Bereavement Counselling in Mayfair, London

Photo of Venetia Leonidaki, Psychologist in Mayfair, London, England
Venetia Leonidaki
Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Mayfair, London W1K
We could all do with help sometimes. I get it. Our world is imperfect and challenging and there is no way to know what life throws next. You may have experienced a loss or trauma and others around you cannot grasp its magnitude. Or you may have resorted to ways of coping that harm you and cannot break free. Or perhaps you are tired of recurrent disappointments, rejections, criticism that have affected how you feel within yourself and your relationships. Forming a genuine connection with each other in therapy will hopefully make it possible for you to work toward changes or make what you cannot change easier to bear.
We could all do with help sometimes. I get it. Our world is imperfect and challenging and there is no way to know what life throws next. You may have experienced a loss or trauma and others around you cannot grasp its magnitude. Or you may have resorted to ways of coping that harm you and cannot break free. Or perhaps you are tired of recurrent disappointments, rejections, criticism that have affected how you feel within yourself and your relationships. Forming a genuine connection with each other in therapy will hopefully make it possible for you to work toward changes or make what you cannot change easier to bear.
020 3917 4668 View 020 3917 4668
Photo of Dr Gertrude Reiss, Psychotherapist in Mayfair, London, England
Dr Gertrude Reiss
Psychotherapist, PhD, BPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mayfair, London W1B
As a Psychotherapist, I provide support to individuals who are seeking professional guidance in navigating processes of change in their lives. It is common for people to experience periods of anxiety or depression. You may find yourself feeling stagnant, lacking motivation, or grappling with a traumatic experience or loss that impacts your life. Work-related stress and relationship difficulties are also commonplace, as is the pursuit of self-development. Therapy provides an opportunity to explore and understand these challenges, fostering self-understanding and enhancing interpersonal relationships.
As a Psychotherapist, I provide support to individuals who are seeking professional guidance in navigating processes of change in their lives. It is common for people to experience periods of anxiety or depression. You may find yourself feeling stagnant, lacking motivation, or grappling with a traumatic experience or loss that impacts your life. Work-related stress and relationship difficulties are also commonplace, as is the pursuit of self-development. Therapy provides an opportunity to explore and understand these challenges, fostering self-understanding and enhancing interpersonal relationships.
020 3915 5910 View 020 3915 5910
Photo of Maggie Jamieson, Psychotherapist in Mayfair, London, England
Maggie Jamieson
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Mayfair, London W1K
My particular skill is in bereavement work, this includes being experienced in working with traumatic bereavements such as suicides, accident, death of a child.
I'm a UKCP Reg. Integrative Psychotherapist with over 15 years’ experience. Central to my approach is the belief that self awareness is key to wellbeing, so I'll ask you to slow down, take some space and look with curiosity and compassion (not self-criticism) into who you are, how you see yourself and the path of your life thus far. Reflecting on your life history brings a bigger perspective, along with more clarity, on whatever may be troubling you now; helping you regain your balance and find your best way forward. I offer a focused space where you’ll be listened to without judgment and taken seriously.
My particular skill is in bereavement work, this includes being experienced in working with traumatic bereavements such as suicides, accident, death of a child.
I'm a UKCP Reg. Integrative Psychotherapist with over 15 years’ experience. Central to my approach is the belief that self awareness is key to wellbeing, so I'll ask you to slow down, take some space and look with curiosity and compassion (not self-criticism) into who you are, how you see yourself and the path of your life thus far. Reflecting on your life history brings a bigger perspective, along with more clarity, on whatever may be troubling you now; helping you regain your balance and find your best way forward. I offer a focused space where you’ll be listened to without judgment and taken seriously.
020 3319 1319 View 020 3319 1319
Photo of Virginie Sussest, Counsellor in Mayfair, London, England
Virginie Sussest
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Mayfair, London N16
Feeling depressed, anxious and unworthy; suffering loss, bereavement, relationship issues, or just wanting to make sense of the world and know yourself better? Counselling can help. As a psychotherapist my main concern is to provide you with an environment where you fell feel safe and accepted. A place where you can speak freely and reflect without be judged regardless of who you are. A safe place where you can grow and blossom - I will not offer advice, but will offer a response appropriate to the material you have shared, perhaps offering a new perspective. Finding the right counsellor is a very important step in a person’s life.
Feeling depressed, anxious and unworthy; suffering loss, bereavement, relationship issues, or just wanting to make sense of the world and know yourself better? Counselling can help. As a psychotherapist my main concern is to provide you with an environment where you fell feel safe and accepted. A place where you can speak freely and reflect without be judged regardless of who you are. A safe place where you can grow and blossom - I will not offer advice, but will offer a response appropriate to the material you have shared, perhaps offering a new perspective. Finding the right counsellor is a very important step in a person’s life.
01296 327585 View 01296 327585
Photo of Geri Walker, Counsellor in Mayfair, London, England
Geri Walker
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Mayfair, London W1K
Areas I work with, but not limited to, include depression, generalised anxiety disorder, panic, stress , burnout, illness, bereavement, loss, grief, self -esteem, shame, self -harm, trauma, sexual abuse, relationship difficulties , life transitions, identity, sexuality , cross-cultural issues, spirituality, young adults, mid-life and later -life issues .
I am an empathic and intuitive psychotherapeutic counsellor. When working with you, I consider the impact of your past as well as what is happening in your life now. I work at your pace drawing on our therapeutic relationship to help you deepen your understanding of other relationships. By paying attention to the mind, emotion and body connection, I help you uncover what may not yet be obvious. Connecting with these deeper aspects of self can help you experience life more fully, uncover hidden potential and understand what is blocking you. My training was in Integrative Transpersonal Counselling and I am a trained yoga teacher.
Areas I work with, but not limited to, include depression, generalised anxiety disorder, panic, stress , burnout, illness, bereavement, loss, grief, self -esteem, shame, self -harm, trauma, sexual abuse, relationship difficulties , life transitions, identity, sexuality , cross-cultural issues, spirituality, young adults, mid-life and later -life issues .
I am an empathic and intuitive psychotherapeutic counsellor. When working with you, I consider the impact of your past as well as what is happening in your life now. I work at your pace drawing on our therapeutic relationship to help you deepen your understanding of other relationships. By paying attention to the mind, emotion and body connection, I help you uncover what may not yet be obvious. Connecting with these deeper aspects of self can help you experience life more fully, uncover hidden potential and understand what is blocking you. My training was in Integrative Transpersonal Counselling and I am a trained yoga teacher.
020 8051 4560 View 020 8051 4560
Photo of Brenda Denise Clarke-Wills Bsc (Hons) Psych (Open), Counsellor in Mayfair, London, England
Brenda Denise Clarke-Wills Bsc (Hons) Psych (Open)
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mayfair, London W1S  (Online Only)
I can help with: abuse, anxiety, bereavement, cultural issues, depression, loss, post-traumatic stress, relationships (couples), trauma, low mood, sense of self, self-esteem and confidence. Also, developing resilience and the capacity to be with unbearable feelings; personal growth and transformation; healing from trauma and emotional hurts; overcoming stress, burnout; anxiety; overcoming negative life patterns that are holding you back, developing healthy boundaries; stopping the intergenerational transmission of negative emotional patterns, combating negative relationship dynamics; connecting more deeply with your inner self, etc.
I can help with: abuse, anxiety, bereavement, cultural issues, depression, loss, post-traumatic stress, relationships (couples), trauma, low mood, sense of self, self-esteem and confidence. Also, developing resilience and the capacity to be with unbearable feelings; personal growth and transformation; healing from trauma and emotional hurts; overcoming stress, burnout; anxiety; overcoming negative life patterns that are holding you back, developing healthy boundaries; stopping the intergenerational transmission of negative emotional patterns, combating negative relationship dynamics; connecting more deeply with your inner self, etc.
020 4538 9131 View 020 4538 9131
Photo of Paola Filotico, Psychologist in Mayfair, London, England
Paola Filotico
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Mayfair, London W1K  (Online Only)
Sometimes life hits hard and we find it hard to cope. Sometimes everything seems to be well, and still, we are unhappy. There are times when we feel haunted by our past, and times when we just don’t understand some parts of ourselves - thoughts, emotions, or even physical pain. And we are going through increasing global uncertainty: Covid, the current political and financial situation, wars and climate change are only a few of the unsettling topic we are exposed to 24/7 - we are facing a previously unimaginable amount of collective stress, anxiety and grief.
Sometimes life hits hard and we find it hard to cope. Sometimes everything seems to be well, and still, we are unhappy. There are times when we feel haunted by our past, and times when we just don’t understand some parts of ourselves - thoughts, emotions, or even physical pain. And we are going through increasing global uncertainty: Covid, the current political and financial situation, wars and climate change are only a few of the unsettling topic we are exposed to 24/7 - we are facing a previously unimaginable amount of collective stress, anxiety and grief.
020 8059 8389 View 020 8059 8389
Photo of Virginia Toole, Counsellor in Mayfair, London, England
Virginia Toole
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Mayfair, London SW1Y  (Online Only)
Do you feel ripped apart and shaken to your core? You don't want to be a burden to friends and can't talk to family, it is all so overwhelming. The deepest pit of despair and hurt, mixed emotions, anguish, anger, confusion, barely coping with intense non-stop life changes. Loss of family, partner or treasured friends, sudden or chronic terminal illness, loss of the person you used to be, ageing, guilty lifestyle, fear of a new job and moving, or the prickling heartache from loss of your pet. You don’t even have the strength to take the next step, to pull yourself through while trying to reach your old self. You need a safe space.
Do you feel ripped apart and shaken to your core? You don't want to be a burden to friends and can't talk to family, it is all so overwhelming. The deepest pit of despair and hurt, mixed emotions, anguish, anger, confusion, barely coping with intense non-stop life changes. Loss of family, partner or treasured friends, sudden or chronic terminal illness, loss of the person you used to be, ageing, guilty lifestyle, fear of a new job and moving, or the prickling heartache from loss of your pet. You don’t even have the strength to take the next step, to pull yourself through while trying to reach your old self. You need a safe space.
01254 781838 View 01254 781838
Photo of Laura Panetta, Psychotherapist in Mayfair, London, England
Laura Panetta
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Mayfair, London W1W
I am a psychotherapist registered with the UK Council for Psychotherapists, a psychodramatist registered with the British Psychodrama Association (BPA) and I hold a BSc degree in Psychology. My approach is integrative and holistic, drawing from a wide range of theories. I use creative action methods besides talking therapy, to explore your challenges in a safe and supportive space – for short, medium, or long-term individual therapy. I work with a wide variety of concerns - depression, anxiety, childhood issues, eating disorders, relationship difficulties, parenting, grief, addictions, psychiatric diagnoses, or personal growth.
I am a psychotherapist registered with the UK Council for Psychotherapists, a psychodramatist registered with the British Psychodrama Association (BPA) and I hold a BSc degree in Psychology. My approach is integrative and holistic, drawing from a wide range of theories. I use creative action methods besides talking therapy, to explore your challenges in a safe and supportive space – for short, medium, or long-term individual therapy. I work with a wide variety of concerns - depression, anxiety, childhood issues, eating disorders, relationship difficulties, parenting, grief, addictions, psychiatric diagnoses, or personal growth.
020 7123 8436 View 020 7123 8436
Photo of Leslie Muetzelfeldt, Psychologist in Mayfair, London, England
Leslie Muetzelfeldt
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mayfair, London W1K
My clients come to me looking for help with a range of difficulties from self-exploration, improving mood, or healing past traumas. I work with conditions such as anxiety, depression, OCD, adjustment to disability, loss, fertility issues and trauma. I also work with clients who may be wanting to improve relationships, a change in their work-life balance, or are struggling with a sense of purpose and meaning.
My clients come to me looking for help with a range of difficulties from self-exploration, improving mood, or healing past traumas. I work with conditions such as anxiety, depression, OCD, adjustment to disability, loss, fertility issues and trauma. I also work with clients who may be wanting to improve relationships, a change in their work-life balance, or are struggling with a sense of purpose and meaning.
020 4538 3701 View 020 4538 3701
Photo of Anita Sarin, Psychotherapist in Mayfair, London, England
Anita Sarin
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Mayfair, London W1S
Counselling and psychotherapy can help with a range of issues including - anxiety - bereavement - depression - divorce or separation - family and childhood difficulties - insomnia and sleep problems and relationship difficulties.
Contacting a therapist might seem daunting at first but therapy can provide a confidential and non-judgemental space to make sense of current concerns. Speaking in confidence can help you less burdened and enable you to work towards living a more fulfilling life.
Counselling and psychotherapy can help with a range of issues including - anxiety - bereavement - depression - divorce or separation - family and childhood difficulties - insomnia and sleep problems and relationship difficulties.
Contacting a therapist might seem daunting at first but therapy can provide a confidential and non-judgemental space to make sense of current concerns. Speaking in confidence can help you less burdened and enable you to work towards living a more fulfilling life.
020 3974 2529 View 020 3974 2529
Photo of Virginia M Geffroy, Psychotherapist in Mayfair, London, England
Virginia M Geffroy
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mayfair, London W1K
My experience includes working with low moods, anxiety, stress, bereavement, relationship & identity difficulties, diagnosed mental health conditions such as eating disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD), Dissociation, General Anxiety Disorders and depression.
I am an accredited integrative psychotherapist (MBACP) with a special focus on trauma and dissociation. I work relationally, which means that, through the therapeutic relationship, you are encouraged to understand how early experiences and past relationships impact on your present difficulties. In order to access emotions and past traumatic experiences trapped in the body I sometimes use a more mindful and somatic approach in addition to traditional talking therapies. Of special interest to me is how unresolved and traumatic experiences can be healed and transformed by a greater integration of the mind and body.
My experience includes working with low moods, anxiety, stress, bereavement, relationship & identity difficulties, diagnosed mental health conditions such as eating disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD), Dissociation, General Anxiety Disorders and depression.
I am an accredited integrative psychotherapist (MBACP) with a special focus on trauma and dissociation. I work relationally, which means that, through the therapeutic relationship, you are encouraged to understand how early experiences and past relationships impact on your present difficulties. In order to access emotions and past traumatic experiences trapped in the body I sometimes use a more mindful and somatic approach in addition to traditional talking therapies. Of special interest to me is how unresolved and traumatic experiences can be healed and transformed by a greater integration of the mind and body.
01748 901264 View 01748 901264
Photo of Ernesto Brea, Psychotherapist in Mayfair, London, England
Ernesto Brea
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Mayfair, London W1G  (Online Only)
Hi, there My name is Ernesto, a UK-trained Online Counsellor and Psychotherapist who has been providing therapy for over a decade to adults from diverse backgrounds, including those who identify as part of the LGBTIQ+ community and members of ethnic minority groups. My experience has been mainly derived from working in a private practice setting and rendering my services to multicultural institutions, including sexual health clinics on the NHS in Central London. Ive worked with a range of presenting issues: Trauma, grief, loss, relationships & difficulties relating to sexuality as well as helping people make big life transitions.
Hi, there My name is Ernesto, a UK-trained Online Counsellor and Psychotherapist who has been providing therapy for over a decade to adults from diverse backgrounds, including those who identify as part of the LGBTIQ+ community and members of ethnic minority groups. My experience has been mainly derived from working in a private practice setting and rendering my services to multicultural institutions, including sexual health clinics on the NHS in Central London. Ive worked with a range of presenting issues: Trauma, grief, loss, relationships & difficulties relating to sexuality as well as helping people make big life transitions.
020 3879 4257 View 020 3879 4257
Photo of Helen Caro, Counsellor in Mayfair, London, England
Helen Caro
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Mayfair, London W1K
I am fully qualified Integrative Relational Counsellor. This means that I draw upon a variety of skills and approaches depending on what your needs and personality requires. Above all else, I believe that it is the relationship between you and I that will offer the best opportunity for change. I see clients with a wide range of issues and rest assured no matter how big or small the problem seems to you, you will be treated with warmth and respect. Some of the challenges I work with include: Anxiety, Depression, General low mood, Bereavement, Low self-confidence and self-esteem and stress. This list is by no means exhaustive.
I am fully qualified Integrative Relational Counsellor. This means that I draw upon a variety of skills and approaches depending on what your needs and personality requires. Above all else, I believe that it is the relationship between you and I that will offer the best opportunity for change. I see clients with a wide range of issues and rest assured no matter how big or small the problem seems to you, you will be treated with warmth and respect. Some of the challenges I work with include: Anxiety, Depression, General low mood, Bereavement, Low self-confidence and self-esteem and stress. This list is by no means exhaustive.
07593 511810 View 07593 511810
Photo of Gina Phillips, Counsellor in Mayfair, London, England
Gina Phillips
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Mayfair, London W1B
This informs my practice which includes working with a wide variety of issues including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, addiction, relationship and workplace issues and bereavement.
I am an experienced BACP accredited counsellor with an Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling and a Post Graduate Certificate in CBT. I believe that the most important aspect of counselling is a strong therapeutic relationship between counsellor and client. I aim to provide a warm, safe, supportive, non-judgemental space, which allows you to challenge established ways of thinking and being. Working collaboratively I aim to help you evaluate your needs to gain a deeper understanding and practical tools to enable you to make empowered choices.
This informs my practice which includes working with a wide variety of issues including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, addiction, relationship and workplace issues and bereavement.
I am an experienced BACP accredited counsellor with an Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling and a Post Graduate Certificate in CBT. I believe that the most important aspect of counselling is a strong therapeutic relationship between counsellor and client. I aim to provide a warm, safe, supportive, non-judgemental space, which allows you to challenge established ways of thinking and being. Working collaboratively I aim to help you evaluate your needs to gain a deeper understanding and practical tools to enable you to make empowered choices.
020 4538 1064 View 020 4538 1064
Photo of Lee Martin Mbacp(Sen Accred) Emdr(Accred) Ma Ba(Hons) Pg-Dip, Psychotherapist in Mayfair, London, England
Lee Martin Mbacp(Sen Accred) Emdr(Accred) Ma Ba(Hons) Pg-Dip
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
Mayfair, London W1J  (Online Only)
Hello and Welcome, Life has indeed become complex. Many of us are now struggling with our mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings have risen to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a Master Degree and EMDR Accredited, I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues and undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
Hello and Welcome, Life has indeed become complex. Many of us are now struggling with our mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings have risen to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a Master Degree and EMDR Accredited, I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues and undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
01494 326461 View 01494 326461
Photo of Dr Paula Bermudez, Psychologist in Mayfair, London, England
Dr Paula Bermudez
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mayfair, London W1B  (Online Only)
Are you struggling with issues related to trauma, grief, relationships, anxiety, or major life changes? There comes a time when we need some help from a certified professional to help cope with many of life’s challenges. I’m a qualified Counselling Psychologist, and I'd love to help you on your journey toward healing and self-discovery. My goal is to offer you an opportunity to explore and make sense of your past and present experiences, to empower you to know and understand yourself more deeply, so you can make conscious choices about how you want to live your life in a way that is meaningful to you.
Are you struggling with issues related to trauma, grief, relationships, anxiety, or major life changes? There comes a time when we need some help from a certified professional to help cope with many of life’s challenges. I’m a qualified Counselling Psychologist, and I'd love to help you on your journey toward healing and self-discovery. My goal is to offer you an opportunity to explore and make sense of your past and present experiences, to empower you to know and understand yourself more deeply, so you can make conscious choices about how you want to live your life in a way that is meaningful to you.
020 3962 0241 View 020 3962 0241
Photo of Besarta Zogaj, Psychologist in Mayfair, London, England
Besarta Zogaj
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Mayfair, London W1J
You are not broken. You may be experiencing emotional injury, and/or psychological distress, but this does not communicate brokenness. On the contrary, this communicates an emotional BUILD. You might be struggling with symptoms of anxiety, depression, women's issues, trauma, grief, loss, low self-esteem, low self-worth, etc. It may even be likely that you have learned how to live in a way that attempts to guard you from any additional emotional injuries. Essentially, your life experiential may have taught you how to build a wall of emotional defense, but that is not your truest self
You are not broken. You may be experiencing emotional injury, and/or psychological distress, but this does not communicate brokenness. On the contrary, this communicates an emotional BUILD. You might be struggling with symptoms of anxiety, depression, women's issues, trauma, grief, loss, low self-esteem, low self-worth, etc. It may even be likely that you have learned how to live in a way that attempts to guard you from any additional emotional injuries. Essentially, your life experiential may have taught you how to build a wall of emotional defense, but that is not your truest self
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Photo of Joanne Bell, Psychotherapist in Mayfair, London, England
Joanne Bell
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Mayfair, London W1K
As well as difficult life events such as illness, bereavement and relationship problems.
In my experience every client comes to therapy with a unique set of life circumstances. Sometimes these contribute to personal and emotional problems which can feel overwhelming or even insurmountable. Often, it is at this point that a person reaches out for professional help. They may identify that low mood, negative thinking, stress or relationship problems are impediments to living a good life and they will want help to restore healthy self-esteem, confidence, balance and self-worth. Often clients are looking for a supportive, non-judgmental, compassionate and caring professional to guide them on their journey to wellbeing.
As well as difficult life events such as illness, bereavement and relationship problems.
In my experience every client comes to therapy with a unique set of life circumstances. Sometimes these contribute to personal and emotional problems which can feel overwhelming or even insurmountable. Often, it is at this point that a person reaches out for professional help. They may identify that low mood, negative thinking, stress or relationship problems are impediments to living a good life and they will want help to restore healthy self-esteem, confidence, balance and self-worth. Often clients are looking for a supportive, non-judgmental, compassionate and caring professional to guide them on their journey to wellbeing.
020 3835 6345 View 020 3835 6345
Photo of Janie Cartledge, Counsellor in Mayfair, London, England
Janie Cartledge
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Mayfair, London W1K
I have specialist experience of working with life limiting conditions and bereavement.
We have all had a unique and perhaps upsetting experience of a global phenomenon. As you step out into your new normal, you may need some help to process your experiences and how to shape your future within this new landscape. I offer professional support through a variety of theories and techniques to deal with immediate feelings of stress as well as deeper exploration of how historical experiences may have affected your current responses and reactions. It is important that you feel in control of your own therapeutic journey and I therefore offer support at your individual pace and to support your hopes and aspirations.
I have specialist experience of working with life limiting conditions and bereavement.
We have all had a unique and perhaps upsetting experience of a global phenomenon. As you step out into your new normal, you may need some help to process your experiences and how to shape your future within this new landscape. I offer professional support through a variety of theories and techniques to deal with immediate feelings of stress as well as deeper exploration of how historical experiences may have affected your current responses and reactions. It is important that you feel in control of your own therapeutic journey and I therefore offer support at your individual pace and to support your hopes and aspirations.
07723 463359 View 07723 463359

See more therapy options for Mayfair, London

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.