Grief Therapists in Bryn Mawr, PA

Photo of Peter Lewis, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Peter Lewis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
I help people with anxiety, depression, grief, divorce recovery, trauma, imposter syndrome, shame, guilt, and other issues life presents. Problems can feel large, like a two-ton boulder. Therapy is a place to unpack what you can’t share with people you know. You'll develop the tools you need to move that boulder out of the way so you can move forward. Life is complicated and it can get heavy and messy. Things can seem like they've been turned upside down. Some situations feel like a funhouse mirror and you want out of the funhouse but you don’t know how to find the exit.
I help people with anxiety, depression, grief, divorce recovery, trauma, imposter syndrome, shame, guilt, and other issues life presents. Problems can feel large, like a two-ton boulder. Therapy is a place to unpack what you can’t share with people you know. You'll develop the tools you need to move that boulder out of the way so you can move forward. Life is complicated and it can get heavy and messy. Things can seem like they've been turned upside down. Some situations feel like a funhouse mirror and you want out of the funhouse but you don’t know how to find the exit.
(610) 998-3238 View (610) 998-3238
Photo of Natalie Petyk, PsyD, Psychologist
Natalie Petyk
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
My areas of clinical specialization include emerging adulthood, working with first generation college students, gender & sexual identity exploration, and treating individuals with chronic mood disorders, coping with bereavement, losses and traumatic life experiences.
Anyone seeking psychotherapy needs to sense a therapist's ability to deeply connect, to foster real vulnerability, without feeling judged. Some people desire help during personal crises or from a wish to grow. Others recognize a need for therapy after feeling stuck. Therapy can address symptoms that are more chronic in nature, which interfere with relationships or life satisfaction. Some people look for short-term therapy, to focus quickly on solution-oriented work, while others may feel more confusion about where to begin, needing time and support to clarify complicated thoughts and feelings. Together, we will develop your goals.
My areas of clinical specialization include emerging adulthood, working with first generation college students, gender & sexual identity exploration, and treating individuals with chronic mood disorders, coping with bereavement, losses and traumatic life experiences.
Anyone seeking psychotherapy needs to sense a therapist's ability to deeply connect, to foster real vulnerability, without feeling judged. Some people desire help during personal crises or from a wish to grow. Others recognize a need for therapy after feeling stuck. Therapy can address symptoms that are more chronic in nature, which interfere with relationships or life satisfaction. Some people look for short-term therapy, to focus quickly on solution-oriented work, while others may feel more confusion about where to begin, needing time and support to clarify complicated thoughts and feelings. Together, we will develop your goals.
(484) 601-3995 View (484) 601-3995
Jacqueline M Salmon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Clients who are struggling with anxiety, depression, stress due to relationship,family and work issues, as well as those suffering from loss and grief find that my long professional experience and warm, empathic style helps them access their own inner strengths. I strive to help clients clarify their thoughts and feelings, and support them in developing personal goals that will make their lives more satisfying. My intention is to help clients remove both inner and outer obstacles that prevent them from living rich and meaningful lives. I find my work deeply rewarding and inspiring.
Clients who are struggling with anxiety, depression, stress due to relationship,family and work issues, as well as those suffering from loss and grief find that my long professional experience and warm, empathic style helps them access their own inner strengths. I strive to help clients clarify their thoughts and feelings, and support them in developing personal goals that will make their lives more satisfying. My intention is to help clients remove both inner and outer obstacles that prevent them from living rich and meaningful lives. I find my work deeply rewarding and inspiring.
(610) 422-3784 View (610) 422-3784
Photo of Dina H. Harth, PhD, Psychologist
Dina H. Harth
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
She specializes in couples therapy, coping with medical illnesses, making health behavior and lifestyle changes, and dealing with life stress and transitions, including grief and loss, relationship issues, separation & divorce, work stress, and other life changes.
Dr. Dina Harth provides psychological services to individuals, couples and families of all ages who are coping with issues across the lifespan. She uses an integrative approach, combining cognitive-behavioral principles with insight-oriented, as well as marital and family therapies. She provides individualized treatment based on the needs and style of each client.
She specializes in couples therapy, coping with medical illnesses, making health behavior and lifestyle changes, and dealing with life stress and transitions, including grief and loss, relationship issues, separation & divorce, work stress, and other life changes.
Dr. Dina Harth provides psychological services to individuals, couples and families of all ages who are coping with issues across the lifespan. She uses an integrative approach, combining cognitive-behavioral principles with insight-oriented, as well as marital and family therapies. She provides individualized treatment based on the needs and style of each client.
(610) 526-0755 View (610) 526-0755
Photo of Becky Walter, PhD, Psychologist
Becky Walter
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
I work with clients on a variety of topics including stress management, anxiety, mood dysregulation, grief and loss, eating disorders, body image, trauma, self-esteem, individuation, boundary-setting, assertiveness training, identity development, and support for caretakers.
People seek out therapy for a variety of reasons, such as to address an already identified concern, to develop a particular coping skill set, or to enhance self-confidence and quality of life. I work to establish a trusting therapeutic relationship within which a client can share their unique story with a felt sense of validation, empathy, and hope. I work collaboratively with clients as we bare witness to the client's lived experiences looking through a lens of compassionate curiosity and establishing empowered self-agency that leads to patterns of intentional action and overall well-being.
I work with clients on a variety of topics including stress management, anxiety, mood dysregulation, grief and loss, eating disorders, body image, trauma, self-esteem, individuation, boundary-setting, assertiveness training, identity development, and support for caretakers.
People seek out therapy for a variety of reasons, such as to address an already identified concern, to develop a particular coping skill set, or to enhance self-confidence and quality of life. I work to establish a trusting therapeutic relationship within which a client can share their unique story with a felt sense of validation, empathy, and hope. I work collaboratively with clients as we bare witness to the client's lived experiences looking through a lens of compassionate curiosity and establishing empowered self-agency that leads to patterns of intentional action and overall well-being.
(267) 214-1254 View (267) 214-1254
Photo of Laura Lowman, LCSW, RPT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Laura Lowman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
I specialize in complex and developmental trauma, loss, abuse, adoption/foster care, fertility issues, depression and anxiety.
Therapy can be an exciting and rewarding journey, although challenging at times. I am available to help as you explore therapy and changes in your life. I am a licensed clinical social worker and registered play therapist with 30 years of experience. I have received extensive training in sandtray and play therapy. Additionally, I trained in advanced contextual family therapy for over 25 years. I provide individual, family, couples, and play therapy. As a registered play therapist, I am trained to work with children as young as age 4. However, I work with all age groups.
I specialize in complex and developmental trauma, loss, abuse, adoption/foster care, fertility issues, depression and anxiety.
Therapy can be an exciting and rewarding journey, although challenging at times. I am available to help as you explore therapy and changes in your life. I am a licensed clinical social worker and registered play therapist with 30 years of experience. I have received extensive training in sandtray and play therapy. Additionally, I trained in advanced contextual family therapy for over 25 years. I provide individual, family, couples, and play therapy. As a registered play therapist, I am trained to work with children as young as age 4. However, I work with all age groups.
(215) 995-5194 View (215) 995-5194
Photo of Fran Gerstein, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Fran Gerstein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
I also lecture and conduct workshops on topics such as grief and loss, trauma, and how to effectively involve families in treatment.
I am a clinical social worker and family therapist and love my work. When one member in a family struggles it has deep impact on everyone else. Challenging families to change patterns helps family members choose healthier lifestyles, making for more satisfying relationships. My approach is pro-active, nonjudgmental and straightforward. I collaborate with individuals and families to attain goals they have set for themselves. It is my belief that tapping into the client's or family's wisdom is always the best strategy.
I also lecture and conduct workshops on topics such as grief and loss, trauma, and how to effectively involve families in treatment.
I am a clinical social worker and family therapist and love my work. When one member in a family struggles it has deep impact on everyone else. Challenging families to change patterns helps family members choose healthier lifestyles, making for more satisfying relationships. My approach is pro-active, nonjudgmental and straightforward. I collaborate with individuals and families to attain goals they have set for themselves. It is my belief that tapping into the client's or family's wisdom is always the best strategy.
(610) 898-3286 View (610) 898-3286
Photo of Linda Molmen, MS, Psychologist
Linda Molmen
Psychologist, MS
Verified Verified
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
My clinical focus also includes grief therapy, managing chronic pain, coping with fertility issues, and life transitions such as divorce and caring for aging parents.
As a psychologist with over 30 years of clinical experience, I offer compassion, acceptance and support. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety or stress, or if life pressures are leading to feelings of being overwhelmed and frustrated, together we will work toward a healthy and positive outcome. I utilize diverse therapeutic approaches including CBT, with an emphasis on support and empathy.
My clinical focus also includes grief therapy, managing chronic pain, coping with fertility issues, and life transitions such as divorce and caring for aging parents.
As a psychologist with over 30 years of clinical experience, I offer compassion, acceptance and support. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety or stress, or if life pressures are leading to feelings of being overwhelmed and frustrated, together we will work toward a healthy and positive outcome. I utilize diverse therapeutic approaches including CBT, with an emphasis on support and empathy.
(484) 685-4123 View (484) 685-4123
Photo of Karen K Moon, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Karen K Moon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Clients come to me after experiencing a loss whether it be from the death of a loved one, the end of a marriage/significant relationship or a major life transition. These changes in one's life can bring on feelings of sadness, isolation and fear. As a therapist I believe in the power of telling one's story in a safe and supportive space. My goal is to help clients expand the possibilities when feeling stuck, access their strengths, accept their limitations and practice being present in their daily lives.
Clients come to me after experiencing a loss whether it be from the death of a loved one, the end of a marriage/significant relationship or a major life transition. These changes in one's life can bring on feelings of sadness, isolation and fear. As a therapist I believe in the power of telling one's story in a safe and supportive space. My goal is to help clients expand the possibilities when feeling stuck, access their strengths, accept their limitations and practice being present in their daily lives.
(610) 915-8973 View (610) 915-8973
Photo of Julie Simonson, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Julie Simonson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
I especially enjoy working with clients who struggle with both obesity and body dysmorphia after significant weight loss.
I became a psychotherapist because my own therapy and therapist was so incredibly impactful. It is the greatest honor and privilege to bear witness to my clients' lives. I have an egalitarian approach; we partner together to give you the support needed to make whatever changes you are seeking in your life.
I especially enjoy working with clients who struggle with both obesity and body dysmorphia after significant weight loss.
I became a psychotherapist because my own therapy and therapist was so incredibly impactful. It is the greatest honor and privilege to bear witness to my clients' lives. I have an egalitarian approach; we partner together to give you the support needed to make whatever changes you are seeking in your life.
(267) 888-2944 View (267) 888-2944
Photo of Michele Marianne Rice, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Michele Marianne Rice
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Depression, anxiety, life transitions including divorce, loss of a loved one, marital issues, and anger management are some of the most common issues successfully addressed through cognitive therapy.
I use cognitive behavioral therapy to help my clients with marriage and relationship problems, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and other issues. I take a proactive, holistic approach to effect changes not only in thinking but in behaviors, in order to promote increased well-being, contentment, and self esteem. I enjoy working with adolescents and adults, and maintain flexible working hours to accomodate work and school schedules. My practice is in network with several managed care companies, or I can assist you in filing a claim with your insurance company.
Depression, anxiety, life transitions including divorce, loss of a loved one, marital issues, and anger management are some of the most common issues successfully addressed through cognitive therapy.
I use cognitive behavioral therapy to help my clients with marriage and relationship problems, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and other issues. I take a proactive, holistic approach to effect changes not only in thinking but in behaviors, in order to promote increased well-being, contentment, and self esteem. I enjoy working with adolescents and adults, and maintain flexible working hours to accomodate work and school schedules. My practice is in network with several managed care companies, or I can assist you in filing a claim with your insurance company.
(484) 263-0572 View (484) 263-0572
Photo of Sameh Shaker, STM, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern
Sameh Shaker
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, STM
Verified Verified
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
I am a PhD intern in Marriage and Family Therapy. I focus on attachment studies, including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), which I utilize in my work with individuals and couples. In my master’s degree, I focused on trauma and grief. I have over 12 years of experience working with clients who have experienced chronic and terminal illnesses, grief, and loss in the palliative and hospice care field. I also work with couples who experience emotional and sexual distress in their relationships.
I am a PhD intern in Marriage and Family Therapy. I focus on attachment studies, including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), which I utilize in my work with individuals and couples. In my master’s degree, I focused on trauma and grief. I have over 12 years of experience working with clients who have experienced chronic and terminal illnesses, grief, and loss in the palliative and hospice care field. I also work with couples who experience emotional and sexual distress in their relationships.
(484) 739-1859 View (484) 739-1859
Photo of Gabrielle Harman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Gabrielle Harman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010  (Online Only)
I have worked with individuals around issues of grief and loss, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, stress management and family issues.
Anxiety and depression can keep us in painful and unhealthy patterns that can make us feel helpless. Those feelings don't need to have control; by deepening your relationship with yourself, you can unlock your strengths and see where your thoughts and feelings aren't serving you. It is my goal to offer you a space in sessions where you can feel heard, understood and connected. We will work together to identify and overcome unhelpful patterns that have been built to protect and navigate you through difficult situations, but are no longer needed.
I have worked with individuals around issues of grief and loss, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, stress management and family issues.
Anxiety and depression can keep us in painful and unhealthy patterns that can make us feel helpless. Those feelings don't need to have control; by deepening your relationship with yourself, you can unlock your strengths and see where your thoughts and feelings aren't serving you. It is my goal to offer you a space in sessions where you can feel heard, understood and connected. We will work together to identify and overcome unhelpful patterns that have been built to protect and navigate you through difficult situations, but are no longer needed.
(484) 573-7869 View (484) 573-7869
Photo of Brian D Barber, PsyD, LPC, MDiv, Psychologist
Brian D Barber
Psychologist, PsyD, LPC, MDiv
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
For 18 years, I have worked in diverse settings reflecting my varying passions: social justice, addiction, anxiety, bipolar disorder, grief, forensics, struggling youngsters, and spiritually identifying individuals.
You want more and deserve better. For many adults and youngsters, feelings of anxiety and depression leave you feeling like you are just getting by. Meeting in person, talking about your thoughts, feelings, and concerns within a safe therapeutic relationship, we can work together to help you become unstuck and rebuild a life with purpose and meaning. For some, this may include processing painful emotions, grieving losses, navigating difficult relationships, or changing self-defeating patterns. Therapy is hard work and by reading this page, you’ve already shown you’re curious to learn more about yourself and are motivated to change.
For 18 years, I have worked in diverse settings reflecting my varying passions: social justice, addiction, anxiety, bipolar disorder, grief, forensics, struggling youngsters, and spiritually identifying individuals.
You want more and deserve better. For many adults and youngsters, feelings of anxiety and depression leave you feeling like you are just getting by. Meeting in person, talking about your thoughts, feelings, and concerns within a safe therapeutic relationship, we can work together to help you become unstuck and rebuild a life with purpose and meaning. For some, this may include processing painful emotions, grieving losses, navigating difficult relationships, or changing self-defeating patterns. Therapy is hard work and by reading this page, you’ve already shown you’re curious to learn more about yourself and are motivated to change.
(484) 214-2653 View (484) 214-2653
Photo of Phillip Barton, LCPC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Phillip Barton
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010  (Online Only)
My education includes a specialized focus in grief and bereavement counseling.
Many of us wrestle to find hope in our lives, move forward, or just make it through the day. Depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, and loss can take away motivation, causing struggle and suffering. This can change. Perhaps you're determining which life path to take or are dealing with past trauma, abuse, or painful memories. You don't have to carry this weight alone. I provide an unbiased, nonjudgmental space for adults to explore what is hindering them and overcome obstacles in healthy, ways.
My education includes a specialized focus in grief and bereavement counseling.
Many of us wrestle to find hope in our lives, move forward, or just make it through the day. Depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, and loss can take away motivation, causing struggle and suffering. This can change. Perhaps you're determining which life path to take or are dealing with past trauma, abuse, or painful memories. You don't have to carry this weight alone. I provide an unbiased, nonjudgmental space for adults to explore what is hindering them and overcome obstacles in healthy, ways.
(267) 356-5911 View (267) 356-5911
Photo of Lindsay Breeden, PhD, Psychologist
Lindsay Breeden
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Whatever your symptoms--depression, anxiety, eating disorder behaviors, relationship dissatisfaction, bereavement, trauma--you have the potential to manage feelings well, support yourself emotionally and also ask others for help when needed.
I work best with older adolescents, adults and couples seeking a therapy relationship to count on as long as the work is helpful. I've provided brief treatment many times, but if you're in a rush, I'm probably not your ideal therapist. In 30+ years, I've come to believe that satisfaction in life and relationships depends largely on the quality of your relationship with yourself. Therapy is a process of exploring how you came to be where you are; looking at life in new ways; and risking new behaviors reflecting who you really are and what you want. Lasting change takes time.
Whatever your symptoms--depression, anxiety, eating disorder behaviors, relationship dissatisfaction, bereavement, trauma--you have the potential to manage feelings well, support yourself emotionally and also ask others for help when needed.
I work best with older adolescents, adults and couples seeking a therapy relationship to count on as long as the work is helpful. I've provided brief treatment many times, but if you're in a rush, I'm probably not your ideal therapist. In 30+ years, I've come to believe that satisfaction in life and relationships depends largely on the quality of your relationship with yourself. Therapy is a process of exploring how you came to be where you are; looking at life in new ways; and risking new behaviors reflecting who you really are and what you want. Lasting change takes time.
(610) 719-3035 View (610) 719-3035
Photo of Kellie Jackson, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kellie Jackson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Finding the right therapist can feel like a daunting task especially when you are overwhelmed, trying to manage a challenging relationship, or adjusting to life's twists and turns. I specialize in couples therapy, anxiety, depression, support with parenting, and perinatal mood disorders. I support clients experiencing life transitions such as grief, caring for aging parents, retirement, divorce, career changes, empty nest, and emotional trauma. I strive to provide a warm, collaborative space for my clients, while offering a direct approach to therapy.
Finding the right therapist can feel like a daunting task especially when you are overwhelmed, trying to manage a challenging relationship, or adjusting to life's twists and turns. I specialize in couples therapy, anxiety, depression, support with parenting, and perinatal mood disorders. I support clients experiencing life transitions such as grief, caring for aging parents, retirement, divorce, career changes, empty nest, and emotional trauma. I strive to provide a warm, collaborative space for my clients, while offering a direct approach to therapy.
(484) 296-0812 View (484) 296-0812
Photo of Emily B. Chaffin, PsyD, Psychologist
Emily B. Chaffin
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
I further have extensive experience working with issues common in adolescence and adulthood including substance use, grief/ loss, anxiety, depression, and relationship concerns.
The process of finding a psychologist who is a good fit for either yourself or a family member can be overwhelming and frustrating. I make it a point to ensure that clients who reach out to me feel heard and understood. Therapy can only be effective if it is a collaborative process in which clients feel they have a say in their own treatment. I mainly practice from a cognitive-behavioral perspective (CBT), but I also use other modalities in sessions in order to best meet the needs of my clients.
I further have extensive experience working with issues common in adolescence and adulthood including substance use, grief/ loss, anxiety, depression, and relationship concerns.
The process of finding a psychologist who is a good fit for either yourself or a family member can be overwhelming and frustrating. I make it a point to ensure that clients who reach out to me feel heard and understood. Therapy can only be effective if it is a collaborative process in which clients feel they have a say in their own treatment. I mainly practice from a cognitive-behavioral perspective (CBT), but I also use other modalities in sessions in order to best meet the needs of my clients.
(610) 991-8730 x3 View (610) 991-8730 x3
Photo of Dawn Altman, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dawn Altman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
As a Jungian psychotherapist, I look at symptoms of depression, anxiety and grief as your soul's invitation to delve deeper into what is happening in the unconscious.
Are you feeling lost, bored with life, disconnected from yourself? As a Jungian psychotherapist, I specialize in working with individuals experiencing life transitions, be it midlife changes, divorce, new parenthood, or grief. Anxiety, depression, loss of vitality, disordered eating, and addictions are all symptoms of a deeper issue whose root cause must be treated in order to fully heal. Together, we will work to understand and heal the issues that are impeding your well-being to bring you back to a state of balance. Additionally, I work with adult individuals struggling with symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, depression and trauma.
As a Jungian psychotherapist, I look at symptoms of depression, anxiety and grief as your soul's invitation to delve deeper into what is happening in the unconscious.
Are you feeling lost, bored with life, disconnected from yourself? As a Jungian psychotherapist, I specialize in working with individuals experiencing life transitions, be it midlife changes, divorce, new parenthood, or grief. Anxiety, depression, loss of vitality, disordered eating, and addictions are all symptoms of a deeper issue whose root cause must be treated in order to fully heal. Together, we will work to understand and heal the issues that are impeding your well-being to bring you back to a state of balance. Additionally, I work with adult individuals struggling with symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, depression and trauma.
(610) 991-7737 View (610) 991-7737
Photo of Michael M. Green, MDiv, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Michael M. Green
Licensed Professional Counselor, MDiv, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
As a Licensed Professional Counselor I provide therapy to individuals, couples, and families. I have several years of experience working with a diverse array of people and have had the privilege to walk alongside people as they navigated a variety of life conditions and issues. I treat individuals that are dealing with such issues as anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, divorce recovery, grief and loss, ADHD, anger and conduct issues, trauma, substance use and abuse issues, gambling, sexual and process addictions, addict in the family issues, codependency, attachment issues, personality disorders, and spiritual conflicts.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor I provide therapy to individuals, couples, and families. I have several years of experience working with a diverse array of people and have had the privilege to walk alongside people as they navigated a variety of life conditions and issues. I treat individuals that are dealing with such issues as anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, divorce recovery, grief and loss, ADHD, anger and conduct issues, trauma, substance use and abuse issues, gambling, sexual and process addictions, addict in the family issues, codependency, attachment issues, personality disorders, and spiritual conflicts.
(484) 222-4971 View (484) 222-4971
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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.