Grief Therapists in 92646

Photo of Karen Allen, PhD, RN, Psychologist
Karen Allen
Psychologist, PhD, RN
Verified Verified
Challenges and loss experienced in the "Golden Years" can leave you depressed and hopeless.
Physical illness affects your emotional and mental health. As a Psychologist and an RN, I can help manage the stress of cancer, cardiac and autoimmune diseases, diabetes. Whether you have just received a new diagnosis or are weary of struggling with an ongoing illness, I give you tools to ease the process and make you feel more capable of taking charge of your life. We can work on the loss and grief over what feels like a body that has betrayed you.
Challenges and loss experienced in the "Golden Years" can leave you depressed and hopeless.
Physical illness affects your emotional and mental health. As a Psychologist and an RN, I can help manage the stress of cancer, cardiac and autoimmune diseases, diabetes. Whether you have just received a new diagnosis or are weary of struggling with an ongoing illness, I give you tools to ease the process and make you feel more capable of taking charge of your life. We can work on the loss and grief over what feels like a body that has betrayed you.
(714) 235-2715 View (714) 235-2715
Christina M Milucky
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LAADC, CAGCS
Verified Verified
My clients are seeking healing from addictions, mental health, and identity issues as well as various types of issues related to grief & loss. Traumas experienced are central to many individuals and I take the approach of a witness to my clients experiences. I have spent over a decade working with individuals to find the healing and recovery they seek. Additionally, over the years I have built a strong understanding of the specific needs of individuals struggling with co-occurring disorders. I collaborate with each client to build a continuing care plan that focuses on their needs for long-term success
My clients are seeking healing from addictions, mental health, and identity issues as well as various types of issues related to grief & loss. Traumas experienced are central to many individuals and I take the approach of a witness to my clients experiences. I have spent over a decade working with individuals to find the healing and recovery they seek. Additionally, over the years I have built a strong understanding of the specific needs of individuals struggling with co-occurring disorders. I collaborate with each client to build a continuing care plan that focuses on their needs for long-term success
(323) 918-5286 View (323) 918-5286
Photo of Lisa L Popper, MA, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lisa L Popper
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
Are you struggling with a recent loss – the death of a loved one, loss of a job or the end of a relationship? Do you have a child that has been recently diagnosed with Autism or suffers with self-esteem issues? Are you trying to work on your marriage to rekindle the passion you once enjoyed? Some clients tell me they just feel "off" and unable to enjoy life as they once knew it. Therapy exists to help individuals like you navigate circumstances that are difficult to face alone.
Are you struggling with a recent loss – the death of a loved one, loss of a job or the end of a relationship? Do you have a child that has been recently diagnosed with Autism or suffers with self-esteem issues? Are you trying to work on your marriage to rekindle the passion you once enjoyed? Some clients tell me they just feel "off" and unable to enjoy life as they once knew it. Therapy exists to help individuals like you navigate circumstances that are difficult to face alone.
(714) 862-2162 View (714) 862-2162
Photo of Toby Ford, MS, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Toby Ford
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Huntington Beach, CA 92646  (Online Only)
Areas of Expertise: Anxiety and Stress Management, Depression and Mood Disorders, Relationship and Communication Issues, Life Transitions (Career Changes, Grief, etc.
My ideal client is someone who is ready to embark on a journey of self-exploration and personal growth. You may be dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or life transitions. I am here to provide support and guidance.
Areas of Expertise: Anxiety and Stress Management, Depression and Mood Disorders, Relationship and Communication Issues, Life Transitions (Career Changes, Grief, etc.
My ideal client is someone who is ready to embark on a journey of self-exploration and personal growth. You may be dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or life transitions. I am here to provide support and guidance.
(714) 486-0454 View (714) 486-0454
Photo of Amy Field, LMFT, CAS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Amy Field
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CAS
Verified Verified
Trying to solve a problem with the same mind that created is difficult to do alone. Lets solve it together. Have you experienced many failed relationships and continue wondering how you got here again? Are you or your mate coping with sex addiction. Having relationship struggles? Do you need support with grief, loss or managing depression or anxiety feelings? Is your or a family member's drinking or drug use out of control? There is hope. As well as a Licensed Marriage Family therapist I am certified in addictions counseling and have 37 years experience working in the addiction field.
Trying to solve a problem with the same mind that created is difficult to do alone. Lets solve it together. Have you experienced many failed relationships and continue wondering how you got here again? Are you or your mate coping with sex addiction. Having relationship struggles? Do you need support with grief, loss or managing depression or anxiety feelings? Is your or a family member's drinking or drug use out of control? There is hope. As well as a Licensed Marriage Family therapist I am certified in addictions counseling and have 37 years experience working in the addiction field.
(714) 701-6907 View (714) 701-6907
Photo of Tacha Kasper, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tacha Kasper
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
If you or a loved one has CHRONIC PAIN / ILLNESS, CANCER OR TRAUMA, I would like to be part of your HEALING TEAM and help you combat the EMOTIONAL IMPACT, such as: anxiety, depression, grief, relationship problems, intimacy, self-esteem, isolation, work/financial strain, caretaker strain & family tension, and more.
Are you TIRED of pretending to be 'FINE' when you're really in terrible pain? Do you want to PUNCH the next person who says, "At least you look good"? I get it! PAIN & ILLNESS is hard & most people don't understand how it challenges every aspect of your life. As someone who has battled chronic pain & cancer, I have a unique combination of first-hand knowledge & professional experience. I work as a catalyst to help you build hope, promote healing & inspire growth so that you can live a 'chronically' fulfilling life.
If you or a loved one has CHRONIC PAIN / ILLNESS, CANCER OR TRAUMA, I would like to be part of your HEALING TEAM and help you combat the EMOTIONAL IMPACT, such as: anxiety, depression, grief, relationship problems, intimacy, self-esteem, isolation, work/financial strain, caretaker strain & family tension, and more.
Are you TIRED of pretending to be 'FINE' when you're really in terrible pain? Do you want to PUNCH the next person who says, "At least you look good"? I get it! PAIN & ILLNESS is hard & most people don't understand how it challenges every aspect of your life. As someone who has battled chronic pain & cancer, I have a unique combination of first-hand knowledge & professional experience. I work as a catalyst to help you build hope, promote healing & inspire growth so that you can live a 'chronically' fulfilling life.
(949) 656-4542 View (949) 656-4542
Photo of Dr. Christine Duquette, PsyD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Christine Duquette
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Do you have a deep sense that you are missing out on the life you are supposed to have? Do you feel that things need to be different but you aren't sure where to start? Do you feel stuck? Your difficulties do not define you. Perhaps you are going through a challenging life transition or loss. It could be that anxiety or depression are keeping you from the things you want and need to do. Or maybe job, family or relationship issues are weighing on you.
Do you have a deep sense that you are missing out on the life you are supposed to have? Do you feel that things need to be different but you aren't sure where to start? Do you feel stuck? Your difficulties do not define you. Perhaps you are going through a challenging life transition or loss. It could be that anxiety or depression are keeping you from the things you want and need to do. Or maybe job, family or relationship issues are weighing on you.
(657) 315-1398 View (657) 315-1398
Photo of Elizabeth Aguilar Godinez, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Elizabeth Aguilar Godinez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
I enjoy working with children, adolescents and adults to help them process and work through any life or family related stressor, past trauma, grief, anxiety, depression and any other difficulty they may be facing.
Hi and welcome/bienvenidos! My name is Elizabeth Aguilar-Godinez, LMFT. I am a bilingual, Spanish speaking Clinician and work with cultural related issues, family/familia dynamics, anxiety, depression and stress. I have extensive experience in working with children, adolescents and young adults. I am Certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and specialize in working through childhood trauma and how it continues to impact us into adulthood. My approach is sharing my knowledge with my clients and helping them find the light within so that they can work through this difficult time in their lives.
I enjoy working with children, adolescents and adults to help them process and work through any life or family related stressor, past trauma, grief, anxiety, depression and any other difficulty they may be facing.
Hi and welcome/bienvenidos! My name is Elizabeth Aguilar-Godinez, LMFT. I am a bilingual, Spanish speaking Clinician and work with cultural related issues, family/familia dynamics, anxiety, depression and stress. I have extensive experience in working with children, adolescents and young adults. I am Certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and specialize in working through childhood trauma and how it continues to impact us into adulthood. My approach is sharing my knowledge with my clients and helping them find the light within so that they can work through this difficult time in their lives.
(858) 422-3645 View (858) 422-3645
Photo of Sara Sierra- Valinsky, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sara Sierra- Valinsky
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
I'm interested in working with clients challenged by all sorts of issues--stress, depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationship difficulties, and grief & loss.
We've all been in a life situation where we have felt stuck or struggled with feelings that seem insurmountable. Trying to balance all of the demands and challenges in our lives can be overwhelming! Sometimes we know what’s wrong and other times we just have the sense that something isn't "right". Finding a therapist to help you understand more clearly what’s going on can help you to learn to make the choices that will help you move forward.
I'm interested in working with clients challenged by all sorts of issues--stress, depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationship difficulties, and grief & loss.
We've all been in a life situation where we have felt stuck or struggled with feelings that seem insurmountable. Trying to balance all of the demands and challenges in our lives can be overwhelming! Sometimes we know what’s wrong and other times we just have the sense that something isn't "right". Finding a therapist to help you understand more clearly what’s going on can help you to learn to make the choices that will help you move forward.
(714) 594-9477 View (714) 594-9477
Photo of Felecia Pedrogo - Felecia A. Pedrogo Interracial Couples Specialist, MA, AMFT, APPC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Felecia A. Pedrogo Interracial Couples Specialist
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
INTERRACIAL COUPLES…. Culturally diverse factors may exist but the underlining issues threatening your happiness are the same as any other relationship. Emotional detachment leaving you feeling isolated and disconnected when there has been a shift in focus to career, friends, children, hobbies or social activities. Your partner fails to express gratitude or appreciation for the contribution you make to the relationship leaving you agitated and bitter. Sensing a loss of sexual intimacy or struggling with physical affection. Toxic Masculinity or Femininity may have left you defenseless against verbal or physical abuse.
INTERRACIAL COUPLES…. Culturally diverse factors may exist but the underlining issues threatening your happiness are the same as any other relationship. Emotional detachment leaving you feeling isolated and disconnected when there has been a shift in focus to career, friends, children, hobbies or social activities. Your partner fails to express gratitude or appreciation for the contribution you make to the relationship leaving you agitated and bitter. Sensing a loss of sexual intimacy or struggling with physical affection. Toxic Masculinity or Femininity may have left you defenseless against verbal or physical abuse.
(949) 438-4426 View (949) 438-4426
Photo of Claudia Oreegal, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Claudia Oreegal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
My experience includes working with diverse groups (Active-Duty Military/Veterans and their family members, LatinX, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+) of clients that have encountered addiction/substance misuse, homelessness, incarceration, trauma, grief and loss, anger management, depression, and anxiety.
Hello, my name is Claudia Oreegal and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California seeing clients via telehealth. I work with adult individuals and specialize in depression, anxiety, trauma, grief addiction/substance misuse, and adjustment to phases of life while walking alongside clients to help them identify the root of their challenges and work towards creating a balance in life that works best for them.
My experience includes working with diverse groups (Active-Duty Military/Veterans and their family members, LatinX, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+) of clients that have encountered addiction/substance misuse, homelessness, incarceration, trauma, grief and loss, anger management, depression, and anxiety.
Hello, my name is Claudia Oreegal and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California seeing clients via telehealth. I work with adult individuals and specialize in depression, anxiety, trauma, grief addiction/substance misuse, and adjustment to phases of life while walking alongside clients to help them identify the root of their challenges and work towards creating a balance in life that works best for them.
(858) 779-0208 View (858) 779-0208
Photo of Vivian Lamphear, PhD, Psychologist
Vivian Lamphear
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Author of two WEIGHT LOSS books, I use Brainspotting and IFS to resolve weight loss struggles and other body related issues.
Hello! I am a Clinical Psychologist, former Assistant Professor of Psychology, Clinic Director and author with 40 years experience. I offer a warm, gentle and secure place to talk about and resolve your concerns. As a trauma specialist, I have successfully used EMDR, Brainspotting and IFS parts work to gently yet rapidly resolve past trauma, depression and anxiety, and achieve peak performance. Unlike regular talk therapy, these cutting edge methods allow you to go right to the source of the issue, located in the emotional or subcortical part of the brain. Most issues and past traumas are more likely resolved in months not years.
Author of two WEIGHT LOSS books, I use Brainspotting and IFS to resolve weight loss struggles and other body related issues.
Hello! I am a Clinical Psychologist, former Assistant Professor of Psychology, Clinic Director and author with 40 years experience. I offer a warm, gentle and secure place to talk about and resolve your concerns. As a trauma specialist, I have successfully used EMDR, Brainspotting and IFS parts work to gently yet rapidly resolve past trauma, depression and anxiety, and achieve peak performance. Unlike regular talk therapy, these cutting edge methods allow you to go right to the source of the issue, located in the emotional or subcortical part of the brain. Most issues and past traumas are more likely resolved in months not years.
(562) 278-8170 View (562) 278-8170
Photo of Dr. Tonja S. Duvardo, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Tonja S. Duvardo
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
I offer a compassionate therapeutic approach utilizing evidenced based treatment to my patients with a wide range of emotional, behavioral and adjustment problems such as anxiety, depression, stress, mood disorders, relationship issues, self-esteem, peer relationships, coping skills, grief, divorce, codependency, and those searching for life meaning and purpose.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience who specializes in treating teens and adults in inpatient and in outpatient clinical settings. My work is based on the belief that people want to be happy, effective, and successful in their lives and that they have within themselves the resources and skills necessary to achieve these goals. I believe that psychotherapy can help individuals most effectively use their resources and strengths to increase self-understanding, to improve decision-making, to solve problems, and to create the paths to the lives they want.
I offer a compassionate therapeutic approach utilizing evidenced based treatment to my patients with a wide range of emotional, behavioral and adjustment problems such as anxiety, depression, stress, mood disorders, relationship issues, self-esteem, peer relationships, coping skills, grief, divorce, codependency, and those searching for life meaning and purpose.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience who specializes in treating teens and adults in inpatient and in outpatient clinical settings. My work is based on the belief that people want to be happy, effective, and successful in their lives and that they have within themselves the resources and skills necessary to achieve these goals. I believe that psychotherapy can help individuals most effectively use their resources and strengths to increase self-understanding, to improve decision-making, to solve problems, and to create the paths to the lives they want.
(714) 486-0343 View (714) 486-0343
Photo of Dr. Maria Fuster, PhD, LMFT, ATR-BC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Maria Fuster
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
As a marriage and family therapist I work with adults, couples, families, children, and teens. Among my areas of expertise, I work with issues around relationships, family conflict, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, and life transitions. I also specialize in working with young adults with ASD.
As a marriage and family therapist I work with adults, couples, families, children, and teens. Among my areas of expertise, I work with issues around relationships, family conflict, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, and life transitions. I also specialize in working with young adults with ASD.
(949) 835-4104 View (949) 835-4104
Photo of Heather Mather, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Heather Mather
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
My interest and treatment specialties include (but are not limited to) working with people who are experiencing self esteem issues, anxiety, depression, relationship/marital issues, love/relationship addiction, grief/loss, codependency and HSP (highly sensitive person) difficulties.
I love working with young adults. Right now your lives are filled with choices and decisions, and you may be trying to develop deep, long-lasting relationships. You've got so many life transitions going on all at once, and it can be very confusing! If you also have emotional pain happening in your life at the same time, you may feel "stuck" in moving forward. There's so much to look forward to in your life and you don't want to miss out.
My interest and treatment specialties include (but are not limited to) working with people who are experiencing self esteem issues, anxiety, depression, relationship/marital issues, love/relationship addiction, grief/loss, codependency and HSP (highly sensitive person) difficulties.
I love working with young adults. Right now your lives are filled with choices and decisions, and you may be trying to develop deep, long-lasting relationships. You've got so many life transitions going on all at once, and it can be very confusing! If you also have emotional pain happening in your life at the same time, you may feel "stuck" in moving forward. There's so much to look forward to in your life and you don't want to miss out.
(720) 897-5277 View (720) 897-5277
Photo of Claudia Eppele - TMS Health and Wellness, Dr. Claudia Eppele, MD, MD
TMS Health and Wellness, Dr. Claudia Eppele, MD
MD
Verified Verified
At TMS Health and Wellness we specialize in the relief of symptoms caused by major depressive disorder, anxiety, grief, addiction and obsessive compulsive disorder through TMS Therapy. TMS is now covered by most Insurances and Medicare.
At TMS Health and Wellness we specialize in the relief of symptoms caused by major depressive disorder, anxiety, grief, addiction and obsessive compulsive disorder through TMS Therapy. TMS is now covered by most Insurances and Medicare.
(855) 867-5551 View (855) 867-5551
Photo of Mitra H Elmi, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mitra H Elmi
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
I have experience working with those who have a specific presenting issues such as: depression, bereavement, anxiety, elderly (Immigration), relationship problems, marital problems as well as premarital consultation.
Being in the helping field is where I belong, and helping others is my priority. I initially began my career as a teacher, and then decided to pursue a deeper role in helping others learn, grow, and become their best self. During the past 8 years of being a clinical therapist, I have worked in both a clinic and school setting. I've worked with a diverse population, including people of all ages, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds. I welcome anyone who is willing to work with me, together, to improve relationships, self, family, and/or overall well-being.
I have experience working with those who have a specific presenting issues such as: depression, bereavement, anxiety, elderly (Immigration), relationship problems, marital problems as well as premarital consultation.
Being in the helping field is where I belong, and helping others is my priority. I initially began my career as a teacher, and then decided to pursue a deeper role in helping others learn, grow, and become their best self. During the past 8 years of being a clinical therapist, I have worked in both a clinic and school setting. I've worked with a diverse population, including people of all ages, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds. I welcome anyone who is willing to work with me, together, to improve relationships, self, family, and/or overall well-being.
(949) 682-3843 View (949) 682-3843
Photo of Nancy Travers, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nancy Travers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Hi. I'm Nancy Travers and I am a Licensed Orange County Therapist. My 20 years of experience includes work with a variety of issues such as depression, anxiety, sexuality, addictions, grief, and trauma. In August of 2004, I opened a clinical private practice in Irvine to serve the greater Orange County area. This practice specializes in couples therapy and marriage counseling. NancysCounselingCorner.com. If your answer to any of the following questions is yes, we can help:
Hi. I'm Nancy Travers and I am a Licensed Orange County Therapist. My 20 years of experience includes work with a variety of issues such as depression, anxiety, sexuality, addictions, grief, and trauma. In August of 2004, I opened a clinical private practice in Irvine to serve the greater Orange County area. This practice specializes in couples therapy and marriage counseling. NancysCounselingCorner.com. If your answer to any of the following questions is yes, we can help:
(949) 391-1885 View (949) 391-1885
Photo of Rupa T Ward, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rupa T Ward
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Using Buddhist psychological counseling, somatic methods, EMDR, and Mindfulness, I work with families, couples, and adult individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, substance abuse & other addiction, grief and loss, trauma, and dissociative identity disorders.
Along with my MFT license, I have extensive training in yoga and meditation. In my practice I combine personal counseling with strategies derived from mindfulness training and body-mind integration practices. I help you become deeply aware of your long held patterns of thought, emotion, behavior, and relationship that may be creating difficulties and impeding your health and well-being. By engaging in this way, you will develop a friendship and intimacy with yourself, and feel more effective and free to solve your life's problems.I have made it my mission to use my training & experience to help those feel connected and open-hearted.
Using Buddhist psychological counseling, somatic methods, EMDR, and Mindfulness, I work with families, couples, and adult individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, substance abuse & other addiction, grief and loss, trauma, and dissociative identity disorders.
Along with my MFT license, I have extensive training in yoga and meditation. In my practice I combine personal counseling with strategies derived from mindfulness training and body-mind integration practices. I help you become deeply aware of your long held patterns of thought, emotion, behavior, and relationship that may be creating difficulties and impeding your health and well-being. By engaging in this way, you will develop a friendship and intimacy with yourself, and feel more effective and free to solve your life's problems.I have made it my mission to use my training & experience to help those feel connected and open-hearted.
(714) 432-9856 x100 View (714) 432-9856 x100
Photo of Erin Steele, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Erin Steele
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Huntington Beach, CA 92646  (Online Only)
Hey there. I’m Erin, and I’m glad you’re here. I offer online therapy sessions to adults and couples in California. To begin with, I’m wondering if you’re feeling stuck in life? Fearful of making any changes? Not sure what’s happening in the world and where you fit in? Experiencing job stress? Or grief from a significant loss? Relationship challenges or a rupture? As a result, anxiety and depression might be creeping into your experience and exacerbating feelings of stuck-ness, hopelessness, and overwhelm. I get it. Heads up, I do not take insurance, but I can provide a superbill for possible reimbursement under your insurance plan.
Hey there. I’m Erin, and I’m glad you’re here. I offer online therapy sessions to adults and couples in California. To begin with, I’m wondering if you’re feeling stuck in life? Fearful of making any changes? Not sure what’s happening in the world and where you fit in? Experiencing job stress? Or grief from a significant loss? Relationship challenges or a rupture? As a result, anxiety and depression might be creeping into your experience and exacerbating feelings of stuck-ness, hopelessness, and overwhelm. I get it. Heads up, I do not take insurance, but I can provide a superbill for possible reimbursement under your insurance plan.
(714) 706-3429 View (714) 706-3429
Grief Therapists

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.