Bereavement Counselling in Cardiff

See all counsellors in Cardiff
Photo of Kathryn Slattery, Counsellor in Cardiff, Wales
Kathryn Slattery
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified
Cardiff CF5
I support adults from a variety of cultures and backgrounds. I work affirmatively with the LGBTQIplus community and I am an LGBTQplus ally. Sessions are offered face to face as well as via Zoom, telephone and outdoors. I work with (but not limited to) trauma, bereavement , depression, anxiety, sexual and domestic violence, self-harm, relationship issues, stress and identity, including low self-esteem. I will be by your side to understand where you want to go, who you want to be and how to get there; focusing on what matters to you, offering new perspectives, gentle challenges and an opportunity to feel lighter.
I support adults from a variety of cultures and backgrounds. I work affirmatively with the LGBTQIplus community and I am an LGBTQplus ally. Sessions are offered face to face as well as via Zoom, telephone and outdoors. I work with (but not limited to) trauma, bereavement , depression, anxiety, sexual and domestic violence, self-harm, relationship issues, stress and identity, including low self-esteem. I will be by your side to understand where you want to go, who you want to be and how to get there; focusing on what matters to you, offering new perspectives, gentle challenges and an opportunity to feel lighter.
029 2167 2191 View 029 2167 2191
Photo of Jillian Kirkpatrick, Counsellor in Cardiff, Wales
Jillian Kirkpatrick
Counsellor, MA, MBACP Accred
Verified
Cardiff CF5
You may wish to seek help in overcoming patterns of behaviour caused by anxiety, depression, loss and trauma or you may simply wish to tell your story in a safe and supportive environment.
Hello, I am a fully qualified, accredited counsellor and psychotherapist. My approach to Counselling is integrative I bring together different elements of specific therapies in order to suit your individual needs and circumstances. Together, we can explore your concerns in a safe and supportive environment. As a Mindfulness based Psychotherapist I offer long and short therapy. We can explore in depth how past experiences are affecting your life in the present and how suffering is maintained by this process. Please feel free to contact me if you require more information regarding psychotherapy.
You may wish to seek help in overcoming patterns of behaviour caused by anxiety, depression, loss and trauma or you may simply wish to tell your story in a safe and supportive environment.
Hello, I am a fully qualified, accredited counsellor and psychotherapist. My approach to Counselling is integrative I bring together different elements of specific therapies in order to suit your individual needs and circumstances. Together, we can explore your concerns in a safe and supportive environment. As a Mindfulness based Psychotherapist I offer long and short therapy. We can explore in depth how past experiences are affecting your life in the present and how suffering is maintained by this process. Please feel free to contact me if you require more information regarding psychotherapy.
029 2192 1670 View 029 2192 1670
Photo of Woodland Counselling for Couples and Individuals, Psychotherapist in Cardiff, Wales
Woodland Counselling for Couples and Individuals
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified
Cardiff CF14
When we meet, I will bring to our relationship my experience and expertise in working with trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues and loss .
I have trained as an integrative counsellor, and believe that therapy can help us evolve from surviving to thriving. I became a counsellor for many reasons, but fundamentally because of the powerful way in which counselling can help you take back control of your life story; tomorrow does not have to be like yesterday. I can offer you a calm space to explore what feels safe to you until you are ready and I will not make assumptions about the individual struggles you are going through. I work with the full belief that it is possible to find a way through your experiences and re-gain that sense of who you are.
When we meet, I will bring to our relationship my experience and expertise in working with trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues and loss .
I have trained as an integrative counsellor, and believe that therapy can help us evolve from surviving to thriving. I became a counsellor for many reasons, but fundamentally because of the powerful way in which counselling can help you take back control of your life story; tomorrow does not have to be like yesterday. I can offer you a calm space to explore what feels safe to you until you are ready and I will not make assumptions about the individual struggles you are going through. I work with the full belief that it is possible to find a way through your experiences and re-gain that sense of who you are.
View
Photo of Danielle Joan, Psychotherapist in Cardiff, Wales
Danielle Joan
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified
Cardiff CF11
The potential for joy and pain, for excitement and anxiety, for life and death .
My aim is to support an individual to become aware of the cause of their dissatisfaction and to live the life they want. I work with clients on the subject matter they bring however creatively they chose. I am committed to equality of opportunity for people of all abilities, races, faiths, genders, sexual orientations, and ages. I find myself consistently curious and passionate about the human experience and am dedicated to furthering my development in this area.
The potential for joy and pain, for excitement and anxiety, for life and death .
My aim is to support an individual to become aware of the cause of their dissatisfaction and to live the life they want. I work with clients on the subject matter they bring however creatively they chose. I am committed to equality of opportunity for people of all abilities, races, faiths, genders, sexual orientations, and ages. I find myself consistently curious and passionate about the human experience and am dedicated to furthering my development in this area.
029 2167 2265 View 029 2167 2265
Photo of Helen Noble, Counsellor in Cardiff, Wales
Helen Noble
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified
Cardiff CF5  (Online Only)
I practice person-centred and emotion-focused therapy and have experience of working with sudden bereavement , anxiety, depression, self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, trauma, and health-related emotional distress, with adults across the age range. Emotion-focused therapy can help to focus on feelings which overtake our lives, making us lose sight of what we want, or keeping us stuck in situations we would like to change. Through gentle exploration of our emotions in a safe environment, we may start to see clearly how our feelings determine our actions, how we can make sense of our emotions, and how we can manage them for peace of mind
I practice person-centred and emotion-focused therapy and have experience of working with sudden bereavement , anxiety, depression, self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, trauma, and health-related emotional distress, with adults across the age range. Emotion-focused therapy can help to focus on feelings which overtake our lives, making us lose sight of what we want, or keeping us stuck in situations we would like to change. Through gentle exploration of our emotions in a safe environment, we may start to see clearly how our feelings determine our actions, how we can make sense of our emotions, and how we can manage them for peace of mind
01792 966437 View 01792 966437
Photo of Maya Schofield, Counsellor in Cardiff, Wales
Maya Schofield
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified
Cardiff CF14  (Online Only)
I work with clients from a variety of backgrounds. I am keen to help no matter your age, gender identity, sexuality, race and so on. My aim is to help you use counselling as a place to be heard and to feel comfortable and safe. I work with clients living with various issues such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, bereavement , stress and so on. I am also able to help clients with a range of major life events such as bereavement , job loss and relationship breakdown. I provide an authentic and warm environment for you to feel comfortable enough to discuss things with me that you may not feel you can with others.
I work with clients from a variety of backgrounds. I am keen to help no matter your age, gender identity, sexuality, race and so on. My aim is to help you use counselling as a place to be heard and to feel comfortable and safe. I work with clients living with various issues such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, bereavement , stress and so on. I am also able to help clients with a range of major life events such as bereavement , job loss and relationship breakdown. I provide an authentic and warm environment for you to feel comfortable enough to discuss things with me that you may not feel you can with others.
029 2271 1039 x44 View 029 2271 1039 x44
Photo of Helga Anne Moore, Counsellor in Cardiff, Wales
Helga Anne Moore
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified
Cardiff CF14
I specialise in trauma work and have many years experience working with sexual abuse, and sudden death .
Starting the journey to emotional well-being may seem daunting, but with the help of a kind, professional and deeply empathic therapist alongside you, it can become the most important undertaking you ever begin. Whatever issues you are struggling with right now, change is possible and inevitable as soon as you choose to explore exactly what you need and which parts of your life are not working as well as you hope right now. As a therapist I walk beside my clients and together we can explore exactly what it is you need to help you make the changes necessary to reclaim a full and balanced life.
I specialise in trauma work and have many years experience working with sexual abuse, and sudden death .
Starting the journey to emotional well-being may seem daunting, but with the help of a kind, professional and deeply empathic therapist alongside you, it can become the most important undertaking you ever begin. Whatever issues you are struggling with right now, change is possible and inevitable as soon as you choose to explore exactly what you need and which parts of your life are not working as well as you hope right now. As a therapist I walk beside my clients and together we can explore exactly what it is you need to help you make the changes necessary to reclaim a full and balanced life.
029 2009 8393 View 029 2009 8393
Photo of Nicola Mitchell, Counsellor in Cardiff, Wales
Nicola Mitchell
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified
Cardiff CF14
I specialise in bereavement and loss , pre- bereavement /dementia, sudden and traumatic death .
I came to this role late in life and it has enabled to bring with me years of life experience, care and understanding. As a mature person I can offer you my experience as well my learning. My diploma allows me to work with a range of issues using a variety of counselling models, this means that I can work with clients to find the therapeutic practice that works best for them. I offer a safe therapeutic space to work on whatever you may need. We all have difficulties sometime in our life, it can be very hard to deal with these issues alone, I offer a safe space for you to sit with someone without any advice or judgement.
I specialise in bereavement and loss , pre- bereavement /dementia, sudden and traumatic death .
I came to this role late in life and it has enabled to bring with me years of life experience, care and understanding. As a mature person I can offer you my experience as well my learning. My diploma allows me to work with a range of issues using a variety of counselling models, this means that I can work with clients to find the therapeutic practice that works best for them. I offer a safe therapeutic space to work on whatever you may need. We all have difficulties sometime in our life, it can be very hard to deal with these issues alone, I offer a safe space for you to sit with someone without any advice or judgement.
01446 501530 View 01446 501530
Photo of Damaris (Dee) Guiel, Counsellor in Cardiff, Wales
Damaris (Dee) Guiel
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified
Cardiff CF14
There are many reasons why we may want to seek help. Most of us at some point in our lives experience challenges, or just feel that we are not enjoying life as we know we could. I know it can feel overwhelming to reach out, yet this is often the hardest part & proof you are ready for positive change. Whether it is self-esteem, anger, anxiety, grief or chronic illness (to name just a few area's I can offer support with); there are many therapeutic options we can use to together to help you heal. You are unique and ever evolving and so should your therapy; my pluralistic training allows me to do this.
There are many reasons why we may want to seek help. Most of us at some point in our lives experience challenges, or just feel that we are not enjoying life as we know we could. I know it can feel overwhelming to reach out, yet this is often the hardest part & proof you are ready for positive change. Whether it is self-esteem, anger, anxiety, grief or chronic illness (to name just a few area's I can offer support with); there are many therapeutic options we can use to together to help you heal. You are unique and ever evolving and so should your therapy; my pluralistic training allows me to do this.
029 2167 9928 View 029 2167 9928
Photo of Matilda Tonkin Wells, Psychotherapist in Cardiff, Wales
Matilda Tonkin Wells
Psychotherapist, MA
1 Endorsed
Cardiff CF10  (Online Only)
You might be experiencing depression, grief , anxiety or trauma or simply wish to get to know yourself better or work on how to flourish more in your life.
My approach to psychotherapy is rooted in establishing sustainable relationships to self, others and the world in which we dwell. Through a creative, body based approach, I can offer you a space to meet what is challenging or what weighs upon you and nourish what helps you feel well, resourced and grounded. In our sessions you can expect talking, moving, art making and creative writing but the way the sessions unfold will be guided by you and your process.
You might be experiencing depression, grief , anxiety or trauma or simply wish to get to know yourself better or work on how to flourish more in your life.
My approach to psychotherapy is rooted in establishing sustainable relationships to self, others and the world in which we dwell. Through a creative, body based approach, I can offer you a space to meet what is challenging or what weighs upon you and nourish what helps you feel well, resourced and grounded. In our sessions you can expect talking, moving, art making and creative writing but the way the sessions unfold will be guided by you and your process.
01239 801757 View 01239 801757
Photo of Philippa Mary Weitz, Psychotherapist in Cardiff, Wales
Philippa Mary Weitz
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified
Cardiff CF10  (Online Only)
If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, panic attacks, bereavement , or gender dysphoria or maybe part of the LGBT community – these are some areas I specialise in.
I only work online - and work worldwide except USA and Canada. I just I love working as an online therapist and I invite you to work with me online, whatever your issues, needs or goals might be. You may live abroad or have difficulty accessing help or just prefer seeing someone online, or you may be struggling with shame and want to work with the video turned off or by live chat - text based. I am happy to work with you using the format you prefer - I am even qualified as an avatar therapist if you'd like to try this. Online work can be very rewarding and creative.
If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, panic attacks, bereavement , or gender dysphoria or maybe part of the LGBT community – these are some areas I specialise in.
I only work online - and work worldwide except USA and Canada. I just I love working as an online therapist and I invite you to work with me online, whatever your issues, needs or goals might be. You may live abroad or have difficulty accessing help or just prefer seeing someone online, or you may be struggling with shame and want to work with the video turned off or by live chat - text based. I am happy to work with you using the format you prefer - I am even qualified as an avatar therapist if you'd like to try this. Online work can be very rewarding and creative.
01273 036197 View 01273 036197
Photo of Dr. Sue Egan - Counselling Psychologist, Psychologist in Cardiff, Wales
Dr. Sue Egan - Counselling Psychologist
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified
Cardiff CF10  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I specialise in traumatic grief , chronic illness, complex trauma, abuse and anxiety.
There is hope. Although it might not be possible to forget life's challenges completely, it is possible to manage them so you can live life again with the volume turned down on the past. My role is to facilitate a safe, supportive space where you can begin to heal from life's traumas and remember who you are. I value doing all I can to offer you an integrated approach assessing your past, present and future using counselling and psychological theories. As the client, the time we have will be entirely yours, as I assist and guide you to uncover the way forward.
I specialise in traumatic grief , chronic illness, complex trauma, abuse and anxiety.
There is hope. Although it might not be possible to forget life's challenges completely, it is possible to manage them so you can live life again with the volume turned down on the past. My role is to facilitate a safe, supportive space where you can begin to heal from life's traumas and remember who you are. I value doing all I can to offer you an integrated approach assessing your past, present and future using counselling and psychological theories. As the client, the time we have will be entirely yours, as I assist and guide you to uncover the way forward.
01432 808347 View 01432 808347
Photo of Lucy lenke Theo, Psychotherapist in Cardiff, Wales
Lucy lenke Theo
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP Accred
Verified
Cardiff CF5
I am especially passionate about providing psychological support in the perinatal period, and support for loss in pregnancy and birth, through my additional service 'Mind&Baby', and also helping people to understand the How, What and Why of physical pain and illness and how this relates to and impacts our psychological health both past and present.
I am an accredited, experienced and supportive psychotherapist working in the NHS and in private practice. The talking therapy space I offer is welcoming, relaxed and confidential, so that you will feel able to explore worries and concerns, both past and present and together we can discuss the link between events, thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Therapy can help to make sense of life difficulties, loss and change and create new ways to communicate to develop inner confidence, personal happiness and psychological balance. My role is to listen attentively, with commitment and care , so I can view the world as you do.
I am especially passionate about providing psychological support in the perinatal period, and support for loss in pregnancy and birth, through my additional service 'Mind&Baby', and also helping people to understand the How, What and Why of physical pain and illness and how this relates to and impacts our psychological health both past and present.
I am an accredited, experienced and supportive psychotherapist working in the NHS and in private practice. The talking therapy space I offer is welcoming, relaxed and confidential, so that you will feel able to explore worries and concerns, both past and present and together we can discuss the link between events, thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Therapy can help to make sense of life difficulties, loss and change and create new ways to communicate to develop inner confidence, personal happiness and psychological balance. My role is to listen attentively, with commitment and care , so I can view the world as you do.
01446 501478 View 01446 501478
Photo of Julie Elizabeth Dykes, Psychotherapist in Cardiff, Wales
Julie Elizabeth Dykes
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified
Cardiff CF24
I work with anxiety, generalised anxiety disorder, carers issues, abuse, bereavement , depression , family issues, phobias, stress, workplace stress, self esteem, sexuality, separation and divorce, AS, chronic illness and disability.
Sessions available both in person and online. Specialising in anxiety and trauma and related issues, and with over 20 years experience as a Senior psychotherapist, using CBT, integrative therapy, EMDR and Clinical Supervision I work with TRAUMA, anxiety disorders and a wide range of related and other issues. I have worked within University, workplace, NHS and and other settings as well as in private practice. Based in the Penylan /Roath area of Cardiff I offer a warm and safe, confidential welcome or can work with you online via Zoom.
I work with anxiety, generalised anxiety disorder, carers issues, abuse, bereavement , depression , family issues, phobias, stress, workplace stress, self esteem, sexuality, separation and divorce, AS, chronic illness and disability.
Sessions available both in person and online. Specialising in anxiety and trauma and related issues, and with over 20 years experience as a Senior psychotherapist, using CBT, integrative therapy, EMDR and Clinical Supervision I work with TRAUMA, anxiety disorders and a wide range of related and other issues. I have worked within University, workplace, NHS and and other settings as well as in private practice. Based in the Penylan /Roath area of Cardiff I offer a warm and safe, confidential welcome or can work with you online via Zoom.
029 2167 9418 View 029 2167 9418
Photo of Liz Brotherton, Counsellor in Cardiff, Wales
Liz Brotherton
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified
Cardiff CF14
If your life is feeling unmanageable, or you are struggling with trauma, grief , anxiety or depression I can offer you a safe space to break it down and review the role you play within your own life.
Life can feel very heavy at times, unexpected events can flaw us and day to day pressures can get to us too. I can offer you a safe space to explore whatever it is that's troubling you. I am available for face to face appointments as well as appointments over Zoom, or over the phone.
If your life is feeling unmanageable, or you are struggling with trauma, grief , anxiety or depression I can offer you a safe space to break it down and review the role you play within your own life.
Life can feel very heavy at times, unexpected events can flaw us and day to day pressures can get to us too. I can offer you a safe space to explore whatever it is that's troubling you. I am available for face to face appointments as well as appointments over Zoom, or over the phone.
029 2271 0168 View 029 2271 0168
Photo of Fortitude Mums, Psychologist in Cardiff, Wales
Fortitude Mums
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified
Cardiff CF24
I also specialise in working with pregnant mums, those adjusting to motherhood, birth trauma and those who have experienced baby loss .
Getting pregnant…giving birth…adjusting to being a parent…managing health and mood challenges…knowing what to do with your baby. It is full of expectations and adjustments which can leave us with overwhelming emotions. I know what this is like and have met so many Mums who feel the same. Hello, I am Dr Sarah-Louise Hurst and I am passionate about providing you with therapy to help you create the change you are looking for. I can provide a tailor made therapy plan and equip you with psychological tools to make your day-to-day and experience of motherhood increasingly meaningful.
I also specialise in working with pregnant mums, those adjusting to motherhood, birth trauma and those who have experienced baby loss .
Getting pregnant…giving birth…adjusting to being a parent…managing health and mood challenges…knowing what to do with your baby. It is full of expectations and adjustments which can leave us with overwhelming emotions. I know what this is like and have met so many Mums who feel the same. Hello, I am Dr Sarah-Louise Hurst and I am passionate about providing you with therapy to help you create the change you are looking for. I can provide a tailor made therapy plan and equip you with psychological tools to make your day-to-day and experience of motherhood increasingly meaningful.
029 2271 7171 View 029 2271 7171
Photo of Sam Black, Counsellor in Cardiff, Wales
Sam Black
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified
Cardiff CF14  (Online Only)
My specialities are working with trauma and abuse; and bereavement and loss .
Life's too short to be unhappy or unfulfilled. Therapy can help you learn and develop better ways to break through the obstacles that seem to be holding you back in life. Understanding links between your past and present, your patterns of behaviour and emotions enable us to move forward with understanding and self-compassion. I believe the past is always present, embrace the future by resolving patterns that no longer serve you. I consider the therapeutic relationship healing in itself and focus on creating a genuine healing connection. I offer a warm, secure, and confidential space to process, recover, heal and grow.
My specialities are working with trauma and abuse; and bereavement and loss .
Life's too short to be unhappy or unfulfilled. Therapy can help you learn and develop better ways to break through the obstacles that seem to be holding you back in life. Understanding links between your past and present, your patterns of behaviour and emotions enable us to move forward with understanding and self-compassion. I believe the past is always present, embrace the future by resolving patterns that no longer serve you. I consider the therapeutic relationship healing in itself and focus on creating a genuine healing connection. I offer a warm, secure, and confidential space to process, recover, heal and grow.
View
Photo of Louise Duggan, Counsellor in Cardiff, Wales
Louise Duggan
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified
Cardiff CF14
Are you feeling lonely, isolated, depressed, anxious or have thoughts of suicide? Have you experienced an event such as bereavement , loss of a job or the end of a relationship? Is your self esteem or confidence low? Do you feel trapped in a situation and see no way out? Are you a parent/carer and feel alone or that no one understands? I offer counselling to help you explore your feelings safely and without judgement. I specialise in anxiety and depression, self esteem, loss and change and parenting/caring, I also have professional and personal knowledge and understanding of Autism and PDA.
Are you feeling lonely, isolated, depressed, anxious or have thoughts of suicide? Have you experienced an event such as bereavement , loss of a job or the end of a relationship? Is your self esteem or confidence low? Do you feel trapped in a situation and see no way out? Are you a parent/carer and feel alone or that no one understands? I offer counselling to help you explore your feelings safely and without judgement. I specialise in anxiety and depression, self esteem, loss and change and parenting/caring, I also have professional and personal knowledge and understanding of Autism and PDA.
029 2271 0028 View 029 2271 0028
Photo of Inge Deane, Counsellor in Cardiff, Wales
Inge Deane
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc.
Verified
Cardiff CF14
I have experience of working with issues like anxiety, depression, improving self-esteem, substance misuse, domestic abuse, hate crime, bereavement , stress, relationships, work-related issues and personal development.
It can be a very daunting experience trying to find a counsellor. You may have several questions and possibly not be sure if counselling is for you. Talking to a professional can help. My name is Inge, I am a qualified counsellor and I offer an empathetic space for you to explore what is causing you distress, so you can move through your counselling journey at a pace that is comfortable for you. I adopt a person led approach whereby I work with you by continually discussing how the direction your counselling journey is progressing and if it is having the desired effect you had hoped for.
I have experience of working with issues like anxiety, depression, improving self-esteem, substance misuse, domestic abuse, hate crime, bereavement , stress, relationships, work-related issues and personal development.
It can be a very daunting experience trying to find a counsellor. You may have several questions and possibly not be sure if counselling is for you. Talking to a professional can help. My name is Inge, I am a qualified counsellor and I offer an empathetic space for you to explore what is causing you distress, so you can move through your counselling journey at a pace that is comfortable for you. I adopt a person led approach whereby I work with you by continually discussing how the direction your counselling journey is progressing and if it is having the desired effect you had hoped for.
01446 501242 View 01446 501242
Photo of Antonia Woods, Counsellor in Cardiff, Wales
Antonia Woods
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified
Cardiff CF11
My area of expertise include: Anxiety, Depression, Bereavement , Trauma, Sexual Abuse and people with substance abuse issues.
Welcome! My name is Antonia. Searching for a counsellor that fits you as an individual can be an extremely daunting experience, but you have now taken that first step. My approach to Counselling is everyone is unique, therefore what works for one person might not work for another. I place great value on the power of the therapeutic relationship. I offer a free initial introduction call so you can ascertain if I might be the right therapist for you. Life can be challenging to navigate and can impact our ability as humans to cope emotionally. My goal is to walk beside you and guide you towards a good state of wellbeing.
My area of expertise include: Anxiety, Depression, Bereavement , Trauma, Sexual Abuse and people with substance abuse issues.
Welcome! My name is Antonia. Searching for a counsellor that fits you as an individual can be an extremely daunting experience, but you have now taken that first step. My approach to Counselling is everyone is unique, therefore what works for one person might not work for another. I place great value on the power of the therapeutic relationship. I offer a free initial introduction call so you can ascertain if I might be the right therapist for you. Life can be challenging to navigate and can impact our ability as humans to cope emotionally. My goal is to walk beside you and guide you towards a good state of wellbeing.
01446 508113 View 01446 508113

See more therapy options for Cardiff

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.