Photo of Ryta Marie Peschka, Registered Psychotherapist in Ottawa, ON
Ryta Marie Peschka
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, CCAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K1K  (Online Only)
Ryta's training includes, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, motivational interviewing, solution focused therapy, and Mindfulness, grief and bereavement.
“Look outside and you will see yourself. Look inside and you will find yourself.” — Drew Gerald Feeling unsettled? Mind is always in overdrive ? Worried about any and everything? Feeling anxious? Reaching out for help is one of the most courageous things anyone can do. Embarking on a healing journey to re-discovering one’s strengths , acknowledging one’s resilience and finding solutions to presenting challenges is the beginning to finding peace of mind. Ryta works from a holistic strength based perspective and brings over 30 years of experience in counselling and psychotherapy.
Ryta's training includes, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, motivational interviewing, solution focused therapy, and Mindfulness, grief and bereavement.
“Look outside and you will see yourself. Look inside and you will find yourself.” — Drew Gerald Feeling unsettled? Mind is always in overdrive ? Worried about any and everything? Feeling anxious? Reaching out for help is one of the most courageous things anyone can do. Embarking on a healing journey to re-discovering one’s strengths , acknowledging one’s resilience and finding solutions to presenting challenges is the beginning to finding peace of mind. Ryta works from a holistic strength based perspective and brings over 30 years of experience in counselling and psychotherapy.
(343) 305-1093 View (343) 305-1093
Photo of Nurture Ottawa, Registered Social Worker in Ottawa, ON
Nurture Ottawa
Registered Social Worker
Verified Verified
Ottawa, ON K1Z
Nurture Ottawa is dedicated to compassionately supporting and nurturing your grief or caregiver experience. If you are sad, hurt, worried or overwhelmed by grief, loss, life transitions, stress or anxiety, Nurture Ottawa can help you.
Nurture Ottawa is dedicated to compassionately supporting and nurturing your grief or caregiver experience. If you are sad, hurt, worried or overwhelmed by grief, loss, life transitions, stress or anxiety, Nurture Ottawa can help you.
(343) 309-9566 View (343) 309-9566
Photo of Dayna Myles - Holistic Psychotherapy, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in Ottawa, ON
Dayna Myles - Holistic Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP(Q)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K2J  (Online Only)
My areas of specialization include: Grief / Bereavement, Critical Illness (patients and caregivers), Neurodiversity (AD(H)D, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disability), and Psychedelic Preparation and Integration. I work from a holistic and spiritually-informed perspective. I am very passionate about supporting clients through loss and grief, and draw from my own past experiences as both a caregiver and patient undergoing critical illness. I also work with the following: Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, Childhood Trauma Recovery, and clients wanting to explore their Spiritual and Self-Development.
My areas of specialization include: Grief / Bereavement, Critical Illness (patients and caregivers), Neurodiversity (AD(H)D, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disability), and Psychedelic Preparation and Integration. I work from a holistic and spiritually-informed perspective. I am very passionate about supporting clients through loss and grief, and draw from my own past experiences as both a caregiver and patient undergoing critical illness. I also work with the following: Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, Childhood Trauma Recovery, and clients wanting to explore their Spiritual and Self-Development.
(343) 300-0232 View (343) 300-0232
Photo of Pooneh Montazeralsedgh, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in Ottawa, ON
Pooneh Montazeralsedgh
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K2A
Welcome and congratulations on taking the first step! Are you experiencing anxiety, going through life transitions, facing grief and/or simply needing a space to talk? I’m here to walk alongside you on your journey to help co-create the safe and non-judgemental space that you need. As a therapist, I work from a client-centred approach, offering my support through empathetic listening, helping clients expand their self-awareness. Together, we will explore what helps empower you in order to help you proceed mindfully.
Welcome and congratulations on taking the first step! Are you experiencing anxiety, going through life transitions, facing grief and/or simply needing a space to talk? I’m here to walk alongside you on your journey to help co-create the safe and non-judgemental space that you need. As a therapist, I work from a client-centred approach, offering my support through empathetic listening, helping clients expand their self-awareness. Together, we will explore what helps empower you in order to help you proceed mindfully.
(343) 341-5786 View (343) 341-5786
Photo of Sandrine Florent - Soul and Feather Counselling, Registered Psychotherapist in Ottawa, ON
Sandrine Florent - Soul and Feather Counselling
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, CCC, CPMH, NSCCT
Verified Verified
Ottawa, ON K1B
Focusing on African, Black and Caribbean healthcare professionals or high-risk public services professionals facing trauma. Exposure to situations may cause sleeplessness, making you feel exhausted and/or numb in your life. As a black counsellor, I aim to help you navigate those difficulties with Afrocentric and multicultural competencies and lenses. With support, you can overcome overwhelming, invasive struggles and learn to manage them so they are not spilling over into your work or personal life. Together we can make you feel a better sense of balance. Certified CPMH, I also have an interest in Perinatal Grief and Loss.
Focusing on African, Black and Caribbean healthcare professionals or high-risk public services professionals facing trauma. Exposure to situations may cause sleeplessness, making you feel exhausted and/or numb in your life. As a black counsellor, I aim to help you navigate those difficulties with Afrocentric and multicultural competencies and lenses. With support, you can overcome overwhelming, invasive struggles and learn to manage them so they are not spilling over into your work or personal life. Together we can make you feel a better sense of balance. Certified CPMH, I also have an interest in Perinatal Grief and Loss.
(343) 308-2951 View (343) 308-2951
Photo of Leena Sarkar, Registered Social Worker in Ottawa, ON
Leena Sarkar
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K1Y
I offer individual psychotherapy on topics of developmental trauma, personal development, stress and burnout prevention, navigating life changes and transitions, grief and sustainable work.
I have 24 years of experience working with a diverse clientele. I specialize in working with anyone who is going through a major life transition and is in need of support . I welcome activists, artists, sexual, racial and cultural minorities and anyone who is struggling to find their own way through major changes in themselves, their relationships or their work. Therapy helps people uncover and express their needs and process their emotions in a safe environment. Long time patterns and beliefs can be looked at in a compassionate way and new choices can be made that better support one's life and relationships.
I offer individual psychotherapy on topics of developmental trauma, personal development, stress and burnout prevention, navigating life changes and transitions, grief and sustainable work.
I have 24 years of experience working with a diverse clientele. I specialize in working with anyone who is going through a major life transition and is in need of support . I welcome activists, artists, sexual, racial and cultural minorities and anyone who is struggling to find their own way through major changes in themselves, their relationships or their work. Therapy helps people uncover and express their needs and process their emotions in a safe environment. Long time patterns and beliefs can be looked at in a compassionate way and new choices can be made that better support one's life and relationships.
(613) 209-1824 View (613) 209-1824
Photo of Jennifer de Wet Turner, Registered Psychotherapist in Ottawa, ON
Jennifer de Wet Turner
Registered Psychotherapist, MA , CRPO, OAMHP
Verified Verified
Ottawa, ON K1V  (Online Only)
I am an experienced Registered Psychotherapist with an M.A. in Counselling Psychology. I specialize in individual and family issues, couples counselling, grief work and supporting the challenges of living with cancer and dealing with dying. As a therapist, cancer patient, and the mother of six children, my life experience and training has taught me the value of working with each person as a unique, dynamic individual. I have personal experience raising children to adulthood, navigating the challenges and rewards of being in long-term relationships, and dealing with loss, illness and death.
I am an experienced Registered Psychotherapist with an M.A. in Counselling Psychology. I specialize in individual and family issues, couples counselling, grief work and supporting the challenges of living with cancer and dealing with dying. As a therapist, cancer patient, and the mother of six children, my life experience and training has taught me the value of working with each person as a unique, dynamic individual. I have personal experience raising children to adulthood, navigating the challenges and rewards of being in long-term relationships, and dealing with loss, illness and death.
(343) 307-0602 View (343) 307-0602
Photo of Kendra Grant, Registered Psychotherapist in Ottawa, ON
Kendra Grant
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K1Z  (Online Only)
My practice areas include grief and bereavement, caregiver stress, anxiety, trauma, burnout, and depression.
Have you undergone a significant change or loss recently? You may be feeling sad, angry, relieved, shocked, or unsure about if what you’re feeling is normal within your experience. Grief is mentally and physically exhausting and I recognize the strength and courage it takes to reach out to someone for help. You deserve a space to be heard and have someone understand the pain and struggle you’re experiencing. I’m here to walk with you in those emotions and help you navigate them. Finding a therapist whom you feel hears and understands you is important.
My practice areas include grief and bereavement, caregiver stress, anxiety, trauma, burnout, and depression.
Have you undergone a significant change or loss recently? You may be feeling sad, angry, relieved, shocked, or unsure about if what you’re feeling is normal within your experience. Grief is mentally and physically exhausting and I recognize the strength and courage it takes to reach out to someone for help. You deserve a space to be heard and have someone understand the pain and struggle you’re experiencing. I’m here to walk with you in those emotions and help you navigate them. Finding a therapist whom you feel hears and understands you is important.
(343) 307-0908 View (343) 307-0908
Photo of Cecilia Taiana, Registered Psychotherapist in Ottawa, ON
Cecilia Taiana
Registered Psychotherapist, PhD, RP
Verified Verified
Ottawa, ON K1M
I am a Registered Psychotherapist located in Ottawa providing psychodynamic psychotherapy and psychoanalysis to individuals, couples, and families. I work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues, providing services that span from therapy for depression and anxiety to grief counseling, emotional and functional adjustments, PTSD, stress management, couples counseling and beyond. I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each of my clients' individual needs to help them attain personal growth. Typically, you can expect to discuss with me the events currently happening in your life and your personal history relevant to your concerns.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist located in Ottawa providing psychodynamic psychotherapy and psychoanalysis to individuals, couples, and families. I work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues, providing services that span from therapy for depression and anxiety to grief counseling, emotional and functional adjustments, PTSD, stress management, couples counseling and beyond. I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each of my clients' individual needs to help them attain personal growth. Typically, you can expect to discuss with me the events currently happening in your life and your personal history relevant to your concerns.
(855) 727-9659 View (855) 727-9659
Photo of Martha Salguero - Florian, Registered Social Worker in Ottawa, ON
Martha Salguero - Florian
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Ottawa, ON K1S
I provide individual and couples’ therapy to adolescents, adults, and families experiencing a wide range of difficulties including depression, anxiety, self-esteem, relationship challenges, grief, trauma, and work-related stress. My goal as a therapist is to work with you to help you discover strategies for overcoming your most challenging times through compassionate and evidence-based practice.
I provide individual and couples’ therapy to adolescents, adults, and families experiencing a wide range of difficulties including depression, anxiety, self-esteem, relationship challenges, grief, trauma, and work-related stress. My goal as a therapist is to work with you to help you discover strategies for overcoming your most challenging times through compassionate and evidence-based practice.
(343) 307-0536 View (343) 307-0536
Photo of Aniqa Sheikh (Piya's Place), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in Ottawa, ON
Aniqa Sheikh (Piya's Place)
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, BA, BSc
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K2J
Accepting New Clients - Are you feeling stuck and looking to regain momentum in your life? Whether you're grappling with grief, anxiety, trauma, relational conflict, or depression, some experiences can exert a particularly strong hold on us, affecting our sense of self, relationships, and overall well-being. As a registered psychotherapist with training in individual, couples, and family therapy, and with a background in Islamic spirituality and religious studies, I offer holistic, evidence-based psychotherapy and counselling services to my diverse clients.
Accepting New Clients - Are you feeling stuck and looking to regain momentum in your life? Whether you're grappling with grief, anxiety, trauma, relational conflict, or depression, some experiences can exert a particularly strong hold on us, affecting our sense of self, relationships, and overall well-being. As a registered psychotherapist with training in individual, couples, and family therapy, and with a background in Islamic spirituality and religious studies, I offer holistic, evidence-based psychotherapy and counselling services to my diverse clients.
(343) 338-4241 View (343) 338-4241
Photo of Melissa Veerasammy, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in Ottawa, ON
Melissa Veerasammy
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K1Y
I'm here to support you on your journey towards a healthier and happier life. I specialize in helping individuals navigate various challenges, such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, burnout, racial trauma, grief and loss, and building healthier relationships. If you've been struggling with any of these issues, please know that you're not alone, and seeking help is a courageous step toward positive change. Together, we can work towards improving your well-being, building resilience, and fostering healthier connections in your life. Let's embark on this journey together, so you can achieve the peace and fulfillment you deserve.
I'm here to support you on your journey towards a healthier and happier life. I specialize in helping individuals navigate various challenges, such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, burnout, racial trauma, grief and loss, and building healthier relationships. If you've been struggling with any of these issues, please know that you're not alone, and seeking help is a courageous step toward positive change. Together, we can work towards improving your well-being, building resilience, and fostering healthier connections in your life. Let's embark on this journey together, so you can achieve the peace and fulfillment you deserve.
(343) 321-0471 View (343) 321-0471
Photo of Brahm Solomon, Psychologist in Ottawa, ON
Brahm Solomon
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
Ottawa, ON K2P
I offer assessment, therapy, and consultation services to adults and couples contending with a range of challenges related to adjustment to significant life events and transitions, anxiety, depression, end-of-life considerations, grief and loss, interpersonal difficulties, post-traumatic stress, and treatment adherence. While I emphasize an experiential (i.e., emotion-focused, mindfulness-based) approach to therapy, integrated within interpersonal and systems frameworks, I am also able to draw on cognitive-behavioural techniques.
I offer assessment, therapy, and consultation services to adults and couples contending with a range of challenges related to adjustment to significant life events and transitions, anxiety, depression, end-of-life considerations, grief and loss, interpersonal difficulties, post-traumatic stress, and treatment adherence. While I emphasize an experiential (i.e., emotion-focused, mindfulness-based) approach to therapy, integrated within interpersonal and systems frameworks, I am also able to draw on cognitive-behavioural techniques.
(343) 306-1552 View (343) 306-1552
Photo of Mary Jane Beavis, Registered Psychotherapist in Ottawa, ON
Mary Jane Beavis
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, CCC
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K1S  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
As a therapist specializing in trauma, grief and relational issues, I mainly use somatic therapy, accompanied by emotion-focused therapy, family systems, attachment theory and existential therapy.
It takes courage to begin taking steps toward starting therapy. Has your life become too overwhelming and stressful to manage alone? Are you grieving? Trust me, I have been there too, and feeling anxious and fearful is normal. As your therapist, I will walk with you on your healing journey. A safe and supportive ambiance would be created where we can share openly and address your concerns. I would like to help you, especially if you are experiencing relationship/identity issues, anxiety, grief, or trauma. If you are open to working with me, together we could develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your unique goals.
As a therapist specializing in trauma, grief and relational issues, I mainly use somatic therapy, accompanied by emotion-focused therapy, family systems, attachment theory and existential therapy.
It takes courage to begin taking steps toward starting therapy. Has your life become too overwhelming and stressful to manage alone? Are you grieving? Trust me, I have been there too, and feeling anxious and fearful is normal. As your therapist, I will walk with you on your healing journey. A safe and supportive ambiance would be created where we can share openly and address your concerns. I would like to help you, especially if you are experiencing relationship/identity issues, anxiety, grief, or trauma. If you are open to working with me, together we could develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your unique goals.
(343) 321-2718 View (343) 321-2718
Photo of Emily Davison, Registered Social Worker in Ottawa, ON
Emily Davison
Registered Social Worker, BA, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K2H
You are the expert of your experience but some things are holding you back. It's hard to sit in the discomfort, pain, and overwhelm of life's challenges. Maybe you're feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, or alone? That's okay - that's where I come in! I'm a Social Worker with 10 years experience in non-profit, social service, and healthcare spaces. I work with children, teens, and adults experiencing mental health concerns including: anxiety, trauma, loss/grief/bereavement, life transitions, and stress. Together, we can find the tools to help you get "unstuck" and move forward in your life.
You are the expert of your experience but some things are holding you back. It's hard to sit in the discomfort, pain, and overwhelm of life's challenges. Maybe you're feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, or alone? That's okay - that's where I come in! I'm a Social Worker with 10 years experience in non-profit, social service, and healthcare spaces. I work with children, teens, and adults experiencing mental health concerns including: anxiety, trauma, loss/grief/bereavement, life transitions, and stress. Together, we can find the tools to help you get "unstuck" and move forward in your life.
View
Photo of Tara Lewis, Registered Social Worker in Ottawa, ON
Tara Lewis
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K1S
My 20+ years of diverse social-justice counselling experience have helped others to cope with grief, illness, trauma, and the many forms of anxiety and sadness that can result from these changing life circumstances.
I feel incredibly grateful to be able to sit with people and support them in some of the hardest times of their lives. I bring a compassionate, calm and non-judgemental energy to every session, ensuring that you feel safe and heard. I always welcome the difficult conversations, as I know this is where healing happens. My style of therapy is informal, compassionate, and responsive to each person’s unique needs. With a strength-based, real-life, and collaborative approach, I work to provide emotional support and guidance to adults and young adults challenged by the many adjustments to life transitions.
My 20+ years of diverse social-justice counselling experience have helped others to cope with grief, illness, trauma, and the many forms of anxiety and sadness that can result from these changing life circumstances.
I feel incredibly grateful to be able to sit with people and support them in some of the hardest times of their lives. I bring a compassionate, calm and non-judgemental energy to every session, ensuring that you feel safe and heard. I always welcome the difficult conversations, as I know this is where healing happens. My style of therapy is informal, compassionate, and responsive to each person’s unique needs. With a strength-based, real-life, and collaborative approach, I work to provide emotional support and guidance to adults and young adults challenged by the many adjustments to life transitions.
(343) 314-0527 View (343) 314-0527
Photo of Laura Peters-McNeil, Registered Social Worker in Ottawa, ON
Laura Peters-McNeil
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Ottawa, ON K1V  (Online Only)
(Ontario-wide therapy). Hello & welcome. Is your mental load building? Maybe the weight of your loss or trauma feels incredibly heavy to carry and memories are confronting you in waves. You feel anxious, irritable and low in energy and want someone to walk alongside your struggles with you in a warm, respectful, and skilled way. Through both personal & professional experience, my passion formed for helping people better understand their feelings, pain & struggles. Listening with true empathy and attentiveness, I help people work through their stress & anxiety, depression, loss, moral injury, trauma & PTSD, among other challenges.
(Ontario-wide therapy). Hello & welcome. Is your mental load building? Maybe the weight of your loss or trauma feels incredibly heavy to carry and memories are confronting you in waves. You feel anxious, irritable and low in energy and want someone to walk alongside your struggles with you in a warm, respectful, and skilled way. Through both personal & professional experience, my passion formed for helping people better understand their feelings, pain & struggles. Listening with true empathy and attentiveness, I help people work through their stress & anxiety, depression, loss, moral injury, trauma & PTSD, among other challenges.
(343) 549-2886 View (343) 549-2886
Photo of Sue MacPherson, Registered Psychotherapist in Ottawa, ON
Sue MacPherson
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, CCC
Verified Verified
Ottawa, ON K2H
The focus of my work is with individuals (adults 18+) and I journey with people who are facing challenges related to trauma and PTSD, anxiety, behavioural issues, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, self-esteem and spirituality.
My approach is person centered, holistic and supportive. It is based on a belief that every person has the unique potential to discover and develop their own inner resources and strengths. Our time together will provide you with a safe and collaborative space within which you may explore your life challenges, the changes you may wish to make that can lead towards greater personal insight, growth and wholeness. ​
The focus of my work is with individuals (adults 18+) and I journey with people who are facing challenges related to trauma and PTSD, anxiety, behavioural issues, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, self-esteem and spirituality.
My approach is person centered, holistic and supportive. It is based on a belief that every person has the unique potential to discover and develop their own inner resources and strengths. Our time together will provide you with a safe and collaborative space within which you may explore your life challenges, the changes you may wish to make that can lead towards greater personal insight, growth and wholeness. ​
(343) 800-5988 View (343) 800-5988
Photo of Tara Cohen Wellness/OCP, Registered Social Worker in Ottawa, ON
Tara Cohen Wellness/OCP
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K2B
* Currently accepting new clients* I specialize in working with individuals, families and groups in adjusting to illness, enhancing quality of life up to death, caregiver stress, end of life concerns, and bereavement. I am passionate about facilitating difficult conversations and will support you as you connect with your inherent strength and resilience and make meaning of challenging times. I am a Registered Social Worker and certified mindfulness instructor (MBSR Ottawa, University of Toronto). I offer counselling to individuals (16+), families, and groups.
* Currently accepting new clients* I specialize in working with individuals, families and groups in adjusting to illness, enhancing quality of life up to death, caregiver stress, end of life concerns, and bereavement. I am passionate about facilitating difficult conversations and will support you as you connect with your inherent strength and resilience and make meaning of challenging times. I am a Registered Social Worker and certified mindfulness instructor (MBSR Ottawa, University of Toronto). I offer counselling to individuals (16+), families, and groups.
(613) 801-2721 View (613) 801-2721
Photo of Linnea Elizabeth McPhail, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in Ottawa, ON
Linnea Elizabeth McPhail
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA, DVATI, RP(Q)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K2P
You may be struggling to hold everything together. You may feel helpless, or that no one around you understands how you are feeling. You might be easily distracted. You feel hopeless & may lack the motivation to get through even the most basic of tasks. You might feel anxious, depressed, or just blah. You may be caring for a young human who is struggling in school or at home. They may be sensitive & have a big heart but struggle to cope with their big emotions. As an Art Therapist & Death Doula, I can help folks work with difficult emotions one may be experiencing, together in a space created with safety, kindness, & compassion.
You may be struggling to hold everything together. You may feel helpless, or that no one around you understands how you are feeling. You might be easily distracted. You feel hopeless & may lack the motivation to get through even the most basic of tasks. You might feel anxious, depressed, or just blah. You may be caring for a young human who is struggling in school or at home. They may be sensitive & have a big heart but struggle to cope with their big emotions. As an Art Therapist & Death Doula, I can help folks work with difficult emotions one may be experiencing, together in a space created with safety, kindness, & compassion.
(343) 308-0586 View (343) 308-0586

See more therapy options for Ottawa

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.