Photo of Catherine Roguski, Counsellor in Exeter, England
Catherine Roguski
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX3
I am experienced in working with anxiety, bereavement, chronic health conditions, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, abuse and trauma.
I work ONLINE and Face-to-Face in Topsham. I have over 40 years experience working effectively in private practice as an integrative holistic healthcare practitioner and previously as a nurse in both the NHS and private healthcare specialising in women’s health. My psychotherapeutic counselling practice draws upon several humanistic, psychodynamic and solution focused approaches incorporating the very best techniques including creative ways of working to best fit your needs. I have a lot of life experience both personally and professionally. I am a good listener. I am not easily shocked.
I am experienced in working with anxiety, bereavement, chronic health conditions, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, abuse and trauma.
I work ONLINE and Face-to-Face in Topsham. I have over 40 years experience working effectively in private practice as an integrative holistic healthcare practitioner and previously as a nurse in both the NHS and private healthcare specialising in women’s health. My psychotherapeutic counselling practice draws upon several humanistic, psychodynamic and solution focused approaches incorporating the very best techniques including creative ways of working to best fit your needs. I have a lot of life experience both personally and professionally. I am a good listener. I am not easily shocked.
01392 549042 View 01392 549042
Photo of Lynda Almond, Counsellor in Exeter, England
Lynda Almond
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Exeter EX1
I am experienced in working with domestic abuse, bereavement, trauma, long term chronic health conditions, neurodiversity, gender and sexual issues, and sexual dysfunction, including compulsive sexual behaviours (sex/porn addiction).
Hello and welcome, I am qualified counsellor/psychotherapist and registered member of the BACP as well as being an Accredited Member of the NCS. I am also a hypnotherapist, life coach and offer meditation and mindfulness as a part of my work. I am currently undertaking a MSc in Contemporary Psychosexual Therapy and work with clients with sexual dysfunction and issues. Currently I offer these sessions at a reduced rate whilst I am completing my MSc. In addition I am undertaking a CPCAB approved Level 5 in Sex Addiction or complusive sexual behaviours, focusing on sex, porn and love addition.
I am experienced in working with domestic abuse, bereavement, trauma, long term chronic health conditions, neurodiversity, gender and sexual issues, and sexual dysfunction, including compulsive sexual behaviours (sex/porn addiction).
Hello and welcome, I am qualified counsellor/psychotherapist and registered member of the BACP as well as being an Accredited Member of the NCS. I am also a hypnotherapist, life coach and offer meditation and mindfulness as a part of my work. I am currently undertaking a MSc in Contemporary Psychosexual Therapy and work with clients with sexual dysfunction and issues. Currently I offer these sessions at a reduced rate whilst I am completing my MSc. In addition I am undertaking a CPCAB approved Level 5 in Sex Addiction or complusive sexual behaviours, focusing on sex, porn and love addition.
01572 494658 View 01572 494658
Photo of Dana Corfield, Counsellor in Exeter, England
Dana Corfield
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Exeter EX1
Whether its depression, anxiety, bereavement, loss, or just feeling stuck and unfulfilled counselling can provide you with a safe confidential space to be share your challenges and really be heard.
Life can often feel both difficult and overwhelming and I offer a peaceful, private and confidential space in which you can talk through some of the issues that might be holding you back or making life feel challenging. Maybe your relationship is feeling buried under family life or intimacy has dwindled. Perhaps you are feeling unhappy at work, or are navigating difficult life events like, divorce or bereavement. Counselling is your time to explore what matters to you. We can decide together what your goals are from counselling and how I can best support you using the very best of current theory, thinking and skills.
Whether its depression, anxiety, bereavement, loss, or just feeling stuck and unfulfilled counselling can provide you with a safe confidential space to be share your challenges and really be heard.
Life can often feel both difficult and overwhelming and I offer a peaceful, private and confidential space in which you can talk through some of the issues that might be holding you back or making life feel challenging. Maybe your relationship is feeling buried under family life or intimacy has dwindled. Perhaps you are feeling unhappy at work, or are navigating difficult life events like, divorce or bereavement. Counselling is your time to explore what matters to you. We can decide together what your goals are from counselling and how I can best support you using the very best of current theory, thinking and skills.
01626 248995 View 01626 248995
Photo of Beverley Beckett. Addiction Complex Trauma Adhd And Relationships, Psychotherapist in Exeter, England
Beverley Beckett. Addiction Complex Trauma Adhd And Relationships
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX1
I regularly work across a number of different areas and can support you if you are struggling with: addiction, trauma, abuse, bereavement, neurodiversity, bullying and relationship issues, gender conflict, self-harm, depression, anxiety or suicide.
Person-centred counselling puts you at the centre of our sessions, while I guide our discussions and support you by introducing psychotherapy tools to provide structure to your thinking. The guiding purpose is to allow you to discover the best way forward for you as an individual - we are all unique. There are a number of reasons why you might want to engage in therapy and often our conversations can cover unexpected topics. I am a fully qualified counsellor and psychotherapist, registered with the BACP and NCPS.
I regularly work across a number of different areas and can support you if you are struggling with: addiction, trauma, abuse, bereavement, neurodiversity, bullying and relationship issues, gender conflict, self-harm, depression, anxiety or suicide.
Person-centred counselling puts you at the centre of our sessions, while I guide our discussions and support you by introducing psychotherapy tools to provide structure to your thinking. The guiding purpose is to allow you to discover the best way forward for you as an individual - we are all unique. There are a number of reasons why you might want to engage in therapy and often our conversations can cover unexpected topics. I am a fully qualified counsellor and psychotherapist, registered with the BACP and NCPS.
07401 263192 View 07401 263192
Photo of Darren Neal, Counsellor in Exeter, England
Darren Neal
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX1  (Online Only)
Being understood and accepted, without judgement and with compassion, is the most important experience we can receive from another person. I have a extensive experience working with trauma(PTSD&CPTSD), bereavement, anxiety (fear), abuse, mental health issues, depression as well as general feelings of hopelessness and sadness and I will offer my experience and knowledge to help empower you to experience yourself, understand yourself and feel more confidant and emotionally connected. I am a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and I can be found on their website.
Being understood and accepted, without judgement and with compassion, is the most important experience we can receive from another person. I have a extensive experience working with trauma(PTSD&CPTSD), bereavement, anxiety (fear), abuse, mental health issues, depression as well as general feelings of hopelessness and sadness and I will offer my experience and knowledge to help empower you to experience yourself, understand yourself and feel more confidant and emotionally connected. I am a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and I can be found on their website.
020 3917 4037 View 020 3917 4037
Photo of Dr Guy Millon, Psychotherapist in Exeter, England
Dr Guy Millon
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX4
I offer psychoanalysis in central Exeter for people who are looking for a space to speak. Contemporary life poses particular challenges to us all; over the course of our lives we are subject to upheaval, loss and chaos. We might feel lost in anxiety and depression; powerless rage hardens us and makes us cynical, dissociation and denial diminish our connections with the world and our own aliveness. Entering into psychoanalysis marks an intention to change your life. Whatever your history, whatever wounds you carry, starting an analysis is an act of radical hope that life could be different.
I offer psychoanalysis in central Exeter for people who are looking for a space to speak. Contemporary life poses particular challenges to us all; over the course of our lives we are subject to upheaval, loss and chaos. We might feel lost in anxiety and depression; powerless rage hardens us and makes us cynical, dissociation and denial diminish our connections with the world and our own aliveness. Entering into psychoanalysis marks an intention to change your life. Whatever your history, whatever wounds you carry, starting an analysis is an act of radical hope that life could be different.
View
Photo of Charlotte Mizen, Counsellor in Exeter, England
Charlotte Mizen
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Exeter EX4
We all experience difficult and painful times in life which sometimes feel too hard or overwhelming to manage alone. I have trained and worked as a counsellor and latterly as a psychotherapist with over ten years of clinical experience in private practice, a local therapeutic institution, and as an honorary psychotherapist in the NHS. Depression, anxiety, stress, loss and separation are some of the more difficult issues we come up against in life which can seriously impact the way we live our lives. My approach is psychoanalytically oriented with a focus on increasing self understanding and deepening insight into emotional issues
We all experience difficult and painful times in life which sometimes feel too hard or overwhelming to manage alone. I have trained and worked as a counsellor and latterly as a psychotherapist with over ten years of clinical experience in private practice, a local therapeutic institution, and as an honorary psychotherapist in the NHS. Depression, anxiety, stress, loss and separation are some of the more difficult issues we come up against in life which can seriously impact the way we live our lives. My approach is psychoanalytically oriented with a focus on increasing self understanding and deepening insight into emotional issues
01392 573820 View 01392 573820
Photo of Christine Martin, Counsellor in Exeter, England
Christine Martin
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Exeter EX1
I have a special interest in the transitions and dilemmas that can occur at any point during a woman’s life. These might include marrying; pregnancy; changes in role; relationship difficulties; and the challenges presented at menopause and during the aging process. It is common to experience uncertainty, confusion, fear, and pressure at times of change or loss. Depression and anxiety may emerge as well as other, less common mental health issues. Times of change or loss can be difficult for everyone. I work with all genders, without discrimination. It is not necessary to have a mental health diagnosis to benefit from our sessions.
I have a special interest in the transitions and dilemmas that can occur at any point during a woman’s life. These might include marrying; pregnancy; changes in role; relationship difficulties; and the challenges presented at menopause and during the aging process. It is common to experience uncertainty, confusion, fear, and pressure at times of change or loss. Depression and anxiety may emerge as well as other, less common mental health issues. Times of change or loss can be difficult for everyone. I work with all genders, without discrimination. It is not necessary to have a mental health diagnosis to benefit from our sessions.
07512 899833 View 07512 899833
Photo of Charlotte Bohan Psychotherapy, Counsellor in Exeter, England
Charlotte Bohan Psychotherapy
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Exeter EX4
You may be experiencing a mental health difficulty, wanting to work through Trauma, low self esteem or your own emotions in a safe way. Within my practice you can be supported non judgementally to move towards your change within the therapeutic relationship- keeping you at it's heart. I am a kind and honest therapist who is engaged in the work with you. I offer longer term work, this might mean exploring gender, a loss or life direction. I work with anxiety, depression, phobia's, which for some people might be short term work, within my practice this is something I offer. I hold a safe place for change for adults 18+.
You may be experiencing a mental health difficulty, wanting to work through Trauma, low self esteem or your own emotions in a safe way. Within my practice you can be supported non judgementally to move towards your change within the therapeutic relationship- keeping you at it's heart. I am a kind and honest therapist who is engaged in the work with you. I offer longer term work, this might mean exploring gender, a loss or life direction. I work with anxiety, depression, phobia's, which for some people might be short term work, within my practice this is something I offer. I hold a safe place for change for adults 18+.
01392 321545 View 01392 321545
Photo of John Doré, Counsellor in Exeter, England
John Doré
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX4
I specialise in the following areas although I recognise that each of us is unique and life's challenges and difficulties cannot always be easily categorised: Stress Anxiety/Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Depression, Bereavement, Trauma, Couples counselling, Abuse, Low self-esteem, Bipolar, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Sexuality, General counselling.
Coming to counselling can feel a little daunting; sharing some of our private thoughts and feelings with someone that we do not know can be hard and can feel a little strange. I will help to make you feel comfortable and at ease by offering you a safe, confidential space for you to talk openly, and at a pace that suits you. I am committed to ensuring that you will feel heard, accepted and understood and I will make every effort to appreciate what it is like to be you and to help you understand your feelings and emotions.
I specialise in the following areas although I recognise that each of us is unique and life's challenges and difficulties cannot always be easily categorised: Stress Anxiety/Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Depression, Bereavement, Trauma, Couples counselling, Abuse, Low self-esteem, Bipolar, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Sexuality, General counselling.
Coming to counselling can feel a little daunting; sharing some of our private thoughts and feelings with someone that we do not know can be hard and can feel a little strange. I will help to make you feel comfortable and at ease by offering you a safe, confidential space for you to talk openly, and at a pace that suits you. I am committed to ensuring that you will feel heard, accepted and understood and I will make every effort to appreciate what it is like to be you and to help you understand your feelings and emotions.
01392 321349 View 01392 321349
Photo of Renee Norris Counselling, 1-2-1, Couples & 13+, Counsellor in Exeter, England
Renee Norris Counselling, 1-2-1, Couples & 13+
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX5
If you are experiencing emotions which you find difficult to manage alone, such as feeling low, feeling anxious, struggling with loss or facing difficulties with relationships, I would like to encourage you be curious and make an appointment and come to meet me.
Clients generally come to me when they are struggling with some aspect of their emotions, thoughts or behaviour. My aim is to help my client with accepting or changing some aspect of these three areas. Every client comes with unique issues and from my seat I view the issues as one, "a block in the road to wellness". I am keenly aware that all clients come with individual goals and I am here to help. Many of my clients use the phrase “I just want to feel better". This is my hope for everyone who engages with me in therapy. “TO FEEL BETTER” I offer confidentiality, openness and transparency at all times.
If you are experiencing emotions which you find difficult to manage alone, such as feeling low, feeling anxious, struggling with loss or facing difficulties with relationships, I would like to encourage you be curious and make an appointment and come to meet me.
Clients generally come to me when they are struggling with some aspect of their emotions, thoughts or behaviour. My aim is to help my client with accepting or changing some aspect of these three areas. Every client comes with unique issues and from my seat I view the issues as one, "a block in the road to wellness". I am keenly aware that all clients come with individual goals and I am here to help. Many of my clients use the phrase “I just want to feel better". This is my hope for everyone who engages with me in therapy. “TO FEEL BETTER” I offer confidentiality, openness and transparency at all times.
01392 531578 View 01392 531578
Photo of Kevin Dudman, Psychotherapist in Exeter, England
Kevin Dudman
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX1
Waitlist for new clients
Hello my name is Kevin. I specialise in the treatment of trauma including accidents, medical trauma, work place and childhood bullying, domestic abuse, rape, sexual abuse and traumatic grief. I can also help you with depression, anxiety, worry, low self -esteem, OCD, phobias, body and self esteem issues, chronic pain, porn and Internet addiction. I am an EMDR Consultant and Accredited CBT Psychotherapist with over thirty years’ experience in working in Mental Health within the NHS. Twenty of these have been in senior positions supervising and supporting the clinical practice of a wide range of psychological therapists.
Hello my name is Kevin. I specialise in the treatment of trauma including accidents, medical trauma, work place and childhood bullying, domestic abuse, rape, sexual abuse and traumatic grief. I can also help you with depression, anxiety, worry, low self -esteem, OCD, phobias, body and self esteem issues, chronic pain, porn and Internet addiction. I am an EMDR Consultant and Accredited CBT Psychotherapist with over thirty years’ experience in working in Mental Health within the NHS. Twenty of these have been in senior positions supervising and supporting the clinical practice of a wide range of psychological therapists.
01354 700709 View 01354 700709
Photo of Gavin Weir-Jones, Psychotherapist in Exeter, England
Gavin Weir-Jones
Psychotherapist, MA, PNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Exeter EX1
My work deals universally with the reduction of suffering, your suffering. Specifically this may include Depression, Anxiety, Low Mood, Loss of purpose, Grief, Relationship issues, managing change and family problems. Often we can be lost in our thinking and we can swing, like a pendulum, between worries of the past and anxieties of the future, never really pausing to be present now. This is normal, we all have these times. However sometimes, some of us get stuck in these places and need some guidance to bring us into balance and offer us support,at difficult times in our lives.
My work deals universally with the reduction of suffering, your suffering. Specifically this may include Depression, Anxiety, Low Mood, Loss of purpose, Grief, Relationship issues, managing change and family problems. Often we can be lost in our thinking and we can swing, like a pendulum, between worries of the past and anxieties of the future, never really pausing to be present now. This is normal, we all have these times. However sometimes, some of us get stuck in these places and need some guidance to bring us into balance and offer us support,at difficult times in our lives.
01392 531589 View 01392 531589
Photo of Andrew Lacey, Counsellor in Exeter, England
Andrew Lacey
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX1
You may be dealing with loss, bereavement, depression, anxiety, low confidence or self-esteem, health or body issues.
Hello, I'm Andrew, a highly experienced counsellor with a warm and non-judgemental approach, working with adults and young people (16+). If you're struggling with a problem or want to get more meaning out of life, counselling may help. I'll work sensitively and honestly with you to support you in what you're going through.
You may be dealing with loss, bereavement, depression, anxiety, low confidence or self-esteem, health or body issues.
Hello, I'm Andrew, a highly experienced counsellor with a warm and non-judgemental approach, working with adults and young people (16+). If you're struggling with a problem or want to get more meaning out of life, counselling may help. I'll work sensitively and honestly with you to support you in what you're going through.
01803 220880 View 01803 220880
Photo of Lina Chen, Psychotherapist in Exeter, England
Lina Chen
Psychotherapist, MSc, COSRT Accred
Verified Verified
Exeter EX4  (Online Only)
Counselling & Psychotherapy: Bereavement & loss; Depression & Anxiety; Low self-confidence & esteem; Life-Changing Distress; Meaning of life.
I'm an integrative psychotherapist specialising in psychosexual and relationship therapy. I trained with London Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy and am a registered member of COSRT. I'm passionate about my work, supporting individuals and couples from all backgrounds including sexual trauma survivors, migrants, LGBTQ+, and GSRD. I offer therapy for a wide range of sexual and relationship issues. I tailor my therapeutic tools and approaches to individual clients’ needs. These include CBT, attachment theory, psychodynamic therapy, imago therapy and existential therapy in addition to a wide range of psychosexual tools.
Counselling & Psychotherapy: Bereavement & loss; Depression & Anxiety; Low self-confidence & esteem; Life-Changing Distress; Meaning of life.
I'm an integrative psychotherapist specialising in psychosexual and relationship therapy. I trained with London Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy and am a registered member of COSRT. I'm passionate about my work, supporting individuals and couples from all backgrounds including sexual trauma survivors, migrants, LGBTQ+, and GSRD. I offer therapy for a wide range of sexual and relationship issues. I tailor my therapeutic tools and approaches to individual clients’ needs. These include CBT, attachment theory, psychodynamic therapy, imago therapy and existential therapy in addition to a wide range of psychosexual tools.
01803 221489 View 01803 221489
Photo of Jennifer Smith, Psychotherapist in Exeter, England
Jennifer Smith
Psychotherapist, PhD, BACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Exeter EX4
Waitlist for new clients
I offer one-to one Psychodynamic, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. This is a well established and evidence-based talking therapy that can effectively treat emotional problems as well as a wide range of mental health conditions including: anxiety, depression and eating disorders. Sessions are booked for the same time every week and range from single to up to three sessions a week. They provide the space to talk about and reflect upon your emotional and relationship difficulties. These are thought about as they relate to your present circumstances but in this type of therapy, they are also considered in relation to your life history.
I offer one-to one Psychodynamic, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. This is a well established and evidence-based talking therapy that can effectively treat emotional problems as well as a wide range of mental health conditions including: anxiety, depression and eating disorders. Sessions are booked for the same time every week and range from single to up to three sessions a week. They provide the space to talk about and reflect upon your emotional and relationship difficulties. These are thought about as they relate to your present circumstances but in this type of therapy, they are also considered in relation to your life history.
01392 573819 View 01392 573819
Photo of Jade Howe, Psychotherapist in Exeter, England
Jade Howe
Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
Verified Verified
Exeter EX4
Hello, I'm Jade. I'm a UKCP (United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapists) Therapist in Training. I offer a warm space where we can explore, together, your reasons for accessing Psychotherapy. I like to think about the benefits of Psychotherapy a little bit like building a house extension, but needing to lay a foundation first. Our original foundation might need some stronger materials or extra scaffolding. Psychotherapy can help to provide that scaffolding, through processing your feelings in a supportive environment. This allows for an exploration of who you are so that you can build your extension, with materials that you choose.
Hello, I'm Jade. I'm a UKCP (United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapists) Therapist in Training. I offer a warm space where we can explore, together, your reasons for accessing Psychotherapy. I like to think about the benefits of Psychotherapy a little bit like building a house extension, but needing to lay a foundation first. Our original foundation might need some stronger materials or extra scaffolding. Psychotherapy can help to provide that scaffolding, through processing your feelings in a supportive environment. This allows for an exploration of who you are so that you can build your extension, with materials that you choose.
01392 321693 View 01392 321693
Photo of Jenna Ledward, Psychotherapist in Exeter, England
Jenna Ledward
Psychotherapist, BACP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX4  (Online Only)
I offer an open hearted, compassionate, and confidential therapeutic safe space, to support you through any emotional and mental dis-ease you may be facing. My aim is to work alongside you and act as your guide to support you through the process of any difficulties you maybe facing and your therapy journey. I understand the challenges of exploring your internal world and feelings, and the strength it takes to make positive change. I believe that feeling safe is imperative to being able to work together, and therefore offer an empathetic and non-judgemental space for you to feel heard and supported.
I offer an open hearted, compassionate, and confidential therapeutic safe space, to support you through any emotional and mental dis-ease you may be facing. My aim is to work alongside you and act as your guide to support you through the process of any difficulties you maybe facing and your therapy journey. I understand the challenges of exploring your internal world and feelings, and the strength it takes to make positive change. I believe that feeling safe is imperative to being able to work together, and therefore offer an empathetic and non-judgemental space for you to feel heard and supported.
01392 321597 View 01392 321597
Photo of Agnieszka (Agnes) Zalewska, Psychoanalysis, Psychotherapist in Exeter, England
Agnieszka (Agnes) Zalewska, Psychoanalysis
Psychotherapist, MA, BPC
Verified Verified
Exeter EX4
I am accredited psychoanalytic psychotherapist, training psychoanalytic psychotherapist approved by the leading providers of training in psychodynamic and psychoanalytic psychotherapy, and a supervisor. I offer a non-judgmental space to talk and think, for how long it is needed, with the minimum frequency of 1-3 sessions per week.
I am accredited psychoanalytic psychotherapist, training psychoanalytic psychotherapist approved by the leading providers of training in psychodynamic and psychoanalytic psychotherapy, and a supervisor. I offer a non-judgmental space to talk and think, for how long it is needed, with the minimum frequency of 1-3 sessions per week.
01392 719348 View 01392 719348
Photo of Pippa Counselling, Counsellor in Exeter, England
Pippa Counselling
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Exeter EX1
My name is Pippa. I'm a compassionate integrative therapist, working with adults aged 18+. You may have a specific issue you want to work through in therapy such as persistent anxiety, relationship challenges, low self esteem or navigating a life change such as divorce. Or perhaps you have a persistent sense of something being wrong and feel that talking to a friendly, compassionate therapist may help. Whatever your reason, reaching out is the first step to changing patterns of behaviour that may be holding you back, with knowledge and tools to gain a sense of purpose, self compassion and start to feel more in control of your life.
My name is Pippa. I'm a compassionate integrative therapist, working with adults aged 18+. You may have a specific issue you want to work through in therapy such as persistent anxiety, relationship challenges, low self esteem or navigating a life change such as divorce. Or perhaps you have a persistent sense of something being wrong and feel that talking to a friendly, compassionate therapist may help. Whatever your reason, reaching out is the first step to changing patterns of behaviour that may be holding you back, with knowledge and tools to gain a sense of purpose, self compassion and start to feel more in control of your life.
01392 321634 View 01392 321634

See more therapy options for Exeter

Bereavement 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.