Bereavement Counselling in Winchester

Photo of Darren Cockle, MBACP, Counsellor
Darren Cockle
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Winchester SO22
Do you need help with your well-being? Are you struggling with anxiety, a bereavement, PTSD, sadness, anger or having relationship difficulties? We have within us an innate capacity for personal growth and transformation. Sometimes though, life gets too much for us; we feel overwhelmed by our emotions and we can’t think straight. That’s where counselling can help. Counselling can help us make sense of it all: see things more clearly, and become more at ease with the way we feel. We can learn to accept the things we are unable to change and recognise what we are able to change.
Do you need help with your well-being? Are you struggling with anxiety, a bereavement, PTSD, sadness, anger or having relationship difficulties? We have within us an innate capacity for personal growth and transformation. Sometimes though, life gets too much for us; we feel overwhelmed by our emotions and we can’t think straight. That’s where counselling can help. Counselling can help us make sense of it all: see things more clearly, and become more at ease with the way we feel. We can learn to accept the things we are unable to change and recognise what we are able to change.
01962 674487 View 01962 674487
Photo of Helen Letty, MBACP, Counsellor
Helen Letty
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Winchester SO23
Hello and welcome. I am a qualified counsellor and Registered Member of the BACP. I work with adults and young people (16 plus) in both short term and long term counselling, and offer a warm welcome and calm presence in comfortable surroundings to help put you at ease. I have a private practice in central Winchester and have previously worked as a University Counsellor at the University of Southampton, a Youth Counsellor at Winchester Youth Service, a Bereavement Counsellor at St Michael's Hospice, Basingstoke and with students at Peter Symonds 6th Form College.
Hello and welcome. I am a qualified counsellor and Registered Member of the BACP. I work with adults and young people (16 plus) in both short term and long term counselling, and offer a warm welcome and calm presence in comfortable surroundings to help put you at ease. I have a private practice in central Winchester and have previously worked as a University Counsellor at the University of Southampton, a Youth Counsellor at Winchester Youth Service, a Bereavement Counsellor at St Michael's Hospice, Basingstoke and with students at Peter Symonds 6th Form College.
01962 587798 View 01962 587798
Photo of Danni Findlay, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Danni Findlay
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Winchester SO23
I work with clients with various challenges including; stress, anxiety, self-esteem/confidence, anger, relationship/work issues, depression and bereavement ( loss).
Life certainly has ups and downs and the downs can be hard to navigate alone. Perhaps you don't feel right, your relationships might be suffering, you may feel exhausted from trying to maintain a positive side. Maybe you keep doing the same things over and over but cannot seem to break the cycle. I believe we all have the capacity to help ourselves through much of this but, in an increasingly complex and busy life where we are ‘always on’, there often feels like there's little time available to focus on 'me'. Counselling gives you the valuable space and time to find your way in a supported and non-judgmental environment.
I work with clients with various challenges including; stress, anxiety, self-esteem/confidence, anger, relationship/work issues, depression and bereavement ( loss).
Life certainly has ups and downs and the downs can be hard to navigate alone. Perhaps you don't feel right, your relationships might be suffering, you may feel exhausted from trying to maintain a positive side. Maybe you keep doing the same things over and over but cannot seem to break the cycle. I believe we all have the capacity to help ourselves through much of this but, in an increasingly complex and busy life where we are ‘always on’, there often feels like there's little time available to focus on 'me'. Counselling gives you the valuable space and time to find your way in a supported and non-judgmental environment.
01962 673504 View 01962 673504
Photo of Angela Marston, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Angela Marston
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Winchester SO21
- “Trauma is a deeply distressing/disturbing event that overwhelms an individuals ability to cope” EMDR is supported by neurological research trials and has been a positive treatment of trauma, phobias, anxiety, OCD long standing depression and complicated grief.
Is your fear getting in the way of you living your life the way you want to? You may be suffering from loss, trauma, grief, anxiety or depression. If any of these or something in your past or present is getting in the way of you living your best life, I can help. Providing private counselling in Winchester since 2015, I am highly experienced psychotherapist, and offer a caring and empathetic space for you to work through your life’s problems and challenges. As a Psychotherapist/Counsellor and accredited member of the BACP, I am trained and qualified in a range of therapeutic models, including Person-centred, and CBT techniques.
- “Trauma is a deeply distressing/disturbing event that overwhelms an individuals ability to cope” EMDR is supported by neurological research trials and has been a positive treatment of trauma, phobias, anxiety, OCD long standing depression and complicated grief.
Is your fear getting in the way of you living your life the way you want to? You may be suffering from loss, trauma, grief, anxiety or depression. If any of these or something in your past or present is getting in the way of you living your best life, I can help. Providing private counselling in Winchester since 2015, I am highly experienced psychotherapist, and offer a caring and empathetic space for you to work through your life’s problems and challenges. As a Psychotherapist/Counsellor and accredited member of the BACP, I am trained and qualified in a range of therapeutic models, including Person-centred, and CBT techniques.
01962 674477 View 01962 674477
Photo of Viktoria Miller, MBACP, Counsellor
Viktoria Miller
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Winchester SO22
Or perhaps you have experienced a terrible loss and you are grieving.
Are you struggling with your thoughts and feelings? I can help you overcome your struggles. I offer a non-judgmental space in my welcoming counselling room. My approach is based on a form of psychotherapy that helps you explore your personality and how it has been shaped by your early experiences.
Or perhaps you have experienced a terrible loss and you are grieving.
Are you struggling with your thoughts and feelings? I can help you overcome your struggles. I offer a non-judgmental space in my welcoming counselling room. My approach is based on a form of psychotherapy that helps you explore your personality and how it has been shaped by your early experiences.
01962 571229 View 01962 571229
Photo of Vicky Mould, PNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Vicky Mould
Counsellor, PNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Winchester SO21  (Online Only)
As a bereavement counsellor and mental health therapist, I can offer support if you're struggling with loss and grief - including baby loss, the effects of domestic abuse, relationship issues, stress, anxiety, depression, postnatal depression or other mental health issues.
Welcome. I'm Vicky Mould, the founder and owner of Azalea Counselling. I offer individual online or phone counselling for adults and work comfortably on a long or short-term basis. Practising person-centred therapy, I will work to help you feel part of a genuinely safe and supportive relationship. Sessions are confidential, and I trust you'll bring what feels important to you. Whatever you choose to explore in session, you will be valued, accepted, heard and understood. Counselling with me can offer relief, insight, hope and increased confidence and trust in yourself. My goal is to help you make choices or changes you want to make.
As a bereavement counsellor and mental health therapist, I can offer support if you're struggling with loss and grief - including baby loss, the effects of domestic abuse, relationship issues, stress, anxiety, depression, postnatal depression or other mental health issues.
Welcome. I'm Vicky Mould, the founder and owner of Azalea Counselling. I offer individual online or phone counselling for adults and work comfortably on a long or short-term basis. Practising person-centred therapy, I will work to help you feel part of a genuinely safe and supportive relationship. Sessions are confidential, and I trust you'll bring what feels important to you. Whatever you choose to explore in session, you will be valued, accepted, heard and understood. Counselling with me can offer relief, insight, hope and increased confidence and trust in yourself. My goal is to help you make choices or changes you want to make.
023 9421 2982 View 023 9421 2982
Photo of Molly Brimson, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Molly Brimson
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Winchester SO22
Perhaps you're feeling low or anxious - maybe you're struggling with decisions about the future of a relationship, or just feel stuck and unhappy with the life you are leading. Whatever your needs may be, I am here to offer support. I work with adults and young people from all works of life. My specialisms include: adults with anxiety and low self-esteem; Depression and low mood; Bereavement and loss Relationship difficulties; Patients and carers living with chronic and long-term health conditions, such as cancer or neurological conditions; young people aged 15-18 experiencing anxiety, attachment issues, bereavement and loss.
Perhaps you're feeling low or anxious - maybe you're struggling with decisions about the future of a relationship, or just feel stuck and unhappy with the life you are leading. Whatever your needs may be, I am here to offer support. I work with adults and young people from all works of life. My specialisms include: adults with anxiety and low self-esteem; Depression and low mood; Bereavement and loss Relationship difficulties; Patients and carers living with chronic and long-term health conditions, such as cancer or neurological conditions; young people aged 15-18 experiencing anxiety, attachment issues, bereavement and loss.
023 8144 0112 View 023 8144 0112
Photo of Phoebe Clausen-Sternwald, MBACP, Counsellor
Phoebe Clausen-Sternwald
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Winchester SO21
I also specialise in Anxiety, Developmental trauma, OCD, Grief, Child loss, Cancer and Dementia.
I am a Counsellor and a Grief Educator with a background in Nursing. I provide short-term and long-term (open-ended) counselling to adults, age over 18. In-person counselling is conducted in Burley, New Forest and in Rownhams, Southampton. Remote counselling sessions can take place via Zoom WhatsApp, Team and phone call. You may feel apprehensive about choosing the right counsellor for the issues you wish to process. I offer a free 20 minute session to chat with me via WhatsApp or Zoom. This is an opportunity for you to find out if I would be a good fit for you. Please feel free to contact me for a no-obligation initial chat.
I also specialise in Anxiety, Developmental trauma, OCD, Grief, Child loss, Cancer and Dementia.
I am a Counsellor and a Grief Educator with a background in Nursing. I provide short-term and long-term (open-ended) counselling to adults, age over 18. In-person counselling is conducted in Burley, New Forest and in Rownhams, Southampton. Remote counselling sessions can take place via Zoom WhatsApp, Team and phone call. You may feel apprehensive about choosing the right counsellor for the issues you wish to process. I offer a free 20 minute session to chat with me via WhatsApp or Zoom. This is an opportunity for you to find out if I would be a good fit for you. Please feel free to contact me for a no-obligation initial chat.
01480 277359 View 01480 277359
Photo of Ian Myers - Ian Myers Counselling, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Ian Myers Counselling
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Winchester SO21
I have been working with Cruse Bereavement for the past year supporting many people suffering from the horrors of grief and loss.
I came to counselling late in life and bring years of life experiences as a result. I believe I have a natural empathy and understanding of my clients. Nothing shocks me and I never judge. I want my clients to reach their full potential in life, so whatever it is that is holding you back, let me help you unravel the tangle, in a safe, supportive environment. I offer private counselling based from my home office near Basingstoke in North Hampshire. I hold an Advanced Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling and Hypnotherapy and am an Accredited Member of the National Counselling Society (NCS). I offer counselling and Hypnotherapy.
I have been working with Cruse Bereavement for the past year supporting many people suffering from the horrors of grief and loss.
I came to counselling late in life and bring years of life experiences as a result. I believe I have a natural empathy and understanding of my clients. Nothing shocks me and I never judge. I want my clients to reach their full potential in life, so whatever it is that is holding you back, let me help you unravel the tangle, in a safe, supportive environment. I offer private counselling based from my home office near Basingstoke in North Hampshire. I hold an Advanced Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling and Hypnotherapy and am an Accredited Member of the National Counselling Society (NCS). I offer counselling and Hypnotherapy.
01256 236485 View 01256 236485
Photo of Kay Parkinson - Place2Talk Counselling, MBACP, Counsellor
Kay Parkinson - Place2Talk Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Winchester SO21
Working in a Neurodiverse affirming way, I am experienced working with a wide range of issues, including: anxiety, bereavement (CRUSE bereavement volunteer), work stress, relationship issues & life transitions, low self-esteem, past childhood abuse, emotional neglect, chronic illness, PMS/PMDD/menopause, nightmares, trauma, self-harm, panic attacks.
Life can be messy it rarely turns out exactly as we hope or plan. Perhaps relationship or work-life difficulties are causing you emotional pain and mental suffering. Maybe you have been signed off from work, college or university with anxiety or stress, or you’re simply not able to enjoy the ‘sunshine‘ moments of life. Counselling can help you navigate the difficulties that are causing your emotional & mental suffering & provide support as you work towards building a more fulfilled & contented life. Shame is a common theme associated with low self-esteem, however, working together we can reduce its impact to improve your well-being.
Working in a Neurodiverse affirming way, I am experienced working with a wide range of issues, including: anxiety, bereavement (CRUSE bereavement volunteer), work stress, relationship issues & life transitions, low self-esteem, past childhood abuse, emotional neglect, chronic illness, PMS/PMDD/menopause, nightmares, trauma, self-harm, panic attacks.
Life can be messy it rarely turns out exactly as we hope or plan. Perhaps relationship or work-life difficulties are causing you emotional pain and mental suffering. Maybe you have been signed off from work, college or university with anxiety or stress, or you’re simply not able to enjoy the ‘sunshine‘ moments of life. Counselling can help you navigate the difficulties that are causing your emotional & mental suffering & provide support as you work towards building a more fulfilled & contented life. Shame is a common theme associated with low self-esteem, however, working together we can reduce its impact to improve your well-being.
01202 029008 View 01202 029008
Photo of Lucy Whittome, MA, BACP, Counsellor
Lucy Whittome
Counsellor, MA, BACP
Verified Verified
Winchester SO21
I have a wide experience of working with most issues and I have particular expertise in bereavement/ loss and trauma.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life or are you struggling with depression, anxiety, or loss? Counselling can offer a helpful space to talk through your feelings and start to make sense of things. I will work with you and your goals to help you start to let some light back in through the cracks.
I have a wide experience of working with most issues and I have particular expertise in bereavement/ loss and trauma.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life or are you struggling with depression, anxiety, or loss? Counselling can offer a helpful space to talk through your feelings and start to make sense of things. I will work with you and your goals to help you start to let some light back in through the cracks.
01256 648394 View 01256 648394
Photo of Amanda Jane Pontin - Jigsaw Counselling & Coaching, PsychD, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Jigsaw Counselling & Coaching
Psychotherapist, PsychD, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Winchester SO23
Does life sometimes feel like a jigsaw puzzle with pieces not slotting together? I am a great believer that we need to invest in ourselves. When life becomes difficult and those pieces are just not fitting, therapy gives you the opportunity to focus on yourself, make you the priority in an otherwise busy life. I have been through such times and it encouraged me to train as a counsellor then a psychotherapist to help clients with general mental health issues and other life difficulties, such as grief and other losses, addiction, sexuality, relationships, domestic abuse and anger issues.
Does life sometimes feel like a jigsaw puzzle with pieces not slotting together? I am a great believer that we need to invest in ourselves. When life becomes difficult and those pieces are just not fitting, therapy gives you the opportunity to focus on yourself, make you the priority in an otherwise busy life. I have been through such times and it encouraged me to train as a counsellor then a psychotherapist to help clients with general mental health issues and other life difficulties, such as grief and other losses, addiction, sexuality, relationships, domestic abuse and anger issues.
023 8235 6142 View 023 8235 6142
Photo of Nichola Maylott - WholeSum Counselling, MBACP, Counsellor
WholeSum Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Winchester SO21  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am experienced in the field of bereavement, specifically surrounding cancer, diagnosis, and young people.
Hello, thank you for looking at my profile. My name is Nichola, and I am a qualified Gestalt Counsellor; I also have training to utilise the CBT and Humanistic approaches alongside my main modality. Currently, I am offering telephone and online sessions. This will be reviewed regularly. I have familiarity in working with a wide variety of people from different backgrounds, from the ages of 12+. I place individuality at the forefront of my sessions and value autonomy. With this, I also provide a safe, confidential environment that encompasses exploration.
I am experienced in the field of bereavement, specifically surrounding cancer, diagnosis, and young people.
Hello, thank you for looking at my profile. My name is Nichola, and I am a qualified Gestalt Counsellor; I also have training to utilise the CBT and Humanistic approaches alongside my main modality. Currently, I am offering telephone and online sessions. This will be reviewed regularly. I have familiarity in working with a wide variety of people from different backgrounds, from the ages of 12+. I place individuality at the forefront of my sessions and value autonomy. With this, I also provide a safe, confidential environment that encompasses exploration.
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Photo of Lisa Fudio, BACP, Counsellor
Lisa Fudio
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Winchester SO23
Hi! I'm Lisa and I work online (UK wide) and in-person (Winchester) with individuals aged 18 and over. I work with clients on a range of topics including specific issues such as anxiety and depression, low self-esteem / self worth, grief / bereavement, abuse and suicidal thoughts. Some clients come to counselling not knowing exactly what they want to talk about, but knowing that they don’t feel like themselves. Many people come to counselling because they feel ‘stuck’ in some aspect of their lives. Counselling is a space for you to explore what is going on for you, and to help work towards feeling ‘un-stuck’.
Hi! I'm Lisa and I work online (UK wide) and in-person (Winchester) with individuals aged 18 and over. I work with clients on a range of topics including specific issues such as anxiety and depression, low self-esteem / self worth, grief / bereavement, abuse and suicidal thoughts. Some clients come to counselling not knowing exactly what they want to talk about, but knowing that they don’t feel like themselves. Many people come to counselling because they feel ‘stuck’ in some aspect of their lives. Counselling is a space for you to explore what is going on for you, and to help work towards feeling ‘un-stuck’.
01962 571003 View 01962 571003
Photo of Rocio Enriquez - RER Therapy, MBACP, Counsellor
RER Therapy
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Winchester SO22
I have experience working with anxiety, depression, life-changing illness, relationship problems, and loss.
My name is Rocio and I can help you overcome the emotional challenges that life sometimes brings. With trust, understanding, and no judgement, we can explore your mind together, so you can access the tools to build a better life. I work relationally, we will create changes together. That's why I offer a free introductory consultation, to decide if we are a good match.
I have experience working with anxiety, depression, life-changing illness, relationship problems, and loss.
My name is Rocio and I can help you overcome the emotional challenges that life sometimes brings. With trust, understanding, and no judgement, we can explore your mind together, so you can access the tools to build a better life. I work relationally, we will create changes together. That's why I offer a free introductory consultation, to decide if we are a good match.
01962 670902 View 01962 670902
Photo of Sara Elizabeth Gallagher, MBACP, Counsellor
Sara Elizabeth Gallagher
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Winchester SO21  (Online Only)
Self Harm, Distortion of self, Debilitating thought intrusion/flashbacks, Grief, Bereavement.
I have been working as a therapist for 13years and have a broad breadth of experience working with many presenting issue's. I take a warm, comfortable, welcoming and genuinely caring approach to my work. Asking for help can be very difficult and I recognise that. If you feel you have tried everything and nothing has changed then talking to a professional may help. You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Therapy can be useful to increase awareness and provide understanding of why we do what we do.
Self Harm, Distortion of self, Debilitating thought intrusion/flashbacks, Grief, Bereavement.
I have been working as a therapist for 13years and have a broad breadth of experience working with many presenting issue's. I take a warm, comfortable, welcoming and genuinely caring approach to my work. Asking for help can be very difficult and I recognise that. If you feel you have tried everything and nothing has changed then talking to a professional may help. You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Therapy can be useful to increase awareness and provide understanding of why we do what we do.
01962 673514 View 01962 673514
Photo of Naomi Best, MBACP, Counsellor
Naomi Best
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Winchester SO22
Friendly, professional and effective counselling for anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship and family issues, bereavement and more. Whether you are struggling with difficult life events, looking for help in understanding your feelings or want to explore what makes you tick, I can work collaboratively with you towards your goals. Within a confidential, welcoming and safe space, my flexible approach is led by your individual needs to help you feel better. Together we can identify patterns of thoughts, feelings or behaviours. Knowing why we respond in a certain way is the start of choosing to do things differently.
Friendly, professional and effective counselling for anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship and family issues, bereavement and more. Whether you are struggling with difficult life events, looking for help in understanding your feelings or want to explore what makes you tick, I can work collaboratively with you towards your goals. Within a confidential, welcoming and safe space, my flexible approach is led by your individual needs to help you feel better. Together we can identify patterns of thoughts, feelings or behaviours. Knowing why we respond in a certain way is the start of choosing to do things differently.
01962 587194 View 01962 587194
Photo of Gilly Dowthwaite Wells, MBACP Snr. Accred, Psychotherapist
Gilly Dowthwaite Wells
Psychotherapist, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
Winchester SO21
INITIAL CONSULTATION! For individuals, couples, and adolescents. Relationship Specialist, Experienced Counsellor, Psychotherapist, Supervisor and Mindfulness Coach. I coach the leadership team at the NHS and previously a therapist with the NHS, Relate, and CAMHS. Based at The Friarsgate GP Surgery and my home practice counselling for a range of issues including anxiety, relationship issues, low self esteem, abuse, trauma, bereavement, depression, addictions, infertility and have many years experience. I offer a confidential safe, trusting environment for you to explore your issues and find a way forward.
INITIAL CONSULTATION! For individuals, couples, and adolescents. Relationship Specialist, Experienced Counsellor, Psychotherapist, Supervisor and Mindfulness Coach. I coach the leadership team at the NHS and previously a therapist with the NHS, Relate, and CAMHS. Based at The Friarsgate GP Surgery and my home practice counselling for a range of issues including anxiety, relationship issues, low self esteem, abuse, trauma, bereavement, depression, addictions, infertility and have many years experience. I offer a confidential safe, trusting environment for you to explore your issues and find a way forward.
01962 571706 View 01962 571706
Photo of Mel Lewis, MBACP, Counsellor
Mel Lewis
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Winchester SO22
Hi, I'm Mel and I can support you, or your child, if you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed with life, whether that's because of a bereavement, work/school issues, or just life in general, in a safe, nurturing space, for you to explore your feelings. I am a dedicated and compassionate counsellor, and I am committed to helping individuals find hope, healing, and personal growth. I provide a safe and nurturing space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I have worked with adults and children facing various challenges, including anxiety, depression, bereavement, trauma, self harm and low self esteem.
Hi, I'm Mel and I can support you, or your child, if you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed with life, whether that's because of a bereavement, work/school issues, or just life in general, in a safe, nurturing space, for you to explore your feelings. I am a dedicated and compassionate counsellor, and I am committed to helping individuals find hope, healing, and personal growth. I provide a safe and nurturing space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I have worked with adults and children facing various challenges, including anxiety, depression, bereavement, trauma, self harm and low self esteem.
07842 255033 View 07842 255033
Photo of Katharine Duchesne, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Katharine Duchesne
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Winchester SO22
As an experienced and qualified Integrative Humanistic MBACP (Accred) Therapist, I offer a non judgemental, confidential and compassionate space for Counselling and Psychotherapy in Winchester. I work with individuals and couples offering a choice of face to face or on line counselling. I accept BUPA, Aviva, Vitality Health and AXA clients. I have many years of experience as a Counsellor and Supervisor at several Counselling organisations offering support to those experiencing anxiety, depression, difficulties in relationship, bereavement, trauma, eating disorders, OCD, addiction and sexual abuse.
As an experienced and qualified Integrative Humanistic MBACP (Accred) Therapist, I offer a non judgemental, confidential and compassionate space for Counselling and Psychotherapy in Winchester. I work with individuals and couples offering a choice of face to face or on line counselling. I accept BUPA, Aviva, Vitality Health and AXA clients. I have many years of experience as a Counsellor and Supervisor at several Counselling organisations offering support to those experiencing anxiety, depression, difficulties in relationship, bereavement, trauma, eating disorders, OCD, addiction and sexual abuse.
01962 587881 View 01962 587881
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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.