Grief Therapists in San Francisco, CA

Do you want to learn to carry grief with grace? Do you feel despair or shame from eating emotionally? Does it seem impossible to accept your body? Have you lost a loved one to Cancer or COVID? Grief and eating disorder recovery are my specialties.
I offer compassionate empathy, pragmatic tools, humor, and depth. I love bringing in creativity and expressive arts (you do NOT have be an artist!) In addition, I incorporate family of origin awareness, and am 12 step friendly. If you are interested, I can facilitate guiding you in utilizing mindfulness.
Do you want to learn to carry grief with grace? Do you feel despair or shame from eating emotionally? Does it seem impossible to accept your body? Have you lost a loved one to Cancer or COVID? Grief and eating disorder recovery are my specialties.
I offer compassionate empathy, pragmatic tools, humor, and depth. I love bringing in creativity and expressive arts (you do NOT have be an artist!) In addition, I incorporate family of origin awareness, and am 12 step friendly. If you are interested, I can facilitate guiding you in utilizing mindfulness.

Bonnie Harrison
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
If you are looking for a change in your life or struggling with feelings of depression, anxiety, grief or trauma, please reach out for a free consultation.
My approach is targeted to each individual and uses a combination of EMDR and insight-oriented therapy, with attachment-focused and cognitive behavioral approaches. I work with adults and adolescents, and provide both short- and long-term therapy. I have been providing therapy for 20 years and feel
If you are looking for a change in your life or struggling with feelings of depression, anxiety, grief or trauma, please reach out for a free consultation.
My approach is targeted to each individual and uses a combination of EMDR and insight-oriented therapy, with attachment-focused and cognitive behavioral approaches. I work with adults and adolescents, and provide both short- and long-term therapy. I have been providing therapy for 20 years and feel

Jiewen (Janice) Huang
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CGE
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
Waitlist for new clients
I can help you with gaining skills in coping with these symptoms and guide you through the process of grief and healing.
My focus is to provide a neutral safe space, listen to your concerns, and customize an individualized treatment plan. I utilize the following modalities: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR, Brainspotting, Grief Education, IFS, and Complicated Grief Treatment (CGT). Please visit www.PresentMomentWellness.org for more information about my training.
I can help you with gaining skills in coping with these symptoms and guide you through the process of grief and healing.
My focus is to provide a neutral safe space, listen to your concerns, and customize an individualized treatment plan. I utilize the following modalities: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR, Brainspotting, Grief Education, IFS, and Complicated Grief Treatment (CGT). Please visit www.PresentMomentWellness.org for more information about my training.

I love providing a safe and brave space for those who are navigating grief, depression, life transitions, identity, trauma, and every gift and burden in between.
Always remember you have the magic and are the expert of you. My role is to help you tap into that magic to decode and unravel what it looks and feels like to operate and live from your highest self. In the words of Nelson Mandela, “There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living."
I love providing a safe and brave space for those who are navigating grief, depression, life transitions, identity, trauma, and every gift and burden in between.
Always remember you have the magic and are the expert of you. My role is to help you tap into that magic to decode and unravel what it looks and feels like to operate and live from your highest self. In the words of Nelson Mandela, “There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living."

Specializing in complex trauma and the abandonment wound as both a personal survivor and clinical professional, I have over a decade of experience providing trauma-informed educational services, mental/emotional health therapy, and grief counseling.
You have the wisdom and power to bring change and peace into your life, and I am here to help you find your strengths and reclaim your power. Using a client-centered, straight-forward and empathetic approach, I can help you confront and integrate painful experiences so you can move forward as the hero in your own story, healing the root along with the symptom and taking all aspects of life and the environment into consideration. Together, we will work to rebuild your self-worth and find confidence within your Self.
Specializing in complex trauma and the abandonment wound as both a personal survivor and clinical professional, I have over a decade of experience providing trauma-informed educational services, mental/emotional health therapy, and grief counseling.
You have the wisdom and power to bring change and peace into your life, and I am here to help you find your strengths and reclaim your power. Using a client-centered, straight-forward and empathetic approach, I can help you confront and integrate painful experiences so you can move forward as the hero in your own story, healing the root along with the symptom and taking all aspects of life and the environment into consideration. Together, we will work to rebuild your self-worth and find confidence within your Self.

Danielle Gotwalt
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
It can be something we learned when we were small and trying to survive, a challenging message or "should" from the world around us, or a loss we struggle to understand.
I care about therapy being a nonjudgmental space where clients can comfortably “try on” new ways of being to see what fits. I hold a "take what you want and leave the rest" approach to what therapy tools work best for my clients. I’m skilled at working with anxiety, sudden loss and grief, relationship issues, childhood trauma, and life transitions.
It can be something we learned when we were small and trying to survive, a challenging message or "should" from the world around us, or a loss we struggle to understand.
I care about therapy being a nonjudgmental space where clients can comfortably “try on” new ways of being to see what fits. I hold a "take what you want and leave the rest" approach to what therapy tools work best for my clients. I’m skilled at working with anxiety, sudden loss and grief, relationship issues, childhood trauma, and life transitions.

Kimberly Koljat
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, IMFT-S, RPT-S, RDT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94131
I'm a certified grief professional through Megan Devine's grief work perspective.
For adults, I provide insight-oriented, depthful, relational and attachment-based work for those who may identify as: people pleasers, grieving individuals, Highly Sensitive People and neurodivergent individuals, folks within the LGBT+ community, creative individuals and performing artists experiencing creative block, the stresses of multi-gig life, managing performance anxiety, identity, managing demands of the industry, self-care, those seeking to deepen their understanding of their identity and the experiences they’ve had throughout their lives, seeking empowerment and personal growth.
I'm a certified grief professional through Megan Devine's grief work perspective.
For adults, I provide insight-oriented, depthful, relational and attachment-based work for those who may identify as: people pleasers, grieving individuals, Highly Sensitive People and neurodivergent individuals, folks within the LGBT+ community, creative individuals and performing artists experiencing creative block, the stresses of multi-gig life, managing performance anxiety, identity, managing demands of the industry, self-care, those seeking to deepen their understanding of their identity and the experiences they’ve had throughout their lives, seeking empowerment and personal growth.

Siobhán Cassidy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94109
My specialities include grief, loss, life transitions, sexuality, and neurodivergence.
We will collaborate to find a way to invite joy back into your life. I offer a warm, non-judgmental space to explore your journey together. I spent a decade in the hospital-setting with range of patients. Today my practice is primarily focused on kids and adults struggling with grief and loss (existentialism), sexuality (LGBTQ+), and neurodivergence (ADHD).
My specialities include grief, loss, life transitions, sexuality, and neurodivergence.
We will collaborate to find a way to invite joy back into your life. I offer a warm, non-judgmental space to explore your journey together. I spent a decade in the hospital-setting with range of patients. Today my practice is primarily focused on kids and adults struggling with grief and loss (existentialism), sexuality (LGBTQ+), and neurodivergence (ADHD).

Sara Budin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94110
Do you find yourself overwhelmed and paralyzed with anxiety as you navigate life? Are you tired of feeling exhausted from constant worry, feeling isolated in grief, or feeling lost.
Clients come to me seeking a therapist offering a safe, judgement-free space to explore the roots of issues and learn coping skills. My collaborative sessions foster curiosity and compassion, usher understanding, processing, and integration of emotions and experiences. To be seen, heard and witnessed is a powerful catalyst for change and transformation.
Do you find yourself overwhelmed and paralyzed with anxiety as you navigate life? Are you tired of feeling exhausted from constant worry, feeling isolated in grief, or feeling lost.
Clients come to me seeking a therapist offering a safe, judgement-free space to explore the roots of issues and learn coping skills. My collaborative sessions foster curiosity and compassion, usher understanding, processing, and integration of emotions and experiences. To be seen, heard and witnessed is a powerful catalyst for change and transformation.

Alanna McLeod
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94110
You might be facing relationship conflict (with yourself or others); moving through grief or navigating a stressful life transition; grappling with sexual or identity concerns; or dealing with substance use challenges.
My training in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy helps partners understand and communicate about conflict from an attachment perspective. I use Motivational Interviewing and harm reduction strategies to individualize recovery from drugs/alcohol. With deep experience in grief, I can support through the loss of a loved one, job, ability, home, identity, etc.
You might be facing relationship conflict (with yourself or others); moving through grief or navigating a stressful life transition; grappling with sexual or identity concerns; or dealing with substance use challenges.
My training in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy helps partners understand and communicate about conflict from an attachment perspective. I use Motivational Interviewing and harm reduction strategies to individualize recovery from drugs/alcohol. With deep experience in grief, I can support through the loss of a loved one, job, ability, home, identity, etc.

Jennifer Roy @ The Connective
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
I work with individuals and couples who are struggling with such things as a major life transition, trauma, difficult relationship dynamics, illness, grief and loss, climate change anxiety, or isolation.
I develop a collaborative therapeutic relationship with my clients built on respect, openness, and trust to create a treatment plan for change and healing. I offer a trauma-informed, strengths-based, person-centered approach and seek to be specifically affirming to clients who identify with marginalized populations.
I work with individuals and couples who are struggling with such things as a major life transition, trauma, difficult relationship dynamics, illness, grief and loss, climate change anxiety, or isolation.
I develop a collaborative therapeutic relationship with my clients built on respect, openness, and trust to create a treatment plan for change and healing. I offer a trauma-informed, strengths-based, person-centered approach and seek to be specifically affirming to clients who identify with marginalized populations.
Meet Our Grief Therapists

Are you experiencing sadness, anxiety, loss, a life change, medical condition, or relationship issues? Talking with an empathetic trained professional can help you develop new perspectives, feel relief and make changes.
My focus is on helping clients manage anxiety, stress, grief, life changes and medical challenges. Using an Integrative Approach I combine talk therapy with guided imagery, mindfulness, inner child work and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Whether you are focusing on past life patterns, or want to focus on the present, I offer tools and support.
Are you experiencing sadness, anxiety, loss, a life change, medical condition, or relationship issues? Talking with an empathetic trained professional can help you develop new perspectives, feel relief and make changes.
My focus is on helping clients manage anxiety, stress, grief, life changes and medical challenges. Using an Integrative Approach I combine talk therapy with guided imagery, mindfulness, inner child work and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Whether you are focusing on past life patterns, or want to focus on the present, I offer tools and support.

In treating complex trauma, adult ADHD/ASD, and grief, I go beyond temporary fixes to address the roots of pain.
Specializing in adult ADHD/ASD, trauma/CPTSD, and grief, I provide comprehensive care to address self-esteem, shame, relationships, executive functioning, and practical skills. My approach explores childhood, family dynamics, cultural influence, abuse, loss, and self-blame to heal hidden wounds, foster autonomy, and support authentic, empowered living.
In treating complex trauma, adult ADHD/ASD, and grief, I go beyond temporary fixes to address the roots of pain.
Specializing in adult ADHD/ASD, trauma/CPTSD, and grief, I provide comprehensive care to address self-esteem, shame, relationships, executive functioning, and practical skills. My approach explores childhood, family dynamics, cultural influence, abuse, loss, and self-blame to heal hidden wounds, foster autonomy, and support authentic, empowered living.

Many of my clients come to me for support with anxiety, grief, and relationship challenges.
When you leave a session with me, I want you to feel clear about your next steps, hopeful for the future, and connected to the process. As a young, grounded therapist with a multicultural background (Black, White, Mexican), I bring fresh insights from diverse perspectives. I’m straightforward, solution-focused, and believe humor can be healing when needed.
Many of my clients come to me for support with anxiety, grief, and relationship challenges.
When you leave a session with me, I want you to feel clear about your next steps, hopeful for the future, and connected to the process. As a young, grounded therapist with a multicultural background (Black, White, Mexican), I bring fresh insights from diverse perspectives. I’m straightforward, solution-focused, and believe humor can be healing when needed.

Are you facing challenges that feel overwhelming, whether in relationships, personal growth, or managing daily stress? Many of my clients seek support navigating grief, life transitions, or emotional struggles that seem impossible to overcome alone.
With over 20 years of experience as a licensed therapist, I use a strength-based approach tailored to your unique needs. Drawing from methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Client-Centered Therapy, I empower clients to uncover their strengths, address challenges, and achieve their goals in a collaborative and compassionate environment.
Are you facing challenges that feel overwhelming, whether in relationships, personal growth, or managing daily stress? Many of my clients seek support navigating grief, life transitions, or emotional struggles that seem impossible to overcome alone.
With over 20 years of experience as a licensed therapist, I use a strength-based approach tailored to your unique needs. Drawing from methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Client-Centered Therapy, I empower clients to uncover their strengths, address challenges, and achieve their goals in a collaborative and compassionate environment.

I work with individuals and couples who are looking for ways to manage ADHD, anxiety, depression, communication difficulties, grief, relational issues, and struggles with self-esteem.
I utilize a client-centered approach to therapy that allows me to connect with my clients. I work hard to create a warm, safe and empowering environment to help you meet your goals. I utilize a variety of treatment modalities, am EMDR trained, and have experience with many of the issues which young adults, individuals, and couples face.
I work with individuals and couples who are looking for ways to manage ADHD, anxiety, depression, communication difficulties, grief, relational issues, and struggles with self-esteem.
I utilize a client-centered approach to therapy that allows me to connect with my clients. I work hard to create a warm, safe and empowering environment to help you meet your goals. I utilize a variety of treatment modalities, am EMDR trained, and have experience with many of the issues which young adults, individuals, and couples face.

Amanda Michelle Peterson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I work with those struggling with depression, stress, difficult life transitions, anxiety, grief and loss, and relationship distress.
We all have the tools to grow, sometimes we need a bit of help getting there. Therapy is an investment that can increase our personal growth, improve management of stress, and support emotional stability. Together we can work toward healing and learning about yourself to help you have the life you want. I'd be happy to talk with you further through a 15 min consultation. I am open to any questions you may have.
I work with those struggling with depression, stress, difficult life transitions, anxiety, grief and loss, and relationship distress.
We all have the tools to grow, sometimes we need a bit of help getting there. Therapy is an investment that can increase our personal growth, improve management of stress, and support emotional stability. Together we can work toward healing and learning about yourself to help you have the life you want. I'd be happy to talk with you further through a 15 min consultation. I am open to any questions you may have.

I work with individuals who are experiencing grief and loss due to the death of a loved one or an impactful life change.
I offer a compassionate and warm approach. I meet people where there at and support them to make the changes they desire. I have trained specifically with grief and loss, but I also support Clients with life transitions, parenting, post partum, personal growth, self-awareness, and reaching their goals.
I work with individuals who are experiencing grief and loss due to the death of a loved one or an impactful life change.
I offer a compassionate and warm approach. I meet people where there at and support them to make the changes they desire. I have trained specifically with grief and loss, but I also support Clients with life transitions, parenting, post partum, personal growth, self-awareness, and reaching their goals.

My ideal client is a grieving child navigating the loss of a close loved one or a significant life transition, such as adoption or divorce.
I specialize in guiding children and families through grief and life transitions, providing compassionate, tailored support to meet their unique needs. Using personalized approaches, I create a safe space where children can explore their emotions, build resilience, and heal, while helping families strengthen understanding, connection, and hope.
My ideal client is a grieving child navigating the loss of a close loved one or a significant life transition, such as adoption or divorce.
I specialize in guiding children and families through grief and life transitions, providing compassionate, tailored support to meet their unique needs. Using personalized approaches, I create a safe space where children can explore their emotions, build resilience, and heal, while helping families strengthen understanding, connection, and hope.

Hi! I'm your go-to therapist for all things grief.
I integrate somatic work to help you reconnect with your body and ease physical manifestations of grief, while narrative therapy offers a space for you to reexamine your story in a way that supports healing. With DBT, we work on building mindfulness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance so you can regain a sense of balance.
Hi! I'm your go-to therapist for all things grief.
I integrate somatic work to help you reconnect with your body and ease physical manifestations of grief, while narrative therapy offers a space for you to reexamine your story in a way that supports healing. With DBT, we work on building mindfulness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance so you can regain a sense of balance.
See more therapy options for San Francisco
Nearby Grief Therapists Searches for San Francisco
- Alameda
- Albany
- Belvedere Tiburon
- Daly City
- Emeryville
- Mill Valley
- Oakland
- Piedmont
- San Bruno
- Sausalito
- South San Francisco
- Tiburon
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.