Grief Therapists in 94546

Photo of Suzanne Fischer Comelo, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94546, CA
Suzanne Fischer Comelo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, JD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Castro Valley, CA 94546
Addt'l Trng: ERP, ACT, CBT, DBT, TF-CBT, grief, burnout, compassion fatigue & attachment.
One of the amazing aspects of therapy is that it provides a unique opportunity for people to have a space where the focus is on their needs and growth. Very few other spaces exist where your needs and well-being can be the priority. This is a key part of the healing power of therapy, which is why I believe it is so important you find a therapist who is a good fit for you. Sessions by secure video or phone & limited in-person options in Castro Valley & Hayward). (In-Network with AETNA, OPTUM & CIGNA via Alma)
Addt'l Trng: ERP, ACT, CBT, DBT, TF-CBT, grief, burnout, compassion fatigue & attachment.
One of the amazing aspects of therapy is that it provides a unique opportunity for people to have a space where the focus is on their needs and growth. Very few other spaces exist where your needs and well-being can be the priority. This is a key part of the healing power of therapy, which is why I believe it is so important you find a therapist who is a good fit for you. Sessions by secure video or phone & limited in-person options in Castro Valley & Hayward). (In-Network with AETNA, OPTUM & CIGNA via Alma)
(510) 822-7213 View (510) 822-7213
Photo of Rachel Elizabeth Haynes, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94546, CA
Rachel Elizabeth Haynes
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Castro Valley, CA 94546  (Online Only)
My specializations include: relationship difficulties; substance abuse and addiction issues; issues surrounding death and dying (including pregnancy loss and bereavement); family of origin issues; ACA (Adult Child of Alcoholics); recovering addicts/ alcohol, PTSD & Trauma, depression, dealing with narcissistic abuse in family and or relationships.
Psychotherapy can be a life-changing experience - positive, productive treatment begins with a safe, trusting empathic client-therapist alliance. My approach is solution-focused which means I like to concentrate on client strengths. Together, we collaborate toward understanding and resolving concerns and struggles in the present moment. I also focus on origin of concerns (root causes) as well as future health and happiness. To do this, I integrate numerous modalities, as treatment depends on clients needs. Clients I work best with like a direct approach, with a twist of humor.
My specializations include: relationship difficulties; substance abuse and addiction issues; issues surrounding death and dying (including pregnancy loss and bereavement); family of origin issues; ACA (Adult Child of Alcoholics); recovering addicts/ alcohol, PTSD & Trauma, depression, dealing with narcissistic abuse in family and or relationships.
Psychotherapy can be a life-changing experience - positive, productive treatment begins with a safe, trusting empathic client-therapist alliance. My approach is solution-focused which means I like to concentrate on client strengths. Together, we collaborate toward understanding and resolving concerns and struggles in the present moment. I also focus on origin of concerns (root causes) as well as future health and happiness. To do this, I integrate numerous modalities, as treatment depends on clients needs. Clients I work best with like a direct approach, with a twist of humor.
(510) 345-1638 View (510) 345-1638
Photo of Brandy Gadson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94546, CA
Brandy Gadson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Castro Valley, CA 94546
I work with individuals facing depression, chronic illness, anxiety, guilt, grief/loss, or who have endured physical, emotional or spiritual trauma.
My practice is rooted in the belief that there is power in knowing and telling your own story. Who are you? Where did you come from? What's important to you? Let's work together to untangle your story, identify your strengths, goals, passions, and barriers; and make you the author of what comes next. I work with people who want to make positive changes, but feel paralyzed by stress, fear, indecision, or old habits. I can also help you learn concrete strategies for managing uncomfortable thoughts, emotions, transitions, health conditions or problematic relationships.
I work with individuals facing depression, chronic illness, anxiety, guilt, grief/loss, or who have endured physical, emotional or spiritual trauma.
My practice is rooted in the belief that there is power in knowing and telling your own story. Who are you? Where did you come from? What's important to you? Let's work together to untangle your story, identify your strengths, goals, passions, and barriers; and make you the author of what comes next. I work with people who want to make positive changes, but feel paralyzed by stress, fear, indecision, or old habits. I can also help you learn concrete strategies for managing uncomfortable thoughts, emotions, transitions, health conditions or problematic relationships.
(510) 901-3757 View (510) 901-3757
Photo of John Hurley, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94546, CA
John Hurley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Castro Valley, CA 94546  (Online Only)
Living a life with ever-present anxiety, or challenges with grief and loss, and/or depression might leave you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of how to move forward. You probably know deep down that you should explore those feelings and develop coping strategies to manage difficult emotions; but where to begin? Plus, thinking about that can invite more stress and other emotional discomfort. You may also desire feeling more in control of your thoughts and feelings, finding a sense of purpose, and reconnecting with joy and meaning in life. You want a brighter future. You want to get through this.
Living a life with ever-present anxiety, or challenges with grief and loss, and/or depression might leave you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of how to move forward. You probably know deep down that you should explore those feelings and develop coping strategies to manage difficult emotions; but where to begin? Plus, thinking about that can invite more stress and other emotional discomfort. You may also desire feeling more in control of your thoughts and feelings, finding a sense of purpose, and reconnecting with joy and meaning in life. You want a brighter future. You want to get through this.
(510) 949-3895 View (510) 949-3895
Photo of Pat Pearson, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94546, CA
Pat Pearson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Hayward, CA 94546
I connect with grief: loss of family, friends, relationships, and pets.
My name is Pat Pearson, RN, LMFT. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Pagosa Springs, CO, and working with clients in CA statewide via telehealth. I work with children, teens, and adults. I specialize in trauma, stress, and grief, using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Brainspotting, Client-Centered Therapy, and Trauma Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. My approach to therapy varies on the needs of each client I work with.
I connect with grief: loss of family, friends, relationships, and pets.
My name is Pat Pearson, RN, LMFT. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Pagosa Springs, CO, and working with clients in CA statewide via telehealth. I work with children, teens, and adults. I specialize in trauma, stress, and grief, using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Brainspotting, Client-Centered Therapy, and Trauma Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. My approach to therapy varies on the needs of each client I work with.
(424) 340-5905 View (424) 340-5905
Photo of Dr. Nitsa Dimitrakos, Psychologist in 94546, CA
Dr. Nitsa Dimitrakos
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Castro Valley, CA 94546
If you are experiencing loss, symptoms of anxiety, depression, somatic dis-ease related to stress, feelings of being stuck at an impasse in your life or any other form of emotional distress, please call me today for a free consultation and to learn more about how I can help.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with an emphasis in Depth Psychology, and also a Core Faculty Professor in a PsyD Program, where I teach courses in the theory and practice of psychotherapy. As a depth psychologist, my focus is psychodynamic with a strong Psychoanalytic and Jungian influence. Depth Psychology takes special account of the way we relate to self and other and how certain relational patterns, put into place from childhood, impact our day-to-day experiences. My specialties include grief counseling, relational conflicts, self-esteem issues & life transitions.
If you are experiencing loss, symptoms of anxiety, depression, somatic dis-ease related to stress, feelings of being stuck at an impasse in your life or any other form of emotional distress, please call me today for a free consultation and to learn more about how I can help.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with an emphasis in Depth Psychology, and also a Core Faculty Professor in a PsyD Program, where I teach courses in the theory and practice of psychotherapy. As a depth psychologist, my focus is psychodynamic with a strong Psychoanalytic and Jungian influence. Depth Psychology takes special account of the way we relate to self and other and how certain relational patterns, put into place from childhood, impact our day-to-day experiences. My specialties include grief counseling, relational conflicts, self-esteem issues & life transitions.
(925) 275-5105 View (925) 275-5105
Photo of Roseanne Pikul, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94546, CA
Roseanne Pikul
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Castro Valley, CA 94546  (Online Only)
Transition to parenthood, postpartum depression & anxiety, stillbirth & pregnancy loss.
Welcome, I'm Roseanne and I am honored to help women who have survived hard things heal and evolve their lives. I bring an empathetic, open, and non-judgmental presence to my work and I am committed to creating a safe space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings and gain clarity about what's getting in the way of you having a life worth waking up for everyday. I specialize in providing individual therapy for women who have a diverse range of life experiences and challenges.
Transition to parenthood, postpartum depression & anxiety, stillbirth & pregnancy loss.
Welcome, I'm Roseanne and I am honored to help women who have survived hard things heal and evolve their lives. I bring an empathetic, open, and non-judgmental presence to my work and I am committed to creating a safe space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings and gain clarity about what's getting in the way of you having a life worth waking up for everyday. I specialize in providing individual therapy for women who have a diverse range of life experiences and challenges.
(503) 376-9311 View (503) 376-9311
Photo of Lauren Kelly, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 94546, CA
Lauren Kelly
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Castro Valley, CA 94546
If you are experiencing depression, feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, perfectionism, people pleasing, grief and loss, life changes, trauma, low self-worth, self-criticism, communication, identifying needs, and boundary issues, please reach out today!.
Are you feeling unhappy, isolated, stressed, stuck, or like nothing ever goes right? Do you want to improve your relationships with friends, family, or partners? I strongly believe everyone can benefit from a safe space to process their emotions and struggles. It’s daunting to find a therapist who is right for you. I will meet you where you’re at - whether that’s helping you find the words to express yourself or finding the right goals and motivations to move to the next phase of life. Healing, growth, and change are lifelong practices that often need a tune-up. I love working with teens, young adults, and adults of all ages.
If you are experiencing depression, feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, perfectionism, people pleasing, grief and loss, life changes, trauma, low self-worth, self-criticism, communication, identifying needs, and boundary issues, please reach out today!.
Are you feeling unhappy, isolated, stressed, stuck, or like nothing ever goes right? Do you want to improve your relationships with friends, family, or partners? I strongly believe everyone can benefit from a safe space to process their emotions and struggles. It’s daunting to find a therapist who is right for you. I will meet you where you’re at - whether that’s helping you find the words to express yourself or finding the right goals and motivations to move to the next phase of life. Healing, growth, and change are lifelong practices that often need a tune-up. I love working with teens, young adults, and adults of all ages.
(510) 394-1808 View (510) 394-1808
Photo of Eleanor Beckman, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 94546, CA
Eleanor Beckman
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Castro Valley, CA 94546
My areas of interest include managing life transitions through a psychodynamic lens and addressing concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, neurodivergence, grief, LGBTQIA+ concerns, family dynamics, and gender identity.
I am passionate about helping my clients achieve personal growth and mental well-being. I offer tailored therapy sessions designed to meet you where you are. Whether you're seeking support for yourself or looking to enhance family dynamics, I provide a compassionate and effective approach to help you navigate life's challenges.

I believe in the transformative power of therapy to bring about positive change. I understand that change is hard, and together, we will create goals that feel real and attainable, actively working hand-in-hand to achieve them.
My areas of interest include managing life transitions through a psychodynamic lens and addressing concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, neurodivergence, grief, LGBTQIA+ concerns, family dynamics, and gender identity.
I am passionate about helping my clients achieve personal growth and mental well-being. I offer tailored therapy sessions designed to meet you where you are. Whether you're seeking support for yourself or looking to enhance family dynamics, I provide a compassionate and effective approach to help you navigate life's challenges.

I believe in the transformative power of therapy to bring about positive change. I understand that change is hard, and together, we will create goals that feel real and attainable, actively working hand-in-hand to achieve them.
(510) 988-5241 View (510) 988-5241
Photo of Veronica I Macapagal, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94546, CA
Veronica I Macapagal
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Castro Valley, CA 94546
The focus is you. People who are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, and loss sometimes forget that they matter. Other things become more important. When we work together, the most important person is you. We work on getting you better emotionally, physically and spiritually. Then you can heal and have a more balanced life. My clients tell me they appreciate how we get them unstuck in difficult times. They find hope and get energized about their life. I work well with cultural, biracial, multiracial and faith based situations. I have helped many individuals, couples, families and children achieve their goals.
The focus is you. People who are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, and loss sometimes forget that they matter. Other things become more important. When we work together, the most important person is you. We work on getting you better emotionally, physically and spiritually. Then you can heal and have a more balanced life. My clients tell me they appreciate how we get them unstuck in difficult times. They find hope and get energized about their life. I work well with cultural, biracial, multiracial and faith based situations. I have helped many individuals, couples, families and children achieve their goals.
(510) 662-6294 View (510) 662-6294
Photo of Juli M. Caruso, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94546, CA
Juli M. Caruso
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT , MS, PPSC
Verified Verified
Castro Valley, CA 94546
Crisis, anxiety, trauma and grief can grab hold so easily.
I’m seeing clients in person and via zoom. Do you need to be heard with out judgement? In my office I provide a safe, compassionate environment where all can be who they want to be. Crisis, trauma, anxiety, self esteem, grief... we all struggle and need a place to be heard.
Crisis, anxiety, trauma and grief can grab hold so easily.
I’m seeing clients in person and via zoom. Do you need to be heard with out judgement? In my office I provide a safe, compassionate environment where all can be who they want to be. Crisis, trauma, anxiety, self esteem, grief... we all struggle and need a place to be heard.
(510) 200-2004 View (510) 200-2004
Photo of Jocelyn Martin, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in 94546, CA
Jocelyn Martin
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Castro Valley, CA 94546
I offer psychotherapy services catering to various stages of life - children, teens, adults, couples, and families. My approach is client-centered, humanistic, and strengths-based, carefully considering your unique social and cultural context. In addressing addiction, I advocate for and practice a harm-reduction approach. My clinical interests and experience include working with addiction, anxiety, depression, family dynamics, trauma, neurodivergence, grief, and work stress. In my work with couples and families, I focus on enhancing connections, improving communication and conflict resolution, and fostering healthier dynamics.
I offer psychotherapy services catering to various stages of life - children, teens, adults, couples, and families. My approach is client-centered, humanistic, and strengths-based, carefully considering your unique social and cultural context. In addressing addiction, I advocate for and practice a harm-reduction approach. My clinical interests and experience include working with addiction, anxiety, depression, family dynamics, trauma, neurodivergence, grief, and work stress. In my work with couples and families, I focus on enhancing connections, improving communication and conflict resolution, and fostering healthier dynamics.
(510) 939-2465 View (510) 939-2465
Photo of Suzanne Quijano, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94546, CA
Suzanne Quijano
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Castro Valley, CA 94546
In my practice, I help clients with a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, grief, family stress and conflict. I provide therapy to families and couples, as well as young adults and teens. I like to work collaboratively with clients to identify issues and help bring relief from relationship conflicts, negative emotions, and life transitions.
In my practice, I help clients with a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, grief, family stress and conflict. I provide therapy to families and couples, as well as young adults and teens. I like to work collaboratively with clients to identify issues and help bring relief from relationship conflicts, negative emotions, and life transitions.
(510) 761-3780 View (510) 761-3780
Photo of Hollis (Holly) A. Byers, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94546, CA
Hollis (Holly) A. Byers
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Castro Valley, CA 94546
Are you or your family under stress, or does personal tension or relational conflict rule the day? Are you experiencing a transition, a divorce, a loss, or have new partners entered the family picture? Do you worry that your child is depressed or anxious? Do you worry that you are not a good parent? For over 25 years, I have been helping people like you successfully resolve these issues. I help adults navigate individual and marital challenges and parents master the skills that parenting requires. I help teens make better choices as they come to know themselves.
Are you or your family under stress, or does personal tension or relational conflict rule the day? Are you experiencing a transition, a divorce, a loss, or have new partners entered the family picture? Do you worry that your child is depressed or anxious? Do you worry that you are not a good parent? For over 25 years, I have been helping people like you successfully resolve these issues. I help adults navigate individual and marital challenges and parents master the skills that parenting requires. I help teens make better choices as they come to know themselves.
(510) 888-4446 View (510) 888-4446
Photo of Donald Fallin, Psychologist in 94546, CA
Donald Fallin
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Castro Valley, CA 94546
Common issues for my clients are: relationships and breakups, grief, parenting, codependency, abuse/trauma, and identity formation.
Effective psychotherapy enables clients to take control of their own feelings and behavior by gently uncovering the connections between past experiences and current difficulties. Positive change occurs in an atmosphere of responsibility and hope, and a respectful, dedicated therapist can effectively guide this process. I integrate straightforward communication and empathy in the context of steady, clear boundaries. Our interactions will be active and enthusiastic. Psychological services include psychodynamic therapy, play therapy, and family court related interventions.
Common issues for my clients are: relationships and breakups, grief, parenting, codependency, abuse/trauma, and identity formation.
Effective psychotherapy enables clients to take control of their own feelings and behavior by gently uncovering the connections between past experiences and current difficulties. Positive change occurs in an atmosphere of responsibility and hope, and a respectful, dedicated therapist can effectively guide this process. I integrate straightforward communication and empathy in the context of steady, clear boundaries. Our interactions will be active and enthusiastic. Psychological services include psychodynamic therapy, play therapy, and family court related interventions.
(510) 756-5517 View (510) 756-5517
Photo of Mirely Vasquez, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94546, CA
Mirely Vasquez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Castro Valley, CA 94546
Bienvenidos/Welcome! I am a bilingual/bicultural Spanish-speaking therapist located in the East Bay area of California. I have been working with children, teens, and adults of color struggling with an array of concerns including anxiety, depression, relationship satisfaction, life purpose, trauma, postpartum depression, and spirituality, related to life transitions, family stress, trauma, and grief. Although my work has focused on the unique needs of minorities and underrepresented individuals, being a member of that community is certainly not a requirement for your personal development.
Bienvenidos/Welcome! I am a bilingual/bicultural Spanish-speaking therapist located in the East Bay area of California. I have been working with children, teens, and adults of color struggling with an array of concerns including anxiety, depression, relationship satisfaction, life purpose, trauma, postpartum depression, and spirituality, related to life transitions, family stress, trauma, and grief. Although my work has focused on the unique needs of minorities and underrepresented individuals, being a member of that community is certainly not a requirement for your personal development.
(510) 916-3215 View (510) 916-3215
Photo of Health and Wellness Psychology, Psychologist in 94546, CA
Health and Wellness Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD, LMFT, LCSW, AMFT, ACSW
Verified Verified
Castro Valley, CA 94546
No longer alone. We are here with you. In life, we experience different events, such as the recent pandemic, financial stress, overwhelming anxiety and pressure, the loss of a loved one, the unexpected divorce, a difficult birth, etc. and adjust the best we can, using our strengths and supports. We mostly do well. However, sometimes our coping strategies are insufficient to achieve our long term goals and heal our emotional and/or relationship wounds. You turn to others for support and guidance, such as family, friends, religious and ethnic community, and sometimes, you want to go deeper within yourself to seek out the answers.
No longer alone. We are here with you. In life, we experience different events, such as the recent pandemic, financial stress, overwhelming anxiety and pressure, the loss of a loved one, the unexpected divorce, a difficult birth, etc. and adjust the best we can, using our strengths and supports. We mostly do well. However, sometimes our coping strategies are insufficient to achieve our long term goals and heal our emotional and/or relationship wounds. You turn to others for support and guidance, such as family, friends, religious and ethnic community, and sometimes, you want to go deeper within yourself to seek out the answers.
(341) 222-3866 View (341) 222-3866
Photo of Kristie Potter, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94546, CA
Kristie Potter
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Castro Valley, CA 94546
Despite our best efforts, sometimes it just doesn’t seem like life goes quite the way we planned. Family/relationship conflicts, worry about a child’s choices/behaviors, feelings of overwhelm/anxiety, grief/loss or a major life transition are often a part of our lives. And, unfortunately, sometimes these events are compounded by a lack of support or critic voices. Although it may not feel like it, I truly believe we are all doing the best we can in any given moment with the tools & information we have at that time and am passionate about supporting you in discovering your strengths and new strategies to create the changes you seek.
Despite our best efforts, sometimes it just doesn’t seem like life goes quite the way we planned. Family/relationship conflicts, worry about a child’s choices/behaviors, feelings of overwhelm/anxiety, grief/loss or a major life transition are often a part of our lives. And, unfortunately, sometimes these events are compounded by a lack of support or critic voices. Although it may not feel like it, I truly believe we are all doing the best we can in any given moment with the tools & information we have at that time and am passionate about supporting you in discovering your strengths and new strategies to create the changes you seek.
(925) 233-7950 View (925) 233-7950
Photo of Vaneza Villagomez, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94546, CA
Vaneza Villagomez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Hayward, CA 94546
My current focus is working with individual adults going through life transitions, marital/relational issues, loss, academic and career challenges.
Hello, My name is Vaneza Villagomez. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I've been a practicing therapist for the last 10 years. I have a Masters of Science in Counseling, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. I am bilingual, helping both English and Spanish speaking communities. My purpose: to instill hope that positive changes can exist, facilitate healing, and help find new ways of living with satisfaction and peace. My goal is to help you understand the underlying issues causing you distress, limitations, and dissatisfaction in your life.
My current focus is working with individual adults going through life transitions, marital/relational issues, loss, academic and career challenges.
Hello, My name is Vaneza Villagomez. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I've been a practicing therapist for the last 10 years. I have a Masters of Science in Counseling, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. I am bilingual, helping both English and Spanish speaking communities. My purpose: to instill hope that positive changes can exist, facilitate healing, and help find new ways of living with satisfaction and peace. My goal is to help you understand the underlying issues causing you distress, limitations, and dissatisfaction in your life.
(209) 680-3029 View (209) 680-3029
Photo of Anitra Clark, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94546, CA
Anitra Clark
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Castro Valley, CA 94546
Mental health can be viewed in its most extreme form: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, etc... However, while those diagnosis can be true; most often, it is more common for people to seek support around navigating overall stress, relationship challenges, work stress, health/illness, parenting, grief/loss, etc. If this is you, then lets partner together to speak your truth and successfully move you through this phase of life.
Mental health can be viewed in its most extreme form: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, etc... However, while those diagnosis can be true; most often, it is more common for people to seek support around navigating overall stress, relationship challenges, work stress, health/illness, parenting, grief/loss, etc. If this is you, then lets partner together to speak your truth and successfully move you through this phase of life.
(510) 737-0098 View (510) 737-0098
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.