Bereavement Counselling in Leicester

Photo of Mandeep G Sandhu, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Counsellor
Mandeep G Sandhu
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
Online Only
I have worked in a variety of settings with extensive experience of working within NHS mental health settings, bereavement support, culturally sensitive and wellbeing support settings.
There comes a time when we all need the space to think in a quiet private place. A place to be free, to be heard and to share the deep routed feelings and concerns. Whether you are finding it difficult to understand your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. If you are finding life difficult right now. Having an accepting, non-judgemental and confidential space to explore all of this will allow for a positive mind set as well as an improvement in your overall wellbeing. I am a person-centred counsellor working in an integrative way as not one style of working fits all. I will offer you support and guidance along your personal journey.
I have worked in a variety of settings with extensive experience of working within NHS mental health settings, bereavement support, culturally sensitive and wellbeing support settings.
There comes a time when we all need the space to think in a quiet private place. A place to be free, to be heard and to share the deep routed feelings and concerns. Whether you are finding it difficult to understand your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. If you are finding life difficult right now. Having an accepting, non-judgemental and confidential space to explore all of this will allow for a positive mind set as well as an improvement in your overall wellbeing. I am a person-centred counsellor working in an integrative way as not one style of working fits all. I will offer you support and guidance along your personal journey.
0116 464 9739 View 0116 464 9739
Photo of Mary T Shipton, ACC Reg, Counsellor
Mary T Shipton
Counsellor, ACC Reg
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Leicester LE3
I am a qualified integrative counsellor working with Person- Centred therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Attachment theory and Grief therapy.
Have you been struggling through life, feeling overwhelmed and wishing you had someone to talk to? It could just be a general sense of feeling down or more deep-rooted feelings of loneliness, anxiety, stress and depression. If this is you then talking to a trained therapist presents the opportunity for you to explore your issues. My beliefs are that it is important to recognise that no two people’s journeys are the same and because of this I utilise my skills and training to tailor counselling sessions.
I am a qualified integrative counsellor working with Person- Centred therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Attachment theory and Grief therapy.
Have you been struggling through life, feeling overwhelmed and wishing you had someone to talk to? It could just be a general sense of feeling down or more deep-rooted feelings of loneliness, anxiety, stress and depression. If this is you then talking to a trained therapist presents the opportunity for you to explore your issues. My beliefs are that it is important to recognise that no two people’s journeys are the same and because of this I utilise my skills and training to tailor counselling sessions.
0116 326 5674 View 0116 326 5674
Photo of Rahi Popat, MBACP, Counsellor
Rahi Popat
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Online Only
Hello, my name is Rahi. I believe every client should be treated as an individual and I welcome and embrace diversity and difference. I work with people of all backgrounds, ages, beliefs, and gender. I work supportively, collaboratively, and compassionately with people who are experiencing challenges that may be causing distress. These might include feelings of anxiety, depression, trauma, racism, prejudice, relationship issues, and loss. I am passionate about supporting people to develop a sense of compassionate self-awareness.
Hello, my name is Rahi. I believe every client should be treated as an individual and I welcome and embrace diversity and difference. I work with people of all backgrounds, ages, beliefs, and gender. I work supportively, collaboratively, and compassionately with people who are experiencing challenges that may be causing distress. These might include feelings of anxiety, depression, trauma, racism, prejudice, relationship issues, and loss. I am passionate about supporting people to develop a sense of compassionate self-awareness.
0116 493 0201 View 0116 493 0201
Photo of Jeanette Payne, MBACP, Counsellor
Jeanette Payne
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Leicester LE19
I provide sensitive caring counselling specialising in relationship issues, bereavement, anxiety and depression. I offer an affordable flexible service with daytime, evening and weekend appointments available. My counselling practice is called Solace Counselling and is situated on School Lane in Narborough, LE19, close to Narborough train station, not far from Fosse Park and the motorway network and it has plenty of parking. Nestled down a quiet and charming village lane, Solace Counselling offers a peaceful, confidential sanctuary a place of safety where you can feel at ease to talk openly in a supportive, relaxed environment.
I provide sensitive caring counselling specialising in relationship issues, bereavement, anxiety and depression. I offer an affordable flexible service with daytime, evening and weekend appointments available. My counselling practice is called Solace Counselling and is situated on School Lane in Narborough, LE19, close to Narborough train station, not far from Fosse Park and the motorway network and it has plenty of parking. Nestled down a quiet and charming village lane, Solace Counselling offers a peaceful, confidential sanctuary a place of safety where you can feel at ease to talk openly in a supportive, relaxed environment.
0116 464 9813 View 0116 464 9813
Photo of Brunhild Abrahams - Imbeko Counselling, MBACP, Counsellor
Imbeko Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Leicester LE1
I am an Integrative Counsellor who qualified from the University of Leicester and is a member of the BACP. I have a friendly & trustworthy personality and has experience in working with clients with a wide range of issues, including Depression, Anxiety, Bereavement, Trauma, PTSD, Low Confidence and problems arising from childhood. By applying an integrative approach; Psychodynamic, Person-Centred, Cogitative Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Transitional Analysis (TA), Gestalt etc. I would feel honoured to listen empathetically to your individual concerns.
I am an Integrative Counsellor who qualified from the University of Leicester and is a member of the BACP. I have a friendly & trustworthy personality and has experience in working with clients with a wide range of issues, including Depression, Anxiety, Bereavement, Trauma, PTSD, Low Confidence and problems arising from childhood. By applying an integrative approach; Psychodynamic, Person-Centred, Cogitative Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Transitional Analysis (TA), Gestalt etc. I would feel honoured to listen empathetically to your individual concerns.
0116 326 1315 View 0116 326 1315
Photo of Vanessa Owens - @thecounsellingcoach, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
@thecounsellingcoach
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Leicester LE9
I am trained in working with Grief, Baby Loss, Communication, Neurodiversity, Sexual Abuse, EUPD.
Hi I'm Vanessa. I'm an Integrative Counsellor this means I offer all modes of therapy, making it tailor made to you, and as individual as you are. I have 30 years of experience in the NHS, Public Sector, Charities and latterly private practice. I specialise in working with Grief, Autism, Learning disabilities, Sexual Abuse, Trauma, Anxiety, Motivation, Confidence, Relationships, Self care strategies. I can help you understand and work with your thoughts and emotions, in mind and body. I work in a creative way often using a variety of tools to visualise where you are presently and develop some skills to move forward.
I am trained in working with Grief, Baby Loss, Communication, Neurodiversity, Sexual Abuse, EUPD.
Hi I'm Vanessa. I'm an Integrative Counsellor this means I offer all modes of therapy, making it tailor made to you, and as individual as you are. I have 30 years of experience in the NHS, Public Sector, Charities and latterly private practice. I specialise in working with Grief, Autism, Learning disabilities, Sexual Abuse, Trauma, Anxiety, Motivation, Confidence, Relationships, Self care strategies. I can help you understand and work with your thoughts and emotions, in mind and body. I work in a creative way often using a variety of tools to visualise where you are presently and develop some skills to move forward.
0116 478 6725 View 0116 478 6725
Photo of Elizabeth Houston - Elizabeth Therapy, MSc, BACP, Counsellor
Elizabeth Therapy
Counsellor, MSc, BACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Leicester LE1
I regularly support people who struggle with loss, tailoring treatment to unique needs.
I specialise in providing compassionate support for individuals dealing with loss (in all its forms), grief and bereavement. I work with those seeking a safe, non-judgmental space to explore difficult emotions and experiences. My clients may also be facing life challenges such as anxiety, panic attacks, relationship difficulties, or professional stress. My clients value my personalised, relational approach, and benefit from flexible options like face to face or online counselling and psychotherapy.
I regularly support people who struggle with loss, tailoring treatment to unique needs.
I specialise in providing compassionate support for individuals dealing with loss (in all its forms), grief and bereavement. I work with those seeking a safe, non-judgmental space to explore difficult emotions and experiences. My clients may also be facing life challenges such as anxiety, panic attacks, relationship difficulties, or professional stress. My clients value my personalised, relational approach, and benefit from flexible options like face to face or online counselling and psychotherapy.
01858 457205 View 01858 457205
Photo of Melanie Hill - Melanie Hill Counselling, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Melanie Hill Counselling
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Online Only
Feeling at a loss with how to go on with life, you need to know that your grief is specific to you.
Are you struggling with a loss or bereavement? These can be the most painful and devastating experiences to go through. Perhaps you feel on your own, drowning in an emotional whirlpool of sadness, guilt, anger, confusion and other painful feelings. Enduring that whilst having to continue daily life can be exhausting, you might feel disconnected from everyone and everything sometimes. You might feel really isolated, anxious and hopeless and wondering how long you’re going to feel like this? The need to keep all this to yourself, perhaps hiding how you’re feeling from everyone else can keep you stuck in an endless cycle of sadness
Feeling at a loss with how to go on with life, you need to know that your grief is specific to you.
Are you struggling with a loss or bereavement? These can be the most painful and devastating experiences to go through. Perhaps you feel on your own, drowning in an emotional whirlpool of sadness, guilt, anger, confusion and other painful feelings. Enduring that whilst having to continue daily life can be exhausting, you might feel disconnected from everyone and everything sometimes. You might feel really isolated, anxious and hopeless and wondering how long you’re going to feel like this? The need to keep all this to yourself, perhaps hiding how you’re feeling from everyone else can keep you stuck in an endless cycle of sadness
01780 431063 View 01780 431063
Photo of Louise Needham, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Louise Needham
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Leicester LE1
I have advanced training in supporting survivors of childhood sexual abuse, bereavement and complex Trauma.
Deciding to come for counselling can be a hard decision to make however, it can be very beneficial in improving how you think and feel about the difficulty that you are experiencing enabling you to find a solution that best suits your needs. My aim is to offer a service that is unique to you by actively listening to your concerns in a safe environment that is genuine, understanding and accepting: I acknowledge that it takes courage to ask for this support. I have worked with a variety of different clients, all in different ways, where I endeavour to meet their needs just as I would endeavour to meet yours.
I have advanced training in supporting survivors of childhood sexual abuse, bereavement and complex Trauma.
Deciding to come for counselling can be a hard decision to make however, it can be very beneficial in improving how you think and feel about the difficulty that you are experiencing enabling you to find a solution that best suits your needs. My aim is to offer a service that is unique to you by actively listening to your concerns in a safe environment that is genuine, understanding and accepting: I acknowledge that it takes courage to ask for this support. I have worked with a variety of different clients, all in different ways, where I endeavour to meet their needs just as I would endeavour to meet yours.
01530 447947 View 01530 447947
Photo of Tracey Marie Cooper - Swan Counselling Services - Tracey Cooper, MBACP, Counsellor
Swan Counselling Services - Tracey Cooper
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Leicester LE3
I help clients with issues such as suicide ideation, stress, low self-esteem, panic disorder, anxiety, illness, baby loss, relationships, work issues feeling sad and phobias.
It can seem like the hardest thing to do to access counselling, but it can be life changing if you take that first step. You may not be entirely clear on what you want but just have a feeling that things don't feel right and you have decided that you want to understand what, why and how to refocus and live the life you feel is best for you. Or perhaps you are very aware of a struggle with difficulties, which may already be formally diagnosed by another professional, and you want to regain some control instead of feeling that these issues take over. I can support people in achieving their goals wherever they are in their journey.
I help clients with issues such as suicide ideation, stress, low self-esteem, panic disorder, anxiety, illness, baby loss, relationships, work issues feeling sad and phobias.
It can seem like the hardest thing to do to access counselling, but it can be life changing if you take that first step. You may not be entirely clear on what you want but just have a feeling that things don't feel right and you have decided that you want to understand what, why and how to refocus and live the life you feel is best for you. Or perhaps you are very aware of a struggle with difficulties, which may already be formally diagnosed by another professional, and you want to regain some control instead of feeling that these issues take over. I can support people in achieving their goals wherever they are in their journey.
01455 247702 View 01455 247702
Photo of Rose McDonald, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Rose McDonald
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Leicester LE1
My specialisms include: the menopause transition, grief, loss and bereavement, miscarriage, survivors of abuse, self esteem and confidence, performance anxiety, general anxiety disorders, depression and low mood, unhelpful/ negative thinking and trust issues to name a few.
Hello, I'm Rose. Well done for taking a courageous first step in seeking help for what's troubling you right now. Let me reassure you that I will help you to ease into your counselling journey by offering an empathic, welcoming, confidential, non-judgemental and safe space. The goal during our time together is to help reduce your distress by understanding what's happening and why you are feeling the way you do. We'll collaborate to find the root cause of your emotions and feelings. This will involve some exploration of experiences and emotions and time for self reflection and self care.
My specialisms include: the menopause transition, grief, loss and bereavement, miscarriage, survivors of abuse, self esteem and confidence, performance anxiety, general anxiety disorders, depression and low mood, unhelpful/ negative thinking and trust issues to name a few.
Hello, I'm Rose. Well done for taking a courageous first step in seeking help for what's troubling you right now. Let me reassure you that I will help you to ease into your counselling journey by offering an empathic, welcoming, confidential, non-judgemental and safe space. The goal during our time together is to help reduce your distress by understanding what's happening and why you are feeling the way you do. We'll collaborate to find the root cause of your emotions and feelings. This will involve some exploration of experiences and emotions and time for self reflection and self care.
01572 498977 View 01572 498977
Photo of Hannah Graham, MBACP, Counsellor
Hannah Graham
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I specialise in supporting people through grief, loss and major life changes, including bereavement and changes in health.
Are you looking for a counsellor who celebrates you for who you are and respects you as an expert in your own experience? As a humanistic, integrative counsellor, I'll put your unique self at the very heart of our work together and draw from a variety of therapeutic techniques to find out what works best for you. I aim to use kindness, warmth and humour to create a space where you can be yourself and achieve your goals. Inclusivity is central to my practice: I'm neurodiversity affirming; and committed to supporting LGBQT+ clients, gender diverse clients and those in non-monogamous or non-traditional relationships.
I specialise in supporting people through grief, loss and major life changes, including bereavement and changes in health.
Are you looking for a counsellor who celebrates you for who you are and respects you as an expert in your own experience? As a humanistic, integrative counsellor, I'll put your unique self at the very heart of our work together and draw from a variety of therapeutic techniques to find out what works best for you. I aim to use kindness, warmth and humour to create a space where you can be yourself and achieve your goals. Inclusivity is central to my practice: I'm neurodiversity affirming; and committed to supporting LGBQT+ clients, gender diverse clients and those in non-monogamous or non-traditional relationships.
0191 743 1812 View 0191 743 1812
Photo of Wanjiru Macharia, MSc, MNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist
Wanjiru Macharia
Psychotherapist, MSc, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Leicester LE1
I am a registered, accredited and qualified counsellor and psychotherapist. I offer therapy on ways to cope with various life challenges such as:- self-harm, confidence issues, low self- esteem, depression, anxiety, bereavement, behavioural issues, sensory and anger management. I respect clients’ views; I am non-judgemental in my approaches and I always maintain confidentiality. The sessions are mostly client led. I believe in giving each client the opportunity to express themselves in ways they feel comfortable. This helps to facilitate the client's progress and recovery.
I am a registered, accredited and qualified counsellor and psychotherapist. I offer therapy on ways to cope with various life challenges such as:- self-harm, confidence issues, low self- esteem, depression, anxiety, bereavement, behavioural issues, sensory and anger management. I respect clients’ views; I am non-judgemental in my approaches and I always maintain confidentiality. The sessions are mostly client led. I believe in giving each client the opportunity to express themselves in ways they feel comfortable. This helps to facilitate the client's progress and recovery.
01604 422159 View 01604 422159
Photo of Chaneille Gaynor, MSc, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Chaneille Gaynor
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Online Only
Relational trauma, identity and grief are my special areas of interest.
No one is exempt from life’s ups and downs, and these experiences can often be complicated, leaving us feeling stuck.  I support clients to find a path towards self-awareness, healing and personal growth through the shifting of patterns, perspectives and cycles - at their own pace. If you feel ready, I would be honoured to help. Remember, you are not alone in this.
Relational trauma, identity and grief are my special areas of interest.
No one is exempt from life’s ups and downs, and these experiences can often be complicated, leaving us feeling stuck.  I support clients to find a path towards self-awareness, healing and personal growth through the shifting of patterns, perspectives and cycles - at their own pace. If you feel ready, I would be honoured to help. Remember, you are not alone in this.
01623 572571 View 01623 572571
Photo of Sarah Hislam, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Sarah Hislam
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Leicester LE2
My counselling and voluntary sector experience has focused primarily on those going through life transitions: including cancer diagnosis, bereavement and emotional challenges before and after becoming a parent.
I offer short and long term counselling to adults - providing a non-judgemental and empathetic space to be truly heard.  My specialisms are times of life transitions, particularly bereavement and new parenthood. I trained integratively but primarily work from a person-centred space. This means that I believe you are the expert in knowing what you need. However, I understand from personal experience that this internal voice can sometimes feel lost or silenced and having another person there to validate, listen and support your process can make a real difference.
My counselling and voluntary sector experience has focused primarily on those going through life transitions: including cancer diagnosis, bereavement and emotional challenges before and after becoming a parent.
I offer short and long term counselling to adults - providing a non-judgemental and empathetic space to be truly heard.  My specialisms are times of life transitions, particularly bereavement and new parenthood. I trained integratively but primarily work from a person-centred space. This means that I believe you are the expert in knowing what you need. However, I understand from personal experience that this internal voice can sometimes feel lost or silenced and having another person there to validate, listen and support your process can make a real difference.
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Photo of Helen Anna Gluszonek, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Helen Anna Gluszonek
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Leicester LE5
I provide confidential, non-judgemental counselling to enable the client to deal with emotional difficulties which may be causing distress. Using empathy and congruence to help my client feel at ease, I endeavour to help them deal with any difficulties they may face. I have been providing face to face counselling for over 18 years. I have experience in working with anxiety, depression, abuse, bereavement and sexuality. I have over 15 years experience working in schools. I’ve also got 2 years experience working with students at University
I provide confidential, non-judgemental counselling to enable the client to deal with emotional difficulties which may be causing distress. Using empathy and congruence to help my client feel at ease, I endeavour to help them deal with any difficulties they may face. I have been providing face to face counselling for over 18 years. I have experience in working with anxiety, depression, abuse, bereavement and sexuality. I have over 15 years experience working in schools. I’ve also got 2 years experience working with students at University
0116 497 6876 View 0116 497 6876
Photo of Celia Allan - Celia Allan - Rothley Counselling & Psychotherapy, MSc, MBACP, Counsellor
Celia Allan - Rothley Counselling & Psychotherapy
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Leicester LE7
I have NHS experience working with a range of problems including depression, anxiety, grief/ loss, personal and relationship issues, work-related stress, and emotional, financial, and sexual abuse.
Hello, I’m Celia, I am an integrative counsellor and psychotherapist based in Rothley, Leicestershire. People seek therapy for many different reasons: depression, anxiety, loss/ grief, or facing a major life-changing event. Perhaps you are experiencing family/relationship issues or problems involving money or work difficulties. Maybe you or a relative has been diagnosed with cancer. Whatever your reason rest assured that I am here to support you along the way and to help you to get your life back on track. Sometimes help in the form of professional support can be just what is needed. My aim is for you to feel heard in a safe space.
I have NHS experience working with a range of problems including depression, anxiety, grief/ loss, personal and relationship issues, work-related stress, and emotional, financial, and sexual abuse.
Hello, I’m Celia, I am an integrative counsellor and psychotherapist based in Rothley, Leicestershire. People seek therapy for many different reasons: depression, anxiety, loss/ grief, or facing a major life-changing event. Perhaps you are experiencing family/relationship issues or problems involving money or work difficulties. Maybe you or a relative has been diagnosed with cancer. Whatever your reason rest assured that I am here to support you along the way and to help you to get your life back on track. Sometimes help in the form of professional support can be just what is needed. My aim is for you to feel heard in a safe space.
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Photo of Sarah Ford - Sarah Ford - Limetree Counselling Services , MBACP, Counsellor
Sarah Ford - Limetree Counselling Services
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Leicester LE7
My name is Sarah and I am a BACP registered therapist working in Queniborough. Therapy can provide space to gain clarity, insight and to move forwards. I offer a warm, empathic and non-judgmental ear and space to process at a pace that is right for you. I offer individual counselling to address all sorts of difficulties which include: anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, self-harm, panic, unwanted thoughts, family and relationship problems, divorce, bereavement, past issues, childhood abuse, addiction, confidence issues.  However, some people don’t know why they are feeling the way they do and sometimes just don’t feel right.
My name is Sarah and I am a BACP registered therapist working in Queniborough. Therapy can provide space to gain clarity, insight and to move forwards. I offer a warm, empathic and non-judgmental ear and space to process at a pace that is right for you. I offer individual counselling to address all sorts of difficulties which include: anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, self-harm, panic, unwanted thoughts, family and relationship problems, divorce, bereavement, past issues, childhood abuse, addiction, confidence issues.  However, some people don’t know why they are feeling the way they do and sometimes just don’t feel right.
0116 502 3546 View 0116 502 3546
Photo of Caitlyn St John, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Caitlyn St John
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Online Only
Hi, I'm Caitlyn. I know how overwhelming the search for a therapist can be - especially when life can already feel overwhelming. Many people turn to therapy because they are struggling with depression and anxiety, processing a loss, wanting to understand themselves better, longing to shift areas of stuckness, living with relational difficulties, or experiencing the aftermath of trauma. Therapy can be a place to engage with your story, be met in your pain, understand your patterns of relating, and feel seen.
Hi, I'm Caitlyn. I know how overwhelming the search for a therapist can be - especially when life can already feel overwhelming. Many people turn to therapy because they are struggling with depression and anxiety, processing a loss, wanting to understand themselves better, longing to shift areas of stuckness, living with relational difficulties, or experiencing the aftermath of trauma. Therapy can be a place to engage with your story, be met in your pain, understand your patterns of relating, and feel seen.
0116 502 3637 View 0116 502 3637
Photo of Cat Buchan, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Cat Buchan
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Leicester LE1
A great deal of my practice is focused on supporting individuals going through challenging times in their lives due to anxiety, depression and those having difficulty in finding direction. I have particular experience supporting people suffering from chronic or terminal illness and with bereaved people, exploring the many complex feelings of grief which arise at such times. I am very comfortable and able to work with clients who have concerns about sexual identity and sexuality. I am also a qualified supervisor. Within this role, again, I base my practise on a developmental, relational model.
A great deal of my practice is focused on supporting individuals going through challenging times in their lives due to anxiety, depression and those having difficulty in finding direction. I have particular experience supporting people suffering from chronic or terminal illness and with bereaved people, exploring the many complex feelings of grief which arise at such times. I am very comfortable and able to work with clients who have concerns about sexual identity and sexuality. I am also a qualified supervisor. Within this role, again, I base my practise on a developmental, relational model.
0116 216 8973 View 0116 216 8973

See more therapy options for Leicester

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.