Photo of John Porterfield, Marriage & Family Therapist in Valley Village, CA
John Porterfield
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, Jungian, Analyst
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Valley Village, CA 91607
With over 28 years of experience as a clinician, my areas of expertise include individual and couples counseling focusing on issues of personal growth and development, relationship issues, stage-of-life transitions, stress reduction, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, LGBT issues, and Jungian Analysis and dream interpretation.
Need support as you make changes in your life and move towards your true goals? I help individuals and couples develop effective solutions for resolving lingering problems and overcoming challenges that keep you from moving forward towards the goals that you value and desire. Deep down, we generally know what it is we need. I pay close attention, and reflect your own inner wisdom back to you in a way that is practical and often liberating. The way becomes more clear as you decide to simply, and more truly, become yourself. A warm, compassionate therapeutic relationship can help you in finding the direction you are seeking.
With over 28 years of experience as a clinician, my areas of expertise include individual and couples counseling focusing on issues of personal growth and development, relationship issues, stage-of-life transitions, stress reduction, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, LGBT issues, and Jungian Analysis and dream interpretation.
Need support as you make changes in your life and move towards your true goals? I help individuals and couples develop effective solutions for resolving lingering problems and overcoming challenges that keep you from moving forward towards the goals that you value and desire. Deep down, we generally know what it is we need. I pay close attention, and reflect your own inner wisdom back to you in a way that is practical and often liberating. The way becomes more clear as you decide to simply, and more truly, become yourself. A warm, compassionate therapeutic relationship can help you in finding the direction you are seeking.
(818) 963-9460 View (818) 963-9460
Photo of Paige E. Fecske, Marriage & Family Therapist in Valley Village, CA
Paige E. Fecske
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Valley Village, CA 91607  (Online Only)
I have helped children, adolescents, and adults with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, feeling unfulfilled, lacking self-confidence, feeling stuck, difficulty coping with major life changes, trauma, athletic performance and/or grief.
Right now everything may seem overwhelming and impossible…take a deep breath and know that you are not alone. I provide a warm and compassionate space that encourages growth and connection. Our sessions will be collaborative, creative, and tailored to your individual needs. The therapeutic techniques I use have been shown to help people bring awareness to unconscious patterns and understanding to their thoughts, behaviors and emotions.
I have helped children, adolescents, and adults with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, feeling unfulfilled, lacking self-confidence, feeling stuck, difficulty coping with major life changes, trauma, athletic performance and/or grief.
Right now everything may seem overwhelming and impossible…take a deep breath and know that you are not alone. I provide a warm and compassionate space that encourages growth and connection. Our sessions will be collaborative, creative, and tailored to your individual needs. The therapeutic techniques I use have been shown to help people bring awareness to unconscious patterns and understanding to their thoughts, behaviors and emotions.
(323) 714-3996 View (323) 714-3996
Photo of Brian Carlson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Valley Village, CA
Brian Carlson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Valley Village, CA 91607  (Online Only)
I have specialty in Anxiety/Depression, Trauma and Spiritual Growth, Personal Development, Grief, Chronic Pain and Communication Skills.
Words guide you. What are you telling yourself? With creativity, together, we can use myth and metaphor, poetry, dreams, literature, art and, most importantly, words to explore your relationships. Ursula K. Le Guin said, "Words are events, they do things, change things. They transform both speaker and hearer; they feed energy back and forth and amplify it." What fun to explore this together.
I have specialty in Anxiety/Depression, Trauma and Spiritual Growth, Personal Development, Grief, Chronic Pain and Communication Skills.
Words guide you. What are you telling yourself? With creativity, together, we can use myth and metaphor, poetry, dreams, literature, art and, most importantly, words to explore your relationships. Ursula K. Le Guin said, "Words are events, they do things, change things. They transform both speaker and hearer; they feed energy back and forth and amplify it." What fun to explore this together.
(818) 946-0963 View (818) 946-0963
Photo of Michelle Sargent, Marriage & Family Therapist in Valley Village, CA
Michelle Sargent
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RYT-200
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Valley Village, CA 91607
There are many reasons to seek therapy, and each person’s path to it is unique. I view therapy as a collaborative journey to support wellbeing on all levels: mind, body, and soul. It is a sacred space where together we can untangle the issues that are creating distress in your life, uncover and heal old wounds as well as discover lost and hidden treasures, and help you find your path back to wholeness. Therapy can help your child safely work through feelings such as sadness, anger, anxiety, or grief; develop a strong sense of self-esteem, and learn new skills to effectively make their way through an increasingly complex world.
There are many reasons to seek therapy, and each person’s path to it is unique. I view therapy as a collaborative journey to support wellbeing on all levels: mind, body, and soul. It is a sacred space where together we can untangle the issues that are creating distress in your life, uncover and heal old wounds as well as discover lost and hidden treasures, and help you find your path back to wholeness. Therapy can help your child safely work through feelings such as sadness, anger, anxiety, or grief; develop a strong sense of self-esteem, and learn new skills to effectively make their way through an increasingly complex world.
(818) 308-3238 View (818) 308-3238
Photo of Peri Abel, Marriage & Family Therapist in Valley Village, CA
Peri Abel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Valley Village, CA 91601
Sometimes we need additional support in our lives. You may be struggling with relationship challenges; feeling stuck; encountering creative blocks; seeking a sense of purpose and meaning; suffering from shame, self-neglect and self-criticism; working through grief and loss issues; emotional struggles around letting go of property and possessions; or desiring a career change. Therapy can provide assistance through our challenges, create new options, and lead to a more fulfilling life.
Sometimes we need additional support in our lives. You may be struggling with relationship challenges; feeling stuck; encountering creative blocks; seeking a sense of purpose and meaning; suffering from shame, self-neglect and self-criticism; working through grief and loss issues; emotional struggles around letting go of property and possessions; or desiring a career change. Therapy can provide assistance through our challenges, create new options, and lead to a more fulfilling life.
(747) 222-1189 View (747) 222-1189
Photo of Layla Ashley, Marriage & Family Therapist in Valley Village, CA
Layla Ashley
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CCH, CPLC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Valley Village, CA 91607
Yes, I am accepting new clients and available for TELEHEALTH! Have you lost your passion and creativity? Do you feel stuck in your job or career path? Are you highly sensitive, feel overwhelmed or burned-out? Are your relationships suffering? I can help you transform your pain into feeling empowered, and use your gifts to fuel your relationships. I help you revive, focus, and succeed to bring your life and relationships to the highest potential. I bring 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist, specializing in treating couples, anxiety, PTSD, relationships/break-ups, life-purpose, creativity, grief/loss, and self-esteem building.
Yes, I am accepting new clients and available for TELEHEALTH! Have you lost your passion and creativity? Do you feel stuck in your job or career path? Are you highly sensitive, feel overwhelmed or burned-out? Are your relationships suffering? I can help you transform your pain into feeling empowered, and use your gifts to fuel your relationships. I help you revive, focus, and succeed to bring your life and relationships to the highest potential. I bring 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist, specializing in treating couples, anxiety, PTSD, relationships/break-ups, life-purpose, creativity, grief/loss, and self-esteem building.
(424) 326-0127 View (424) 326-0127
Photo of Lyra Velayo Matin, Marriage & Family Therapist in Valley Village, CA
Lyra Velayo Matin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
14 Endorsed
Valley Village, CA 91607  (Online Only)
I am a depth-trained and results-oriented psychotherapist. My goal is to help you gain self-awareness and teach psychological tools for personal growth and healing in and beyond therapy. If you are dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, a difficult life transition, creative blocks, unhealthy behaviors that you can’t seem to change, or challenges regarding your neurodiversity or sexuality, I will help you use them as opportunities for positive and sustainable transformation. I provide online therapy to individuals, couples, and families using psychoanalytic, somatic, coaching, evidence-based, and psycho-spiritual approaches.
I am a depth-trained and results-oriented psychotherapist. My goal is to help you gain self-awareness and teach psychological tools for personal growth and healing in and beyond therapy. If you are dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, a difficult life transition, creative blocks, unhealthy behaviors that you can’t seem to change, or challenges regarding your neurodiversity or sexuality, I will help you use them as opportunities for positive and sustainable transformation. I provide online therapy to individuals, couples, and families using psychoanalytic, somatic, coaching, evidence-based, and psycho-spiritual approaches.
(213) 423-4315 View (213) 423-4315
Photo of Lucas Burns, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Valley Village, CA
Lucas Burns
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Valley Village, CA 91607  (Online Only)
The priority of my practice is to care for a client’s needs as they unfold. With a collaborative, non-judgmental approach, I assist through stages of growth toward fulfillment and well-being. Experience has taught me to treat symptoms with curiosity, and by seeing their purpose we may integrate their power. Psychologist James Hollis wrote, "It is in the swamplands where soul is fashioned and forged, where we encounter not only the gravitas of life, but its purpose, its dignity and its deepest meaning."
The priority of my practice is to care for a client’s needs as they unfold. With a collaborative, non-judgmental approach, I assist through stages of growth toward fulfillment and well-being. Experience has taught me to treat symptoms with curiosity, and by seeing their purpose we may integrate their power. Psychologist James Hollis wrote, "It is in the swamplands where soul is fashioned and forged, where we encounter not only the gravitas of life, but its purpose, its dignity and its deepest meaning."
(818) 805-2543 View (818) 805-2543
Photo of Terrence Kava, Pre-Licensed Professional in Valley Village, CA
Terrence Kava
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, PhD(c)
Verified Verified
Valley Village, CA 91607
Is fear blocking you from moving forward with your dreams and preventing you from reaching your full potential? Do you keep repeating the same patterns because of the shadows created by your past traumas? Does your life seem unmanageable and you do not know who to turn to?
Is fear blocking you from moving forward with your dreams and preventing you from reaching your full potential? Do you keep repeating the same patterns because of the shadows created by your past traumas? Does your life seem unmanageable and you do not know who to turn to?
(310) 494-2790 View (310) 494-2790
Photo of Gary D Pearle, Marriage & Family Therapist in Valley Village, CA
Gary D Pearle
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Valley Village, CA 91607
Good therapy is one of life’s most rewarding experiences. It’s informative, it's amusing, and now and then it's downright breathtaking—in those moments when the pieces fall into place and suddenly things get clearer, more workable. At the beginning though, it’s usually a tangle. A relationship isn’t right, or your work isn’t what you hoped it would be. Maybe you’re nervous or depressed. Something new may be trying to enter your life, but it’s doing so in a very uncomfortable way. That’s when it’s worth finding someone who has a feel for the possibilities—some of them quite surprising—that may lie just around the corner.
Good therapy is one of life’s most rewarding experiences. It’s informative, it's amusing, and now and then it's downright breathtaking—in those moments when the pieces fall into place and suddenly things get clearer, more workable. At the beginning though, it’s usually a tangle. A relationship isn’t right, or your work isn’t what you hoped it would be. Maybe you’re nervous or depressed. Something new may be trying to enter your life, but it’s doing so in a very uncomfortable way. That’s when it’s worth finding someone who has a feel for the possibilities—some of them quite surprising—that may lie just around the corner.
(747) 233-2528 View (747) 233-2528
Photo of Cara Frierson-O'Donnell, Marriage & Family Therapist in Valley Village, CA
Cara Frierson-O'Donnell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Valley Village, CA 91607
Are you facing change? Maybe considering making changes but, feel too overwhelmed? Life changes, even those typically seen as "good", have the potential to evoke anxiety, fear, or depression. As we grow up we internalize messages from those around us and our experiences. Discovering and challenging those messages can help one learn to manage and tolerate their emotions. Together we can explore what messages are getting in your way. We can discover what is right for you and how you want to rewrite them.
Are you facing change? Maybe considering making changes but, feel too overwhelmed? Life changes, even those typically seen as "good", have the potential to evoke anxiety, fear, or depression. As we grow up we internalize messages from those around us and our experiences. Discovering and challenging those messages can help one learn to manage and tolerate their emotions. Together we can explore what messages are getting in your way. We can discover what is right for you and how you want to rewrite them.
(818) 986-3358 View (818) 986-3358
Photo of Ian MacKinnon, Marriage & Family Therapist in Valley Village, CA
Ian MacKinnon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Valley Village, CA 91607
I enjoy helping individuals to identify undesirable patterns of behavior that do not serve them. Together we address the roots of these issues in order to increase self-agency and overcome emotional blocks. I also enjoy facilitating creative people in realizing their fuller potential and authenticity. Whether you are seeking a safe place to be heard and process feelings, a desire for greater self-awareness, or to access deeper sources of creativity, we will work together to set goals and understand the underlying issues that inform current life complications. I approach each session with empathy, compassion and practicality.
I enjoy helping individuals to identify undesirable patterns of behavior that do not serve them. Together we address the roots of these issues in order to increase self-agency and overcome emotional blocks. I also enjoy facilitating creative people in realizing their fuller potential and authenticity. Whether you are seeking a safe place to be heard and process feelings, a desire for greater self-awareness, or to access deeper sources of creativity, we will work together to set goals and understand the underlying issues that inform current life complications. I approach each session with empathy, compassion and practicality.
(323) 214-3249 View (323) 214-3249

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of James Dvorak, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Valley Village, CA
James Dvorak
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Burbank, CA 91505
My goal is to walk with you through transitions, helping you navigate the challenges, stressors, and fears related to moving forward from a relationship, a job/career, or the loss or shift in identity. I aim to support you in the process of (re)discovering yourself in these transitions, especially when faced with questions about sexuality, expression, and roles in your daily life. Together, we will explore new perspectives and unknowns in transitions, helping to equip you with the confidence to progress, uncovering patterns, parts, and habits that may no longer serve you in their current state.
My goal is to walk with you through transitions, helping you navigate the challenges, stressors, and fears related to moving forward from a relationship, a job/career, or the loss or shift in identity. I aim to support you in the process of (re)discovering yourself in these transitions, especially when faced with questions about sexuality, expression, and roles in your daily life. Together, we will explore new perspectives and unknowns in transitions, helping to equip you with the confidence to progress, uncovering patterns, parts, and habits that may no longer serve you in their current state.
(424) 401-3903 View (424) 401-3903
Photo of Affordable Therapy Los Angeles, Marriage & Family Therapist in Valley Village, CA
Affordable Therapy Los Angeles
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Studio City, CA 91607  (Online Only)
Our therapists can help with a variety of issues, including: Anxiety; Bereavement; Past Child Abuse; Depression; Emotional Abuse; Gay and Lesbian Issues; Job Displacement; Loneliness; Marriage Problems; Parent/Child Difficulties; Recovery from Substance Abuse; Relationship Difficulties, Stress, and Trauma.
We offer Telehealth in California on a sliding fee scale as low as $30 a session. We work with individuals, couples, children, and families. We will help you learn better communication skills for your relationships as will as help relieve any symptoms of anxiety and depression. Our therapy/counseling is confidential and you will meet your therapist online in the privacy of your own space. Visit our website at Affordabletherapyla.com and call us at 818-907-7974 Your phone call will be returned in 24 hours. No wait list and no insurance is required. We are here to help.
Our therapists can help with a variety of issues, including: Anxiety; Bereavement; Past Child Abuse; Depression; Emotional Abuse; Gay and Lesbian Issues; Job Displacement; Loneliness; Marriage Problems; Parent/Child Difficulties; Recovery from Substance Abuse; Relationship Difficulties, Stress, and Trauma.
We offer Telehealth in California on a sliding fee scale as low as $30 a session. We work with individuals, couples, children, and families. We will help you learn better communication skills for your relationships as will as help relieve any symptoms of anxiety and depression. Our therapy/counseling is confidential and you will meet your therapist online in the privacy of your own space. Visit our website at Affordabletherapyla.com and call us at 818-907-7974 Your phone call will be returned in 24 hours. No wait list and no insurance is required. We are here to help.
(213) 465-3669 View (213) 465-3669
Photo of Jeremy Thacker, Pre-Licensed Professional in Valley Village, CA
Jeremy Thacker
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Studio City, CA 91604
I specialize in helping people struggling with sexuality & relationships, grief/loss, and LGBTQ+ issues. That includes anyone who has grown up feeling unaccepted as their authentic self or experienced the loss of a loved one. I especially understand the deep impact of childhood trauma and how to approach healing. I believe healing begins with connection. Good therapy is a safe place where all parts of you are welcome! The trust we build together comes with an open invitation to explore the protected parts of yourself at your own pace.
I specialize in helping people struggling with sexuality & relationships, grief/loss, and LGBTQ+ issues. That includes anyone who has grown up feeling unaccepted as their authentic self or experienced the loss of a loved one. I especially understand the deep impact of childhood trauma and how to approach healing. I believe healing begins with connection. Good therapy is a safe place where all parts of you are welcome! The trust we build together comes with an open invitation to explore the protected parts of yourself at your own pace.
(323) 834-2420 View (323) 834-2420
Photo of Audra Potz, Marriage & Family Therapist in Valley Village, CA
Audra Potz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Studio City, CA 91602
I also facilitated grief groups at Our House in Los Angeles.
Are you struggling through a tough transition in your life? Do you feel alone, confused, or defeated? Maybe you have recently lost a loved one, or are grieving your own illness. Maybe you feel depressed or anxious because of a major life change or lack of change, feeling stuck in your situation. Whether you are family, couple or individual searching for a trusted person to listen and guide you, I am here to help you develop your inner strength and reach your full potential.
I also facilitated grief groups at Our House in Los Angeles.
Are you struggling through a tough transition in your life? Do you feel alone, confused, or defeated? Maybe you have recently lost a loved one, or are grieving your own illness. Maybe you feel depressed or anxious because of a major life change or lack of change, feeling stuck in your situation. Whether you are family, couple or individual searching for a trusted person to listen and guide you, I am here to help you develop your inner strength and reach your full potential.
(323) 761-2271 View (323) 761-2271
Photo of Tara Gilmaher, Marriage & Family Therapist in Valley Village, CA
Tara Gilmaher
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MFA, CHT
Verified Verified
Sherman Oaks, CA 91401  (Online Only)
"I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become." ~ Carl Jung. Do you feel overwhelmed, have pain, grief, anxiety, depression, or unseen shadows that prevent you from healing or from choosing better decisions, relationships, and allowing yourself to matter in your own life? My experience and education can help people hungering for more purpose, fulfillment, and nurturing relationships instead of dissonance, exhaustion, and sacrifice, those who know what you were aiming for, but discovered you’re at the top of the wrong ladder. If you feel like you’re different or unseen, then I may be the psychotherapist you’ve sought.
"I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become." ~ Carl Jung. Do you feel overwhelmed, have pain, grief, anxiety, depression, or unseen shadows that prevent you from healing or from choosing better decisions, relationships, and allowing yourself to matter in your own life? My experience and education can help people hungering for more purpose, fulfillment, and nurturing relationships instead of dissonance, exhaustion, and sacrifice, those who know what you were aiming for, but discovered you’re at the top of the wrong ladder. If you feel like you’re different or unseen, then I may be the psychotherapist you’ve sought.
(805) 303-5321 View (805) 303-5321
Photo of Natalie Badawy, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern in Valley Village, CA
Natalie Badawy
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, MA, APCC, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
North Hollywood, CA 91602
Many of us carry our emotional wounds in our bodies and only when we create a connection between the mind and the body can we feel whole again. I utilize a blend of therapeutic techniques that include shadow work, inner child healing, internal family systems (IFS), somatic therapy, and reparenting in order to create a safe connection within the body and mind. When you are in connection with your whole self you are then equipped to heal your relationship with others and the planet. I help clients struggling with sexual trauma, grief, codependency, depression, and relationship challenges.
Many of us carry our emotional wounds in our bodies and only when we create a connection between the mind and the body can we feel whole again. I utilize a blend of therapeutic techniques that include shadow work, inner child healing, internal family systems (IFS), somatic therapy, and reparenting in order to create a safe connection within the body and mind. When you are in connection with your whole self you are then equipped to heal your relationship with others and the planet. I help clients struggling with sexual trauma, grief, codependency, depression, and relationship challenges.
(310) 564-7308 View (310) 564-7308
Photo of Cathy A Dore, Marriage & Family Therapist in Valley Village, CA
Cathy A Dore
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Burbank, CA 91505
I also deal with other pregnancy and birth related concerns like infertility and pregnancy loss.
Cathy Dore', LMFT specializes in women's mental health, particularly around issues pertaining to pregnancy and childbirth. She served as Marketing & Public Relations Chair for Postpartum Support International, is a member of LA County Maternal Mental Health Task Force and is a clinical member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. She is the co-founder of The Motherhood Consortium, an inclusive community of professionals who meet monthly with the common goal of providing care and nurturing for mothers, families and their babies.
I also deal with other pregnancy and birth related concerns like infertility and pregnancy loss.
Cathy Dore', LMFT specializes in women's mental health, particularly around issues pertaining to pregnancy and childbirth. She served as Marketing & Public Relations Chair for Postpartum Support International, is a member of LA County Maternal Mental Health Task Force and is a clinical member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. She is the co-founder of The Motherhood Consortium, an inclusive community of professionals who meet monthly with the common goal of providing care and nurturing for mothers, families and their babies.
(818) 306-4867 View (818) 306-4867
Photo of Dianne Stern Gorsey, Marriage & Family Therapist in Valley Village, CA
Dianne Stern Gorsey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423  (Online Only)
Feeling sad, mad, anxious, confused, overwhelmed, lonely, stuck? In my private practice I see individuals and couples dealing with depression and anxiety, life transitions including aging, retirement, illness, divorce, death of spouse, empty nest and career transitions as well as domestic violence, and parenting. I utilize a variety of theoretical orientations and interventions all tailored to the needs of each client. I am California certified to see survivors of domestic abuse. If you are ready to make changes in your life, therapy might be the conduit through which you can discover alternatives and improve your life.
Feeling sad, mad, anxious, confused, overwhelmed, lonely, stuck? In my private practice I see individuals and couples dealing with depression and anxiety, life transitions including aging, retirement, illness, divorce, death of spouse, empty nest and career transitions as well as domestic violence, and parenting. I utilize a variety of theoretical orientations and interventions all tailored to the needs of each client. I am California certified to see survivors of domestic abuse. If you are ready to make changes in your life, therapy might be the conduit through which you can discover alternatives and improve your life.
(818) 918-3211 View (818) 918-3211

See more therapy options for Valley Village

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.