Photo of Joan Hasibar, Marriage & Family Therapist in Monrovia, CA
Joan Hasibar
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Monrovia, CA 91016
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 Austin Koestner, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Monrovia, CA
Austin Koestner
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
Monrovia, CA 91016
Are you working through a life stressor, building or re-defining a relationship with a loved one, or trying to develop a deeper understanding of who you are? As a multi-culturally compassionate Associate Marriage and Family Therapist I have helped adolescents and adult clients from diverse backgrounds develop the tools necessary to process anxiety, depression, grief, family or interpersonal stressors, and trauma in order build a life of peaceful intention. I have years of experience within the LGBTQ+ community and am passionate about working with families, individuals and partnerships of all backgrounds.
Are you working through a life stressor, building or re-defining a relationship with a loved one, or trying to develop a deeper understanding of who you are? As a multi-culturally compassionate Associate Marriage and Family Therapist I have helped adolescents and adult clients from diverse backgrounds develop the tools necessary to process anxiety, depression, grief, family or interpersonal stressors, and trauma in order build a life of peaceful intention. I have years of experience within the LGBTQ+ community and am passionate about working with families, individuals and partnerships of all backgrounds.
(626) 699-0478 View (626) 699-0478
Photo of Kylia Clark, Marriage & Family Therapist in Monrovia, CA
Kylia Clark
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Monrovia, CA 91016
Maybe you are a teenager who feels misunderstood by the adults around you. Maybe you are struggling in your relationships and you feel alone. Maybe you have experienced anxiety or depression and do not know where to turn. Maybe you've gone through a loss. At the core of many problems is the lack of feeling truly seen, heard, and understood. We want to feel we matter.
Maybe you are a teenager who feels misunderstood by the adults around you. Maybe you are struggling in your relationships and you feel alone. Maybe you have experienced anxiety or depression and do not know where to turn. Maybe you've gone through a loss. At the core of many problems is the lack of feeling truly seen, heard, and understood. We want to feel we matter.
(626) 869-5163 View (626) 869-5163
Photo of Damon Bass, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor in Monrovia, CA
Damon Bass
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Monrovia, CA 91016
You feel alone, angry, and ashamed. Although you experience profound isolation and dissatisfaction with your life, you tell yourself this is just the way life is supposed to be. This couldn’t be further from the truth. I work with men who are feeling lonely, unhappy, or hopeless. Our work together addresses these issues so that you can be alive and free. Together, we can create a space without judgment or shame where healing can occur. In this space I’ll help you to become the next version of yourself.
You feel alone, angry, and ashamed. Although you experience profound isolation and dissatisfaction with your life, you tell yourself this is just the way life is supposed to be. This couldn’t be further from the truth. I work with men who are feeling lonely, unhappy, or hopeless. Our work together addresses these issues so that you can be alive and free. Together, we can create a space without judgment or shame where healing can occur. In this space I’ll help you to become the next version of yourself.
(626) 790-1449 View (626) 790-1449
Photo of Relationships For Better: Individuals + Couples, Marriage & Family Therapist in Monrovia, CA
Relationships For Better: Individuals + Couples
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Monrovia, CA 91016
You want to thrive in your closest relationship: we're here for you. My name is Megan Lundgren, and I am the Director of Relationships For Better, a relationship counseling private practice based in Monrovia, in the San Gabriel Valley. My team of experienced and skilled therapists specializes in helping people navigate relationship hurdles with compassion and care. Relationships are the most important part of life: let's make them better, together.
You want to thrive in your closest relationship: we're here for you. My name is Megan Lundgren, and I am the Director of Relationships For Better, a relationship counseling private practice based in Monrovia, in the San Gabriel Valley. My team of experienced and skilled therapists specializes in helping people navigate relationship hurdles with compassion and care. Relationships are the most important part of life: let's make them better, together.
(626) 587-2299 View (626) 587-2299
Photo of Almog Shanun, Marriage & Family Therapist in Monrovia, CA
Almog Shanun
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Monrovia, CA 91016
I work with the human psyche! WHETHER LIFE IS ON FIRE OR WHEN PAIN IS TOO STRONG TO BEAR OR IF YOU LOOK FOR PERSONAL DISCOVERY. My ideal client comes in in order to learn about how to tune with his or her psyche. Clients, in depth work, learn about the inner and outer relationships and how to connect with the things that lies underneath. I see clients who are looking for discovery of what exists beyond the behavior and their actions and who are willing to dive into learning about the forces that drive them.
I work with the human psyche! WHETHER LIFE IS ON FIRE OR WHEN PAIN IS TOO STRONG TO BEAR OR IF YOU LOOK FOR PERSONAL DISCOVERY. My ideal client comes in in order to learn about how to tune with his or her psyche. Clients, in depth work, learn about the inner and outer relationships and how to connect with the things that lies underneath. I see clients who are looking for discovery of what exists beyond the behavior and their actions and who are willing to dive into learning about the forces that drive them.
(626) 239-1959 View (626) 239-1959
Photo of Dr Nev Psychological Services, Psychologist in Monrovia, CA
Dr Nev Psychological Services
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Monrovia, CA 91016
"The pain is there; when you close one door on it, it knocks to come in somewhere else..." (Dr. Irvin D. Yalom). The process of psychotherapy is uncovering the pain, either developmental, situation specific or just existential, and working through it within the bounds of a trusting, accepting and empathetic therapeutic relationship. Throughout the process, I will help you uncover and become comfortable with your authentic self, while bringing into the consciousness some of the themes and motives that have unconsciously ruled your life and became a part of who you are.
"The pain is there; when you close one door on it, it knocks to come in somewhere else..." (Dr. Irvin D. Yalom). The process of psychotherapy is uncovering the pain, either developmental, situation specific or just existential, and working through it within the bounds of a trusting, accepting and empathetic therapeutic relationship. Throughout the process, I will help you uncover and become comfortable with your authentic self, while bringing into the consciousness some of the themes and motives that have unconsciously ruled your life and became a part of who you are.
(626) 238-0289 View (626) 238-0289

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Gerald Monk, Marriage & Family Therapist in Monrovia, CA
Gerald Monk
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91104
I help clients with relationship issues, parenting challenges, family conflicts, those coping with grief and loss, and couples counseling.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California since 2006. I was a registered psychologist, counselor, and family mediator in New Zealand before moving to the United States as a professor in marriage and family therapy at San Diego State University. I worked and trained in educational psychology before being immersed in narrative therapy, narrative mediation, and solution-focused therapy in the 1990s. I have worked a lot in schools with children and teens, addressed parenting challenges, helped blended families address unique crises that arise, help clients with separation and divorce.
I help clients with relationship issues, parenting challenges, family conflicts, those coping with grief and loss, and couples counseling.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California since 2006. I was a registered psychologist, counselor, and family mediator in New Zealand before moving to the United States as a professor in marriage and family therapy at San Diego State University. I worked and trained in educational psychology before being immersed in narrative therapy, narrative mediation, and solution-focused therapy in the 1990s. I have worked a lot in schools with children and teens, addressed parenting challenges, helped blended families address unique crises that arise, help clients with separation and divorce.
(323) 716-0288 View (323) 716-0288
Photo of Isabella P. Tudisco-Sadacca, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Monrovia, CA
Isabella P. Tudisco-Sadacca
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101
I provide a warm and non-judgmental space to witness, hold, and seek understanding of your pain and grief as much as your joy and wonder. Together we will explore the many facets of your ever-evolving self, as well your relationships to the people and environments around you. I work with individuals, couples/partners, and families of all ages. I particularly enjoy working with teens and young adults who are navigating questions around identity, struggling to find a sense of belonging, or who are hoping to feel more at ease in their body and with their sense of self.
I provide a warm and non-judgmental space to witness, hold, and seek understanding of your pain and grief as much as your joy and wonder. Together we will explore the many facets of your ever-evolving self, as well your relationships to the people and environments around you. I work with individuals, couples/partners, and families of all ages. I particularly enjoy working with teens and young adults who are navigating questions around identity, struggling to find a sense of belonging, or who are hoping to feel more at ease in their body and with their sense of self.
(323) 863-8977 View (323) 863-8977
Photo of Madeline Elia, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Monrovia, CA
Madeline Elia
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91104  (Online Only)
Hi! I’m Madeline. I specialize in helping individuals and couples make meaning out of challenges and loss, navigate transitions, and deepen their relationships with others. Most of us encounter some form of trauma or loss in our lives, and these challenges can impact our mood, our sense of self, and our relationship with the world around us. I provide a warm, collaborative space for clients to uncover and re-frame unhelpful beliefs, develop skills to cope with anxiety and depression, and set helpful boundaries with those around them.
Hi! I’m Madeline. I specialize in helping individuals and couples make meaning out of challenges and loss, navigate transitions, and deepen their relationships with others. Most of us encounter some form of trauma or loss in our lives, and these challenges can impact our mood, our sense of self, and our relationship with the world around us. I provide a warm, collaborative space for clients to uncover and re-frame unhelpful beliefs, develop skills to cope with anxiety and depression, and set helpful boundaries with those around them.
(424) 484-0721 View (424) 484-0721
Photo of Dr. Antoinette Ibrahimi, Psychologist in Monrovia, CA
Dr. Antoinette Ibrahimi
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Arcadia, CA 91006  (Online Only)
I have an extensive background in treating the adjustment to chronic illness or, loss and grief, couples or relationship issues, end-of-life issues, infertility, pregnancy/infant/child loss, and life transitions.
Do you feel stuck or overwhelmed? Uncertain how to move forward? Coping with a chronic illness? Struggling with a loss in your life? Do you feel disconnected from your partner? Humaning is hard, therapy should not be. When we begin to understand ourselves better, life becomes much easier to journey through. We start to choose how we want to live instead of reacting to what life brings us. I am passionate about helping my clients find a solid sense of self, while staying emotionally connected with others. I strive to create a safe, genuine, supportive, and compassionate environment in which a lasting positive change can be made.
I have an extensive background in treating the adjustment to chronic illness or, loss and grief, couples or relationship issues, end-of-life issues, infertility, pregnancy/infant/child loss, and life transitions.
Do you feel stuck or overwhelmed? Uncertain how to move forward? Coping with a chronic illness? Struggling with a loss in your life? Do you feel disconnected from your partner? Humaning is hard, therapy should not be. When we begin to understand ourselves better, life becomes much easier to journey through. We start to choose how we want to live instead of reacting to what life brings us. I am passionate about helping my clients find a solid sense of self, while staying emotionally connected with others. I strive to create a safe, genuine, supportive, and compassionate environment in which a lasting positive change can be made.
(626) 702-3533 View (626) 702-3533
Photo of David Highfill, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Monrovia, CA
David Highfill
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91101
I have over 25 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.
Many of you will experience dramatic and sometimes shocking changes in your or your loved one's health, relationships or careers. I have over 25 years of experience helping people and their families cope with a wide variety of chronic and terminal illness, relationship changes, adjustment, grief and loss. Using your strengths, I will help you work through these difficult changes to help you adjust to their impact on you and your loved ones.
I have over 25 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.
Many of you will experience dramatic and sometimes shocking changes in your or your loved one's health, relationships or careers. I have over 25 years of experience helping people and their families cope with a wide variety of chronic and terminal illness, relationship changes, adjustment, grief and loss. Using your strengths, I will help you work through these difficult changes to help you adjust to their impact on you and your loved ones.
(626) 594-4648 View (626) 594-4648
Photo of Nicole Bessire-Taylor, Marriage & Family Therapist in Monrovia, CA
Nicole Bessire-Taylor
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glendora, CA 91741
Nicole specializes in working with teenagers, young adults, and couples dealing with a variety of issues including grief and loss, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, trauma, and communication skills training.
Nicole Bessire Taylor is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Nicole has a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California. Nicole's therapeutic work has focused on treating individuals, couples, and families with a broad spectrum of clinical issues.
Nicole specializes in working with teenagers, young adults, and couples dealing with a variety of issues including grief and loss, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, trauma, and communication skills training.
Nicole Bessire Taylor is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Nicole has a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California. Nicole's therapeutic work has focused on treating individuals, couples, and families with a broad spectrum of clinical issues.
(909) 891-0612 View (909) 891-0612
Photo of Lincoln Madley, Marriage & Family Therapist in Monrovia, CA
Lincoln Madley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101
Transition, loss, and transformation may be universal, but everyone experiences these changes differently. Sometimes you may become overwhelmed -- like everything is too much, or you cannot connect with the person you were before. You may have become stuck in a difficult moment or are acting in ways that make things worse. You deserve to lead a life worth living. Therapy provides an opportunity to explore personal challenges and discover areas of personal growth inherent in these painful times. I welcome adolescents, adults, and couples who are looking for support and validation in the work of healing and self-empowerment.
Transition, loss, and transformation may be universal, but everyone experiences these changes differently. Sometimes you may become overwhelmed -- like everything is too much, or you cannot connect with the person you were before. You may have become stuck in a difficult moment or are acting in ways that make things worse. You deserve to lead a life worth living. Therapy provides an opportunity to explore personal challenges and discover areas of personal growth inherent in these painful times. I welcome adolescents, adults, and couples who are looking for support and validation in the work of healing and self-empowerment.
(747) 223-8408 View (747) 223-8408
Photo of Dr. Cloda A. Jones, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Monrovia, CA
Dr. Cloda A. Jones
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PsyD, LCSW, LPCC, PPS, BICM
Verified Verified
Altadena, CA 91001
Are you feeling stressed and unbalanced? More than ever, these times are uncertain. It is difficult to not feel anxious or concerned about the pandemic and current fires. In addition, there is work life, home life, and a myriad of other concerns. I specialize in couples/relationship therapy, helping define career goals, individual therapy, and bereavement counseling. I have over thirty years of solid counseling experience overall. I hold a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, am a Credentialed School Psychologist, and have licenses as a Clinical School Worker and Clinical Professional Counselor. I am here to assist on your journey.
Are you feeling stressed and unbalanced? More than ever, these times are uncertain. It is difficult to not feel anxious or concerned about the pandemic and current fires. In addition, there is work life, home life, and a myriad of other concerns. I specialize in couples/relationship therapy, helping define career goals, individual therapy, and bereavement counseling. I have over thirty years of solid counseling experience overall. I hold a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, am a Credentialed School Psychologist, and have licenses as a Clinical School Worker and Clinical Professional Counselor. I am here to assist on your journey.
(626) 605-6406 View (626) 605-6406
Photo of Kristy Cepielik, Licensed Professional Counselor in Monrovia, CA
Kristy Cepielik
Licensed Professional Counselor, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101
I am experienced in EMDR, trauma, grief/loss, anxiety, depression, youth and narcissistic abuse.
I specialize in relationship issues pertaining to Infidelity; Youth (most often impacted by familial stressors) and Communication, which correlates and can manifest as obsessive thoughts, anxiety, depression and related addictions. Infidelity is a symptom of underlying issues. Trained in EMDR to identify and manage trauma, I became a therapist due to personal experience in dealing with affairs. I understand the emotional roller coaster infidelity creates. Emotional education and processing is important to understanding why you are experiencing the emotions you are dealing with.
I am experienced in EMDR, trauma, grief/loss, anxiety, depression, youth and narcissistic abuse.
I specialize in relationship issues pertaining to Infidelity; Youth (most often impacted by familial stressors) and Communication, which correlates and can manifest as obsessive thoughts, anxiety, depression and related addictions. Infidelity is a symptom of underlying issues. Trained in EMDR to identify and manage trauma, I became a therapist due to personal experience in dealing with affairs. I understand the emotional roller coaster infidelity creates. Emotional education and processing is important to understanding why you are experiencing the emotions you are dealing with.
(626) 261-7558 View (626) 261-7558
Photo of Fuller Psychological and Family Services in Monrovia, CA
Fuller Psychological and Family Services
PsyD
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91101
Fuller Psychological and Family Services (FPFS) is the community mental health and training clinic of the Fuller Graduate School of Psychology (accredited by the American Psychological Association). FPFS provides therapy to individuals, couples, families, and groups, to address a variety of symptoms associated with issues including but not limited to anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, trauma, guilt, and bereavement. Because FPFS utilizes beginning students, advanced students, and licensed clinicians, we are able to provide therapy at affordable rates. Because we are embedded within an accredited graduate school of psychology, you will receive care of the highest ethical and professional standards
Fuller Psychological and Family Services (FPFS) is the community mental health and training clinic of the Fuller Graduate School of Psychology (accredited by the American Psychological Association). FPFS provides therapy to individuals, couples, families, and groups, to address a variety of symptoms associated with issues including but not limited to anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, trauma, guilt, and bereavement. Because FPFS utilizes beginning students, advanced students, and licensed clinicians, we are able to provide therapy at affordable rates. Because we are embedded within an accredited graduate school of psychology, you will receive care of the highest ethical and professional standards
(626) 539-9857 View (626) 539-9857
Photo of Shir Shanun, Psychologist in Monrovia, CA
Shir Shanun
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Arcadia, CA 91007
I work with addiction recovery, loss, personality disorders, psychosis, bi-polar, depression, PTSD, dissociation, anxiety and dual diagnosis.
When we change ourselves we create change in our life and relationships. Therapy is a journey of self discovery to develop intimacy and create meaning in life and relationships. Gain new understanding and fulfillment. Through exploration of your past and present I will help you develop nurturing relationships with others and with your empathetic genuine self; connect with playfulness and creativity; understand repetition in your life; discover the unconscious role in your decisions ; experience intimacy and alleviate depression and anxiety as we transform suffering into growth. More about me at https://www.Shir Shanun psyd.com
I work with addiction recovery, loss, personality disorders, psychosis, bi-polar, depression, PTSD, dissociation, anxiety and dual diagnosis.
When we change ourselves we create change in our life and relationships. Therapy is a journey of self discovery to develop intimacy and create meaning in life and relationships. Gain new understanding and fulfillment. Through exploration of your past and present I will help you develop nurturing relationships with others and with your empathetic genuine self; connect with playfulness and creativity; understand repetition in your life; discover the unconscious role in your decisions ; experience intimacy and alleviate depression and anxiety as we transform suffering into growth. More about me at https://www.Shir Shanun psyd.com
(626) 376-4994 View (626) 376-4994
Photo of Sonya Jesus, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Monrovia, CA
Sonya Jesus
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Glendora, CA 91740  (Online Only)
My current practice is dedicated to serving adults and I specialize in Mood Disorders (Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar), Personality Disorders, grief, and life adjustments (prenatal and postpartum, infertility, parenting, employment shifts, changes in family dynamics, infidelity, divorce, etc.
If you are hoping to manage life stressors to live at your greatest potential, I am your therapist. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and have 10+ years of experience in the mental health field. I am bilingual; one of my greatest passions is working with the Spanish speaking community. I pride myself in being culturally sensitive, person-centered, and utilize a variety of treatment modalities to address your needs and provide helpful interventions to support you outside of our sessions.
My current practice is dedicated to serving adults and I specialize in Mood Disorders (Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar), Personality Disorders, grief, and life adjustments (prenatal and postpartum, infertility, parenting, employment shifts, changes in family dynamics, infidelity, divorce, etc.
If you are hoping to manage life stressors to live at your greatest potential, I am your therapist. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and have 10+ years of experience in the mental health field. I am bilingual; one of my greatest passions is working with the Spanish speaking community. I pride myself in being culturally sensitive, person-centered, and utilize a variety of treatment modalities to address your needs and provide helpful interventions to support you outside of our sessions.
(909) 403-4996 View (909) 403-4996
Photo of Duane Alleman, Psychologist in Monrovia, CA
Duane Alleman
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91105
When you're hurting emotionally - sad, anxious, overstressed, or experiencing pain or loss in a relationship - you want help from someone who is competent, kind, and trustworthy. It is my commitment to provide a safe and supportive place for you to freely share your struggles, challenges, needs, and desires. I work actively and collaboratively to help you develop and use your strengths and resources to successfully face the important problems in your life. My ultimate goal through this process is to support you in discovering new levels of emotional freedom that allow you to live well and love well.
When you're hurting emotionally - sad, anxious, overstressed, or experiencing pain or loss in a relationship - you want help from someone who is competent, kind, and trustworthy. It is my commitment to provide a safe and supportive place for you to freely share your struggles, challenges, needs, and desires. I work actively and collaboratively to help you develop and use your strengths and resources to successfully face the important problems in your life. My ultimate goal through this process is to support you in discovering new levels of emotional freedom that allow you to live well and love well.
(626) 817-2068 x11 View (626) 817-2068 x11
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.