Photo of Joel Chabrier, Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado
Joel Chabrier
Licensed Professional Counselor, MC, LPC
Verified Verified
Boulder, CO 80301  (Online Only)
I work especially with people who struggle with their intimate and social relationships, who suffer from anxiety, depression, grief and loss, self-harm, insomnia, chronic pain, or chronic illness, or with those who need more support, more positivity, help starting a career, or a better process of coping in their life due to a stressful moment or transition. I see clients of all ages, as well as couples and families.
I work especially with people who struggle with their intimate and social relationships, who suffer from anxiety, depression, grief and loss, self-harm, insomnia, chronic pain, or chronic illness, or with those who need more support, more positivity, help starting a career, or a better process of coping in their life due to a stressful moment or transition. I see clients of all ages, as well as couples and families.
(480) 571-9168 View (480) 571-9168
Photo of Leigh Saulsbury, Counselor in Colorado
Leigh Saulsbury
Counselor, MSc, MFCT, BCCC
Verified Verified
There are times when unexpected challenges, loss and seemingly ever-higher expectations overwhelm us. Unwanted repetitive thoughts may disrupt our sleep. We may isolate from friends and activities we previously enjoyed. We may experience dullness and a lack of energy. Counseling can help to ease the burden of life's painful and challenging circumstances. As a counselor, I appreciate the courage it takes to ask for help.
There are times when unexpected challenges, loss and seemingly ever-higher expectations overwhelm us. Unwanted repetitive thoughts may disrupt our sleep. We may isolate from friends and activities we previously enjoyed. We may experience dullness and a lack of energy. Counseling can help to ease the burden of life's painful and challenging circumstances. As a counselor, I appreciate the courage it takes to ask for help.
(719) 694-5096 View (719) 694-5096
Photo of Reid Trotter, Psychologist in Colorado
Reid Trotter
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Fort Collins, CO 80521
I believe we are all whole people who bring deep life experience filled with triumph, loss, and everything in between.
Connection to ourselves and others is essential to our mental health and well-being. Also, feeling like we’ve lost connection to ourselves or others (or both) at points in our lives is common. When this happens we may experience sadness, anxiety, grief, shame, and a range of other emotions. Our relationships may suffer and the cycle continues. Personally and professionally, I believe in the power of connection, relationships, and community. From this lens, I work with a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, isolation, grief, shame, identity concerns, relationship difficulties, existential concerns, and men's issues.
I believe we are all whole people who bring deep life experience filled with triumph, loss, and everything in between.
Connection to ourselves and others is essential to our mental health and well-being. Also, feeling like we’ve lost connection to ourselves or others (or both) at points in our lives is common. When this happens we may experience sadness, anxiety, grief, shame, and a range of other emotions. Our relationships may suffer and the cycle continues. Personally and professionally, I believe in the power of connection, relationships, and community. From this lens, I work with a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, isolation, grief, shame, identity concerns, relationship difficulties, existential concerns, and men's issues.
(970) 876-6811 View (970) 876-6811
Photo of Xavier Julian Torrez, Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate in Colorado
Xavier Julian Torrez
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Englewood, CO 80112
In my doctoral work, I'm specializing in grief, trauma, relationships, anxiety, and depression.
Do you feel heard, seen, and understood by those around you? Do you feel like you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders? Do you wake up in the morning and struggle to perform daily tasks because you've lost that sense of joy and excitement you once had? If so, I want to assure you that you aren't alone nor do have to carry all of that weight alone.
In my doctoral work, I'm specializing in grief, trauma, relationships, anxiety, and depression.
Do you feel heard, seen, and understood by those around you? Do you feel like you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders? Do you wake up in the morning and struggle to perform daily tasks because you've lost that sense of joy and excitement you once had? If so, I want to assure you that you aren't alone nor do have to carry all of that weight alone.
(720) 706-7642 View (720) 706-7642
Photo of Devin Lafferty, Counselor in Colorado
Devin Lafferty
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boulder, CO 80301
Are you ready to be free of blocks and live in your power? If you are facing difficulties such as stress, anxiety, self-esteem, anger, depression, or grief, you are not alone. I can help by creating a safe and relaxed space for you to share the challenges you're facing. I see you in the wholeness of your being and reflect on your experience with empathy. Life can be hard sometimes. Expressing yourself through artwork is encouraged as a tool to tell your story, release emotions, and discover hidden parts of yourself. From a place of understanding, you may see how life difficulties become the key to liberation.
Are you ready to be free of blocks and live in your power? If you are facing difficulties such as stress, anxiety, self-esteem, anger, depression, or grief, you are not alone. I can help by creating a safe and relaxed space for you to share the challenges you're facing. I see you in the wholeness of your being and reflect on your experience with empathy. Life can be hard sometimes. Expressing yourself through artwork is encouraged as a tool to tell your story, release emotions, and discover hidden parts of yourself. From a place of understanding, you may see how life difficulties become the key to liberation.
(720) 784-5222 View (720) 784-5222
Photo of Yesim Saldivia, Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado
Yesim Saldivia
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, EMDR II
Verified Verified
Fort Collins, CO 80525
I help women navigate various stages and issues including, young adulthood, prenatal/postpartum, motherhood, middle age/perimenopause, relationships, life transitions, grief and trauma.
Do you feel stuck and overwhelmed? Are you a woman wearing multiple hats trying to find balance and peace in your life, while also striving to live up to society's unrealistic standards? Maybe you notice that your relationships are suffering, you're consumed by anxiety and are unsure of how you want to show up in this life? I help women like you identify the root causes of your pain so you can live your most authentic and fulfilling life. I use a holistic approach that includes therapeutic modalities that center our nervous system in addition to our thoughts and feelings.
I help women navigate various stages and issues including, young adulthood, prenatal/postpartum, motherhood, middle age/perimenopause, relationships, life transitions, grief and trauma.
Do you feel stuck and overwhelmed? Are you a woman wearing multiple hats trying to find balance and peace in your life, while also striving to live up to society's unrealistic standards? Maybe you notice that your relationships are suffering, you're consumed by anxiety and are unsure of how you want to show up in this life? I help women like you identify the root causes of your pain so you can live your most authentic and fulfilling life. I use a holistic approach that includes therapeutic modalities that center our nervous system in addition to our thoughts and feelings.
(970) 670-7404 View (970) 670-7404
Photo of Cole L. Struhar, Registered Psychotherapist in Colorado
Cole L. Struhar
Registered Psychotherapist, PhD, MA
Verified Verified
Lakewood, CO 80214
We live in a complex world. COVID-19 is a tipping point for many folks. I offer online support for people experiencing despair. Despair is different than depression- something that you intuitively know. Depression is a clinical diagnosis often associated with a chemical imbalance. Despair is a psycho-spiritual imbalance. It is the language of oppression. Despair is hopelessness and a loss of meaning. It is, essentially, the anxiety that comes from an inability to be oneself in a strange (and beautiful) world.
We live in a complex world. COVID-19 is a tipping point for many folks. I offer online support for people experiencing despair. Despair is different than depression- something that you intuitively know. Depression is a clinical diagnosis often associated with a chemical imbalance. Despair is a psycho-spiritual imbalance. It is the language of oppression. Despair is hopelessness and a loss of meaning. It is, essentially, the anxiety that comes from an inability to be oneself in a strange (and beautiful) world.
(720) 973-8002 View (720) 973-8002
Photo of Elizabeth Bogen, Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado
Elizabeth Bogen
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80206
Have you or your child experienced grief, anxiety, or difficult changes as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, a death, or traumatic experience? I support children, adolescents, young adults and their caregivers in growing their ability to cope and regulate with these difficulties. I offer an individualized approach to therapy. I have extensive experience in providing group services, play therapy, and individual/family clinical interventions. I offer both in-person and remote services that focus on promoting resiliency and preventing disruptive grief, including symptoms of anxiety, depression, reactions to trauma, and suicidality.
Have you or your child experienced grief, anxiety, or difficult changes as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, a death, or traumatic experience? I support children, adolescents, young adults and their caregivers in growing their ability to cope and regulate with these difficulties. I offer an individualized approach to therapy. I have extensive experience in providing group services, play therapy, and individual/family clinical interventions. I offer both in-person and remote services that focus on promoting resiliency and preventing disruptive grief, including symptoms of anxiety, depression, reactions to trauma, and suicidality.
(303) 529-9716 View (303) 529-9716
Photo of Jamie R. Burke, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Colorado
Jamie R. Burke
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80211  (Online Only)
I specialize in supporting clients who are struggling anxiety, grief and loss, life changes and transitions, relationship challenges, heartbreak recovery and self-esteem issues.
Sometimes we face challenges that seem insurmountable, leaving us feeling stuck and hopeless. Therapy can provide the support necessary to overcome hardship and help us take steps toward happiness and fulfillment. As your therapist, I believe that you have the resiliency required to overcome the toughest challenges. No one should have to trudge alone through trying times. I look forward to walking with you on your journey!
I specialize in supporting clients who are struggling anxiety, grief and loss, life changes and transitions, relationship challenges, heartbreak recovery and self-esteem issues.
Sometimes we face challenges that seem insurmountable, leaving us feeling stuck and hopeless. Therapy can provide the support necessary to overcome hardship and help us take steps toward happiness and fulfillment. As your therapist, I believe that you have the resiliency required to overcome the toughest challenges. No one should have to trudge alone through trying times. I look forward to walking with you on your journey!
(720) 583-8796 View (720) 583-8796
Photo of Maryna Ross, Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado
Maryna Ross
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Broomfield, CO 80020  (Online Only)
Some of the issues that I have experience with include helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, codependency grief and loss, coping with life changes, chronic or acute trauma, issues of PTSD, and depression.
People come to psychotherapy because they want to feel better. A big part of a therapist’s ability to help a person feel better lies in their taking a compassionate and loving stance toward that person. As a transpersonal, mindfulness-based and person-centered therapist, I strive to create a safe space to explore your inner world. I work with you on strengthening a mind-body connection to support a whole-person healing journey. By aligning to clients’ innate wisdom I assist clients in feeling heard, empowered and supported to work through their relational patterns, wounds and trauma.
Some of the issues that I have experience with include helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, codependency grief and loss, coping with life changes, chronic or acute trauma, issues of PTSD, and depression.
People come to psychotherapy because they want to feel better. A big part of a therapist’s ability to help a person feel better lies in their taking a compassionate and loving stance toward that person. As a transpersonal, mindfulness-based and person-centered therapist, I strive to create a safe space to explore your inner world. I work with you on strengthening a mind-body connection to support a whole-person healing journey. By aligning to clients’ innate wisdom I assist clients in feeling heard, empowered and supported to work through their relational patterns, wounds and trauma.
View
Photo of Cheyenne Bellarosa, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Colorado
Cheyenne Bellarosa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Aurora, CO 80014
As a multicultural woman, I not only have personal experience with historical trauma, intergenerational trauma, and women's issues, I also specialize in grief and loss, sexual assault/violence, suicidality, relationship issues, transitional difficulties, depression, anxiety, identity formation, and more. With experience serving ages 12-adult, I aim to create a safe space to explore an array of different obstacles within the human experience to leave my clients feeling empowered and heard. My clients come to me looking for reprieve from mental aguish, and in true acceptance of the self, we venture there together.
As a multicultural woman, I not only have personal experience with historical trauma, intergenerational trauma, and women's issues, I also specialize in grief and loss, sexual assault/violence, suicidality, relationship issues, transitional difficulties, depression, anxiety, identity formation, and more. With experience serving ages 12-adult, I aim to create a safe space to explore an array of different obstacles within the human experience to leave my clients feeling empowered and heard. My clients come to me looking for reprieve from mental aguish, and in true acceptance of the self, we venture there together.
(720) 664-5291 View (720) 664-5291
Photo of Andrea Dabbs Van Bergen, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Colorado
Andrea Dabbs Van Bergen
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, EdM, LAC, NCC, UP, CH-T
Verified Verified
Monument, CO 80132
I have receive special training to provide one-to-one care to individuals experiencing bereavement, loss of a loved one, loneliness, divorce, addiction, disabilities due to health, job loss, and many other difficulties in life.
Do you have a friend, neighbor, or coworker, or relative or are you going through a difficult time emotionally? Struggling with a crisis in life? Or simply feeling down? Consider letting someone with my skills as a Licensed Addiction Counselor and a Psychotherapist help in treating Substance Abuse, Bereavement and Loss, and with Co-occurring disorders such as depression and anxiety. My goal is to guide you during difficult times by listening, encouraging you to rediscover basic principles to unlock and to achieve your potential in a safe, supportive, and confidential setting. Supervision towards licensure available.
I have receive special training to provide one-to-one care to individuals experiencing bereavement, loss of a loved one, loneliness, divorce, addiction, disabilities due to health, job loss, and many other difficulties in life.
Do you have a friend, neighbor, or coworker, or relative or are you going through a difficult time emotionally? Struggling with a crisis in life? Or simply feeling down? Consider letting someone with my skills as a Licensed Addiction Counselor and a Psychotherapist help in treating Substance Abuse, Bereavement and Loss, and with Co-occurring disorders such as depression and anxiety. My goal is to guide you during difficult times by listening, encouraging you to rediscover basic principles to unlock and to achieve your potential in a safe, supportive, and confidential setting. Supervision towards licensure available.
(719) 722-3419 View (719) 722-3419
Photo of River Hansen, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado
River Hansen, MA, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, EMDR, Couples, Trauma
Verified Verified
Grief (including grief from pet loss), divorce recovery and self-esteem issues.
Deciding to go into therapy is not an easy decision and equally important is finding the right therapist. For this reason, I offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation so that we meet and so that you can assess if I am the therapist for you. With over 24 years experience in private practice, I would be happy to assist you in this process. I am an attentive, empathetic and caring counselor. I also counsel via Psychology Today VIDEO sessions, as well as phone for those who cannot come into my office. Please call for a meet and greet.
Grief (including grief from pet loss), divorce recovery and self-esteem issues.
Deciding to go into therapy is not an easy decision and equally important is finding the right therapist. For this reason, I offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation so that we meet and so that you can assess if I am the therapist for you. With over 24 years experience in private practice, I would be happy to assist you in this process. I am an attentive, empathetic and caring counselor. I also counsel via Psychology Today VIDEO sessions, as well as phone for those who cannot come into my office. Please call for a meet and greet.
(719) 465-0471 View (719) 465-0471
Photo of Reina Retana Ramirez, Marriage & Family Therapist in Colorado
Reina Retana Ramirez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Greeley, CO 80634  (Online Only)
Reina treats clients who may be dealing with relationship issues, lack of self-esteem, anxiety, depression and grief/loss.
For some people, the decision to seek counseling can be overwhelming. Finding the right provider and feeling like you are in a safe space can sometimes be a challenge. Reina's goal as a therapist is to create a place where clients feel empowered, secure, and seen. Reina utilizes an integrative counseling approach, which allows her to tailor your treatment to your unique needs. Reina works with clients of all ages and in all seasons of life.
Reina treats clients who may be dealing with relationship issues, lack of self-esteem, anxiety, depression and grief/loss.
For some people, the decision to seek counseling can be overwhelming. Finding the right provider and feeling like you are in a safe space can sometimes be a challenge. Reina's goal as a therapist is to create a place where clients feel empowered, secure, and seen. Reina utilizes an integrative counseling approach, which allows her to tailor your treatment to your unique needs. Reina works with clients of all ages and in all seasons of life.
(720) 679-7051 View (720) 679-7051
Photo of Eve Kagan, Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado
Eve Kagan
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA, EdM, RYT200
Verified Verified
Boulder, CO 80305
Are you feeling trapped, overwhelmed by uncertainty, or hopeless? Are you suffering with shame in the wake of trauma? You are not alone. You don’t have to do this alone. I’m here to listen. Together we will find healthy ways for you to cope, process trauma and grief, and tap into your inner resources to find calm, courage, and hope. You deserve to feel seen and heard.
Are you feeling trapped, overwhelmed by uncertainty, or hopeless? Are you suffering with shame in the wake of trauma? You are not alone. You don’t have to do this alone. I’m here to listen. Together we will find healthy ways for you to cope, process trauma and grief, and tap into your inner resources to find calm, courage, and hope. You deserve to feel seen and heard.
(720) 740-1979 View (720) 740-1979
Photo of Tracey A. Lamers, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado
Tracey A. Lamers, MA, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Boulder, CO 80303
I specialize in: anxiety, attachment, grief/loss, life transitions, LGBTQIA issues, caregiver stress, relationship issues, women's issues and college stress.
Are you feeling alone in your grief and that no one understands? I can hold space for your grief process and teach you to honor it one moment at a time. Do you feel anxious and stressed out about what's next after college graduation, a divorce, retirement, coming out or becoming an empty nester? I will support you with big life transitions. Your life is speaking to you, are you listening? People are often so hard themselves and have difficulty seeing the bigger picture. I am grounded, insightful and present. I will root for you and encourage you with sensitivity and compassion and help you reach your full potential.
I specialize in: anxiety, attachment, grief/loss, life transitions, LGBTQIA issues, caregiver stress, relationship issues, women's issues and college stress.
Are you feeling alone in your grief and that no one understands? I can hold space for your grief process and teach you to honor it one moment at a time. Do you feel anxious and stressed out about what's next after college graduation, a divorce, retirement, coming out or becoming an empty nester? I will support you with big life transitions. Your life is speaking to you, are you listening? People are often so hard themselves and have difficulty seeing the bigger picture. I am grounded, insightful and present. I will root for you and encourage you with sensitivity and compassion and help you reach your full potential.
(720) 943-7167 View (720) 943-7167
Photo of Travis Singeo, Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado
Travis Singeo
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, MA, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80205  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Be it trauma, grief, life transition, work, relationships, or the compounding demands of this day and age, you are welcome to bring all of it.
Welcome! I’m honored to join you in an intimate journey that is uniquely yours. I’m delighted to connect and support you as you traverse the fullness of your life, with its moments of celebration and hardship. As a contemplative psychotherapist, my aspiration is to join you in rediscovering your inherent goodness and resilience. As a professional counselor, I want to share with you the transformative power of relational support. As a human being, I wish for you to experience joy, belonging, creativity, and enduring self-worth. To the best of my ability, I will meet you with compassion, warmth, and humility.
Be it trauma, grief, life transition, work, relationships, or the compounding demands of this day and age, you are welcome to bring all of it.
Welcome! I’m honored to join you in an intimate journey that is uniquely yours. I’m delighted to connect and support you as you traverse the fullness of your life, with its moments of celebration and hardship. As a contemplative psychotherapist, my aspiration is to join you in rediscovering your inherent goodness and resilience. As a professional counselor, I want to share with you the transformative power of relational support. As a human being, I wish for you to experience joy, belonging, creativity, and enduring self-worth. To the best of my ability, I will meet you with compassion, warmth, and humility.
(303) 529-8951 View (303) 529-8951
Photo of Jessica Roby, Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate in Colorado
Jessica Roby
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate, LPCC, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80210  (Online Only)
Additionally, I have firsthand experience with suicide loss, and diverse lived experiences to help me connect to your issue or concern, and I'm bilingual in English/Spanish.
Hello, I believe each person can produce positive change in their life and that wellness can come from working through your goals and celebrating your unique path in life. Reaching out for help takes courage, and I provide a safe place to share your story and personal concerns, big and small.
Additionally, I have firsthand experience with suicide loss, and diverse lived experiences to help me connect to your issue or concern, and I'm bilingual in English/Spanish.
Hello, I believe each person can produce positive change in their life and that wellness can come from working through your goals and celebrating your unique path in life. Reaching out for help takes courage, and I provide a safe place to share your story and personal concerns, big and small.
(303) 625-6294 View (303) 625-6294
Photo of Nina Danhorn, Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado
Nina Danhorn
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Littleton, CO 80122
As an intuitive trauma and grief counselor, I am deeply committed to helping my clients find true healing from complex PTSD, grief and loss, anxiety and depression. I am passionate about providing solution focused and lasting results on your journey to a happy life you truly deserve. I am an EMDR certified, DBT, IFS, Sandplay and Expressive Arts, Somatic Experiencing trained clinician with 15 years of experience in depth counseling. My approach is grounded in evidence-based practices. I continuously seek opportunities for professional development and stay up-to-date with latest research and therapeutic techniques.
As an intuitive trauma and grief counselor, I am deeply committed to helping my clients find true healing from complex PTSD, grief and loss, anxiety and depression. I am passionate about providing solution focused and lasting results on your journey to a happy life you truly deserve. I am an EMDR certified, DBT, IFS, Sandplay and Expressive Arts, Somatic Experiencing trained clinician with 15 years of experience in depth counseling. My approach is grounded in evidence-based practices. I continuously seek opportunities for professional development and stay up-to-date with latest research and therapeutic techniques.
(720) 868-9783 View (720) 868-9783
Photo of Alexandria Ambrose, Psychologist in Colorado
Alexandria Ambrose
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80212  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with individuals coping with chronic medical illness, trauma recovery, grief & loss, relationship concerns, and disordered eating concerns.
Hi! Congratulations on taking this first step towards healing which I know can feel overwhelming. Trauma and stress can leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves and the world around us. I aim to provide a brave, empowering, and validating space to process present concerns and to reconnect with oneself, others, and feelings that you may have been told you cannot or should not feel. Our work together may include processing the ongoing stress of a chronic medical condition, coping with anxiety, recovering from past and/or current trauma, or learning to cope with the loss of a loved one.
I specialize in working with individuals coping with chronic medical illness, trauma recovery, grief & loss, relationship concerns, and disordered eating concerns.
Hi! Congratulations on taking this first step towards healing which I know can feel overwhelming. Trauma and stress can leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves and the world around us. I aim to provide a brave, empowering, and validating space to process present concerns and to reconnect with oneself, others, and feelings that you may have been told you cannot or should not feel. Our work together may include processing the ongoing stress of a chronic medical condition, coping with anxiety, recovering from past and/or current trauma, or learning to cope with the loss of a loved one.
(720) 706-4822 View (720) 706-4822
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.