Photo of Liana Huang, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Long Beach, CA
Liana Huang
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90814
I have had the privilege to work with individuals with generational trauma, grief, ADHD, and relational/familial issues.
When we are exposed to trauma at an early age, it can seriously impact how we feel about ourselves and our relationships with others. Trauma can also profoundly affect whether we feel this is a safe world and can contribute to depression, anxiety, and relational/familial issues. My practice is from a strengths-based, trauma-informed perspective with a non-judgmental framework. I aim to understand clients’ internal responses and to provide more options for emotional regulation and problem-solving.
I have had the privilege to work with individuals with generational trauma, grief, ADHD, and relational/familial issues.
When we are exposed to trauma at an early age, it can seriously impact how we feel about ourselves and our relationships with others. Trauma can also profoundly affect whether we feel this is a safe world and can contribute to depression, anxiety, and relational/familial issues. My practice is from a strengths-based, trauma-informed perspective with a non-judgmental framework. I aim to understand clients’ internal responses and to provide more options for emotional regulation and problem-solving.
(562) 268-1452 View (562) 268-1452
Photo of Denise Hardy Robinson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Long Beach, CA
Denise Hardy Robinson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CASWCM, CDWF
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90803
My professional experience includes dealing with the aspects of psychological trauma and abuse, relationship issues, PTSD, and grief.
I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years of professional experience. My practice as a psychotherapist is in behavioral health counseling, shame resilience theory, and complimented by key concepts and principles of solution focused therapy, positive psychology, mindfulness, and self compassion. I am a certified Daring Way (tm), (CDWF-Facilitator) LLC, a psycho-educational curriculum based on the research of Dr. Brene Brown. I work primarily with adults and those who want to achieve their best performances while striving for an enhanced quality of life. I am also a Certified Neurodiverse Couples Coach
My professional experience includes dealing with the aspects of psychological trauma and abuse, relationship issues, PTSD, and grief.
I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years of professional experience. My practice as a psychotherapist is in behavioral health counseling, shame resilience theory, and complimented by key concepts and principles of solution focused therapy, positive psychology, mindfulness, and self compassion. I am a certified Daring Way (tm), (CDWF-Facilitator) LLC, a psycho-educational curriculum based on the research of Dr. Brene Brown. I work primarily with adults and those who want to achieve their best performances while striving for an enhanced quality of life. I am also a Certified Neurodiverse Couples Coach
(562) 507-1955 View (562) 507-1955
Photo of Dr. David Godot, Psychologist in Long Beach, CA
Dr. David Godot
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90807
I'm the chief psychologist at Psych Lab, a private mental health practice focused on using careful assessment and depth-oriented psychotherapy to help you achieve total health. Not just symptom relief - real mental health and well-being. Joy. Happiness. Fulfillment. Therapy at Psych Lab begins with an in-depth screening process that reveals a lot of personal strengths, needs, and personality aspects that other therapists will never even find out about. Then, you'll receive an in-depth, one-on-one evaluation to help develop that understanding into something actionable. What do we need to -do- to help you get un-stuck?
I'm the chief psychologist at Psych Lab, a private mental health practice focused on using careful assessment and depth-oriented psychotherapy to help you achieve total health. Not just symptom relief - real mental health and well-being. Joy. Happiness. Fulfillment. Therapy at Psych Lab begins with an in-depth screening process that reveals a lot of personal strengths, needs, and personality aspects that other therapists will never even find out about. Then, you'll receive an in-depth, one-on-one evaluation to help develop that understanding into something actionable. What do we need to -do- to help you get un-stuck?
(323) 553-7040 View (323) 553-7040
Photo of Icinda Siqueira-Darwin, Psychologist in Long Beach, CA
Icinda Siqueira-Darwin
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90815
If you are near the Southern area of Los Angeles County, you may want to consider psychotherapy or counseling in Long Beach. I work evening hours, as well as day time, and have experience with most mental health needs. I work in Spanish, English, and Portuguese. I have extensive experience with problems in living using Evidence Based Therapy models and Mindfulness with substance abuse, depression, anxiety, as well as major mental illness including schizophrenia, , and other thought disorders. I work with family problems , including sexual dysfunction. Performing psychological assessments are offered when necessary to set new goals.
If you are near the Southern area of Los Angeles County, you may want to consider psychotherapy or counseling in Long Beach. I work evening hours, as well as day time, and have experience with most mental health needs. I work in Spanish, English, and Portuguese. I have extensive experience with problems in living using Evidence Based Therapy models and Mindfulness with substance abuse, depression, anxiety, as well as major mental illness including schizophrenia, , and other thought disorders. I work with family problems , including sexual dysfunction. Performing psychological assessments are offered when necessary to set new goals.
(562) 526-0592 View (562) 526-0592
Photo of Briana Barrera, Pre-Licensed Professional in Long Beach, CA
Briana Barrera
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90802
Briana is extremely compassionate, attuned, non-judgmental, and deeply cares about her clients. She is an advanced practitioner in CBT, DBT, and EMDR Phase I-III. She most recently worked as a psychotherapist at Mental Health America Los Angeles Wellness Center (MHALA) and was widely loved by her clients. Briana has worked with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, family crisis, and relationship conflicts.
Briana is extremely compassionate, attuned, non-judgmental, and deeply cares about her clients. She is an advanced practitioner in CBT, DBT, and EMDR Phase I-III. She most recently worked as a psychotherapist at Mental Health America Los Angeles Wellness Center (MHALA) and was widely loved by her clients. Briana has worked with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, family crisis, and relationship conflicts.
(310) 807-2734 View (310) 807-2734

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Counseling Adults, Children & Couples, Psychologist in Long Beach, CA
Counseling Adults, Children & Couples
Psychologist, PsyD, MAMFCT, CHYP
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90503
Some Adults, Teens and Children in our community face issues of stress, fear of underachieving, depression, body-image concerns, eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia or over-eating), relationship traumas (affairs, divorce, abuse, child custody battles), addictions. Other adults face unsettling retirement, empty nest syndrome, elder care concerns, serious illnesses, definite anxiety and feelings of meaninglessness. Couples become estranged: lacking in communication, connection and emotional or sexual intimacy. As a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Licensed Marriage, Family & Child Therapist and Counselor for over 30 years, Dr. Carol Francis uses multiple researched tools helping individuals, couples, and families create satisfaction and well-being.
Some Adults, Teens and Children in our community face issues of stress, fear of underachieving, depression, body-image concerns, eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia or over-eating), relationship traumas (affairs, divorce, abuse, child custody battles), addictions. Other adults face unsettling retirement, empty nest syndrome, elder care concerns, serious illnesses, definite anxiety and feelings of meaninglessness. Couples become estranged: lacking in communication, connection and emotional or sexual intimacy. As a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Licensed Marriage, Family & Child Therapist and Counselor for over 30 years, Dr. Carol Francis uses multiple researched tools helping individuals, couples, and families create satisfaction and well-being.
(310) 421-2863 View (310) 421-2863
Photo of Vivian Wesley, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Long Beach, CA
Vivian Wesley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lakewood, CA 90805
Have you been moving through life struggling to reach goals, maintain healthy relationships, and experience academic or professional success and fulfillment? Did you miss the opportunity to focus on your mental health as an anchor to support your self-esteem and wellbeing? I want to provide a safe space for you to explore your inner world – your thoughts, beliefs, and interpretations of events that trigger mood instability- and discover adaptive strategies to ground yourself and feel more confident navigating life’s challenges.
Have you been moving through life struggling to reach goals, maintain healthy relationships, and experience academic or professional success and fulfillment? Did you miss the opportunity to focus on your mental health as an anchor to support your self-esteem and wellbeing? I want to provide a safe space for you to explore your inner world – your thoughts, beliefs, and interpretations of events that trigger mood instability- and discover adaptive strategies to ground yourself and feel more confident navigating life’s challenges.
(310) 361-6247 View (310) 361-6247

Online Therapists

Photo of Kacey Klein, Marriage & Family Therapist in Long Beach, CA
Kacey Klein
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oceanside, CA 92057  (Online Only)
I work with clients of all ages who seek help with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, grief/loss, and relationship conflicts, among others.
You are taking the first step in improving your emotional and mental health. Although difficult at first, it can feel easy in a safe, positive, therapeutic setting. In my office, therapy is a team effort and a journey we go through side by side. We work together, drawing on your unique needs, capacities and personal stories to build on your strengths, achieve peace of mind, and reach your goals. Peace of mind is different for each person. I work with you to help you find and sustain it. With my honest approach to therapy, I can help you discover your authentic self and answers to life's challenges.
I work with clients of all ages who seek help with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, grief/loss, and relationship conflicts, among others.
You are taking the first step in improving your emotional and mental health. Although difficult at first, it can feel easy in a safe, positive, therapeutic setting. In my office, therapy is a team effort and a journey we go through side by side. We work together, drawing on your unique needs, capacities and personal stories to build on your strengths, achieve peace of mind, and reach your goals. Peace of mind is different for each person. I work with you to help you find and sustain it. With my honest approach to therapy, I can help you discover your authentic self and answers to life's challenges.
(760) 990-7080 View (760) 990-7080
Photo of West Valley Counseling Center, Marriage & Family Therapist in Long Beach, CA
West Valley Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
Ventura, CA 93003
Our diverse staff are trained to address the specific needs of you and/or your family including trauma recovery, marital and family issues, life transitions and loss, depression, anxiety, abandonment, self-esteem issues, career confusion, and many more.
West Valley Counseling Center (WVCC) offers a wide range of therapeutic interventions and services to bring affordable mental health services to the San Fernando Valley. WVCC is a non-profit community mental health center that has been serving the Greater Los Angeles region for well over a decade. Our qualified therapists work with individuals, relationships, traditional families, and non-traditional families to help ease life's burdens and to provide specialty services.
Our diverse staff are trained to address the specific needs of you and/or your family including trauma recovery, marital and family issues, life transitions and loss, depression, anxiety, abandonment, self-esteem issues, career confusion, and many more.
West Valley Counseling Center (WVCC) offers a wide range of therapeutic interventions and services to bring affordable mental health services to the San Fernando Valley. WVCC is a non-profit community mental health center that has been serving the Greater Los Angeles region for well over a decade. Our qualified therapists work with individuals, relationships, traditional families, and non-traditional families to help ease life's burdens and to provide specialty services.
(805) 620-8046 View (805) 620-8046
Photo of Bernadette M. Di Toro, Psychologist in Long Beach, CA
Bernadette M. Di Toro
Psychologist, PsyD, MS
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037
I bring together the heart and science of psychology to my practice and 25 years experience in the field of mental health. I have worked as a researcher and clinician in inpatient and outpatient settings (including UCSD and the VA) and focused on trauma, grief, depression, dementia, Alzheimer's disease and forensics. I received a B.A. from Lehigh University in Psychology and Health & Human Development, an M.S.Degree from SDSU in Gerontology (the study of aging), and an M.A. Degree and a Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology.
I bring together the heart and science of psychology to my practice and 25 years experience in the field of mental health. I have worked as a researcher and clinician in inpatient and outpatient settings (including UCSD and the VA) and focused on trauma, grief, depression, dementia, Alzheimer's disease and forensics. I received a B.A. from Lehigh University in Psychology and Health & Human Development, an M.S.Degree from SDSU in Gerontology (the study of aging), and an M.A. Degree and a Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology.
(858) 348-4139 View (858) 348-4139
Photo of Affordable Therapy Los Angeles, Marriage & Family Therapist in Long Beach, CA
Affordable Therapy Los Angeles
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362  (Online Only)
Our therapists can help with a variety of issues, including: Anxiety; Bereavement; Past Child Abuse; Depression; Emotional Abuse; Gay and Lesbian Issues; Job Displacement; Loneliness; Marriage Problems; Parent/Child Difficulties; Recovery from Substance Abuse; Relationship Difficulties, Stress, and Trauma.
We offer Telehealth in California on a sliding fee scale as low as $30 a session. We work with individuals, couples, children, and families. We will help you learn better communication skills for your relationships as will as help relieve any symptoms of anxiety and depression. Our therapy/counseling is confidential and you will meet your therapist online in the privacy of your own space. Visit our website at Affordabletherapyla.com and call us at 818-907-7974 Your phone call will be returned in 24 hours. No wait list and no insurance is required. We are here to help.
Our therapists can help with a variety of issues, including: Anxiety; Bereavement; Past Child Abuse; Depression; Emotional Abuse; Gay and Lesbian Issues; Job Displacement; Loneliness; Marriage Problems; Parent/Child Difficulties; Recovery from Substance Abuse; Relationship Difficulties, Stress, and Trauma.
We offer Telehealth in California on a sliding fee scale as low as $30 a session. We work with individuals, couples, children, and families. We will help you learn better communication skills for your relationships as will as help relieve any symptoms of anxiety and depression. Our therapy/counseling is confidential and you will meet your therapist online in the privacy of your own space. Visit our website at Affordabletherapyla.com and call us at 818-907-7974 Your phone call will be returned in 24 hours. No wait list and no insurance is required. We are here to help.
(213) 465-3669 View (213) 465-3669
Photo of Holly Pearlman, Counselor in Long Beach, CA
Holly Pearlman
Counselor, LCPC, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sherman Oaks, CA 91401  (Online Only)
My client base is comprised of: Survivors of traumatic events including childhood abuse, divorce, death, abusive relationships, scapegoating, toxic family members, and family estrangement.
I specialize in helping individuals and families heal from traumatic and stressful experiences, including adults abused as children, family relationships, narcissistic abuse, hoarding disorder, and family estrangement. You may not know what to expect from therapy, but you know you need to make some changes in your life so you can move forward. Stress, anxiety, and traumatic experiences are highly prevalent in our lives, and sometimes people need help and support in dealing with difficult/stressful situations. I am a trauma therapist specializing in family relationships that involve conflict, abuse, and a cycle of dysfunction.
My client base is comprised of: Survivors of traumatic events including childhood abuse, divorce, death, abusive relationships, scapegoating, toxic family members, and family estrangement.
I specialize in helping individuals and families heal from traumatic and stressful experiences, including adults abused as children, family relationships, narcissistic abuse, hoarding disorder, and family estrangement. You may not know what to expect from therapy, but you know you need to make some changes in your life so you can move forward. Stress, anxiety, and traumatic experiences are highly prevalent in our lives, and sometimes people need help and support in dealing with difficult/stressful situations. I am a trauma therapist specializing in family relationships that involve conflict, abuse, and a cycle of dysfunction.
(818) 650-3372 View (818) 650-3372
Photo of Paula Ratter, Marriage & Family Therapist in Long Beach, CA
Paula Ratter
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PsyD, RN
Verified Verified
Oceanside, CA 92054
Waitlist for new clients
grief/loss, & communication issues.
I don't have an ideal client. I want to met people where they are at. If you've never had therapy before, it’s important to be aware we don’t start talking about the hard stuff. It can take 2-3 sessions for someone to feel comfortable enough to tell another person what they are struggling with. Therapists cannot read minds, but have studied human patterns of thoughts, feelings & actions. No one can truly know the exact consequences a person has experienced in their life. Regardless of the reason why someone is seeking therapy, there is no judgment, no criticism…just acceptance. People can heal & grow in this type of environment.
grief/loss, & communication issues.
I don't have an ideal client. I want to met people where they are at. If you've never had therapy before, it’s important to be aware we don’t start talking about the hard stuff. It can take 2-3 sessions for someone to feel comfortable enough to tell another person what they are struggling with. Therapists cannot read minds, but have studied human patterns of thoughts, feelings & actions. No one can truly know the exact consequences a person has experienced in their life. Regardless of the reason why someone is seeking therapy, there is no judgment, no criticism…just acceptance. People can heal & grow in this type of environment.
(442) 275-8529 View (442) 275-8529
Photo of www.Chelsea CanningLCSW.com, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Long Beach, CA
www.Chelsea CanningLCSW.com
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CCM, C-ASWCM
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90064  (Online Only)
We all need a little help from time to time to pull ourselves out of our...grief, trauma, depression, confusing thoughts, self criticism, intense feelings, and improve our relationship with ourselves and others. Helping ease your painful moments is the most important work we can accomplish together. Sometimes we just need someone to stand by us, assure us that it's going to be okay and guide us through the tough parts. Please give me a call today, we can see how to work together for a better quality of life.
We all need a little help from time to time to pull ourselves out of our...grief, trauma, depression, confusing thoughts, self criticism, intense feelings, and improve our relationship with ourselves and others. Helping ease your painful moments is the most important work we can accomplish together. Sometimes we just need someone to stand by us, assure us that it's going to be okay and guide us through the tough parts. Please give me a call today, we can see how to work together for a better quality of life.
(424) 338-9400 View (424) 338-9400
Photo of Katrina Dela Cruz, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Long Beach, CA
Katrina Dela Cruz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CYI, Reiki 2
Verified Verified
Topanga, CA 90290
I have been honored to support many through some of the most significant transitions in their lives. Opening my career with a decade as a hospital clinician, I was especially drawn to the beginning and end of life, and the incredible privilege it is to be welcomed to hold space during these times. In my private practice, I specialize in grief and loss, particularly death and dying, and the emotional and spiritual work surrounding other transitions, rites of passage, and life cycles. This includes work around the end of life, pregnancy loss (including TFMR), traumatic birthing processes, and plant spirit medicine integration.
I have been honored to support many through some of the most significant transitions in their lives. Opening my career with a decade as a hospital clinician, I was especially drawn to the beginning and end of life, and the incredible privilege it is to be welcomed to hold space during these times. In my private practice, I specialize in grief and loss, particularly death and dying, and the emotional and spiritual work surrounding other transitions, rites of passage, and life cycles. This includes work around the end of life, pregnancy loss (including TFMR), traumatic birthing processes, and plant spirit medicine integration.
(805) 667-0631 View (805) 667-0631
Photo of Dabney Worth, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Long Beach, CA
Dabney Worth
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, ACSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
I have 30 years experience working with individuals, couples and families dealing with life's struggles, overwhelming emotions, end of life issues, and grief and loss. My approach is warm and gentle, yet insightful and to the point. I create an inviting atmosphere where my clients feel comfortable to delve deep to bring about peace of mind and profound change. My approach incorporates a variety of evidenced based therapeutic approaches including mindfulness, DBT, CBT, and EMDR. You will find me to be both caring and firm, while I help you along your journey to building a life worth living.
I have 30 years experience working with individuals, couples and families dealing with life's struggles, overwhelming emotions, end of life issues, and grief and loss. My approach is warm and gentle, yet insightful and to the point. I create an inviting atmosphere where my clients feel comfortable to delve deep to bring about peace of mind and profound change. My approach incorporates a variety of evidenced based therapeutic approaches including mindfulness, DBT, CBT, and EMDR. You will find me to be both caring and firm, while I help you along your journey to building a life worth living.
(844) 432-0358 View (844) 432-0358
Photo of Ayleen Bryan, Marriage & Family Therapist in Long Beach, CA
Ayleen Bryan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
I have extensive training and experience in grief counseling, counseling teenagers, marriage counseling, and domestic violence.
Ayleen Bryan Bilingual LMFT. We all have issues we deal with on a daily basis, and therapy is about addressing those issues in a positive, effective manner. I provide the highest level of professional care in a warm, inviting, supportive and nonjudgmental environment. I help people of all ages, and work in many different modalities tailoring the treatment to the needs of each patient. I work with individuals, couples and families to assist in skill building and to promote healthy everyday living. I specialize in managing individuals' issues, couples counseling, working with children and families.
I have extensive training and experience in grief counseling, counseling teenagers, marriage counseling, and domestic violence.
Ayleen Bryan Bilingual LMFT. We all have issues we deal with on a daily basis, and therapy is about addressing those issues in a positive, effective manner. I provide the highest level of professional care in a warm, inviting, supportive and nonjudgmental environment. I help people of all ages, and work in many different modalities tailoring the treatment to the needs of each patient. I work with individuals, couples and families to assist in skill building and to promote healthy everyday living. I specialize in managing individuals' issues, couples counseling, working with children and families.
(909) 500-4561 View (909) 500-4561
Photo of Pina Murcia, Marriage & Family Therapist in Long Beach, CA
Pina Murcia
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RYT 200
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90045
What I know more than anything else is that you are the expert of yourself and you have access to an unlimited source of wisdom within you. I am here to hold the lantern as you explore and (re)discover the resources that live within. Are you constantly overthinking, overanalyzing, anxious, or worried? Are you having a difficult time managing the many challenges that have come over the last few years? Do you find yourself falling back into the same patterns repeatedly, even after resolving to change? Do you want to change aspects of your life, but feel stuck and unsure how to get there? You are in the right place.
What I know more than anything else is that you are the expert of yourself and you have access to an unlimited source of wisdom within you. I am here to hold the lantern as you explore and (re)discover the resources that live within. Are you constantly overthinking, overanalyzing, anxious, or worried? Are you having a difficult time managing the many challenges that have come over the last few years? Do you find yourself falling back into the same patterns repeatedly, even after resolving to change? Do you want to change aspects of your life, but feel stuck and unsure how to get there? You are in the right place.
(310) 879-1159 View (310) 879-1159
Photo of Rachel Postovoit, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Long Beach, CA
Rachel Postovoit
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MS, CMF
Verified Verified
Sunland, CA 91040  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
"Peace in Yourself, Peace in the World.” - Thich Nhat Hanh. Warm Hello! I am a mindfulness-based therapist with a goal of supporting you towards awareness, peace, balance, happiness, and fulfillment.
"Peace in Yourself, Peace in the World.” - Thich Nhat Hanh. Warm Hello! I am a mindfulness-based therapist with a goal of supporting you towards awareness, peace, balance, happiness, and fulfillment.
(747) 239-4734 View (747) 239-4734
Photo of Dr. Rehana Peiris, Registered Psychological Associate in Long Beach, CA
Dr. Rehana Peiris
Registered Psychological Associate, MA, MFT, PsyD
Verified Verified
Claremont, CA 91711
I believe that their is healing and growth that comes from fostering a space for other’s to share their life story. In facilitating this process, I will help you process life's events, discover your strengths and areas to improve, and support you in crossing the bridge to your next level. While I am qualified to work with a range of issues, I especially enjoy working with parents, children, youth and couples by supporting their development, facilitating their personal autonomy, and helping them navigate through challenging times.
I believe that their is healing and growth that comes from fostering a space for other’s to share their life story. In facilitating this process, I will help you process life's events, discover your strengths and areas to improve, and support you in crossing the bridge to your next level. While I am qualified to work with a range of issues, I especially enjoy working with parents, children, youth and couples by supporting their development, facilitating their personal autonomy, and helping them navigate through challenging times.
(909) 280-7860 View (909) 280-7860
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.