Photo of Virginia Blue, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Virginia Blue
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, FAE
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families going through major life changes, such as birth and death, and confronting challenges related to anxiety, trauma, grief, and addiction of all kinds. 
I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families going through major life changes, such as birth and death, and confronting challenges related to anxiety, trauma, grief, and addiction of all kinds. 
(415) 202-5546 View (415) 202-5546
Photo of Walter Beckman, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Walter Beckman
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
Something is troubling you. What you can gain from greater self-awareness, understanding and true compassion for yourself can be extraordinary. Our conversations will help you overcome the obstacles to accessing the resources you already possess and developing those that are yet to come forth. Whether you suffer from anxiety, difficult grief or loss, creative blocks, or under-utilization of your full potential, talking to a non-judgmental professional listener can help.
Something is troubling you. What you can gain from greater self-awareness, understanding and true compassion for yourself can be extraordinary. Our conversations will help you overcome the obstacles to accessing the resources you already possess and developing those that are yet to come forth. Whether you suffer from anxiety, difficult grief or loss, creative blocks, or under-utilization of your full potential, talking to a non-judgmental professional listener can help.
(415) 789-3477 View (415) 789-3477
Photo of Esther Ehrensaft, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Esther Ehrensaft
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
I have a particular expertise in attachment issues, and specialize in helping to resolve early trauma and grief in adults and children.
Most people seek out a psychologist when they have truly done their best to resolve their difficulties on their own. When you can't see your own emotional blind spots, feeling stuck and distressed can ripple through many areas of your life. Perhaps this is your first time seeking out a therapist, or perhaps you are returning to psychotherapy for a fresh perspective. As a psychologist with over 17 years of experience, I have a seasoned understanding of what leads people to hit roadblocks in their lives, in areas including work, school, marriage, parenting, family, and intimate relationships.
I have a particular expertise in attachment issues, and specialize in helping to resolve early trauma and grief in adults and children.
Most people seek out a psychologist when they have truly done their best to resolve their difficulties on their own. When you can't see your own emotional blind spots, feeling stuck and distressed can ripple through many areas of your life. Perhaps this is your first time seeking out a therapist, or perhaps you are returning to psychotherapy for a fresh perspective. As a psychologist with over 17 years of experience, I have a seasoned understanding of what leads people to hit roadblocks in their lives, in areas including work, school, marriage, parenting, family, and intimate relationships.
(415) 578-7673 View (415) 578-7673
Photo of Andrea Bass, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Andrea Bass
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
Making positive changes in our lives is not always easy. It often takes courage and strength to reach out for support during challenging times. By connecting more deeply with ourselves, our emotions, our bodies, our creativity, other people and the earth, we can learn to alleviate much suffering. I feel honored to accompany you on your journey while providing skillful guidance and resources along the way. If you have been struggling with depression, grief / loss, anxiety, relationship issues, childhood trauma / abuse or post-traumatic stress disorder I can provide ways for you to find healing, resolution and build resilience.
Making positive changes in our lives is not always easy. It often takes courage and strength to reach out for support during challenging times. By connecting more deeply with ourselves, our emotions, our bodies, our creativity, other people and the earth, we can learn to alleviate much suffering. I feel honored to accompany you on your journey while providing skillful guidance and resources along the way. If you have been struggling with depression, grief / loss, anxiety, relationship issues, childhood trauma / abuse or post-traumatic stress disorder I can provide ways for you to find healing, resolution and build resilience.
(415) 877-1964 View (415) 877-1964
Photo of Jen Poole, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Jen Poole
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94110
I am trained in grief work, stress reduction techniques, expressive arts therapy, craniosacral therapy, herbology and hatha yoga.
Welcome to my practice. I am a heart-centered therapist who works collaboratively with you. This work supports you in finding the roots of self- limiting beliefs and relationship patterns, and provides tools and techniques for healing, which gives way to inner clarity and freedom. When you are connected to your inner wisdom and intelligence, your life becomes healthy and grounded, relationships are more intimate and loving, and quality of life becomes richer. I use a holistic body-heart-and soul approach with those who are committed to growth and healing.
I am trained in grief work, stress reduction techniques, expressive arts therapy, craniosacral therapy, herbology and hatha yoga.
Welcome to my practice. I am a heart-centered therapist who works collaboratively with you. This work supports you in finding the roots of self- limiting beliefs and relationship patterns, and provides tools and techniques for healing, which gives way to inner clarity and freedom. When you are connected to your inner wisdom and intelligence, your life becomes healthy and grounded, relationships are more intimate and loving, and quality of life becomes richer. I use a holistic body-heart-and soul approach with those who are committed to growth and healing.
(628) 227-5436 View (628) 227-5436
Photo of Melodie Del Rio, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Melodie Del Rio
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94122
I work with adults (individual and couple's therapy), children, and adolescents. Special interests include: life transitions, relationship problems, loss and grief (including pregnancy loss), stress and anxiety, depression, parenting concerns, children/ adolescents and identity.
I work with adults (individual and couple's therapy), children, and adolescents. Special interests include: life transitions, relationship problems, loss and grief (including pregnancy loss), stress and anxiety, depression, parenting concerns, children/ adolescents and identity.
(415) 390-5620 View (415) 390-5620
Photo of Helen Elizabeth Shamis, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Helen Elizabeth Shamis
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
My treatment specialties include individuals with eating disorders and those experiencing grief and loss.
My treatment approach is best described as strength-based. I believe that we come to even our most challenging moments, with the best of intentions. When a client chooses me as their therapist, they provide themselves with a dedicated, judgment-free professional who believes in their ability to guide their own journey. If you are at your most vulnerable or in the darkest of places, there is always hope. Both short-term and long-term therapy is available.
My treatment specialties include individuals with eating disorders and those experiencing grief and loss.
My treatment approach is best described as strength-based. I believe that we come to even our most challenging moments, with the best of intentions. When a client chooses me as their therapist, they provide themselves with a dedicated, judgment-free professional who believes in their ability to guide their own journey. If you are at your most vulnerable or in the darkest of places, there is always hope. Both short-term and long-term therapy is available.
(415) 877-6328 View (415) 877-6328
Photo of Holly Greenberg, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Holly Greenberg
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
Hello, there are some hurts in life that heal only through connecting with another person. Early relational trauma whether physical or emotional can create a heaviness that feels inescapable. Single incident trauma can have this effect as well. Sharing the story seems to exacerbate sleep problems, difficulty engaging in day-day activities, or just rising from bed. You do not need to tell me your story, just arrive and be willing to be curious. I offer therapy for PTSD, life transitions, grief and depression. In my work I offer myself as a supportive presence and companion.
Hello, there are some hurts in life that heal only through connecting with another person. Early relational trauma whether physical or emotional can create a heaviness that feels inescapable. Single incident trauma can have this effect as well. Sharing the story seems to exacerbate sleep problems, difficulty engaging in day-day activities, or just rising from bed. You do not need to tell me your story, just arrive and be willing to be curious. I offer therapy for PTSD, life transitions, grief and depression. In my work I offer myself as a supportive presence and companion.
(415) 367-3158 View (415) 367-3158
Photo of Loryn Hicks, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Loryn Hicks
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94117  (Online Only)
I offer warmth and love created by a safe and welcoming environment. I have a passion for working with those who have been told they are “too much”. From working with teens and families to those struggling through trauma or grief, I am here. I work with intersectionality and identity, cultural explorations and difficulties, as well as difference and sensitivity. I have worked extensively with those with eating struggles. I have worked in restorative justice and enjoy working with the formerly incarcerated, Please ask me anything
I offer warmth and love created by a safe and welcoming environment. I have a passion for working with those who have been told they are “too much”. From working with teens and families to those struggling through trauma or grief, I am here. I work with intersectionality and identity, cultural explorations and difficulties, as well as difference and sensitivity. I have worked extensively with those with eating struggles. I have worked in restorative justice and enjoy working with the formerly incarcerated, Please ask me anything
(415) 831-7691 View (415) 831-7691
Photo of Nate Hinerman, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Nate Hinerman
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
Hinerman's research and treatment approaches often intermingle philosophical and psychological approaches to topics such as human suffering, dying, loss, grief, depression, and anxiety.
Nate Hinerman, PhD, LMFT, is Dean of Undergraduate Programs at Golden Gate University, San Francisco, where he is also a tenured Professor of Psychology, as well as the Chair of the Psychology Department. He is also on the faculty at the University of San Francisco, teaching in the Nursing School, and in the Religious Studies Department. He serves as Chair of the San Francisco End of Life Network, a community-based support and education group for hospice and palliative care professionals and patients, now in its 23rd year (www.sfeol.org).
Hinerman's research and treatment approaches often intermingle philosophical and psychological approaches to topics such as human suffering, dying, loss, grief, depression, and anxiety.
Nate Hinerman, PhD, LMFT, is Dean of Undergraduate Programs at Golden Gate University, San Francisco, where he is also a tenured Professor of Psychology, as well as the Chair of the Psychology Department. He is also on the faculty at the University of San Francisco, teaching in the Nursing School, and in the Religious Studies Department. He serves as Chair of the San Francisco End of Life Network, a community-based support and education group for hospice and palliative care professionals and patients, now in its 23rd year (www.sfeol.org).
(628) 215-8084 View (628) 215-8084
Photo of Tara Cronin, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Tara Cronin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC, ATR-BC, PATP
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110
Hello and welcome! I started my practice to help people overcome and recover from grief and loss, trauma and relationship issues. My therapeutic approach allows negative or problem situations to transform into positive solutions. I am a certified grief recovery specialist and also work with pet loss, relationship endings and life transitions. I enter each therapy session with sincerity and compassion and will work with you to develop a plan for reaching your goals. If you are experiencing pain from the death of a loved one, a life change or relationship ending, please call or e-mail to set up an in-person appointment.
Hello and welcome! I started my practice to help people overcome and recover from grief and loss, trauma and relationship issues. My therapeutic approach allows negative or problem situations to transform into positive solutions. I am a certified grief recovery specialist and also work with pet loss, relationship endings and life transitions. I enter each therapy session with sincerity and compassion and will work with you to develop a plan for reaching your goals. If you are experiencing pain from the death of a loved one, a life change or relationship ending, please call or e-mail to set up an in-person appointment.
(415) 691-7807 View (415) 691-7807
Photo of Stephanie Yuen, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Stephanie Yuen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
I specialize in working with individuals, couples, teens and families who are navigating the stages of grief and loss, processing unresolved childhood traumas, or those seeking guidance through personal growth and transformation.
Are you feeling more overwhelmed, exhausted, anxious and/or isolated than usual? Are you feeling less motivated? Are you feeling less connected? Are your typical coping strategies not working for you? I’m here to offer a safe space and to support you during this time. Together, we shall explore the wisdom of the mind, body & spirit connection to find new ways to cope, heal and flourish. I am passionate about your mental well being.
I specialize in working with individuals, couples, teens and families who are navigating the stages of grief and loss, processing unresolved childhood traumas, or those seeking guidance through personal growth and transformation.
Are you feeling more overwhelmed, exhausted, anxious and/or isolated than usual? Are you feeling less motivated? Are you feeling less connected? Are your typical coping strategies not working for you? I’m here to offer a safe space and to support you during this time. Together, we shall explore the wisdom of the mind, body & spirit connection to find new ways to cope, heal and flourish. I am passionate about your mental well being.
(415) 663-5907 View (415) 663-5907
Photo of Cecilie Herring, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Cecilie Herring
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
I specialize in working with pre and postnatal moms, supporting parents as they navigate and adjust to parenthood, strengthening the parent-child connection, grief surrounding the loss of a loved one, coping with a chronic illness and/or pain, and working with the challenges of anxiety and depression.
I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist offering psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, and children. My training focuses on helping my clients improve their relationships with themselves and others, navigate life transitions, and heal from traumatic experiences. My overall approach seeks to provide a warm, trusting, nonjudgemental relationship in which you are deeply listened to and can safely and freely discuss your challenges, concerns, and vulnerabilities.
I specialize in working with pre and postnatal moms, supporting parents as they navigate and adjust to parenthood, strengthening the parent-child connection, grief surrounding the loss of a loved one, coping with a chronic illness and/or pain, and working with the challenges of anxiety and depression.
I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist offering psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, and children. My training focuses on helping my clients improve their relationships with themselves and others, navigate life transitions, and heal from traumatic experiences. My overall approach seeks to provide a warm, trusting, nonjudgemental relationship in which you are deeply listened to and can safely and freely discuss your challenges, concerns, and vulnerabilities.
(415) 517-9319 View (415) 517-9319
Photo of Ashley Singh, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Ashley Singh
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94121  (Online Only)
The heart of my work centers around adults of the South Asian Diaspora. My goal in emphasizing my practice here is to recognize a need for folks to have a therapist who truly understands their background and can create safety in talking about parts of the culture that can feel shameful or misunderstood from a Western perspective. The most common areas of focus include family of origin issues, intergenerational trauma and creating space to heal your inner child, acknowledging your grief, exploring your TRUE identity, and cultivating positive relationships by creating boundaries and building self-esteem + confidence.
The heart of my work centers around adults of the South Asian Diaspora. My goal in emphasizing my practice here is to recognize a need for folks to have a therapist who truly understands their background and can create safety in talking about parts of the culture that can feel shameful or misunderstood from a Western perspective. The most common areas of focus include family of origin issues, intergenerational trauma and creating space to heal your inner child, acknowledging your grief, exploring your TRUE identity, and cultivating positive relationships by creating boundaries and building self-esteem + confidence.
(415) 926-2202 x1 View (415) 926-2202 x1
Photo of Bonnie Harrison, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Bonnie Harrison
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
Sometimes we need extra support to get through difficult times in our lives, or a sounding board when making difficult decisions. I am here to provide a safe space for you on your path towards positive change and healing. If you are looking for a change in your life or struggling with feelings of depression, anxiety, grief or trauma, please reach out for a free consultation. If you are not sure if therapy is right for you, I am happy to discuss what you are looking for and support you wherever you are in this process.
Sometimes we need extra support to get through difficult times in our lives, or a sounding board when making difficult decisions. I am here to provide a safe space for you on your path towards positive change and healing. If you are looking for a change in your life or struggling with feelings of depression, anxiety, grief or trauma, please reach out for a free consultation. If you are not sure if therapy is right for you, I am happy to discuss what you are looking for and support you wherever you are in this process.
(415) 630-5734 View (415) 630-5734
Photo of Lee M Schuster, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Lee M Schuster
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94109
My areas of expertise include: working with individuals/teens who are coping with grief /loss, mood, trauma, and phase of life issues.
Are you at a turning point in your life? Struggling with life's daily complexities? I focus on: Trauma and PTSD, Substance Abuse and Dual Diagnosis, Grief and Loss and much more. I use an eclectic model of healing from a person-centered, strengths-based perspective that is Anti-Racist and Anti- Systems of Oppression in its foundation. To allow oneself to show up as our best selves in and out of the therapy room. Each person brings a multi-faceted expression of their true selves to therapy that can be unlocked with strength, courage, and the acknowledgment of one's right to self-determination and self-efficacy.
My areas of expertise include: working with individuals/teens who are coping with grief /loss, mood, trauma, and phase of life issues.
Are you at a turning point in your life? Struggling with life's daily complexities? I focus on: Trauma and PTSD, Substance Abuse and Dual Diagnosis, Grief and Loss and much more. I use an eclectic model of healing from a person-centered, strengths-based perspective that is Anti-Racist and Anti- Systems of Oppression in its foundation. To allow oneself to show up as our best selves in and out of the therapy room. Each person brings a multi-faceted expression of their true selves to therapy that can be unlocked with strength, courage, and the acknowledgment of one's right to self-determination and self-efficacy.
(415) 323-3910 View (415) 323-3910
Photo of Daphne Ng, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Daphne Ng
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
As an Asian-American therapist, I aim to provide therapy that shows awareness and honors multicultural family dynamics, especially around boundaries, attachment, and loss.
Sometimes, we get stuck in patterns that might have been helpful at some point in our lives but are not so helpful to us now. These patterns show up in the ways we respond in our relationships, in work/school, to challenges, and to ourselves. We’ll approach therapy as collaborators to build up your skills and strengths to get you unstuck. In our work together, we'll gently explore the past, so we can create an action plan for a different future. We'll recontextualize what no longer serves you and make space for your curious, creative self to emerge.
As an Asian-American therapist, I aim to provide therapy that shows awareness and honors multicultural family dynamics, especially around boundaries, attachment, and loss.
Sometimes, we get stuck in patterns that might have been helpful at some point in our lives but are not so helpful to us now. These patterns show up in the ways we respond in our relationships, in work/school, to challenges, and to ourselves. We’ll approach therapy as collaborators to build up your skills and strengths to get you unstuck. In our work together, we'll gently explore the past, so we can create an action plan for a different future. We'll recontextualize what no longer serves you and make space for your curious, creative self to emerge.
(415) 917-2947 View (415) 917-2947
Photo of Rebecca A. Ward, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Rebecca A. Ward
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MA, LMFT, SEP, PCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94117  (Online Only)
Regardless of your suffering, there is a way through it and because we each have our own way of processing emotional wounds, I take an individualized approach to help you transform pain into healing. I specialize in addressing trauma and grief. This includes the loss of a loved one, traumatic loss (event-related, developmental), as well as psychological symptoms associated with chronic and terminal illness. Through an integrated approach, my work is about healing the soul and finding light in the darkness despite facing life-threatening conditions afflicting the body, mind, heart, and spirit.
Regardless of your suffering, there is a way through it and because we each have our own way of processing emotional wounds, I take an individualized approach to help you transform pain into healing. I specialize in addressing trauma and grief. This includes the loss of a loved one, traumatic loss (event-related, developmental), as well as psychological symptoms associated with chronic and terminal illness. Through an integrated approach, my work is about healing the soul and finding light in the darkness despite facing life-threatening conditions afflicting the body, mind, heart, and spirit.
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Photo of Cindi Rivera, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA
Cindi Rivera
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94106
I am a bilingual bicultural psychotherapist working with adults and couples who are having problems in their relationships and/or who feel badly about themselves or their life situation. The in-depth work I do focuses on one's feelings and significant relationships - past and present. With compassion and deep personal respect, I help my clients to deal with the painful issues, losses and complex struggles of living. I work well with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, parenting issues, inter-racial couples, life transitions, loss, and trauma; toward repairing the relationships that are inevitably affected by these problems.
I am a bilingual bicultural psychotherapist working with adults and couples who are having problems in their relationships and/or who feel badly about themselves or their life situation. The in-depth work I do focuses on one's feelings and significant relationships - past and present. With compassion and deep personal respect, I help my clients to deal with the painful issues, losses and complex struggles of living. I work well with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, parenting issues, inter-racial couples, life transitions, loss, and trauma; toward repairing the relationships that are inevitably affected by these problems.
(510) 470-7374 View (510) 470-7374
Photo of Nathan Greene, Psychologist in San Francisco, CA
Nathan Greene
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94112
I am a bilingual (English and Spanish-speaking) licensed clinical psychologist who provides psychotherapy services to adults, children, adolescents families. I support clients in fostering resilience and in building more meaningful, connected relationships. In therapy, I take a supportive, curious, nonjudgemental stance. My clients struggle with issues related to depression, anxiety, loss, adoption, psychological trauma, childhood development, parenting, and everyday stressors.
I am a bilingual (English and Spanish-speaking) licensed clinical psychologist who provides psychotherapy services to adults, children, adolescents families. I support clients in fostering resilience and in building more meaningful, connected relationships. In therapy, I take a supportive, curious, nonjudgemental stance. My clients struggle with issues related to depression, anxiety, loss, adoption, psychological trauma, childhood development, parenting, and everyday stressors.
(949) 577-6606 View (949) 577-6606

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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.