Grief Therapists in Poway, CA

Photo of Bharati Patwardhan, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Bharati Patwardhan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Online Only
I specialize in trauma, anxiety, couple & family relationship issues, grief & loss, immigrants' acculturation issues.
Are you feeling rejected, abandoned, humiliated, hurt, and lonely even while being in relationships with your spouse, parents, siblings, children, and in social relationships? Do you think people have taken advantage of you & nobody cares about you? Left untreated, this rejection, emotional wounds, and trauma can affect new experiences of our life. It manifests in may forms such as low self-esteem, unstable relationships, occupational stress, and/or health issues. Don't wait to seek help for emotional pain/ injury as you wouldn't for physical injury. Yes, it is not easy to be vulnerable but growth begins with vulnerability!
I specialize in trauma, anxiety, couple & family relationship issues, grief & loss, immigrants' acculturation issues.
Are you feeling rejected, abandoned, humiliated, hurt, and lonely even while being in relationships with your spouse, parents, siblings, children, and in social relationships? Do you think people have taken advantage of you & nobody cares about you? Left untreated, this rejection, emotional wounds, and trauma can affect new experiences of our life. It manifests in may forms such as low self-esteem, unstable relationships, occupational stress, and/or health issues. Don't wait to seek help for emotional pain/ injury as you wouldn't for physical injury. Yes, it is not easy to be vulnerable but growth begins with vulnerability!
(858) 295-3680 View (858) 295-3680
Photo of Dr. Anne Watson, Psychologist, PhD
Dr. Anne Watson
Psychologist, PhD
Poway, CA 92064
Christine Watson is a clinical psychologist who has been practicing psychotherapy since 1982. She graduated from The Fielding Institute with a doctorate in clinical psychology and from Texas Woman’s University with a masters in marriage and family therapy. Christine’s background in family systems, as well as evidence based perspectives, inform her approach to individual therapy. Her main areas of focus include adult depression and anxiety. In her spare time, Christine enjoys gardening and hiking.
Christine Watson is a clinical psychologist who has been practicing psychotherapy since 1982. She graduated from The Fielding Institute with a doctorate in clinical psychology and from Texas Woman’s University with a masters in marriage and family therapy. Christine’s background in family systems, as well as evidence based perspectives, inform her approach to individual therapy. Her main areas of focus include adult depression and anxiety. In her spare time, Christine enjoys gardening and hiking.
(858) 321-8470 View (858) 321-8470
Amy Belanger
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Poway, CA 92064
Amy's areas of special interest include trauma and trauma-based disorders, victims of crime, relationship issues, blended family issues, child abuse, and domestic violence. Amy relates to many theoretical approaches but is drawn to solution-focused therapy while also utilizing cognitive behavioral techniques. She believes that each individual possesses the skills and expertise to solve their problems, but may have lost sight of these abilities. She helps individuals rediscover their already-existing ability to develop solutions that are appropriate for them.
Amy's areas of special interest include trauma and trauma-based disorders, victims of crime, relationship issues, blended family issues, child abuse, and domestic violence. Amy relates to many theoretical approaches but is drawn to solution-focused therapy while also utilizing cognitive behavioral techniques. She believes that each individual possesses the skills and expertise to solve their problems, but may have lost sight of these abilities. She helps individuals rediscover their already-existing ability to develop solutions that are appropriate for them.
(858) 923-5826 View (858) 923-5826
Photo of Angelique Danza, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Angelique Danza
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Serves Area
Whether you're facing loss of purpose, healing from infidelity, feel angry or struggling with infertility and impactful changes in your identity or relationships, these experiences can feel deeply isolating.
My approach is depth-oriented and insight-focused. Whether you're working through relationship challenges, redefining your sense of self, or trying to reconnect with your partner, I meet you where you are and help you take meaningful steps forward. Therapy doesn’t have to mean having everything figured out—it just means being willing to begin.
Whether you're facing loss of purpose, healing from infidelity, feel angry or struggling with infertility and impactful changes in your identity or relationships, these experiences can feel deeply isolating.
My approach is depth-oriented and insight-focused. Whether you're working through relationship challenges, redefining your sense of self, or trying to reconnect with your partner, I meet you where you are and help you take meaningful steps forward. Therapy doesn’t have to mean having everything figured out—it just means being willing to begin.
(951) 476-1143 View (951) 476-1143
Photo of Joyce DeVera, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Joyce DeVera
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Or maybe you're grieving the lost of loved and feel isolated and alone in your journey.
You are in the right place. You need clarity, strength, guidance, support to help you walk through this journey of self awareness. Let's discover what, why, and how you ended up in this situation. Being vulnerable is not always easy, in fact it can be extremely frightening; however, the reward is worth it! YOU are worth it!
Or maybe you're grieving the lost of loved and feel isolated and alone in your journey.
You are in the right place. You need clarity, strength, guidance, support to help you walk through this journey of self awareness. Let's discover what, why, and how you ended up in this situation. Being vulnerable is not always easy, in fact it can be extremely frightening; however, the reward is worth it! YOU are worth it!
(858) 771-2920 View (858) 771-2920
Photo of Elizabeth Bashnick, Psychologist, PsyD
Elizabeth Bashnick
Psychologist, PsyD
Online Only
I work with people coping with depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, loss and substance-use concerns.
I rely heavily on evidence-based approaches, with a strong focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT offers practical, structured tools that help you understand the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and I use it to provide clear exercises and strategies tailored directly to your concerns.
I work with people coping with depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, loss and substance-use concerns.
I rely heavily on evidence-based approaches, with a strong focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT offers practical, structured tools that help you understand the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and I use it to provide clear exercises and strategies tailored directly to your concerns.
(341) 217-6999 View (341) 217-6999
Photo of Kelly J Gehlhaar, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Kelly J Gehlhaar
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Serves Area
My ideal clients are individuals of all ages—children, adolescents, and adults—who are navigating seasons of profound change, grief, or stress and are looking for a safe space to heal and grow.
Therapy isn't one-size-fits-all. I specialize in grief, trauma, and life transitions, blending talk therapies (IFS, DBT, Polyvagal) with creative modalities like art, play, and sand play. With 9 years in Hospice Bereavement and as a clinical supervisor, I offer a tailored, compassionate space to help you or your child cultivate resilience.
My ideal clients are individuals of all ages—children, adolescents, and adults—who are navigating seasons of profound change, grief, or stress and are looking for a safe space to heal and grow.
Therapy isn't one-size-fits-all. I specialize in grief, trauma, and life transitions, blending talk therapies (IFS, DBT, Polyvagal) with creative modalities like art, play, and sand play. With 9 years in Hospice Bereavement and as a clinical supervisor, I offer a tailored, compassionate space to help you or your child cultivate resilience.
(858) 389-4036 View (858) 389-4036
Photo of Patricia Loy, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Patricia Loy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Online Only
Do you struggle with depression, fear, disappointment, tragedy, loss, isolation, and/or addiction?
I have helped individuals, couples, and families struggling with communication, illness, depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, ageing, and grief. I have compassion and empathy with a passion to help others struggling in life. I can help you learn to communicate with others, manage the struggles of our complicated world and process your past trauma.
Do you struggle with depression, fear, disappointment, tragedy, loss, isolation, and/or addiction?
I have helped individuals, couples, and families struggling with communication, illness, depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, ageing, and grief. I have compassion and empathy with a passion to help others struggling in life. I can help you learn to communicate with others, manage the struggles of our complicated world and process your past trauma.
(619) 848-3989 View (619) 848-3989
Photo of Helena Jayasuriya, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Helena Jayasuriya
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Poway, CA 92064
Choosing a psychotherapist for yourself, your child, or marriage can be mind-boggling, especially when there are so many qualified professionals in the community! The search is not about finding a GOOD therapist, but rather one that best fits YOU.
Choosing a psychotherapist for yourself, your child, or marriage can be mind-boggling, especially when there are so many qualified professionals in the community! The search is not about finding a GOOD therapist, but rather one that best fits YOU.
(858) 863-7963 View (858) 863-7963
Photo of Kristian Tenove, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Kristian Tenove
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Online Only
My specialties include anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, coping skills, schizophrenia, stress, self-esteem, relationship issues, life transitions, and grief.
Are you content with the direction of the road you are currently on or do you think it is time to turn a corner? If you're ready to take steps towards healing and healthy living, I would be honored to partner with you on your journey. I believe that therapy can help people pivot from a state of feeling overwhelmed and powerless to a stance of hopefulness and empowerment. As we work together, I will help you attain your goals and build your self-confidence. I will support you in realizing your own potential, building on your strengths, identifying areas for growth, and taking tangible steps in the direction you wish to go.
My specialties include anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, coping skills, schizophrenia, stress, self-esteem, relationship issues, life transitions, and grief.
Are you content with the direction of the road you are currently on or do you think it is time to turn a corner? If you're ready to take steps towards healing and healthy living, I would be honored to partner with you on your journey. I believe that therapy can help people pivot from a state of feeling overwhelmed and powerless to a stance of hopefulness and empowerment. As we work together, I will help you attain your goals and build your self-confidence. I will support you in realizing your own potential, building on your strengths, identifying areas for growth, and taking tangible steps in the direction you wish to go.
(424) 416-3366 View (424) 416-3366
Photo of Janet Patricia Phillips - A Stable Life Therapy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
A Stable Life Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Poway, CA 92064
Do you often think "My life is unfulfilling ", or hear that critical voice saying, “You will never be good enough." Do you feel unworthy and undeserving? "Thinking about “the times I messed up”, or of having made “wrong” decisions and choices, being tired of letting my emotions rule”. You have hope and dreams which seem beyond your reach…Many people feel lack of confidence in themselves that likely began when they were young, hurtful words or experiences which led to negative self-images, causing "imposter syndrome." Many people have experienced trauma that led to undiagnosed PTSD. Call me to schedule.
Do you often think "My life is unfulfilling ", or hear that critical voice saying, “You will never be good enough." Do you feel unworthy and undeserving? "Thinking about “the times I messed up”, or of having made “wrong” decisions and choices, being tired of letting my emotions rule”. You have hope and dreams which seem beyond your reach…Many people feel lack of confidence in themselves that likely began when they were young, hurtful words or experiences which led to negative self-images, causing "imposter syndrome." Many people have experienced trauma that led to undiagnosed PTSD. Call me to schedule.
(760) 654-6911 View (760) 654-6911
Photo of Theresa Huang, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Theresa Huang
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
6 Endorsed
Poway, CA 92064
I enjoy working with every individual of all ages, but I absolutely love working with children and teens. I tailor my approach based on what the client needs. I use play or art therapy as play is the language of the children. It helps them to express their internal world when they have no words for it. I have completed the core competencies for Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) under International Model. PCIT is an evidence-based intervention that promotes positive parent-child relationships while reducing disruptive behaviors at home. I am also a certified Positive Discipline Parenting Educator.
I enjoy working with every individual of all ages, but I absolutely love working with children and teens. I tailor my approach based on what the client needs. I use play or art therapy as play is the language of the children. It helps them to express their internal world when they have no words for it. I have completed the core competencies for Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) under International Model. PCIT is an evidence-based intervention that promotes positive parent-child relationships while reducing disruptive behaviors at home. I am also a certified Positive Discipline Parenting Educator.
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Photo of Mayra Aparicio Reyes, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Mayra Aparicio Reyes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Poway, CA 92064
Mayra Reyes, LCSW, helps children, teens, and adults across California build resilience, manage emotional challenges, and move toward a more balanced and fulfilling life. At LifeStance Health, she provides therapy tailored to each person’s unique experiences, offering support for concerns such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. Her approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based care, creating a safe space where patients feel heard and empowered.
Mayra Reyes, LCSW, helps children, teens, and adults across California build resilience, manage emotional challenges, and move toward a more balanced and fulfilling life. At LifeStance Health, she provides therapy tailored to each person’s unique experiences, offering support for concerns such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. Her approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based care, creating a safe space where patients feel heard and empowered.
(858) 923-4291 View (858) 923-4291
Photo of Victoria Velasquez, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Victoria Velasquez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Online Only
Victoria is a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Victoria has experience working with groups, individuals, couples, and families across different populations and mental health challenges. Victoria aims to create a safe and non-judgmental environment. Including, individualizing therapy according to the needs of the couple, individual and/or family.
Victoria is a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Victoria has experience working with groups, individuals, couples, and families across different populations and mental health challenges. Victoria aims to create a safe and non-judgmental environment. Including, individualizing therapy according to the needs of the couple, individual and/or family.
(858) 544-3015 View (858) 544-3015
Photo of Susana Villalpando, Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Susana Villalpando
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Poway, CA 92064
Susana Villalpando helps adults across California navigate emotional challenges and life transitions with compassionate, evidence-based therapy. As a Marriage and Family Therapist at LifeStance Health, she provides individual therapy for adults and older adults seeking support for concerns such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. Susana creates a collaborative and supportive environment where clients can explore difficult emotions, develop practical coping strategies, and work toward meaningful personal growth and emotional balance.
Susana Villalpando helps adults across California navigate emotional challenges and life transitions with compassionate, evidence-based therapy. As a Marriage and Family Therapist at LifeStance Health, she provides individual therapy for adults and older adults seeking support for concerns such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. Susana creates a collaborative and supportive environment where clients can explore difficult emotions, develop practical coping strategies, and work toward meaningful personal growth and emotional balance.
(858) 758-9431 View (858) 758-9431
Photo of Sharon Williamson, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Sharon Williamson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Poway, CA 92064
If anxiety, depression, or life transitions are weighing you down, I’m here to help. Using CBT and a solution-focused approach, I support clients in shifting unhelpful thoughts, discovering their strengths, and taking small, achievable steps forward. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, capable, and confident in your daily life.
If anxiety, depression, or life transitions are weighing you down, I’m here to help. Using CBT and a solution-focused approach, I support clients in shifting unhelpful thoughts, discovering their strengths, and taking small, achievable steps forward. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, capable, and confident in your daily life.
(858) 758-9780 View (858) 758-9780
Photo of Grace Ku Winquist, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Grace Ku Winquist
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Online Only
Starting therapy can feel intimidating. I get it. You might be wondering: Is it worth it? Will this even work? Am I just wasting my time? If therapy has crossed your mind, there’s a reason for it. Something feels heavy, stuck, or overwhelming and you don’t have to carry it alone.
Starting therapy can feel intimidating. I get it. You might be wondering: Is it worth it? Will this even work? Am I just wasting my time? If therapy has crossed your mind, there’s a reason for it. Something feels heavy, stuck, or overwhelming and you don’t have to carry it alone.
(858) 348-5566 View (858) 348-5566
Photo of Jennifer Zehe, Psychologist, PhD
Jennifer Zehe
Psychologist, PhD
1 Endorsed
Poway, CA 92064
"People start to heal the moment they feel heard." Welcome! My name is Jennifer Zehe, and I'm a licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years of experience. I specialize in working with adults who struggle with depression, complex trauma, relational issues, LGBTQ+ issues, emotional dysregulation, and everyday life stressors that can be difficult to manage. Therapy is a courageous step to explore challenges that you're facing in your life. Together, we can manage present day struggles while healing deeper past wounds.
"People start to heal the moment they feel heard." Welcome! My name is Jennifer Zehe, and I'm a licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years of experience. I specialize in working with adults who struggle with depression, complex trauma, relational issues, LGBTQ+ issues, emotional dysregulation, and everyday life stressors that can be difficult to manage. Therapy is a courageous step to explore challenges that you're facing in your life. Together, we can manage present day struggles while healing deeper past wounds.
(858) 465-4966 View (858) 465-4966
Kenneth Buhr
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Poway, CA 92064
For fifty years I have practiced full-time in Poway and Rancho Bernardo, providing psychotherapy for personal and relationship difficulties. My specialty is working with marital and family problems: communication, conflict, sexual problems: parent¡ªchild or teen problems: divorce and step-family issues. I am also successful with individual problems of depression and anxiety using cognitive behavioral and psychotherapy tools, often with handouts. Sliding scale fees and insurance billing. I will be glad to answer questions about my experience and approach. Please call to arrange a meeting.
For fifty years I have practiced full-time in Poway and Rancho Bernardo, providing psychotherapy for personal and relationship difficulties. My specialty is working with marital and family problems: communication, conflict, sexual problems: parent¡ªchild or teen problems: divorce and step-family issues. I am also successful with individual problems of depression and anxiety using cognitive behavioral and psychotherapy tools, often with handouts. Sliding scale fees and insurance billing. I will be glad to answer questions about my experience and approach. Please call to arrange a meeting.
(858) 376-7990 View (858) 376-7990
Photo of Brittany Connor, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Brittany Connor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
4 Endorsed
Online Only
Are you feeling lost, stuck, or overwhelmed? Our various experiences can have an impact on this; from day to day stressors to trauma, our emotions can become difficult to manage, resulting in difficulty in our lives, including in our relationships, in managing emotions, in our thoughts, in our goals, and in our responsibilities.
Are you feeling lost, stuck, or overwhelmed? Our various experiences can have an impact on this; from day to day stressors to trauma, our emotions can become difficult to manage, resulting in difficulty in our lives, including in our relationships, in managing emotions, in our thoughts, in our goals, and in our responsibilities.
(858) 946-4389 View (858) 946-4389

See more therapy options for Poway

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.