Bereavement Counselling in Cheltenham

Photo of Debbie Barron, MBACP, Counsellor
Debbie Barron
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL52
I have a personal interest in working with bereavement.
We all need help as it can be hard when you are struggling with issues in life and with stressful situations. You might be feeling anxious, stuck or even overwhelmed and unable to tackle life's challenges on your own. I'm a qualified, BACP registered and experienced Humanistic counsellor practising in Cheltenham and West London. I offer non-judgemental, supportive and understanding counselling, provided in a safe space, where you can explore and express what is troubling you. I am committed to helping my clients make sense of and work through their difficulties to make changes that are important to them.
I have a personal interest in working with bereavement.
We all need help as it can be hard when you are struggling with issues in life and with stressful situations. You might be feeling anxious, stuck or even overwhelmed and unable to tackle life's challenges on your own. I'm a qualified, BACP registered and experienced Humanistic counsellor practising in Cheltenham and West London. I offer non-judgemental, supportive and understanding counselling, provided in a safe space, where you can explore and express what is troubling you. I am committed to helping my clients make sense of and work through their difficulties to make changes that are important to them.
01748 902228 View 01748 902228
Photo of Shelley Marie Alcock - Cheltenham’s Counselling Centre  , DCounsPsych, BACP, Counsellor
Cheltenham’s Counselling Centre
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, BACP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
I have experience with working with adults of all ages, teenagers and younger children on a wide range of issues including: anxiety, identity, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, stress, grief, domestic abuse, sexual abuse, relationship issues, eating disorders, self-harm, and more.
Hello my name is Shelley and I am a qualified adult and child Therapeutic Counsellor. I have a vast amount of experience as a pastoral worker working in schools and as a counsellor working for a charity. I am a member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and offer face to face or online sessions . These sessions provide a confidential, supportive environment where clients can feel safe and explore the work through any emotional or life difficulties. I believe by offering online counselling this gives each individual the ability to reach their true potential within the safety of their chosen space.
I have experience with working with adults of all ages, teenagers and younger children on a wide range of issues including: anxiety, identity, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, stress, grief, domestic abuse, sexual abuse, relationship issues, eating disorders, self-harm, and more.
Hello my name is Shelley and I am a qualified adult and child Therapeutic Counsellor. I have a vast amount of experience as a pastoral worker working in schools and as a counsellor working for a charity. I am a member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and offer face to face or online sessions . These sessions provide a confidential, supportive environment where clients can feel safe and explore the work through any emotional or life difficulties. I believe by offering online counselling this gives each individual the ability to reach their true potential within the safety of their chosen space.
01242 339245 View 01242 339245
Photo of Sophie Page, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Sophie Page
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
I work with a variety of clients including those with anxiety, depression, bereavement and trauma.
Hello, I'm Sophie and I am a qualified, experienced counsellor working in a calm space in Central Cheltenham. I provide Face-to-Face counselling or online counselling, to suit your needs. It is not easy to make the decision to come to counselling and it takes courage to seek the help that you feel you might need. There are many reasons that someone might seek out counselling: Perhaps you are feeling stuck, finding it hard to make a change? Maybe you are feeling anxious, depressed or in a low mood that feels hard to shift? Perhaps there is something in your past which is having an impact on how you feel now in your life?
I work with a variety of clients including those with anxiety, depression, bereavement and trauma.
Hello, I'm Sophie and I am a qualified, experienced counsellor working in a calm space in Central Cheltenham. I provide Face-to-Face counselling or online counselling, to suit your needs. It is not easy to make the decision to come to counselling and it takes courage to seek the help that you feel you might need. There are many reasons that someone might seek out counselling: Perhaps you are feeling stuck, finding it hard to make a change? Maybe you are feeling anxious, depressed or in a low mood that feels hard to shift? Perhaps there is something in your past which is having an impact on how you feel now in your life?
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Photo of Chris Matcham, MA, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Chris Matcham
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL52
Loss of a loved person or pet, or a once-wished-for future that now feels very difficult to imagine, our work can help these difficulties feel more manageable.
Let's work together to figure out the next steps to feeling better: Seeking help, as you are doing by searching this site, is a brave and important step in satisfying your own needs - in doing this, you are already creating some relief and a pathway towards yourself as you wish to be. You may feel lost or confused as to what comes next, but you have already shown that you can think in new ways and adapt in order to change a situation which isn’t working for you. Our task is to get in touch with feelings that can further open up your awareness, to allow change to happen.
Loss of a loved person or pet, or a once-wished-for future that now feels very difficult to imagine, our work can help these difficulties feel more manageable.
Let's work together to figure out the next steps to feeling better: Seeking help, as you are doing by searching this site, is a brave and important step in satisfying your own needs - in doing this, you are already creating some relief and a pathway towards yourself as you wish to be. You may feel lost or confused as to what comes next, but you have already shown that you can think in new ways and adapt in order to change a situation which isn’t working for you. Our task is to get in touch with feelings that can further open up your awareness, to allow change to happen.
07480 538802 View 07480 538802
Photo of Susannah Newell, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Susannah Newell
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL53
Hello. As an experienced psychotherapist, I can help you manage current life challenges like sudden changes or losses; anxiety; relationship issues; bereavement; loneliness; parenthood; depression or past experiences intruding on your present. Sometimes clients come with a more general sense of unfulfilment or want to know themselves better. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to share your load, rather than carrying it alone. Psychotherapy offers vital connection, support and opportunity to work things through with an empathic, trained professional totally unconnected to your life.
Hello. As an experienced psychotherapist, I can help you manage current life challenges like sudden changes or losses; anxiety; relationship issues; bereavement; loneliness; parenthood; depression or past experiences intruding on your present. Sometimes clients come with a more general sense of unfulfilment or want to know themselves better. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to share your load, rather than carrying it alone. Psychotherapy offers vital connection, support and opportunity to work things through with an empathic, trained professional totally unconnected to your life.
01242 650306 View 01242 650306
Photo of Rachel Hunter - Rachel Hunter Counselling, MBACP, Counsellor
Rachel Hunter Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL51
Special areas of interest are working with those suffering with anxiety and depression, bereavement and loss, anger, relationship breakdown and divorce, low self esteem and LGBTQIA+ related struggles.
Professional Couples and Individual Zoom counselling from the comfort of your own home. No travel time, no parking. Establishing a good counselling relationship is vital so that feelings can be explored in a safe, confidential space. I won’t judge you and will listen to your own unique story with empathy and kindness. I will endeavour to help you process pain from the past and present and reinforce your resilience and hope for the future. The longer-term aim is to help you to move forward towards your personal goals. I work with women, men, non-binary people and couples. LGBTQIA + and all clients warmly welcomed.
Special areas of interest are working with those suffering with anxiety and depression, bereavement and loss, anger, relationship breakdown and divorce, low self esteem and LGBTQIA+ related struggles.
Professional Couples and Individual Zoom counselling from the comfort of your own home. No travel time, no parking. Establishing a good counselling relationship is vital so that feelings can be explored in a safe, confidential space. I won’t judge you and will listen to your own unique story with empathy and kindness. I will endeavour to help you process pain from the past and present and reinforce your resilience and hope for the future. The longer-term aim is to help you to move forward towards your personal goals. I work with women, men, non-binary people and couples. LGBTQIA + and all clients warmly welcomed.
01242 395316 View 01242 395316
Photo of Anne Coats, DCounsPsych, PNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Anne Coats
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, PNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL52
I am a fully qualified and registered psychotherapist and supervisor working with adults, adolescents and relationships. Sometimes life can be challenging, we can feel lost or stuck or that we have no control over what is happening. Counselling can provide vital relief. If you suffer with depression, anxiety,relationship issues, grief, trauma or anger management, I am hear to support you. I offer a warm, reflective, non-judgemental and confidential space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences. I will provide the compassionate support you need to find effective solutions to any issue you may have. ​
I am a fully qualified and registered psychotherapist and supervisor working with adults, adolescents and relationships. Sometimes life can be challenging, we can feel lost or stuck or that we have no control over what is happening. Counselling can provide vital relief. If you suffer with depression, anxiety,relationship issues, grief, trauma or anger management, I am hear to support you. I offer a warm, reflective, non-judgemental and confidential space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences. I will provide the compassionate support you need to find effective solutions to any issue you may have. ​
01242 903657 View 01242 903657
Photo of Claire King, MBACP, Counsellor
Claire King
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
Counselling for adults, young people 13+ and couples in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire with fully qualified, experienced counsellor. ​Counselling can help with difficult feelings like anxiety, depression, grief, anger, loneliness and low self-esteem. Counselling can help you cope better with issues such as loss, relationship difficulties, stress, past traumas. Counselling can help you learn about yourself- your wants and needs – and how to meet them. ​Counselling for couples can help you remember what is right with your relationship, find ways to communicate more effectively and work together on what is difficult
Counselling for adults, young people 13+ and couples in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire with fully qualified, experienced counsellor. ​Counselling can help with difficult feelings like anxiety, depression, grief, anger, loneliness and low self-esteem. Counselling can help you cope better with issues such as loss, relationship difficulties, stress, past traumas. Counselling can help you learn about yourself- your wants and needs – and how to meet them. ​Counselling for couples can help you remember what is right with your relationship, find ways to communicate more effectively and work together on what is difficult
01242 903215 View 01242 903215
Photo of Paul Gould, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Paul Gould
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cheltenham GL54
Taking the first steps to seek out a counsellor can be a fearful time and we as therapists will not be the correct match for every individual. My aim would be to offer you counselling and support in a safe place, where we can work together and give you the opportunity to speak freely without fear of what others might think? When someone looks for a counsellor it is often because there is something happening in life they want to explore, this maybe: low self-worth, lacking in confidence, generally feeling of unhappiness, depression, anxiety, stress, grief, or other mental health concerns. We can work together at your pace.
Taking the first steps to seek out a counsellor can be a fearful time and we as therapists will not be the correct match for every individual. My aim would be to offer you counselling and support in a safe place, where we can work together and give you the opportunity to speak freely without fear of what others might think? When someone looks for a counsellor it is often because there is something happening in life they want to explore, this maybe: low self-worth, lacking in confidence, generally feeling of unhappiness, depression, anxiety, stress, grief, or other mental health concerns. We can work together at your pace.
01242 507909 View 01242 507909
Photo of Nicola Holmes, MBACP, Counsellor
Nicola Holmes
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL52
I am a Therapeutic Coach offering spiritually integrated, holistic supervision, therapy and coaching with an underlying focus on ADHD. I am passionate about raising awareness of neurodiversity within the workplace and supporting clients; adults & children to let go of the mask/shame and embrace their authenticity to thrive and find their tribe. I also enjoy supporting student counsellors and qualified therapists in their practice who may be neurodivergent or who are supporting neurodivergent clients. I am also a Cruse Bereavement Supervisor.
I am a Therapeutic Coach offering spiritually integrated, holistic supervision, therapy and coaching with an underlying focus on ADHD. I am passionate about raising awareness of neurodiversity within the workplace and supporting clients; adults & children to let go of the mask/shame and embrace their authenticity to thrive and find their tribe. I also enjoy supporting student counsellors and qualified therapists in their practice who may be neurodivergent or who are supporting neurodivergent clients. I am also a Cruse Bereavement Supervisor.
01684 219793 View 01684 219793
Photo of Hannah Cruttenden, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Hannah Cruttenden
Psychologist, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL52
I am particularly interested in how clients think about their past relationships and losses, and how this impacts their functioning in the present day.
Experienced and friendly psychologist and psychotherapist offering relaxed and confidential psychotherapy/counselling to adults. I work with a range of issues, including anxiety, generalised anxiety disorder, depression, bereavement and loss, relationship difficulties (past and present), life transitions, low self-esteem, and trauma. My work incorporates thinking and techniques from psychodynamic theory, Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Densensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
I am particularly interested in how clients think about their past relationships and losses, and how this impacts their functioning in the present day.
Experienced and friendly psychologist and psychotherapist offering relaxed and confidential psychotherapy/counselling to adults. I work with a range of issues, including anxiety, generalised anxiety disorder, depression, bereavement and loss, relationship difficulties (past and present), life transitions, low self-esteem, and trauma. My work incorporates thinking and techniques from psychodynamic theory, Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Densensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
020 4538 6304 View 020 4538 6304
Photo of Diana Spencer, MBACP, Counsellor
Diana Spencer
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL52
I have experience of working with bereavement, anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicide, loss, identity issues, anger management, stress, family relationships, bullying, and attachment issues.
Counselling offers time and space for you in a neutral, safe environment where I will listen to you and you will not be judged. Sometimes life's challenges can become overwhelming and it can be helpful to explore these challenges together with a view to making them more manageable.
I have experience of working with bereavement, anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicide, loss, identity issues, anger management, stress, family relationships, bullying, and attachment issues.
Counselling offers time and space for you in a neutral, safe environment where I will listen to you and you will not be judged. Sometimes life's challenges can become overwhelming and it can be helpful to explore these challenges together with a view to making them more manageable.
01684 219778 View 01684 219778
Photo of Sarah Bolton-Locke, DCounsPsych, BACP, Counsellor
Sarah Bolton-Locke
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, BACP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL51
Relationship & family difficulties, loss, and bereavement, and/or identity or sexuality issues.
I have a face to face and online counselling practice based in Cheltenham and Gloucester, offering warm and accepting therapy for adults and children. Having a non-judgmental and safe space will give you the opportunity to explore whatever you may be struggling with.
Relationship & family difficulties, loss, and bereavement, and/or identity or sexuality issues.
I have a face to face and online counselling practice based in Cheltenham and Gloucester, offering warm and accepting therapy for adults and children. Having a non-judgmental and safe space will give you the opportunity to explore whatever you may be struggling with.
01452 934579 View 01452 934579
Photo of Carolyn Anne Howchin - Joined Up Counselling , MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Joined Up Counselling
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL52
I have worked in Bereavement Counselling, having trained with Sue Ryder and Winstons Wish.
Offering a warm acceptance of all clients, its important in those early sessions that rapport is built and that we work together to understand goals for Counselling. For younger clients this is sometimes hard to communicate and therefore I look to introduce creative ways for them to be able to express themselves. I understand that each client is unique and therefore adapt our sessions to meet the needs of the individual, whether that is creating a safe confidential space just to be heard or supporting with a suite of Cognitive Behavioural Tools to aid negative thinking or behaviour.
I have worked in Bereavement Counselling, having trained with Sue Ryder and Winstons Wish.
Offering a warm acceptance of all clients, its important in those early sessions that rapport is built and that we work together to understand goals for Counselling. For younger clients this is sometimes hard to communicate and therefore I look to introduce creative ways for them to be able to express themselves. I understand that each client is unique and therefore adapt our sessions to meet the needs of the individual, whether that is creating a safe confidential space just to be heard or supporting with a suite of Cognitive Behavioural Tools to aid negative thinking or behaviour.
01242 339922 View 01242 339922
Photo of Steven Pritchard, MUKCP, Counsellor
Steven Pritchard
Counsellor, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
I support individuals coping with significant life-changing events such as serious illness, redundancy, divorce or bereavement, and also help those struggling in relationships or with parenting.
I wonder what it feels like to find yourself here, looking for some kind of support? Maybe you are struggling to 'make sense' of what you've been experiencing in your life recently? Many of my clients inhabit a crowded yet empty world, in which they cannot easily 'hear' themselves, or feel that they are not 'understood' by those around them. Perhaps you feel a little like this too? My first hope as a counsellor is that working collaboratively you will feel both heard and understood - maybe for the first time. When this happens, we begin to develop the inner resources needed to discover and engage with who we truly are.
I support individuals coping with significant life-changing events such as serious illness, redundancy, divorce or bereavement, and also help those struggling in relationships or with parenting.
I wonder what it feels like to find yourself here, looking for some kind of support? Maybe you are struggling to 'make sense' of what you've been experiencing in your life recently? Many of my clients inhabit a crowded yet empty world, in which they cannot easily 'hear' themselves, or feel that they are not 'understood' by those around them. Perhaps you feel a little like this too? My first hope as a counsellor is that working collaboratively you will feel both heard and understood - maybe for the first time. When this happens, we begin to develop the inner resources needed to discover and engage with who we truly are.
01242 339133 View 01242 339133
Photo of Harvey Lidstone-Lane, MBACP, Counsellor
Harvey Lidstone-Lane
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
Hello, my name is Harvey and I am a therapist working in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire and Birmingham. I currently work for Here for you Counselling, a private practice therapeutic service I founded. I have experience working with many different presenting issues, including; depression, anxiety, stress, relationship problems, bereavement, low self-esteem, PTSD, abuse and many more. I have worked with I wide range of clients, however I have particular experience working with young people, aged 18-35. I am able to work in a traditional face-to-face setting or remotely via Skype/Zoom. I offer both 25 minute or 50 minute sessions.
Hello, my name is Harvey and I am a therapist working in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire and Birmingham. I currently work for Here for you Counselling, a private practice therapeutic service I founded. I have experience working with many different presenting issues, including; depression, anxiety, stress, relationship problems, bereavement, low self-esteem, PTSD, abuse and many more. I have worked with I wide range of clients, however I have particular experience working with young people, aged 18-35. I am able to work in a traditional face-to-face setting or remotely via Skype/Zoom. I offer both 25 minute or 50 minute sessions.
020 3958 4304 View 020 3958 4304
Photo of Vicky Jones, BACP, Counsellor
Vicky Jones
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL51
Every person has individual needs and their life experiences are unique. There are many different reasons people seek counselling support. Issues such as anxiety, low self-esteem, relationships, life events, difficult childhood experiences, loss and bereavement are just a few examples. By offering counselling to adults, children and young people it is my aim to provide empathy and understanding, to empower clients and enable them to grow in confidence to realise and understand that they hold the answers. You are the expert of you.
Every person has individual needs and their life experiences are unique. There are many different reasons people seek counselling support. Issues such as anxiety, low self-esteem, relationships, life events, difficult childhood experiences, loss and bereavement are just a few examples. By offering counselling to adults, children and young people it is my aim to provide empathy and understanding, to empower clients and enable them to grow in confidence to realise and understand that they hold the answers. You are the expert of you.
01452 941752 View 01452 941752
Photo of Linzi Worrall - Linzi Worrall - Igloo Counselling, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Linzi Worrall - Igloo Counselling
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
I have experience working within a wide range of areas, including anxiety, depression, bereavement, loss, low self esteem, difficult family relationships, self harm and suicidal thoughts.
Hello, and welcome. I provide a safe, warm, non-judgemental space, where we can work together to explore, with gentle curiosity, what is going on for you, and how to find your own way forward. It is a space where you can be safe to bring yourself exactly as you are - to explore who you are and how you feel. I won't ask you to talk about anything you don't want to, or don't feel ready to. We will work at your pace, with whatever you choose to bring, to help you move towards a sense of understanding, healing and growth.
I have experience working within a wide range of areas, including anxiety, depression, bereavement, loss, low self esteem, difficult family relationships, self harm and suicidal thoughts.
Hello, and welcome. I provide a safe, warm, non-judgemental space, where we can work together to explore, with gentle curiosity, what is going on for you, and how to find your own way forward. It is a space where you can be safe to bring yourself exactly as you are - to explore who you are and how you feel. I won't ask you to talk about anything you don't want to, or don't feel ready to. We will work at your pace, with whatever you choose to bring, to help you move towards a sense of understanding, healing and growth.
01452 923034 View 01452 923034
Photo of John Mosley, MBACP, Counsellor
John Mosley
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cheltenham GL50
Sometimes life can get too much and we can become overwhelmed by current events or our past. Coming to counselling can be a daunting prospect, but a warm, collaborative and therapeutic environment can help us to face those concerns and gain understanding. I work compassionately, with empathic understanding and without judgement to provide a safe and confidential space for you to talk. All genders are welcome and I can help with a variety of presenting issues, including anxiety, depression, grief/ loss, loneliness, low self-esteem, abuse, self-harm, trauma and relationship problems.
Sometimes life can get too much and we can become overwhelmed by current events or our past. Coming to counselling can be a daunting prospect, but a warm, collaborative and therapeutic environment can help us to face those concerns and gain understanding. I work compassionately, with empathic understanding and without judgement to provide a safe and confidential space for you to talk. All genders are welcome and I can help with a variety of presenting issues, including anxiety, depression, grief/ loss, loneliness, low self-esteem, abuse, self-harm, trauma and relationship problems.
01242 339894 View 01242 339894
Photo of Dawn Andrei, MBACP, Counsellor
Dawn Andrei
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
I work with young people, 14+ and adults on a range of issues such as, anxiety, bereavement, loss, substance and/or alcohol abuse, relationship difficulties, trauma and PTSD.
Are you struggling with your emotions, overwhelmed with anxiety, depression, grief, or relationship difficulties? Perhaps stuck in destructive habitual behavioural patterns, or addictive behaviours without understanding why? I offer a safe and empathetic environment to support your growth in developing self-awareness, through a range of therapeutic approaches, building a bespoke tool kit of coping techniques to support you work through your difficulties, develop emotional regulation and make the desired changes in your life.
I work with young people, 14+ and adults on a range of issues such as, anxiety, bereavement, loss, substance and/or alcohol abuse, relationship difficulties, trauma and PTSD.
Are you struggling with your emotions, overwhelmed with anxiety, depression, grief, or relationship difficulties? Perhaps stuck in destructive habitual behavioural patterns, or addictive behaviours without understanding why? I offer a safe and empathetic environment to support your growth in developing self-awareness, through a range of therapeutic approaches, building a bespoke tool kit of coping techniques to support you work through your difficulties, develop emotional regulation and make the desired changes in your life.
01452 941827 View 01452 941827
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See more therapy options for Cheltenham

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.