationship is essential to the therapy process. You need to feel safe, supported, and comfortable during therapy.
(403) 813-7328 View (403) 813-7328
Photo of Rana M Mahmood in Calgary, AB
Rana M Mahmood
MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Calgary, AB T3H
With empathy and compassion, I provide the following services to my clients, trauma, domestic violence, family conflict, family, divorce, communication and relationship issues, sexual assault and sexual abuse, grief and loss, parenting, homelessness, isolation, life transitions, immigration challenges and emotional regulation, anxiety and depression.
I am gratefully working with clients from different backgrounds and cultures helping them learn how to deal with their emotions and feelings and guide them to find the best solutions for their problems, my goal is to help you and hold your hand while navigating your path.
With empathy and compassion, I provide the following services to my clients, trauma, domestic violence, family conflict, family, divorce, communication and relationship issues, sexual assault and sexual abuse, grief and loss, parenting, homelessness, isolation, life transitions, immigration challenges and emotional regulation, anxiety and depression.
I am gratefully working with clients from different backgrounds and cultures helping them learn how to deal with their emotions and feelings and guide them to find the best solutions for their problems, my goal is to help you and hold your hand while navigating your path.
(825) 502-6072 View (825) 502-6072
Photo of Karen Fabian, Psychologist in Calgary, AB
Karen Fabian
Psychologist, BSc, MEd, RPsych
Verified Verified
Calgary, AB T3H
I offer therapy for parenting and family concerns, behavioural challenges, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and issues related to maintaining meaningful relationships.
My career has centered around my primary area of interest concerning relationship dynamics and the impact and understanding of insecurity, frustration, anxiety and loss. I am passionate about supporting parents in understanding the influence of early life experiences and how those shape emotional development and our ability to remain connected to our children. My work is influenced by attachment-based therapy, narrative therapy, humanistic and experiential play approaches.
I offer therapy for parenting and family concerns, behavioural challenges, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and issues related to maintaining meaningful relationships.
My career has centered around my primary area of interest concerning relationship dynamics and the impact and understanding of insecurity, frustration, anxiety and loss. I am passionate about supporting parents in understanding the influence of early life experiences and how those shape emotional development and our ability to remain connected to our children. My work is influenced by attachment-based therapy, narrative therapy, humanistic and experiential play approaches.
(587) 600-2409 View (587) 600-2409
Photo of Jennifer Hawkins, Registered Provisional Psychologist in Calgary, AB
Jennifer Hawkins
Registered Provisional Psychologist, MC
Verified Verified
Calgary, AB T3E
Additionally, I have extensive experience working with Trauma, Grief and Loss, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, managing family and/or peer conflict, navigating life changes and/or changes within the family system, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Emotional and Behavioural Dysregulation, and sensory processing challenges.
I am a Registered Provisional Psychologist passionate about supporting children ages 3-13 and their families to move toward healing and well-being. My creative play-based therapeutic interventions are driven by my belief that children make sense of their world, learn to express their thoughts and feelings, and build healthier ways to cope and problem-solve through play. I have over 14 years of experience working with children and their families in various environments. I have also completed specialized training in Play Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy and Theraplay intervention.
Additionally, I have extensive experience working with Trauma, Grief and Loss, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, managing family and/or peer conflict, navigating life changes and/or changes within the family system, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Emotional and Behavioural Dysregulation, and sensory processing challenges.
I am a Registered Provisional Psychologist passionate about supporting children ages 3-13 and their families to move toward healing and well-being. My creative play-based therapeutic interventions are driven by my belief that children make sense of their world, learn to express their thoughts and feelings, and build healthier ways to cope and problem-solve through play. I have over 14 years of experience working with children and their families in various environments. I have also completed specialized training in Play Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy and Theraplay intervention.
(825) 525-2903 x1 View (825) 525-2903 x1
Photo of Agnieszka Witkowska, Psychologist in Calgary, AB
Agnieszka Witkowska
Psychologist, RPsych, MC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Calgary, AB T2Y
I help clients who face anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, separation, divorce, weight and health issues, important life decisions, addictions, grief and loss.
I am a Registered Psychologist with over 15 years of experience in counselling. I specialize in clinical psychology. I work with individuals: adults and adolescents, and with couples. I can help you to feel better, to increase your self-esteem and to heal from past experiences. If you experienced trauma, abuse, if you have been struggling with depression, anxiety for a long time call me to schedule an appointment. I will help you to experience well-being, to learn and implement new skills and to see your life differently. I offer different approaches to therapy such as: ACT, CBT-Mindfilness, Psychodynamic, Gottman, Emotion-Focused.
I help clients who face anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, separation, divorce, weight and health issues, important life decisions, addictions, grief and loss.
I am a Registered Psychologist with over 15 years of experience in counselling. I specialize in clinical psychology. I work with individuals: adults and adolescents, and with couples. I can help you to feel better, to increase your self-esteem and to heal from past experiences. If you experienced trauma, abuse, if you have been struggling with depression, anxiety for a long time call me to schedule an appointment. I will help you to experience well-being, to learn and implement new skills and to see your life differently. I offer different approaches to therapy such as: ACT, CBT-Mindfilness, Psychodynamic, Gottman, Emotion-Focused.
(866) 316-6703 View (866) 316-6703
Photo of Marlena Pedersen, Psychologist in Calgary, AB
Marlena Pedersen
Psychologist, RPsych, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Calgary, AB T2S
My areas of specialization include children, adolescence, couples and families with a range of concerns such as anxiety, stress, body image, assertiveness, depression, self-esteem, parent coaching, parent / teen conflict, performance enhancement, relationship issues, self-esteem, self harm, sexual orientation, gender identity, grief/loss, ADHD, trauma.
I am honoured and privileged to build and develop a therapeutic relationship with you, based on trust, safety, and connection. I believe this is essential for supporting you in your journey of healing, as you navigate the complexities of this world. I use a brain-based and relational approach to therapy. I realize that our brain patterns are shaped by our relationships, and they can cause us to experience shame. I am passionate about working with teens, young adults, adults, couples and families, and helping them transform into confident and successful people with effective life skills.
My areas of specialization include children, adolescence, couples and families with a range of concerns such as anxiety, stress, body image, assertiveness, depression, self-esteem, parent coaching, parent / teen conflict, performance enhancement, relationship issues, self-esteem, self harm, sexual orientation, gender identity, grief/loss, ADHD, trauma.
I am honoured and privileged to build and develop a therapeutic relationship with you, based on trust, safety, and connection. I believe this is essential for supporting you in your journey of healing, as you navigate the complexities of this world. I use a brain-based and relational approach to therapy. I realize that our brain patterns are shaped by our relationships, and they can cause us to experience shame. I am passionate about working with teens, young adults, adults, couples and families, and helping them transform into confident and successful people with effective life skills.
(587) 844-2271 View (587) 844-2271
Photo of Eva Stordy, Psychologist in Calgary, AB
Eva Stordy
Psychologist, MEd, RPsych
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Calgary, AB T2H
With several different therapies and techniques in my toolbox, and a comfortable, secure office environment, my goal is to tailor my approach to your needs. My therapy style most often has a staged approach (a beginning, middle and an end). I rely on your feedback and measure our progress, to make sure there’s improvement and we're making the most of your time. I ensure clients leave my office feeling better and more resourced than when they first arrived. I work well with clients who are experiencing burnout, increased stress and anxiety responses, depressive symptoms, grief and loss, trauma, work challenges and life change.
With several different therapies and techniques in my toolbox, and a comfortable, secure office environment, my goal is to tailor my approach to your needs. My therapy style most often has a staged approach (a beginning, middle and an end). I rely on your feedback and measure our progress, to make sure there’s improvement and we're making the most of your time. I ensure clients leave my office feeling better and more resourced than when they first arrived. I work well with clients who are experiencing burnout, increased stress and anxiety responses, depressive symptoms, grief and loss, trauma, work challenges and life change.
(587) 713-8155 View (587) 713-8155
Photo of Erin Summers, Registered Provisional Psychologist in Calgary, AB
Erin Summers
Registered Provisional Psychologist, MC
Verified Verified
Calgary, AB T2E
I provide individual counselling in various different areas including but not limited to; depression, anxiety, guilt/shame, self-worth, self-esteem, stress, grief, body-image, eating disorders, and trauma.
I see strength as an innate characteristic in all people. I also understand that it can be difficult to see that strength within ourselves in times of hardship and pain. It can be incredibly challenging to explore the most vulnerable parts of our being; our innermost thoughts and feelings. I believe that this work can begin in a non-judgemental, safe and supportive environment that empowers individuals to make the positive changes needed to live happy and fulfilled lives. I believe the key to successful therapy is developing strong therapeutic relationships with my clients rooted in empathy, trust, mutual respect, and understanding.
I provide individual counselling in various different areas including but not limited to; depression, anxiety, guilt/shame, self-worth, self-esteem, stress, grief, body-image, eating disorders, and trauma.
I see strength as an innate characteristic in all people. I also understand that it can be difficult to see that strength within ourselves in times of hardship and pain. It can be incredibly challenging to explore the most vulnerable parts of our being; our innermost thoughts and feelings. I believe that this work can begin in a non-judgemental, safe and supportive environment that empowers individuals to make the positive changes needed to live happy and fulfilled lives. I believe the key to successful therapy is developing strong therapeutic relationships with my clients rooted in empathy, trust, mutual respect, and understanding.
(587) 802-4113 View (587) 802-4113
Photo of Kellyanne Whittington- Counselculture Canada, Counsellor in Calgary, AB
Kellyanne Whittington- Counselculture Canada
Counsellor, MACP, CCC, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Calgary, AB T2Z
There are a multitude of reasons why we might seek out external supports beyond our inner circles. We might experience traumatic events, loss, conflict, or other crisis that can impact us significantly and create difficulties in functioning within our daily lives, influence our moods, or relationships and it can helpful to look for psychotherapy provided by clinical counsellors. I provide a trauma informed care approach while practicing within a bias free lens, and being non-judgemental. All therapy will be collaborative and encourages the concept that the client is the expert in their story.
There are a multitude of reasons why we might seek out external supports beyond our inner circles. We might experience traumatic events, loss, conflict, or other crisis that can impact us significantly and create difficulties in functioning within our daily lives, influence our moods, or relationships and it can helpful to look for psychotherapy provided by clinical counsellors. I provide a trauma informed care approach while practicing within a bias free lens, and being non-judgemental. All therapy will be collaborative and encourages the concept that the client is the expert in their story.
(587) 841-5886 View (587) 841-5886
Photo of Talia Zink Rise Counselling, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Calgary, AB
Talia Zink Rise Counselling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW, RISE
Verified Verified
Calgary, AB T2S
Life is often filled with difficult experiences, painful transitions, and big decisions. These challenges can significantly impact our sense of well-being and create a great deal of stress in our lives. I am committed to working with individuals and families to support them to overcome these difficult periods, so they can live more freely with a greater sense of peace and happiness. I accompany others to resolve a variety of issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship conflict, grief and loss, and low self-esteem.
Life is often filled with difficult experiences, painful transitions, and big decisions. These challenges can significantly impact our sense of well-being and create a great deal of stress in our lives. I am committed to working with individuals and families to support them to overcome these difficult periods, so they can live more freely with a greater sense of peace and happiness. I accompany others to resolve a variety of issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship conflict, grief and loss, and low self-esteem.
(844) 334-7815 View (844) 334-7815
Photo of Ingenuity Psychological Resources, Inc., Psychologist in Calgary, AB
Ingenuity Psychological Resources, Inc.
Psychologist, MS, RPsych
Verified Verified
Calgary, AB T2T
I am skilled at providing accurate, comprehensive mental health and educational assessment, and therapy addressing emotional difficulties, impulsivity, self-harm, suicidal ideation, bullying, divorce, trauma, and loss.
I am a clinical psychologist in Calgary, and provide individual, family, as well as group therapy. I also provide comprehensive psychological assessment services, as well as consultation to parents, schools, health care providers, and other professionals. My experience includes previous and current employment in the health care and educational sectors, including hospital and community settings. I typically practice from a cognitive-behavioural therapy model, and use a brief, solution focused approach to therapy. My work with couples and families tends to be more emotionally focused, attachment based, and I use a family systems approach.
I am skilled at providing accurate, comprehensive mental health and educational assessment, and therapy addressing emotional difficulties, impulsivity, self-harm, suicidal ideation, bullying, divorce, trauma, and loss.
I am a clinical psychologist in Calgary, and provide individual, family, as well as group therapy. I also provide comprehensive psychological assessment services, as well as consultation to parents, schools, health care providers, and other professionals. My experience includes previous and current employment in the health care and educational sectors, including hospital and community settings. I typically practice from a cognitive-behavioural therapy model, and use a brief, solution focused approach to therapy. My work with couples and families tends to be more emotionally focused, attachment based, and I use a family systems approach.
(866) 942-9394 View (866) 942-9394
Photo of Ben Bamijoko - Bri Counselling, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Calgary, AB
Ben Bamijoko - Bri Counselling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MEd, MCA, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Calgary, AB T3M
My professional speciality includes supporting people struggling with addictions, abuse, anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, trauma, grief and loss, relationship concerns, behavioral problems, and parenting issues.
I am a culturally affirming Master's level social worker who is passionate about working with diverse populations and creating a non-judgmental space where each client feels heard, respected, and understood. I provide counselling to youth, adults, individuals, couples, and families and I have over 14 years of experience as a clinician on the frontline and in leadership teams. I understand that at times, life’s impacts bring stress, worry, frustration, and anxiety. I work to provide clients with the right support, help, and guidance so that they can cope with challenges and re-discover their path to a more fulfilling life.
My professional speciality includes supporting people struggling with addictions, abuse, anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, trauma, grief and loss, relationship concerns, behavioral problems, and parenting issues.
I am a culturally affirming Master's level social worker who is passionate about working with diverse populations and creating a non-judgmental space where each client feels heard, respected, and understood. I provide counselling to youth, adults, individuals, couples, and families and I have over 14 years of experience as a clinician on the frontline and in leadership teams. I understand that at times, life’s impacts bring stress, worry, frustration, and anxiety. I work to provide clients with the right support, help, and guidance so that they can cope with challenges and re-discover their path to a more fulfilling life.
(587) 849-0921 View (587) 849-0921
Photo of Angeline Murwisi, Counsellor in Calgary, AB
Angeline Murwisi
Counsellor, MSW, BA, RSW
Verified Verified
Calgary, AB T2M
I have experience working with individual teenagers, adults, and couples around the area of trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, couples counselling, parenting, separation and divorce.
Life is a gift and it's beautiful but sometimes it brings us challenges, that maybe difficult to navigate and resolve. Every life challenge has its underlying root causes. Whether they are past or present experiences. I firmly believe that nothing just happens. However, for every life challenge there is HOPE. Hope sustains us.
I have experience working with individual teenagers, adults, and couples around the area of trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, couples counselling, parenting, separation and divorce.
Life is a gift and it's beautiful but sometimes it brings us challenges, that maybe difficult to navigate and resolve. Every life challenge has its underlying root causes. Whether they are past or present experiences. I firmly believe that nothing just happens. However, for every life challenge there is HOPE. Hope sustains us.
(587) 412-5162 View (587) 412-5162
Photo of Michele Fercho, Psychologist in Calgary, AB
Michele Fercho
Psychologist, R, Psych
Verified Verified
Calgary, AB T2S
I have specialized training to deal with trauma, grief and loss.
I strive to hold safe space for people to manage their pain, healing and emotional wellness. I am a committed and experienced Psychologist dedicated to offering exceptional care and providing a full range of supportive, evidence-based and inclusive services. I work with children, adults, couples and families, providing assessments and therapy to support improved mental and emotional health, functioning and wellness. I help address concerns including learning and attention, behaviour, mood, anxiety, trauma, grief, self-esteem, family, parenting and relationship difficulties.
I have specialized training to deal with trauma, grief and loss.
I strive to hold safe space for people to manage their pain, healing and emotional wellness. I am a committed and experienced Psychologist dedicated to offering exceptional care and providing a full range of supportive, evidence-based and inclusive services. I work with children, adults, couples and families, providing assessments and therapy to support improved mental and emotional health, functioning and wellness. I help address concerns including learning and attention, behaviour, mood, anxiety, trauma, grief, self-esteem, family, parenting and relationship difficulties.
(855) 842-3370 View (855) 842-3370
Photo of Christina Vaillancourt Psychological Services, Psychologist in Calgary, AB
Christina Vaillancourt Psychological Services
Psychologist, MC, RPsych
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Calgary, AB T1X
Are you struggling with negative feelings such as anxiety and depression? Or perhaps one of your children is acting out and you need help with how to cope as a parent? I can help with providing assessment and counselling to help put your life back on track. I help adults, children, teens, and their families cope with various challenges, such as separation/divorce, grief/loss, trauma, parent-child conflict, parenting, anxiety, depression, and communication.
Are you struggling with negative feelings such as anxiety and depression? Or perhaps one of your children is acting out and you need help with how to cope as a parent? I can help with providing assessment and counselling to help put your life back on track. I help adults, children, teens, and their families cope with various challenges, such as separation/divorce, grief/loss, trauma, parent-child conflict, parenting, anxiety, depression, and communication.
(587) 604-6587 View (587) 604-6587
Photo of Jason Counselling Services, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Calgary, AB
Jason Counselling Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Calgary, AB T1X
Choosing a therapist with a strong skill base who is a good fit for you makes alI the difference! As a seasoned therapist I have a great deal of experience and training in multiple treatment modalities. I offer trauma informed treatment regarding crisis, loss, relationship issues, stress, depression, anxiety and so much more! I am proud to be able to assist CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS, ADULTS and FAMILIES in a skilled manner. I am easy to talk with, offer confidential and professional service, and am flexible in my hours. I am very dedicated to my clients and offer extremely high quality service.
Choosing a therapist with a strong skill base who is a good fit for you makes alI the difference! As a seasoned therapist I have a great deal of experience and training in multiple treatment modalities. I offer trauma informed treatment regarding crisis, loss, relationship issues, stress, depression, anxiety and so much more! I am proud to be able to assist CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS, ADULTS and FAMILIES in a skilled manner. I am easy to talk with, offer confidential and professional service, and am flexible in my hours. I am very dedicated to my clients and offer extremely high quality service.
(587) 355-3539 View (587) 355-3539

See more therapy options for Calgary

Grief Counsellors

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.