Alone in your grief? Surrounded by people who don't "get it" and expect you to "just get over it and move on"? Groups are powerful vehicles of support, healing, and transformation. For pet parents who need grief support in facing pet loss in any stage: anticipatory grief, planning a "lift up" instead of "put down" their pet, and also healing the grief that follows. I also offer services for individuals. I'm passionate about using my methodology 7 Powerful Practices to Manage Your Mind and Heal Your Heart to transform grief, from "just getting over it" to transforming yourself through the grief journey.
Hosted by Nancy M Gordon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CLC
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92120
" I combined my professional expertise with my personal journeys of pet loss, fibromyalgia, chronic illness/disability, providing a unique perspective in my methodology & books.
An ideal client may present issues related to any source of loss and grief, especially pet loss or chronic illness. Committed clients, who value investing in themselves to use coaching to go beyond just "getting through" a challenge/ loss as springboards for personal growth and transformation through my unique methodology, 7 Powerful Practices to Manage Your Mind and Heal Your Heart. Clients use individual sessions, group programs, transformational retreats. I use my Certification as a Life Coach, a coaching model, and my methodology of the 7 Powerful Practices.
Groups are a powerful format for understanding, healing and finding hope in LIFE. This weekly Grief Support Group offers grieving hearts an opportunity to explore LOSS and LIFE through music, and creative expression, journaling exercises, as well as grief education and traditional talk therapy.
Hosted by Kathryn I Conklin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92104
If you are interested in focusing on your grief journey, contact me for Individual or group counseling.
My professional experience with Grief is that it is full of Love and Life! While grief can be seriously painful, and even disorienting, it is also a time of Redesigning Life! Your Grief Journey is as unique as you are, and as unique as the relationship you are grieving. How you understand this loss, and integrate it into your life, is an important part of the Grief Journey.
This is a 10 week, 2 hour a week therapy group, that is modeled after the Research based Model of Dr. Ted Rynearson called "Restorative Retelling". This group is a closed group that is proven very effective to help with gaining your rooting after the Violent Loss of a Loved One.
Hosted by Tammy Carter
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92108
I have specialty with Violent Loss helping families and friends cope with sudden loss or violent loss of a loved one.
I enjoy helping others reach their full potential by gaining courage and confidence while learning ways to overcome the obstacles life can bring. Such as a loss of a loved one whether unexpectedly or naturally, issues with marriage or family relationships, divorce, health changes or addictions. My goal is to support my clients through a difficult time, help them to have hope, and tap into their inner resilience. I have experience with complicated grief. My heart is to walk along side those that have been affected by violent or unexpected death during an unbearable time, supporting them toward healing.
Join an ongoing, 1 a week, psychotherapy group for any type of pregnancy loss for couples and/or women only. The group will focus on grieving the loss, and exploring and healing the impact on your self and relationships. You will learn coping skills and develop hope for the future. The group will be held in a non judgmental, non-religious environment. The group is conducted by a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in trauma and loss. Please contact Dr. Maker at 858-531-1122 for details.
Hosted by Azmaira H Maker
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92130
We specialize in depression, anxiety, loss, trauma, substance use, eating disorders, academic, behavioral, spectrum and developmental difficulties, ADHD, divorce, and health issues.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience providing services to children, adolescents, adults, and families. My team of expert clinicians provide evidence-based and compassionate therapies from a range of approaches, state-of-the art testing, in-school/in-home services, medical services, and neurofeedback. We offer multiple treatment options to reduce symptoms, cope with stressors, resolve conflicts, and restore your daily life to health and wellness. We strive to provide exceptional and holistic collaborative care to educate, support, and empower individuals and families.
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) / Tapping is a mind-body-energy technique that is considered a gentle method of reducing or eliminating psychological distress. EFT regulates the nervous system through self-stimulation (tapping) of acupressure points on the face and body. We will practice the self-help version of EFT as a self-care, calming technique. Using EFT in a group setting allows us to “borrow benefits” and can be even more supportive and healing as we build connection. Group dates: 10/5, 10/19/ 10/26, 11/2, 11/16, 11/30, 12/7, and 12/14.
Hosted by Kaitlyn Nelson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACP-EFT, RYT-200
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92116
I am a Carlsbad based Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is passionate about empowering others to find their inner peace and self-worth. I describe my therapeutic style as warm, grounding, compassionate. My focus is on healing, processing, and building resilience with the intention to help you feel more confident about your future. My goal is to support you through symptoms of anxiety, depression, grief / loss, codependency, and post-traumatic stress. I work with preteens, teens, and adults who are committed to exploring their inner world to learn more about themselves and how they show up in their relationships with others.
Join Marina Walker Rose, PhD. for an 8 week journey into the healing power of story to transmute pain and empower change. Working with The Firemaker Series Books, participants will explore their personal story through the alchemy of metaphor and the forward-moving framework of Seven Mythic Doors. Bring your heart, a love of adventure, and the willingness to experience something new. This is a safe, compassionate, emotionally generous space where we insist on kindness and come ready to receive and offer support.
Hosted by Marina Walker Rose, PhD
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92103
My work is woven from joy and truth, loss, life, identity, the unknowable and dreams.
All journeys, including epic ones like yours, require provisions and tools, and you may be longing for support that’s as kind as it is wise, safe, nurturing, and true. Whether you're struggling in the Terrible Desert or leaving the City of Stability in search of the City of Joy, YOUR path is unique, dynamic and ever unfolding. Finding perspectives that bring relief, peace, and freedom — especially in times of transition and suffering — is a part of how we heal, get to thriving and write the story of our wholeness.
This group is for people grieving a death loss. Every session includes a weekly check in, supportive education, coping strategies, guided discussion, and community connection. Each group is limited to 8 participants. Contact me for more info or to register.
Hosted by Wendy Kessler
MSW, FT
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92110
Grief is a journey that we can learn to navigate.
Grief is our natural response to loss. It is not a disorder, nor does typical grief necessitate therapeutic treatment. Grief is a normal human experience that needs to be felt and processed. But sometimes our grief becomes stalled or derailed because healthy grieving has not been modeled or taught. Grief is meant to be an active process, a life skill that can be learned - rather than a passive experience to be endured. I offer professional guidance that helps people struggling with loss to discover where or why their unique grief journey got off track, and find their way back to the path where they can move forward through loss.
This is a drop-in group that meets on Zoom for people grieving a death loss. Every session includes supportive education, coping strategies, guided discussion, and community connection. Cost is $20/session and you only pay for weeks that you attend. Preregistration is required.
Hosted by Wendy Kessler
MSW, FT
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92110
Grief is a journey that we can learn to navigate.
Grief is our natural response to loss. It is not a disorder, nor does typical grief necessitate therapeutic treatment. Grief is a normal human experience that needs to be felt and processed. But sometimes our grief becomes stalled or derailed because healthy grieving has not been modeled or taught. Grief is meant to be an active process, a life skill that can be learned - rather than a passive experience to be endured. I offer professional guidance that helps people struggling with loss to discover where or why their unique grief journey got off track, and find their way back to the path where they can move forward through loss.
A powerful program to support Allistic partners in Neurodiverse relationships. Impactful tools and guidance serving over 50 women thus far, leading to significant shifts - from feeling alone, disempowered, and confused to clarity, reclaiming themselves and returning to optimism. This therapeutic community experience will help you navigate your relationship's emotional and practical complexities through validation, psychological safety, and professional guidance. I invite you to visit www.ThrivingBeyondCassandraSyndrome.com to review the many testimonials about how my program has impacted many women.
Hosted by Relationship Healing Intensives
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92122
Relationship Healing Intensives 2 days (6 hrs. /day) in-person offer a dynamic and efficient process gracefully and safely gets to the roots, resolves issues effectively, and empowers couples. This is for couples who need immediate results. Who are experiencing any of the following - Stuck in destructive cycles (continually repeating harmful interactions and conflicts without resolution). Facing a crisis. Dealing with infidelity or betrayal of any sort. Other major relationship upheavals. On the brink of separation. Experiencing emotional disconnection. Recovering from trauma (past experiences that are impacting your relationship).
Now enrolling! Therapy groups are offered throughout the year. Group offers a safe place to process feelings, and gain support from others who understand the experience of infertility. We'll explore issues related to fertility, including the impact on identity, self-esteem, sexuality and relationships. Relaxation and other mind/body coping skills will be introduced and practiced. Cost of group is $85/per session. Fees include the required intake appointment prior to enrolling. Initial group is 6-weeks with option to continue.
Hosted by Rachel Rabinor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92106
You imagined the path to parenthood to look a lot different. Pregnancy, trying to conceive, coping with losses and becoming a parent for the first (or umpteenth time) can be quite different than expected. It's important to get help if you're feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or anxious as you anticipate and cope with these transitions.
Anger is a signal from our brains telling us exactly what to do. We must learn how to use that signal and hear what anger is telling us to do we begin to use anger effectively. However, we tend to hold it in and let it build up until it comes out in unproductive ways. Once we know what the signal of anger is telling us to do, anger becomes a very useful emotion that we will understand and no longer fear.
Hosted by Dr. Alan Acre
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92123
Hello. I am Dr. Alan Acre, clinical psychologist. I was the clinical director of a trauma clinic in San Diego for over four years. If you’re looking for a quality private counseling session with a provider that cares, then you’ve come to the right place. I like helping clients conquer difficulties by using evidenced based treatments that allow you to engage life with a peaceful mind, a healthy outlook, and joy. We'll learn how to stop white knuckling life's problems and proudly use effective techniques to engage our family, friends, and co-workers with. Call me for a free consult, or I can help match you with one of our therapists.
It's time to make a change. Don't suffer alone. In this group you will learn to tame your fears and Overcome anxiety, depression and loss; Conquer self-esteem and assertiveness issues; Manage through life transitions; Develop more effective ways to get what you want; Learn relationship skills that work. Dr. Gilbert works in a very collaborative and participatory manner. You'll get constant feedback, advice and valuable life skills in each session. Complementary consultation required to meet group requirements and ensure psychotherapy is right for you.
Hosted by Reconnect Relationship - Dr. Gilbert Chalepas
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92103
Do you often find yourself agreeing to things you don’t like or don't want to do? Have you had enough of being overly accommodating in order to please others at the cost of your own wellbeing, without much of a return? Isn't it time to break this endless cycle and stop pleasing everyone but yourself? I’m here to help. As your psychologist, I’ll provide you with a safe judgment-free space to be vulnerable, where we can discuss your situation and examine your habits that are making it hard for you to stop pleasing others. During our sessions, you can feel heard and empowered to start living your life for yourself, and not others.
PTSD is one of the most debilitating injuries to suffer from. It affects all areas of your life regardless of how you sustained the injury (e.g., sexual assault, physical assault, cumulative traumas, acute trauma, chronic, or complex, single incident, learning about a sudden and violent incident to a family member or friend, etc.). The devastation of such an injury is overwhelming and it is destructive to all areas of the person's life. This group will help you retake your life and grow from PTSD instead of being hindered by PTSD.
Hosted by Dr. Alan Acre
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92123
Hello. I am Dr. Alan Acre, clinical psychologist. I was the clinical director of a trauma clinic in San Diego for over four years. If you’re looking for a quality private counseling session with a provider that cares, then you’ve come to the right place. I like helping clients conquer difficulties by using evidenced based treatments that allow you to engage life with a peaceful mind, a healthy outlook, and joy. We'll learn how to stop white knuckling life's problems and proudly use effective techniques to engage our family, friends, and co-workers with. Call me for a free consult, or I can help match you with one of our therapists.
Forming Now - Email to join the waiting list Our Medical Trauma, Grief, and Loss weekly support group offers a safe space for shared healing. Navigate your unique grief journey through group processing, support, and coping skills development. Foster connection and resilience in a compassionate environment. Spaces are limited. Email today to reserve your spot and journey towards healing and hope with us. care@wellonline.com
Hosted by Dr. Linda Williams
Psychologist, PhD, CGP
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92130
Welcome! I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist with extensive training in evidence-based therapy and psychological testing, with over 20 years of experience. Throughout our lifespan, we may experience anxious or depressive symptoms, losses, changes in our bodies, traumatic life events, and uncertainty distress. In our work together, I will provide diagnostic clarity around the symptoms you are experiencing, and together, we will build a foundation of daily practices and introduce evidence-based tools essential to achieving and maintaining good and even optimal mental health.
Enrollment for the next Secondary Infertility Therapy Group is now open! This Online 6-week therapy group offers a safe place to share, express feelings, and gain support from others who understand the experience of secondary infertility. We'll explore issues related to fertility, including the impact on identity, self-esteem, sexuality and relationships. Relaxation and other mind/body coping skills will be introduced and practiced. Cost of group is $85/per session. Fees include the required intake appointment prior to enrolling. Initial group is 6-weeks with option to continue.
Hosted by Rachel Rabinor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92106
You imagined the path to parenthood to look a lot different. Pregnancy, trying to conceive, coping with losses and becoming a parent for the first (or umpteenth time) can be quite different than expected. It's important to get help if you're feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or anxious as you anticipate and cope with these transitions.
Grief is the natural reaction to loss. Grief is both a universal and a personal experience. This is a support group for those who have experienced personal losses. Participants will explore, within a trusting and nurturing environment, their reactions to loss, learn about the grieving process, develop strategies for coping and begin to integrate this change into their lives in order to move forward. We will explore topics such as the stages of grief, common grief reactions, myths about grieving and moving forward.
Hosted by Aimee Cornelius Pearson
Psychologist, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
Group meets in San Diego, CA 92110
I help individuals work on life issues tied to anxiety and depression, relationship difficulties, stress symptoms tied to childhood trauma, and families struggling with behavioral challenges. I teach communication skills that help with difficult relationships. These skills include helping my clients improve their power, voice, and contact with significant others. I lead groups that provide a safe environment to help heal emotional pain and teach new ways of relating to others. I employ many approaches in psychotherapy, including psychodynamic, gestalt, somatic experiencing, EMDR, Pesso-Boyden and cognitive behavioral. I offer testing and assessment for ADHD, PTSD and relational attachment issues.
More Groups Nearby
An open support group bi-weekly for those experiencing loss and in the grieving process.
Hosted by Whitney Carter
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Group meets in La Mesa, CA 91942
Currently accepting new telehealth clients in California, Tennessee, and Kentucky. I am a therapist with 10+ years experience, specializing in Grief, Loss & Trauma. I work primarily with adults who experienced childhood trauma and military trauma. I previously worked with active duty, veterans, and families through the DoD and VA contracting in Tennessee before relocating to California with my therapy dog, Patrick.
See more therapy options for San Diego
Grief Support Groups
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.