Grief Therapists in California
I have over 28 years of experience helping people and their families cope with a wide variety of chronic and terminal illness, relationship changes, adjustment, grief and loss.
I have over 28 years experience in many areas including grief & loss, transplant, chronic illness adjustment for you & your family, congenital heart dx, HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ+, relationships, & professional lifestyle management. I use a strengths based, reality-therapy approach that includes elements of CBT, trauma-informed, relational-cultural therapy, and DBT.
I have over 28 years of experience helping people and their families cope with a wide variety of chronic and terminal illness, relationship changes, adjustment, grief and loss.
I have over 28 years experience in many areas including grief & loss, transplant, chronic illness adjustment for you & your family, congenital heart dx, HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ+, relationships, & professional lifestyle management. I use a strengths based, reality-therapy approach that includes elements of CBT, trauma-informed, relational-cultural therapy, and DBT.
I work with individuals trying to manage anxiety, depression, life and relationship stressors, chronic illness, grief, and loss.
Most of us have tried to live with something that we are struggling with for a while before seeking help. Sometimes we run out of our own ideas to fix it, or we just decide that it's time for the perspective of someone else. I work with adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, or mood disorders, life and relationship stressors, grief, and loss.
I work with individuals trying to manage anxiety, depression, life and relationship stressors, chronic illness, grief, and loss.
Most of us have tried to live with something that we are struggling with for a while before seeking help. Sometimes we run out of our own ideas to fix it, or we just decide that it's time for the perspective of someone else. I work with adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, or mood disorders, life and relationship stressors, grief, and loss.
Outside of work, Dr. Hightower loves to travel, read, watch PBS and MSNBC programming, and attend events in American Indian community.
Outside of work, Dr. Hightower loves to travel, read, watch PBS and MSNBC programming, and attend events in American Indian community.
As an Asian American therapist in Pasadena, I work with first-generation adults, the Queer community, and others navigating identity, grief, and burnout.
You’ve spent so much of your life being who others needed you to be—holding everything together, meeting expectations, and making sure everyone else was okay. You’ve been the strong one, the responsible one, the peacekeeper. But somewhere along the way, you lost touch with yourself. Maybe you feel numb, anxious, or burnt out—disconnected from who you really are. Deep down, you want to feel more grounded, more like yourself again, and to finally live a life that feels true to you.
As an Asian American therapist in Pasadena, I work with first-generation adults, the Queer community, and others navigating identity, grief, and burnout.
You’ve spent so much of your life being who others needed you to be—holding everything together, meeting expectations, and making sure everyone else was okay. You’ve been the strong one, the responsible one, the peacekeeper. But somewhere along the way, you lost touch with yourself. Maybe you feel numb, anxious, or burnt out—disconnected from who you really are. Deep down, you want to feel more grounded, more like yourself again, and to finally live a life that feels true to you.
I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, neurodivergent experiences, highly sensitive children and adults, relational challenges, stress management, and coping skill development.
I provide a warm and inviting space for you to unburden complicated feelings, celebrate successes and growth, and assist you as you progress towards your personal and therapeutic goals. I thoroughly enjoy collaborating with clients and bring a strong, creative, and flexible skill set from my 15 years of experience in working with children and families. I look forward to supporting you on your healing journey.
I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, neurodivergent experiences, highly sensitive children and adults, relational challenges, stress management, and coping skill development.
I provide a warm and inviting space for you to unburden complicated feelings, celebrate successes and growth, and assist you as you progress towards your personal and therapeutic goals. I thoroughly enjoy collaborating with clients and bring a strong, creative, and flexible skill set from my 15 years of experience in working with children and families. I look forward to supporting you on your healing journey.
As a Relational Gestalt therapist, I work with individuals and couples facing relationship challenges, anxiety, life transitions, and all forms of grief.
I offer Relational Gestalt Therapy for entertainment professionals, writers, artists, storytellers, and creatives of all kinds. I have a unique background: I spent years as a professional actor and then worked for 16 years at Warner Bros. I know firsthand the pressures, uncertainties, and emotional complexities of the entertainment industry and the creative life and how they intersect in often stressful ways. We’ll explore what’s happening in your inner world, your relationships, and your career—so you'll be supported in finding clarity, building resilience, and discovering a deeper sense of connection to yourself and others.
As a Relational Gestalt therapist, I work with individuals and couples facing relationship challenges, anxiety, life transitions, and all forms of grief.
I offer Relational Gestalt Therapy for entertainment professionals, writers, artists, storytellers, and creatives of all kinds. I have a unique background: I spent years as a professional actor and then worked for 16 years at Warner Bros. I know firsthand the pressures, uncertainties, and emotional complexities of the entertainment industry and the creative life and how they intersect in often stressful ways. We’ll explore what’s happening in your inner world, your relationships, and your career—so you'll be supported in finding clarity, building resilience, and discovering a deeper sense of connection to yourself and others.
Growth happens when we digest, accept, and process our experiences, a process that’s happening all the time, often without our awareness. Have you ever returned from a long trip only to have someone remark that you’ve changed? Maybe you felt different, too, but couldn’t quite pinpoint why. My work deliberately mirrors this natural process, which allows you to grow more quickly and deeply. We’ll create a space to identify your issues and recognize your unique experience.
Growth happens when we digest, accept, and process our experiences, a process that’s happening all the time, often without our awareness. Have you ever returned from a long trip only to have someone remark that you’ve changed? Maybe you felt different, too, but couldn’t quite pinpoint why. My work deliberately mirrors this natural process, which allows you to grow more quickly and deeply. We’ll create a space to identify your issues and recognize your unique experience.
In my work with couples, the areas of upset often are a map, pointing us to possibilities of potential growth. Your difficulties can become a catalyst for increased intimacy. It's easy for any couple to get off track in efforts to communicate - slipping into blaming or power struggles, rather than your true communications, which can bring you closer and into deeper intimacy and trust. My job is to work together with you to help you develop skills that help reclaim happiness - communication skills, skills in understanding yourself and your partner, skills for building and rebuilding the life you want .
In my work with couples, the areas of upset often are a map, pointing us to possibilities of potential growth. Your difficulties can become a catalyst for increased intimacy. It's easy for any couple to get off track in efforts to communicate - slipping into blaming or power struggles, rather than your true communications, which can bring you closer and into deeper intimacy and trust. My job is to work together with you to help you develop skills that help reclaim happiness - communication skills, skills in understanding yourself and your partner, skills for building and rebuilding the life you want .
Hello! I am a licensed clinical and sport psychologist stationed in California. I completed my doctoral working in Counseling Psychology at Arizona State University. I also have a masters in Sport Psychology from Ball State University. I attempt to help young adults through a variety of mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and transitions. Additionally, I have plethora of experience in helping athletes and former athletes in managing their well-being and emotional health.
Hello! I am a licensed clinical and sport psychologist stationed in California. I completed my doctoral working in Counseling Psychology at Arizona State University. I also have a masters in Sport Psychology from Ball State University. I attempt to help young adults through a variety of mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and transitions. Additionally, I have plethora of experience in helping athletes and former athletes in managing their well-being and emotional health.
For over 25 years, I have helped individuals and families heal from the impact of mental illness, trauma and loss in their lives. Past experiences can affect a persons ability to care for themselves in healthy ways and enjoy intimate relationships. If you are feeling stuck in unhealthy patterns, whether with a partner, or other important people in your life, call for a free consultation to see if therapy might be right for you.
For over 25 years, I have helped individuals and families heal from the impact of mental illness, trauma and loss in their lives. Past experiences can affect a persons ability to care for themselves in healthy ways and enjoy intimate relationships. If you are feeling stuck in unhealthy patterns, whether with a partner, or other important people in your life, call for a free consultation to see if therapy might be right for you.
” If those statements sound familiar, know that you are not alone and that grief therapy can help.
I can help. With a mix of focused interventions and supportive therapy, I will help you start living a fulfilling life again, while maintaining an enduring connection with your deceased loved one. In addition, I offer services for people facing cancer and other chronic illness, or currently receiving palliative care.
” If those statements sound familiar, know that you are not alone and that grief therapy can help.
I can help. With a mix of focused interventions and supportive therapy, I will help you start living a fulfilling life again, while maintaining an enduring connection with your deceased loved one. In addition, I offer services for people facing cancer and other chronic illness, or currently receiving palliative care.
I am experienced in treating depression, anxiety, stress, stage-of-life transitions, poor social support, family system difficulties, end-of-life counseling, bereavement, and loss.
Welcome! My name is Shannon Saltzman, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 15 years of clinical social work experience and over 20 years in the field of social work, I specialize in treating adults and older adults. As a therapist, I provide a warm, supportive, empathetic, non-judgemental, safe space for healing and recovery. I help clients move through whatever it is they may be struggling with and help them develop coping tools that they can continue to use beyond our time together.
I am experienced in treating depression, anxiety, stress, stage-of-life transitions, poor social support, family system difficulties, end-of-life counseling, bereavement, and loss.
Welcome! My name is Shannon Saltzman, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 15 years of clinical social work experience and over 20 years in the field of social work, I specialize in treating adults and older adults. As a therapist, I provide a warm, supportive, empathetic, non-judgemental, safe space for healing and recovery. I help clients move through whatever it is they may be struggling with and help them develop coping tools that they can continue to use beyond our time together.
As a marriage and family therapist I create a safe and compassionate space so you can address unhealed wounds and access the part of you that knows how to heal, so that resilience and a way forward can be found, and self-esteem and self-confidence built. My experiential and embodied approach to psychotherapy can help you unearth the roots of inner conflict, discover inner reservoirs of wisdom, and heal unresolved trauma and emotional wounding.
As a marriage and family therapist I create a safe and compassionate space so you can address unhealed wounds and access the part of you that knows how to heal, so that resilience and a way forward can be found, and self-esteem and self-confidence built. My experiential and embodied approach to psychotherapy can help you unearth the roots of inner conflict, discover inner reservoirs of wisdom, and heal unresolved trauma and emotional wounding.
As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, my personal mission is to help clients reach wholeness and fulfill their potential within their relationships. My approach to counseling is to develop a meaningful connection with each client through compassion and understanding. In an accepting, comfortable and safe environment, I offer individualized support and practical feedback to help clients move forward toward renewed mental health, growth and overall wellness. I've 20 years’ experience treating the full spectrum of anxiety disorders; generalized anxiety, panic disorder, phobias, stress induced health problems and depression.
As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, my personal mission is to help clients reach wholeness and fulfill their potential within their relationships. My approach to counseling is to develop a meaningful connection with each client through compassion and understanding. In an accepting, comfortable and safe environment, I offer individualized support and practical feedback to help clients move forward toward renewed mental health, growth and overall wellness. I've 20 years’ experience treating the full spectrum of anxiety disorders; generalized anxiety, panic disorder, phobias, stress induced health problems and depression.
I am a Certified Sex + Relationship Coach, + I help married couples + relationship partners reignite passion, rebuild trust, + restore emotional + physical intimacy. Whether you're feeling like roommates, struggling to communicate, or longing to feel desired again-I offer a sacred, shame-free space for you to reconnect. My approach blended somatic intimacy work, spiritual alignment, + practical relationship tools that meet you both where you are. I guide you toward where you want to be.
I am a Certified Sex + Relationship Coach, + I help married couples + relationship partners reignite passion, rebuild trust, + restore emotional + physical intimacy. Whether you're feeling like roommates, struggling to communicate, or longing to feel desired again-I offer a sacred, shame-free space for you to reconnect. My approach blended somatic intimacy work, spiritual alignment, + practical relationship tools that meet you both where you are. I guide you toward where you want to be.
Hi, I'm Shelly Ware, and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I specialize in trauma-informed care, women's issues such as perinatal mental health, breakups, divorce, and life transitions. I also assist individuals in making sense of a confusing relationship.
Hi, I'm Shelly Ware, and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I specialize in trauma-informed care, women's issues such as perinatal mental health, breakups, divorce, and life transitions. I also assist individuals in making sense of a confusing relationship.
I have a particular expertise in providing end-of-life and bereavement counseling for adults living with serious illness and their families.
Already handling too much, feeling the weight of the world, and suddenly life throws you even more? Sometimes this overwhelm is in the context of a big life transition, other times the smallest change can be the straw that broke the camels back. In a world that feels particularly overwhelming right now, I offer a space to help you slow down, process, and find your footing again. Instead of avoiding feelings, looking for distraction, or overthinking, we can pause and re-orient to a life that feels sustainable and aligned with your values. With time I know you will begin to feel more joy again.
I have a particular expertise in providing end-of-life and bereavement counseling for adults living with serious illness and their families.
Already handling too much, feeling the weight of the world, and suddenly life throws you even more? Sometimes this overwhelm is in the context of a big life transition, other times the smallest change can be the straw that broke the camels back. In a world that feels particularly overwhelming right now, I offer a space to help you slow down, process, and find your footing again. Instead of avoiding feelings, looking for distraction, or overthinking, we can pause and re-orient to a life that feels sustainable and aligned with your values. With time I know you will begin to feel more joy again.
I really believe in marriage--a supportive, nourishing partnership. Do you need help finding that relationship? Are you choosing the wrong person? Are you in a relationship that you want to make better? Let me help you develop the ability to grow, commit and sustain a satisfying relationship.
We will explore the fears, anxieties, fantasies, patterns and past relationships creating obstacles to the goal of a mature relationship.
I really believe in marriage--a supportive, nourishing partnership. Do you need help finding that relationship? Are you choosing the wrong person? Are you in a relationship that you want to make better? Let me help you develop the ability to grow, commit and sustain a satisfying relationship.
We will explore the fears, anxieties, fantasies, patterns and past relationships creating obstacles to the goal of a mature relationship.
Do you yearn to find meaningful purpose in your life? Do you long to reconnect to your creative spark and felt-sense of vitality? Do you struggle to find your voice or express yourself freely? I am deeply committed to supporting clients like you in connecting with the essence of who you are, so that you may awaken to your intrinsic value, embody your unique gifts, and find more freedom of expression and ease in relationships. In our work together, we will explore whatever is keeping you stuck in despair, anxiety, perfectionism, people-pleasing, self-censoring, self-defeating thought patterns, or unfulfilling relationship dynamics.
Do you yearn to find meaningful purpose in your life? Do you long to reconnect to your creative spark and felt-sense of vitality? Do you struggle to find your voice or express yourself freely? I am deeply committed to supporting clients like you in connecting with the essence of who you are, so that you may awaken to your intrinsic value, embody your unique gifts, and find more freedom of expression and ease in relationships. In our work together, we will explore whatever is keeping you stuck in despair, anxiety, perfectionism, people-pleasing, self-censoring, self-defeating thought patterns, or unfulfilling relationship dynamics.
I believe the highest knowledge of the self comes from within and our life experiences have the power to shape how we relate to ourselves, others and the world around us. Sometimes our experiences have brought pain or other emotions that have caused us to disconnect. I believe we have learned ways to protect ourselves from unbearable pain by denying our true desires, wants, and needs. When we deny parts of ourselves, we suffer, feel lost, stuck, broken, and hopeless. Let’s try something different by dismantling old stories that are not ours to hold, dive into your truth and rewrite the script.
I believe the highest knowledge of the self comes from within and our life experiences have the power to shape how we relate to ourselves, others and the world around us. Sometimes our experiences have brought pain or other emotions that have caused us to disconnect. I believe we have learned ways to protect ourselves from unbearable pain by denying our true desires, wants, and needs. When we deny parts of ourselves, we suffer, feel lost, stuck, broken, and hopeless. Let’s try something different by dismantling old stories that are not ours to hold, dive into your truth and rewrite the script.
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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.