Grief Therapists in California

Photo of Joan Hasibar, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Joan Hasibar
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91106  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Through therapy, clients rebuild, balance, and strengthen from PTSD, trauma, grief, loss, anxiety, and/or depression.
Are you feeling stuck, numb, or tired all the time? Are you having trouble focusing - on your work, family and friends, your partner, or even YOURSELF? Do you experience anger, guilt, sadness, or hopelessness? Would you like to find a way to overcome this but don't know where to begin? I believe through exploration there can be freedom, from fear, guilt, shame, doubt, and uncertainty. As with all explorations, I will be your guide to walk with you through the frustration, pain, and confusion. Regardless of what we find, I will be committed to doing it with you.
Through therapy, clients rebuild, balance, and strengthen from PTSD, trauma, grief, loss, anxiety, and/or depression.
Are you feeling stuck, numb, or tired all the time? Are you having trouble focusing - on your work, family and friends, your partner, or even YOURSELF? Do you experience anger, guilt, sadness, or hopelessness? Would you like to find a way to overcome this but don't know where to begin? I believe through exploration there can be freedom, from fear, guilt, shame, doubt, and uncertainty. As with all explorations, I will be your guide to walk with you through the frustration, pain, and confusion. Regardless of what we find, I will be committed to doing it with you.
(323) 694-2024 View (323) 694-2024
Photo of Brennan Peterson, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Brennan Peterson
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Orange, CA 92866
For over 20 years, I have worked as a full-time professor of marriage and family therapy at Chapman University. I love training students how to be therapists -- but I might love working with my own clients even more. I specialize in helping individuals who have experienced trauma, grief, and loss. I also help couples improve their relationship satisfaction, emotional connection, and recover from infidelity.
For over 20 years, I have worked as a full-time professor of marriage and family therapy at Chapman University. I love training students how to be therapists -- but I might love working with my own clients even more. I specialize in helping individuals who have experienced trauma, grief, and loss. I also help couples improve their relationship satisfaction, emotional connection, and recover from infidelity.
(714) 627-9584 View (714) 627-9584
Photo of Carole Carrillo, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Carole Carrillo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
My approach to psychotherapy is grounded in a deep respect for the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Suffering is a uniquely individual experience. You may be feeling a profound sense of loneliness, unable to relate to others or finding difficulty fitting in. Perhaps depression and anxiety are preventing you from feeling fully engaged in important relationships or your relationships unravel. You may find it difficult to be kind or patient with yourself. I work with adult individuals and couples who are seeking help with relationship/intimacy issues, depression/anxiety, low self-esteem, trauma and loss.
My approach to psychotherapy is grounded in a deep respect for the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Suffering is a uniquely individual experience. You may be feeling a profound sense of loneliness, unable to relate to others or finding difficulty fitting in. Perhaps depression and anxiety are preventing you from feeling fully engaged in important relationships or your relationships unravel. You may find it difficult to be kind or patient with yourself. I work with adult individuals and couples who are seeking help with relationship/intimacy issues, depression/anxiety, low self-esteem, trauma and loss.
(415) 801-8357 View (415) 801-8357
Photo of Shirley Duarte, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shirley Duarte
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 91335
I am a licensed therapist who is a compassionate and motivated individual with excellent listening skills, capable of quickly building rapport with clients. With over 12 years of experience, I have worked extensively with clients dealing with trauma, depression, anxiety, and grief. I also have extensive experience with neurodivergent clients, such as those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Some clients are comfortable just being heard by their therapist, and others might seek a transformative process utilizing unique tools from specific modalities.
I am a licensed therapist who is a compassionate and motivated individual with excellent listening skills, capable of quickly building rapport with clients. With over 12 years of experience, I have worked extensively with clients dealing with trauma, depression, anxiety, and grief. I also have extensive experience with neurodivergent clients, such as those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Some clients are comfortable just being heard by their therapist, and others might seek a transformative process utilizing unique tools from specific modalities.
(818) 450-5830 View (818) 450-5830
Photo of Deborah Craig, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Deborah Craig
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92108
I also address life transitions and specialize in grief and loss, care-giving, depression, and issues elevating anxiety.
Everyone needs a safe place and an open non-judgmental environment to express needs, work through issues, and be validated as an individual. Relationships, personal and professional, can define us, support us, overwhelm us, and/or give meaning to our lives. A therapy session is a gift we give ourselves, one of the few times we have permission to elevate our own needs and, in so doing, heal ourselves.
I also address life transitions and specialize in grief and loss, care-giving, depression, and issues elevating anxiety.
Everyone needs a safe place and an open non-judgmental environment to express needs, work through issues, and be validated as an individual. Relationships, personal and professional, can define us, support us, overwhelm us, and/or give meaning to our lives. A therapy session is a gift we give ourselves, one of the few times we have permission to elevate our own needs and, in so doing, heal ourselves.
(619) 486-9857 View (619) 486-9857
Photo of Cassiana Peres Luize, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Cassiana Peres Luize
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705
Whether there's resurfacing trauma or you're in the process of revisiting identities and beliefs due to life transitions (such as break up, grief, career change, moving, and acculturation challenges), therapy can be a healing space to process how all those disruptions are impacting your sense of Self, and mood. You may find yourself occupied with maintaining life rather than fully living it; we’ll sit through hard-to-answer questions and I’ll invite you to cultivate awareness around your feelings and circumstances.
Whether there's resurfacing trauma or you're in the process of revisiting identities and beliefs due to life transitions (such as break up, grief, career change, moving, and acculturation challenges), therapy can be a healing space to process how all those disruptions are impacting your sense of Self, and mood. You may find yourself occupied with maintaining life rather than fully living it; we’ll sit through hard-to-answer questions and I’ll invite you to cultivate awareness around your feelings and circumstances.
(510) 751-0043 View (510) 751-0043
Photo of Sarah Mace, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sarah Mace
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92102  (Online Only)
Hi there! I am passionate about creating a safe space for you to work through things like anxiety, depression, codependency, women's issues, grief/ loss, and life transitions. Together, we will use evidence-based modalities to support your goals so you can feel better and live a life that is more aligned with what is important to you. I like to provide a warm environment with an emphasis on holistic healing and the mind-body connection. Whether you're adjusting to grief and loss, a major life change, or healing from trauma, I can support you in breaking cycles that are keeping you stuck.
Hi there! I am passionate about creating a safe space for you to work through things like anxiety, depression, codependency, women's issues, grief/ loss, and life transitions. Together, we will use evidence-based modalities to support your goals so you can feel better and live a life that is more aligned with what is important to you. I like to provide a warm environment with an emphasis on holistic healing and the mind-body connection. Whether you're adjusting to grief and loss, a major life change, or healing from trauma, I can support you in breaking cycles that are keeping you stuck.
(619) 658-7081 View (619) 658-7081
Photo of Jennifer R Levin, MFT, PhD, MFC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jennifer R Levin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, PhD, MFC
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91106
In addition, I specialize in working with people who are living with serious illness or living in the midst of grief.
As a therapist I have witnessed healing and its splendor in the darkest of circumstances and am honored when individuals choose to embark on this journey with me. I know the decision to enter therapy is not always easy. Therapy is not easy. But therapy heals. When you enter therapy you put forth a willingness to acknowledge painful emotions and circumstances and a readiness to explore life events that are often uncomfortable, sometimes even paralyzing. But the insight and meaning you will gain from therapy will lead to transformation, comfort and growth.
In addition, I specialize in working with people who are living with serious illness or living in the midst of grief.
As a therapist I have witnessed healing and its splendor in the darkest of circumstances and am honored when individuals choose to embark on this journey with me. I know the decision to enter therapy is not always easy. Therapy is not easy. But therapy heals. When you enter therapy you put forth a willingness to acknowledge painful emotions and circumstances and a readiness to explore life events that are often uncomfortable, sometimes even paralyzing. But the insight and meaning you will gain from therapy will lead to transformation, comfort and growth.
(626) 465-7716 View (626) 465-7716
Photo of Earl Villorente, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Earl Villorente
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chico, CA 95926
I am most comfortable working with teens and adults dealing with grief, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and difficulty managing work, school, and/or life transitions.
Hello, my name is Earl Villorente. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I provide individual therapy via telehealth. It is my goal to provide a safe space for us to work together to reduce symptoms and promote positive change to help you heal and enjoy a meaningful life. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address symptoms by working on unhealthy thinking and behavior patterns - and creating or improving healthy ones. I also use therapeutic lenses of strength-based, client-centered, and solution-focused to help you identify and achieve your goals.
I am most comfortable working with teens and adults dealing with grief, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and difficulty managing work, school, and/or life transitions.
Hello, my name is Earl Villorente. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I provide individual therapy via telehealth. It is my goal to provide a safe space for us to work together to reduce symptoms and promote positive change to help you heal and enjoy a meaningful life. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address symptoms by working on unhealthy thinking and behavior patterns - and creating or improving healthy ones. I also use therapeutic lenses of strength-based, client-centered, and solution-focused to help you identify and achieve your goals.
(530) 489-5589 View (530) 489-5589
Photo of Simran Bhatia, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Simran Bhatia
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94127  (Online Only)
I specialize in grief, depression, anxiety, personal growth, and relationship issues.
Feeling low? Unsure of where you are headed? Suffering from a loss? Searching for connection? You are in the right place.
I specialize in grief, depression, anxiety, personal growth, and relationship issues.
Feeling low? Unsure of where you are headed? Suffering from a loss? Searching for connection? You are in the right place.
(415) 965-0716 View (415) 965-0716
Photo of Cristi Taylor, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cristi Taylor
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Roseville, CA 95678
I specialize in using somatics, brainspotting, mindfulness, Reiki and energy practices to heal your trauma, relationships, calm anxieties, process grief and loss, and balance emotions.
Looking for a creative approach to dissolve anxieties, reduce stress, lift your mood and resolve patterns that keep you stuck? Need help navigating grief and loss? Want to balance your nervous system and update yourself as you navigate life transitions? Reframe your mindset to highlight what's going right and work through what's not. If you are looking for deep soul healing from your past or traumas with a somatic psycho-spiritual therapist, you are in the right place. Develop true presence, compassion, and fall deeply in love with yourself. Curious about adding holistic healing into your sessions within your cultural lens?
I specialize in using somatics, brainspotting, mindfulness, Reiki and energy practices to heal your trauma, relationships, calm anxieties, process grief and loss, and balance emotions.
Looking for a creative approach to dissolve anxieties, reduce stress, lift your mood and resolve patterns that keep you stuck? Need help navigating grief and loss? Want to balance your nervous system and update yourself as you navigate life transitions? Reframe your mindset to highlight what's going right and work through what's not. If you are looking for deep soul healing from your past or traumas with a somatic psycho-spiritual therapist, you are in the right place. Develop true presence, compassion, and fall deeply in love with yourself. Curious about adding holistic healing into your sessions within your cultural lens?
(916) 252-1670 View (916) 252-1670
Photo of Claudia Sieber, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Claudia Sieber
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
I have experience in helping people with work stress, depression and anxiety, grief , caregiver stress, suicide prevention, child neglect and abandonment,child sexual abuse prevention and treatment, negative coping skills including cutting, eating disorders, and other problem behaviors.
Are you struggling with behaviors that you know are not good for you? Are you worried and depressed about your life and your relationships? Let me help you sort out your thoughts and feelings and help you get back on track. I also love seeing couples and families. You may bring significant others to your therapy if you wish, to help focus you in your relationship goals.
I have experience in helping people with work stress, depression and anxiety, grief , caregiver stress, suicide prevention, child neglect and abandonment,child sexual abuse prevention and treatment, negative coping skills including cutting, eating disorders, and other problem behaviors.
Are you struggling with behaviors that you know are not good for you? Are you worried and depressed about your life and your relationships? Let me help you sort out your thoughts and feelings and help you get back on track. I also love seeing couples and families. You may bring significant others to your therapy if you wish, to help focus you in your relationship goals.
(510) 730-3158 View (510) 730-3158
Photo of Janina Scarlet, PhD, Psychologist
Janina Scarlet
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108  (Online Only)
Do you often feel disconnected from others? Do you pretend to be “fine” while you’re actually struggling on the inside? Do you have a hard time managing your symptoms? I understand your pain. I specialize in working with people with trauma and PTSD, including assault, physical and emotional abuse, bullying, neglect, abandonment, and narcissistic abuse. I also treat grief, burnout, and stress. I have many years of experience working with mental health providers and other healthcare professionals. I am a LGBTQIA-affirming provider, as well as a body positivity provider, and I offer neurodiversity-affirming care.
Do you often feel disconnected from others? Do you pretend to be “fine” while you’re actually struggling on the inside? Do you have a hard time managing your symptoms? I understand your pain. I specialize in working with people with trauma and PTSD, including assault, physical and emotional abuse, bullying, neglect, abandonment, and narcissistic abuse. I also treat grief, burnout, and stress. I have many years of experience working with mental health providers and other healthcare professionals. I am a LGBTQIA-affirming provider, as well as a body positivity provider, and I offer neurodiversity-affirming care.
(858) 260-3499 View (858) 260-3499
Photo of Alexandra Poling, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alexandra Poling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688  (Online Only)
Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), along with skills from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and mindfulness, I help my clients identify and change ways of thinking and coping that may be impacting their mental health. This approach includes teaching coping skills that will target specific symptoms and triggers as well as learning to cope with or resolve intense emotional pain. I use this approach to treat complicated grief, trauma, panic, and related anxiety or depression.
Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), along with skills from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and mindfulness, I help my clients identify and change ways of thinking and coping that may be impacting their mental health. This approach includes teaching coping skills that will target specific symptoms and triggers as well as learning to cope with or resolve intense emotional pain. I use this approach to treat complicated grief, trauma, panic, and related anxiety or depression.
(510) 380-7804 View (510) 380-7804
Photo of Dawn Rodriguez, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dawn Rodriguez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Stockton, CA 95209
Specialties include depression, anxiety and grief.
Do you feel depressed or anxious or just lost? No motivation? There are reasons why your days can feel long. Different examples can be negative thinking, hopeless thoughts, and sleepless nights. I have been a licensed provider for 17 years and have been in the field for 25+ years. I have worked with adults, children and families on different challenges including Depression, Anxiety, Grief, relationship challenges, children's emotional challenges/behavior concerns, parenting concerns, and many other issues that can affect your daily routine.
Specialties include depression, anxiety and grief.
Do you feel depressed or anxious or just lost? No motivation? There are reasons why your days can feel long. Different examples can be negative thinking, hopeless thoughts, and sleepless nights. I have been a licensed provider for 17 years and have been in the field for 25+ years. I have worked with adults, children and families on different challenges including Depression, Anxiety, Grief, relationship challenges, children's emotional challenges/behavior concerns, parenting concerns, and many other issues that can affect your daily routine.
(209) 353-8558 View (209) 353-8558
Photo of Andrea Doctor, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Andrea Doctor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91367  (Online Only)
It’s time to focus on you. It’s time to start taking the steps to move you through your grief, loss, parenting struggles, relationship issues and life’s adversities. I can help. Let’s take your challenges and difficulties and turn them into positives for your future.
It’s time to focus on you. It’s time to start taking the steps to move you through your grief, loss, parenting struggles, relationship issues and life’s adversities. I can help. Let’s take your challenges and difficulties and turn them into positives for your future.
(818) 722-6363 View (818) 722-6363
Photo of Traci Wilson, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Traci Wilson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92106
I incorporate exploration of psycho-somatic connections, working through a variety of issues including grief, trauma, anxiety and life transitions.
Life experiences can impact us in surprising, often difficult, and even traumatic ways leaving us feeling out of touch with ourselves and those around us. We all have a desire to feel understood, and that journey often begins within ourselves. My goal in therapy is to create a space where you feel heard and safe while we explore deeper into who you are and begin to wrestle with the question “where do I go from here?”.
I incorporate exploration of psycho-somatic connections, working through a variety of issues including grief, trauma, anxiety and life transitions.
Life experiences can impact us in surprising, often difficult, and even traumatic ways leaving us feeling out of touch with ourselves and those around us. We all have a desire to feel understood, and that journey often begins within ourselves. My goal in therapy is to create a space where you feel heard and safe while we explore deeper into who you are and begin to wrestle with the question “where do I go from here?”.
(619) 639-4291 View (619) 639-4291
Photo of Dawn DiRaimondo, PsyD, Psychologist
Dawn DiRaimondo
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95825
Feeling connected and comfortable with your therapist is an essential part of treatment and healing. Using a relational approach, I try to create an environment that helps people work on deeply personal and challenging issues. My particular areas of interest and experience include grief and loss, relationships, depression, anxiety, ADHD, adolescent and parenting issues, and identity/sexuality issues. I recently published my first book on sibling loss, "Surviving Sibling Loss: The Invisible Thread that Connects Us Through Life and Death." (Available on Amazon)
Feeling connected and comfortable with your therapist is an essential part of treatment and healing. Using a relational approach, I try to create an environment that helps people work on deeply personal and challenging issues. My particular areas of interest and experience include grief and loss, relationships, depression, anxiety, ADHD, adolescent and parenting issues, and identity/sexuality issues. I recently published my first book on sibling loss, "Surviving Sibling Loss: The Invisible Thread that Connects Us Through Life and Death." (Available on Amazon)
(916) 674-2957 View (916) 674-2957
Photo of Pamela Freundl Kirst Phd Jungian Analyst, Jungian, Psychologist
Pamela Freundl Kirst Phd Jungian Analyst
Psychologist, Jungian
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90064
I also work adults who experienced the loss of a parent too early in their lives.
When you are suffering, it helps to have a support and guidance to find a new way forward. My clients find it easy to talk to me and feel understood. Healing happens within a safe space where you can speak openly about your pain and explore yourself deeply. Through this work new ways of being unfold. My training as a Jungian Psychoanalyst enables me to work closely with clients to explore dreams and creative images as well as their daily lives and history. I bring my full presence, sense of humor, intuition, and spiritual understanding to the therapeutic process.
I also work adults who experienced the loss of a parent too early in their lives.
When you are suffering, it helps to have a support and guidance to find a new way forward. My clients find it easy to talk to me and feel understood. Healing happens within a safe space where you can speak openly about your pain and explore yourself deeply. Through this work new ways of being unfold. My training as a Jungian Psychoanalyst enables me to work closely with clients to explore dreams and creative images as well as their daily lives and history. I bring my full presence, sense of humor, intuition, and spiritual understanding to the therapeutic process.
(310) 740-9758 View (310) 740-9758
Photo of Jennifer Esfandi, PsyD, Psychologist
Jennifer Esfandi
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90025
I have the privilege of helping people facing difficult periods in their lives. I help clients navigate stress, anxiety, life transitions, and loss that is getting in the way of feeling at ease and living the life they really want.
I have the privilege of helping people facing difficult periods in their lives. I help clients navigate stress, anxiety, life transitions, and loss that is getting in the way of feeling at ease and living the life they really want.
(424) 221-8694 View (424) 221-8694
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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.