Photo of Beth Staehling, Psychologist in Long Beach, CA
Beth Staehling
Psychologist, PsyD, MS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90803
Do you find yourself experiencing doubt, sadness, worry, grief, confusion and hopelessness? It could be that your relationship is causing confusion and you are losing your sense of stability in the world or maybe you are struggling to make career or family decisions. Depression or anxiety may be getting in your way of finding the happiness/success you know you are capable of having. These concerns take courage to face and therapy provides a safe place to discuss alternative ways of looking at your concerns. I can help you gain some insight into your struggles while providing emotional support.
Do you find yourself experiencing doubt, sadness, worry, grief, confusion and hopelessness? It could be that your relationship is causing confusion and you are losing your sense of stability in the world or maybe you are struggling to make career or family decisions. Depression or anxiety may be getting in your way of finding the happiness/success you know you are capable of having. These concerns take courage to face and therapy provides a safe place to discuss alternative ways of looking at your concerns. I can help you gain some insight into your struggles while providing emotional support.
(626) 377-4654 View (626) 377-4654
Photo of Karla Lara, Marriage & Family Therapist in Long Beach, CA
Karla Lara
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90807
I have over 12 years of experience working with adults, adolescents, and children suffering from grief/trauma, depression/anxiety/stress management, self-esteem/assertiveness/boundaries, intimate relationship abuse, and sexual assault.
Overcome obstacles that have been preventing you from living your best life. Experience positive reflection and empowerment through a therapeutic relationship that is trusting, open-minded, and safe. I will guide you to a healthier way of coping and discovering your purpose. Let’s work together on resolving past pain in an effort to promote healing and hope for a better future. Let's explore healthy strategies to achieve your personal growth. Maximize your potential to enjoy a successful, happy, and productive life today!
I have over 12 years of experience working with adults, adolescents, and children suffering from grief/trauma, depression/anxiety/stress management, self-esteem/assertiveness/boundaries, intimate relationship abuse, and sexual assault.
Overcome obstacles that have been preventing you from living your best life. Experience positive reflection and empowerment through a therapeutic relationship that is trusting, open-minded, and safe. I will guide you to a healthier way of coping and discovering your purpose. Let’s work together on resolving past pain in an effort to promote healing and hope for a better future. Let's explore healthy strategies to achieve your personal growth. Maximize your potential to enjoy a successful, happy, and productive life today!
(562) 632-5808 View (562) 632-5808
Photo of Veronica Gomez, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Long Beach, CA
Veronica Gomez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90808
My name is Veronica Gomez and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I work with adults (18+) struggling with anxiety, depression, relationships, self-esteem that may stem from grief and loss, life transitions, and more. I provide a safe and positive space for the patient's to feel empowered to be their authentic self. I specialize in working with adults by incorporating various treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Interpersonal Therapy to guide patients find their strengths, community, and self.
My name is Veronica Gomez and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I work with adults (18+) struggling with anxiety, depression, relationships, self-esteem that may stem from grief and loss, life transitions, and more. I provide a safe and positive space for the patient's to feel empowered to be their authentic self. I specialize in working with adults by incorporating various treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Interpersonal Therapy to guide patients find their strengths, community, and self.
(657) 837-3875 View (657) 837-3875
Photo of Kimber Del Valle, Psychologist in Long Beach, CA
Kimber Del Valle
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90807
I am a licensed psychologist conducting therapy and counseling. I specialize in working with adults. I have specialties in the areas of grief, traumas, depression and anxiety however have seen clients for a variety of issues. My primary approach to therapy is based on an insight-oriented relational model to treatment however, I supplement my work with Somatic Experiencing, a trauma treatment informed by the mind and body connection. My clinical work is informed by the understanding that a therapeutic relationship can help restructure one's internal emotional world and cognitive functioning, which is supported by attachment and neuropsychology research.
I am a licensed psychologist conducting therapy and counseling. I specialize in working with adults. I have specialties in the areas of grief, traumas, depression and anxiety however have seen clients for a variety of issues. My primary approach to therapy is based on an insight-oriented relational model to treatment however, I supplement my work with Somatic Experiencing, a trauma treatment informed by the mind and body connection. My clinical work is informed by the understanding that a therapeutic relationship can help restructure one's internal emotional world and cognitive functioning, which is supported by attachment and neuropsychology research.
(562) 368-8961 View (562) 368-8961
Photo of Wendy Parslow-Helton, Marriage & Family Therapist in Long Beach, CA
Wendy Parslow-Helton
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90803
My specialties include relationship issues, health anxiety, and trauma related to grief and loss.
- - I finally have some openings! Email me for availability - - Have you been through recent changes or losses that have left you feeling anxious, depressed, and isolated, and not sure where to turn for help? I can help you start your journey on the road to healing and hope. I can guide you as you navigate significant life transitions - to help you feel supported and confident, and to give you tools to cope and thrive. I bring compassion and experience to my clients; I've been a licensed therapist for 25+ years.
My specialties include relationship issues, health anxiety, and trauma related to grief and loss.
- - I finally have some openings! Email me for availability - - Have you been through recent changes or losses that have left you feeling anxious, depressed, and isolated, and not sure where to turn for help? I can help you start your journey on the road to healing and hope. I can guide you as you navigate significant life transitions - to help you feel supported and confident, and to give you tools to cope and thrive. I bring compassion and experience to my clients; I've been a licensed therapist for 25+ years.
(562) 393-6225 View (562) 393-6225
Photo of Marcia Pecora, Marriage & Family Therapist in Long Beach, CA
Marcia Pecora
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90803
Have you experienced a loss that is keeping you stuck and unable to enjoy a fulfilling life? Are you desiring more peace? Taking the first step towards counseling can feel difficult and takes courage. I'll be here with you. I will provide a safe space to grieve your loss or life transitions. Together we will explore the areas that are keeping you stuck and begin to move past those hard places. Without judgment, I combine compassion and insight in a safe and warm environment where you will feel accepted for who you are. I am passionate about bringing hope to areas in your life where you may have lost your direction.
Have you experienced a loss that is keeping you stuck and unable to enjoy a fulfilling life? Are you desiring more peace? Taking the first step towards counseling can feel difficult and takes courage. I'll be here with you. I will provide a safe space to grieve your loss or life transitions. Together we will explore the areas that are keeping you stuck and begin to move past those hard places. Without judgment, I combine compassion and insight in a safe and warm environment where you will feel accepted for who you are. I am passionate about bringing hope to areas in your life where you may have lost your direction.
(562) 444-1721 View (562) 444-1721
Photo of Susan A Pollard, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Long Beach, CA
Susan A Pollard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90803
I have extensive knowledge and experience with helping individuals with substance abuse, grief and loss, and trauma-related issues.
I honor compassion and vulnerability in the counseling arena and provide a safe environment for individuals to share their stories of pain, trauma and grief. Let me help guide you on a journey to find healing, comfort and insight into anything that is holding you back from living in the moment to your fullest potential. I will help you examine the roadblocks to your recovery and share strength for any type of pain, trauma or grief that presents itself in your life.
I have extensive knowledge and experience with helping individuals with substance abuse, grief and loss, and trauma-related issues.
I honor compassion and vulnerability in the counseling arena and provide a safe environment for individuals to share their stories of pain, trauma and grief. Let me help guide you on a journey to find healing, comfort and insight into anything that is holding you back from living in the moment to your fullest potential. I will help you examine the roadblocks to your recovery and share strength for any type of pain, trauma or grief that presents itself in your life.
(562) 262-5528 View (562) 262-5528
Photo of Maru Serricchio-Joiner, Marriage & Family Therapist in Long Beach, CA
Maru Serricchio-Joiner
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90815
Waitlist for new clients
My work has focused around attachment, loss/grief, life transition and communication impasses.
Imagine the following: you have been using the same paint palette for a while. You never clean the palette, so all the paint from the past years have dried on top of each other. One day, you feel uneasy with the top color so you decide to rip it off. It isn't until you turn it over that you see all the colors and realize they cannot be separated from each other. I focus on the clients as a whole and I believe that whatever brings you to therapy is deeply rooted in your cumulative life experiences, not in isolation.
My work has focused around attachment, loss/grief, life transition and communication impasses.
Imagine the following: you have been using the same paint palette for a while. You never clean the palette, so all the paint from the past years have dried on top of each other. One day, you feel uneasy with the top color so you decide to rip it off. It isn't until you turn it over that you see all the colors and realize they cannot be separated from each other. I focus on the clients as a whole and I believe that whatever brings you to therapy is deeply rooted in your cumulative life experiences, not in isolation.
(661) 369-8295 View (661) 369-8295
Photo of Lori M Downing, Marriage & Family Therapist in Long Beach, CA
Lori M Downing
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90808
My specialty is grief recovery.
Are life’s struggles causing you to feel overwhelmed, confused, distressed, dissatisfied, or alone? I can help you find hope and healing, and a way forward. I truly believe the connection between therapist and client is essential to successful therapy and connecting with my clients - is my greatest asset. I do this by providing a caring, non-judgmental, supportive presence and a listening ear. In this safe place, I come alongside adult individuals dealing with Anxiety, Depression, Co-dependency, Elder and Caregiving Issues, Life Transitions, Grief and Loss, Relationship Issues, Self-Esteem, Faith Issues and help them move forward.
My specialty is grief recovery.
Are life’s struggles causing you to feel overwhelmed, confused, distressed, dissatisfied, or alone? I can help you find hope and healing, and a way forward. I truly believe the connection between therapist and client is essential to successful therapy and connecting with my clients - is my greatest asset. I do this by providing a caring, non-judgmental, supportive presence and a listening ear. In this safe place, I come alongside adult individuals dealing with Anxiety, Depression, Co-dependency, Elder and Caregiving Issues, Life Transitions, Grief and Loss, Relationship Issues, Self-Esteem, Faith Issues and help them move forward.
(657) 255-8172 View (657) 255-8172
Photo of Dana Hodgdon Ph. D., Psychologist in Long Beach, CA
Dana Hodgdon Ph. D.
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90814
As the Bereavement Coordinator at Torrance Memorial Medical Center for the last 18 years, I have helped hundreds of people adjust and adapt to grief and loss.
I believe we all have the capacity to grow and experience joy. Access to this capacity is usually closer than we think. Talking to someone who is trained to HEAR you can unblock what is holding you back. Call me and we can talk about finding the answers within yourself. For the last 20 years I have had experience in helping people overcome many forms of suffering. Call me and take your first step toward feeling better, attending to things that are meaningful to you, and feeling whole again.
As the Bereavement Coordinator at Torrance Memorial Medical Center for the last 18 years, I have helped hundreds of people adjust and adapt to grief and loss.
I believe we all have the capacity to grow and experience joy. Access to this capacity is usually closer than we think. Talking to someone who is trained to HEAR you can unblock what is holding you back. Call me and we can talk about finding the answers within yourself. For the last 20 years I have had experience in helping people overcome many forms of suffering. Call me and take your first step toward feeling better, attending to things that are meaningful to you, and feeling whole again.
(562) 453-5492 View (562) 453-5492
Photo of Amy Lynn Peer, Marriage & Family Therapist in Long Beach, CA
Amy Lynn Peer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90814
I specialize in loss and grief, including: the death of a loved one or pet, childhood losses - parental neglect/abuse, divorce/separation, estrangement, parental alienation, and job loss.
I work with you to uncover those self-defeating beliefs and behaviors that can make life problematic. Working together, my intention is to help you gain insight into yourself and to encourage change that moves you forward toward fulfilling your goals and dreams. Clients come to me with anxiety, anger issues, depression, marital issues including infidelity, family conflicts, grief and loss, co-dependency, Adult Child of Alcoholics/Addicts issues, and problems with substance use. Furthermore, I work with young women in their 20's and 30's trying to navigate through life transitions, relationship and career issues.
I specialize in loss and grief, including: the death of a loved one or pet, childhood losses - parental neglect/abuse, divorce/separation, estrangement, parental alienation, and job loss.
I work with you to uncover those self-defeating beliefs and behaviors that can make life problematic. Working together, my intention is to help you gain insight into yourself and to encourage change that moves you forward toward fulfilling your goals and dreams. Clients come to me with anxiety, anger issues, depression, marital issues including infidelity, family conflicts, grief and loss, co-dependency, Adult Child of Alcoholics/Addicts issues, and problems with substance use. Furthermore, I work with young women in their 20's and 30's trying to navigate through life transitions, relationship and career issues.
(562) 418-5036 View (562) 418-5036
Photo of Juliana Parker, Associated Professional Clinical Counselor in Long Beach, CA
Juliana Parker
Associated Professional Clinical Counselor, MS , APCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90815
I specialize in trauma, anxiety, and grief and loss.
I see you. I see how very hard you are working to keep it all together. On the outside, you smile and keep pushing forward, but on the inside, you are struggling. Perhaps you are feeling anxious, having problems sleeping, and feeling like you are living in a dark cloud. I am here to tell you that you are not alone! Therapy can be a safe and non-judgmental space to receive support, compassion, and understanding.
I specialize in trauma, anxiety, and grief and loss.
I see you. I see how very hard you are working to keep it all together. On the outside, you smile and keep pushing forward, but on the inside, you are struggling. Perhaps you are feeling anxious, having problems sleeping, and feeling like you are living in a dark cloud. I am here to tell you that you are not alone! Therapy can be a safe and non-judgmental space to receive support, compassion, and understanding.
(657) 245-4070 View (657) 245-4070
Photo of Diana Cheng, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Long Beach, CA
Diana Cheng
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90803  (Online Only)
TELEHEALTH, ACCEPTS MEDICARE. Are you struggling or feeling overwhelmed with grief, depression, anxiety, managing your emotions, aging issues, transitions, or another challenge? Therapy is a journey to develop a deeper understanding of oneself. I can assist you in finding solutions and acceptance to the issues and stressors that cause you pain and suffering. I incorporate a strength-based, solution focused, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and mindful approach, which are effective in helping individuals gain insight and develop healthy coping skills to reduce symptoms.
TELEHEALTH, ACCEPTS MEDICARE. Are you struggling or feeling overwhelmed with grief, depression, anxiety, managing your emotions, aging issues, transitions, or another challenge? Therapy is a journey to develop a deeper understanding of oneself. I can assist you in finding solutions and acceptance to the issues and stressors that cause you pain and suffering. I incorporate a strength-based, solution focused, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and mindful approach, which are effective in helping individuals gain insight and develop healthy coping skills to reduce symptoms.
(562) 524-1189 View (562) 524-1189
Photo of Yasuko Mikajiri, Marriage & Family Therapist in Long Beach, CA
Yasuko Mikajiri
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90806  (Online Only)
My name is Yasuko (pronounced "Yasco") Mikajiri (三ヶ尻 靖子), and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Long Beach, California. Via Telehealth, I work with adults (18 years old and over) throughout California, specializing in Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Grief & Loss, Substance Abuse, Communication Skills, Transitional Work, Generational/Cultural Gap Issues for Immigrants, and Purpose in Life, etc. My approach to therapy is a combination of some of the therapy techniques tailored to your individual needs. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you transform the patterns of negative thinking into positive ones.
My name is Yasuko (pronounced "Yasco") Mikajiri (三ヶ尻 靖子), and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Long Beach, California. Via Telehealth, I work with adults (18 years old and over) throughout California, specializing in Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Grief & Loss, Substance Abuse, Communication Skills, Transitional Work, Generational/Cultural Gap Issues for Immigrants, and Purpose in Life, etc. My approach to therapy is a combination of some of the therapy techniques tailored to your individual needs. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you transform the patterns of negative thinking into positive ones.
(442) 219-7341 View (442) 219-7341
Photo of Maria Modesta Carmichael, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Long Beach, CA
Maria Modesta Carmichael
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90807
Life is full of challenges that overwhelm us. It stops us in our tracks and we think "how did I get here?" Whether it is grief, fear, lack of motivation, excessive worrying, indecisiveness, poor choices, trauma, addiction, or relationship problems: therapy is a tool to help, if you are open and reach out. This is when you need someone who is genuine, safe, non-judgmental, caring, supportive, and redirects gently to help you decide the next steps in YOUR journey. In therapy, we will focus on healing, process past wounds, identify triggers, create healthy boundaries, explore solutions, and find the path that is right for you.
Life is full of challenges that overwhelm us. It stops us in our tracks and we think "how did I get here?" Whether it is grief, fear, lack of motivation, excessive worrying, indecisiveness, poor choices, trauma, addiction, or relationship problems: therapy is a tool to help, if you are open and reach out. This is when you need someone who is genuine, safe, non-judgmental, caring, supportive, and redirects gently to help you decide the next steps in YOUR journey. In therapy, we will focus on healing, process past wounds, identify triggers, create healthy boundaries, explore solutions, and find the path that is right for you.
(562) 362-3351 View (562) 362-3351
Photo of Wendy Mullen, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Long Beach, CA
Wendy Mullen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90813
Welcome! My name is Wendy Mullen. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Certified Professional Coach (CPC), and a leading Southern California therapist servicing the greater Los Angeles area for over 30 years. I work with adults and specialize in substance use disorders, trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, loss, and serious mental illness. I am deeply committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment where you can find solace and embark on your healing journey.
Welcome! My name is Wendy Mullen. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Certified Professional Coach (CPC), and a leading Southern California therapist servicing the greater Los Angeles area for over 30 years. I work with adults and specialize in substance use disorders, trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, loss, and serious mental illness. I am deeply committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment where you can find solace and embark on your healing journey.
(562) 784-5290 View (562) 784-5290
Photo of Tatiana Itskowitz, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Long Beach, CA
Tatiana Itskowitz
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90814
I specialize in working with grief and loss as well as working with immigrant and first-generation individuals.
I am a therapist that brings compassion, curiosity, and connection to the forefront of our work together. As your therapist, I believe providing a supportive, empathetic environment is key in creating a space where you can gain insight, access your inner strength, and move forward with your healing. During the process, we may look at your past to see what beliefs still serve you and which do not, identify emotions and process them, and focus on navigating and developing your connections to others and self.
I specialize in working with grief and loss as well as working with immigrant and first-generation individuals.
I am a therapist that brings compassion, curiosity, and connection to the forefront of our work together. As your therapist, I believe providing a supportive, empathetic environment is key in creating a space where you can gain insight, access your inner strength, and move forward with your healing. During the process, we may look at your past to see what beliefs still serve you and which do not, identify emotions and process them, and focus on navigating and developing your connections to others and self.
(562) 620-8577 View (562) 620-8577
Photo of Angie Pelletier -Juarez, Psychologist in Long Beach, CA
Angie Pelletier -Juarez
Psychologist, CP
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90815
Dr. PJ, also known as Dr. Angie Pelletier, is a clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience. She applies a holistic methodology that takes into account mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual considerations to help people gain a better understanding of themselves. Her focus areas include trauma, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, intimate partner violence (IPV)/Domestic Violence (DV) victims, life and career transitions, and relationship issues, among others. Dr. PJ stresses the importance of identifying personal strengths and cultivating coping strategies to meet life's challenges.
Dr. PJ, also known as Dr. Angie Pelletier, is a clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience. She applies a holistic methodology that takes into account mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual considerations to help people gain a better understanding of themselves. Her focus areas include trauma, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, intimate partner violence (IPV)/Domestic Violence (DV) victims, life and career transitions, and relationship issues, among others. Dr. PJ stresses the importance of identifying personal strengths and cultivating coping strategies to meet life's challenges.
(562) 278-0875 View (562) 278-0875
Photo of Pamela Rice, Marriage & Family Therapist in Long Beach, CA
Pamela Rice
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90815
The clients I typically work with include depression, anxiety disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress disorder (PTSD), Abuse, grief/loss issues, and couples.
My name is Pam Rice, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) located in Los Angeles, California but via telehealth I can work with clients statewide. As the former program director of a clinical psychiatric unit, I've worked with a variety of mental health issues. I specialize in Christian Therapy and the application of Biblical principles with appropriate psychological interventions. Incorporating a psycho/social/ spiritual integration addresses the whole client. I have an eclectic approach to therapy and utilize the therapeutic modality that fits best with the individual's needs.
The clients I typically work with include depression, anxiety disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress disorder (PTSD), Abuse, grief/loss issues, and couples.
My name is Pam Rice, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) located in Los Angeles, California but via telehealth I can work with clients statewide. As the former program director of a clinical psychiatric unit, I've worked with a variety of mental health issues. I specialize in Christian Therapy and the application of Biblical principles with appropriate psychological interventions. Incorporating a psycho/social/ spiritual integration addresses the whole client. I have an eclectic approach to therapy and utilize the therapeutic modality that fits best with the individual's needs.
(562) 662-5695 View (562) 662-5695
Photo of Will Schofield, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Long Beach, CA
Will Schofield
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, CADC II
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90803
My therapeutic approach supports a centering of the individual to draw upon their foundational ideas of self. We all experience times when we struggle to make sense of, cope with, and bring forward our best selves. I love helping clients unpack what is most challenging in their lives. Through our past exploration of built-upon themes and skills, a different sense of presence can feel more capable with additional ways of interacting to support your goals. My clients are high-functioning individuals and families who are dealing with grief, value/identity, trauma, challenging circumstances, relationship issues, and addiction.
My therapeutic approach supports a centering of the individual to draw upon their foundational ideas of self. We all experience times when we struggle to make sense of, cope with, and bring forward our best selves. I love helping clients unpack what is most challenging in their lives. Through our past exploration of built-upon themes and skills, a different sense of presence can feel more capable with additional ways of interacting to support your goals. My clients are high-functioning individuals and families who are dealing with grief, value/identity, trauma, challenging circumstances, relationship issues, and addiction.
(424) 677-1445 View (424) 677-1445
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.