Grief Therapists in Pittsburgh, PA

Photo of Amber Lynn Blue, Pre-Licensed Professional in Pittsburgh, PA
Amber Lynn Blue
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15222  (Online Only)
Are you coping with grief, depression, or anxiety? Your unique needs matter. You seek a therapist who understands and supports your journey to emotional health. Your goal is clear: to find practical solutions and guidance for a happier, more fulfilling life. Together, we'll work to achieve the positive changes you desire.
Are you coping with grief, depression, or anxiety? Your unique needs matter. You seek a therapist who understands and supports your journey to emotional health. Your goal is clear: to find practical solutions and guidance for a happier, more fulfilling life. Together, we'll work to achieve the positive changes you desire.
(412) 960-1401 View (412) 960-1401
Photo of Noah Potvin, Licensed Professional Counselor in Pittsburgh, PA
Noah Potvin
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, MT-BC
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15282
As a licensed professional counselor and a board-certified music therapist, I've worked with adults across the age spectrum for 15 years on chronic and progressive illnesses, death and dying, pre-bereavement, and grief. When facing such significant life transitions, it is important that all involved individuals have a compassionate space for processing their experiences and to plan for the future. Using a combination of motivational interviewing, humanism, and Gestalt therapy, we will explore avenues for moving forward in ways helping you feel empowered and emboldened, ready to face the coming journey and the meaning it may bring.
As a licensed professional counselor and a board-certified music therapist, I've worked with adults across the age spectrum for 15 years on chronic and progressive illnesses, death and dying, pre-bereavement, and grief. When facing such significant life transitions, it is important that all involved individuals have a compassionate space for processing their experiences and to plan for the future. Using a combination of motivational interviewing, humanism, and Gestalt therapy, we will explore avenues for moving forward in ways helping you feel empowered and emboldened, ready to face the coming journey and the meaning it may bring.
(412) 612-2588 View (412) 612-2588
Photo of Karen J Stickel, LCSW, BCD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Pittsburgh, PA
Karen J Stickel, LCSW, BCD
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD, FAPA
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
Issues of concern include mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, marital difficulties, communication problems, child/adolescent behavior, bereavement and emotional trauma, among others.
We all deal with changes. Change is inevitable in our lives and you can either manage change and shape it to your advantage, or let those changes manage and shape you. We have the abilities to cope with the changes in our lives. Sometimes we don't realize that we can and feel overwhelmed in dealing with stress. At other times we find ourselves in unexpected or extreme situations for which our normal coping skills are inadequate. Whatever the sources of your stress, the result could be anxious or depressed moods, panic attacks and more.
Issues of concern include mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, marital difficulties, communication problems, child/adolescent behavior, bereavement and emotional trauma, among others.
We all deal with changes. Change is inevitable in our lives and you can either manage change and shape it to your advantage, or let those changes manage and shape you. We have the abilities to cope with the changes in our lives. Sometimes we don't realize that we can and feel overwhelmed in dealing with stress. At other times we find ourselves in unexpected or extreme situations for which our normal coping skills are inadequate. Whatever the sources of your stress, the result could be anxious or depressed moods, panic attacks and more.
(412) 214-8785 View (412) 214-8785
Photo of Center for Resilience Strategies, Licensed Professional Counselor in Pittsburgh, PA
Center for Resilience Strategies
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15228
Stressed? Anxious? Unresolved trauma? Grief from loss? Relationship issues? Low self-esteem? We're here to help you make big changes in your life. CRS provides accessible, affordable, and effective mental health services in Pittsburgh and throughout Pennsylvania. CRS provides individual counseling for teens and adults, play therapy, couple and marital therapy, and family therapy. We work with multiple insurance companies and offer income-based fees for services, all provided in a private practice clinic setting or via telehealth.
Stressed? Anxious? Unresolved trauma? Grief from loss? Relationship issues? Low self-esteem? We're here to help you make big changes in your life. CRS provides accessible, affordable, and effective mental health services in Pittsburgh and throughout Pennsylvania. CRS provides individual counseling for teens and adults, play therapy, couple and marital therapy, and family therapy. We work with multiple insurance companies and offer income-based fees for services, all provided in a private practice clinic setting or via telehealth.
(412) 324-7956 View (412) 324-7956
Photo of Eric Berta, LPC, NCC, CCH, Licensed Professional Counselor in Pittsburgh, PA
Eric Berta, LPC, NCC, CCH
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, CCH
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
"Before you diagnose yourself with depression or low self-esteem, make sure that you are not, in fact, just surrounded by a-holes." (William Gibson) We take on a lot of stress from those around us - at work, at home, from strangers, from spouses & kids. From rage & stress, to grief, through life-stagnation & confusion to betrayal and divorce, my clients tend to be articulate & very smart, and prefer a counselor who is a realist, not someone who re-hashes old techniques or spouts trendy remedies.
"Before you diagnose yourself with depression or low self-esteem, make sure that you are not, in fact, just surrounded by a-holes." (William Gibson) We take on a lot of stress from those around us - at work, at home, from strangers, from spouses & kids. From rage & stress, to grief, through life-stagnation & confusion to betrayal and divorce, my clients tend to be articulate & very smart, and prefer a counselor who is a realist, not someone who re-hashes old techniques or spouts trendy remedies.
(412) 888-0059 View (412) 888-0059
Photo of Abbie Quinby, Pre-Licensed Professional in Pittsburgh, PA
Abbie Quinby
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Now accepting new clients! As a person-centered therapist, I believe there is potential to help anyone interested in working with me regardless of their reasons for coming to therapy. That being said, I enjoy working with folks who struggle with anxiety, gender and sexual identities, neurodivergence, self-concept or self-worth, complex and religious trauma, relationship issues, and grief. I am an LGBTQIA+ and relationship-affirming therapist and I'm very passionate about working with people in marginalized groups. I believe that everyone needs a therapist who can listen with compassion and understanding.
Now accepting new clients! As a person-centered therapist, I believe there is potential to help anyone interested in working with me regardless of their reasons for coming to therapy. That being said, I enjoy working with folks who struggle with anxiety, gender and sexual identities, neurodivergence, self-concept or self-worth, complex and religious trauma, relationship issues, and grief. I am an LGBTQIA+ and relationship-affirming therapist and I'm very passionate about working with people in marginalized groups. I believe that everyone needs a therapist who can listen with compassion and understanding.
(412) 534-6828 View (412) 534-6828
Photo of LeeAnna Marra, Pre-Licensed Professional in Pittsburgh, PA
LeeAnna Marra
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15219  (Online Only)
I work with individuals and couples navigating a range of reproductive mental health issues, including but not limited to: infertility, abortion, challenges across pregnancy, early parenting support, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, OCD, reproductive grief and loss, and reproductive trauma. I also offer general life transition, anxiety, grief, trauma, neurodivergent support, and LGBTQIA+ support to teens and adults.
I work with individuals and couples navigating a range of reproductive mental health issues, including but not limited to: infertility, abortion, challenges across pregnancy, early parenting support, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, OCD, reproductive grief and loss, and reproductive trauma. I also offer general life transition, anxiety, grief, trauma, neurodivergent support, and LGBTQIA+ support to teens and adults.
(724) 932-6185 View (724) 932-6185
Photo of Barbara Lynn Smith, Licensed Professional Counselor in Pittsburgh, PA
Barbara Lynn Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, CAADC, CCDPD, LPC
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Areas of focus include: anxiety, depression, life transition issues, conflict resolution, stress management, loss & bereavement issues, self-esteem issues, codependency issues, emotional regulation issues, and communication issues.
Barbara is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in Mental Health Counseling. Barbara received her Master's Degree from Slippery Rock University in Psychology. Her counseling approach is eclectic in nature and adjusted to meet the existing needs of the client in relationship to their own individual developmental needs.
Areas of focus include: anxiety, depression, life transition issues, conflict resolution, stress management, loss & bereavement issues, self-esteem issues, codependency issues, emotional regulation issues, and communication issues.
Barbara is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in Mental Health Counseling. Barbara received her Master's Degree from Slippery Rock University in Psychology. Her counseling approach is eclectic in nature and adjusted to meet the existing needs of the client in relationship to their own individual developmental needs.
(412) 685-3190 View (412) 685-3190
Photo of Abby Ritter, Licensed Professional Counselor in Pittsburgh, PA
Abby Ritter
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, ERYT500, AHC
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
I work with clients who are experiencing any one of a variety of issues, including stress, anxiety, relationship problems, sexual issues, and grief following the loss of a loved one, including to suicide. I also specialize in helping college students learn positive coping strategies to deal with stress, anxiety, social issues, cultural concerns, and life transitions.
I work with clients who are experiencing any one of a variety of issues, including stress, anxiety, relationship problems, sexual issues, and grief following the loss of a loved one, including to suicide. I also specialize in helping college students learn positive coping strategies to deal with stress, anxiety, social issues, cultural concerns, and life transitions.
(878) 777-5082 View (878) 777-5082
Photo of Dolores A Justice, Licensed Professional Counselor in Pittsburgh, PA
Dolores A Justice
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
I believe everyone has the need to be seen and heard- everyone has a story to tell. I can support you with finding and using your voice. Maybe you are questioning past or present decisions or have “unfinished business.” Feeling overwhelmed with sadness due to a death or loss of a relationship, pet, job, or health and feeling stuck and alone. Feeling anxious because of excessive worry- feeling frozen in fear. Maybe you realize the ways you try to cope no longer serve you. Together we can collaborate, identify ways for you to self-support and develop a plan to mobilize so that you can begin healing and live a more fulfilling life.
I believe everyone has the need to be seen and heard- everyone has a story to tell. I can support you with finding and using your voice. Maybe you are questioning past or present decisions or have “unfinished business.” Feeling overwhelmed with sadness due to a death or loss of a relationship, pet, job, or health and feeling stuck and alone. Feeling anxious because of excessive worry- feeling frozen in fear. Maybe you realize the ways you try to cope no longer serve you. Together we can collaborate, identify ways for you to self-support and develop a plan to mobilize so that you can begin healing and live a more fulfilling life.
(412) 324-6738 View (412) 324-6738
Photo of Jennifer Leah Pizzuto, Licensed Professional Counselor in Pittsburgh, PA
Jennifer Leah Pizzuto
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSCP, LPC
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
You're busy. You're pulled in a million different directions and you have a million more responsibilities. Sometimes you have someone to share this with, and sometimes not. Sometimes you feel lost under all of the pressure to "be better." I'm here to help. Let's peel away the layers of stress, grief, trauma, and pressure to reveal the very best version of you. Let's take journey of self-discovery together. I'm here to listen, support, and help.
You're busy. You're pulled in a million different directions and you have a million more responsibilities. Sometimes you have someone to share this with, and sometimes not. Sometimes you feel lost under all of the pressure to "be better." I'm here to help. Let's peel away the layers of stress, grief, trauma, and pressure to reveal the very best version of you. Let's take journey of self-discovery together. I'm here to listen, support, and help.
(412) 561-9758 View (412) 561-9758
Photo of Haley Faragher, Licensed Professional Counselor in Pittsburgh, PA
Haley Faragher
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15206  (Online Only)
I am queer identifying and have a love for working with the LBGTQIA+ community, eating disorders, and grief.
You may have come across my bio as you are considering therapy. It can feel scary and out of our comfort zones to ask for help, but I commend you for doing so. I strive to make therapy a safe space where you feel supported to learn about yourself and grow/heal in any way you find necessary. I like to approach the counseling relationship from a warm, empathetic, non-judgmental, and understanding viewpoint. I understand that trauma impacts us all differently, thus I strive to keep things relaxed and I am mindful to operate through a trauma-informed lens as we all come from different walks of life with various life experiences.
I am queer identifying and have a love for working with the LBGTQIA+ community, eating disorders, and grief.
You may have come across my bio as you are considering therapy. It can feel scary and out of our comfort zones to ask for help, but I commend you for doing so. I strive to make therapy a safe space where you feel supported to learn about yourself and grow/heal in any way you find necessary. I like to approach the counseling relationship from a warm, empathetic, non-judgmental, and understanding viewpoint. I understand that trauma impacts us all differently, thus I strive to keep things relaxed and I am mindful to operate through a trauma-informed lens as we all come from different walks of life with various life experiences.
(412) 819-1797 View (412) 819-1797
Photo of Andrew J. Eppich LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Pittsburgh, PA
Andrew J. Eppich LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15228
This is a very specific kind of grief group that helps the survivors to deal with traumatic grief reactions, and teaching about various roles in addictive family both before and after this loss.
I am an LCSW that has been in the field of counseling and social work since 1995. I am of the belief that everyone deserves help and support with dignity and respect. I specialize in addictions, gambling addiction, dual diagnosis, GLBT issues, grief and bereavement issues as well as have over 15 years experience in hospice and helping patients and their families cope with end of life issues. In addition I have expertise in group counseling for early recovery, families in recovery and grief support.
This is a very specific kind of grief group that helps the survivors to deal with traumatic grief reactions, and teaching about various roles in addictive family both before and after this loss.
I am an LCSW that has been in the field of counseling and social work since 1995. I am of the belief that everyone deserves help and support with dignity and respect. I specialize in addictions, gambling addiction, dual diagnosis, GLBT issues, grief and bereavement issues as well as have over 15 years experience in hospice and helping patients and their families cope with end of life issues. In addition I have expertise in group counseling for early recovery, families in recovery and grief support.
(412) 567-3552 View (412) 567-3552
Photo of Francisco Leopoldo Betancourt III, Licensed Professional Counselor in Pittsburgh, PA
Francisco Leopoldo Leopoldo Betancourt III
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSCP, CAADC, CCTP, C-DBT, NCC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15239
My specialties are mainly in grief/loss, drug and alcohol, general mental health, couples therapy, family dynamics, refugee/immigrant resettlement.
Perhaps you are going through a lot right now. The situation(s) are complicated and you just want to make some sense of it all. Maybe you know what you need to do, but some support can help. Our work together can be aimed at whatever we think is going to help get you to the next step or phase of wellness. If you want to feel better, you have already taken a great first step.
My specialties are mainly in grief/loss, drug and alcohol, general mental health, couples therapy, family dynamics, refugee/immigrant resettlement.
Perhaps you are going through a lot right now. The situation(s) are complicated and you just want to make some sense of it all. Maybe you know what you need to do, but some support can help. Our work together can be aimed at whatever we think is going to help get you to the next step or phase of wellness. If you want to feel better, you have already taken a great first step.
(412) 998-8603 View (412) 998-8603
Photo of Julia Longenecker, Psychologist in Pittsburgh, PA
Julia Longenecker
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15237  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), and Interpersonal Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) for depression, anxiety, grief, adjustment disorder/life transitions, bipolar disorder and psychosis/schizophrenia.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist whose practice is rooted in structured, time-limited therapy (often called evidence-based practice, or EBP) - delivering care that supports your goals, enhances your life, and builds skills to address symptom flare ups after therapy ends. I can see clients from over 30 states and DC so care disruptions will be minimized if you travel, move, or return home between semesters. Locations served are: AL, AZ, AR, CO, CT, DC, DE, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MN, MO, NE, NC, NH, NJ, NV, OH, OK, PA, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WV.
I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), and Interpersonal Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) for depression, anxiety, grief, adjustment disorder/life transitions, bipolar disorder and psychosis/schizophrenia.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist whose practice is rooted in structured, time-limited therapy (often called evidence-based practice, or EBP) - delivering care that supports your goals, enhances your life, and builds skills to address symptom flare ups after therapy ends. I can see clients from over 30 states and DC so care disruptions will be minimized if you travel, move, or return home between semesters. Locations served are: AL, AZ, AR, CO, CT, DC, DE, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MN, MO, NE, NC, NH, NJ, NV, OH, OK, PA, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WV.
(412) 838-3244 View (412) 838-3244
Photo of Adrienne Bernardina, Licensed Professional Counselor in Pittsburgh, PA
Adrienne Bernardina
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15228
I have experience working with individual adults, adolescents and children, couples and families. I provide a safe and comfortable environment in which you can explore your feelings and develop self-awareness of your perspectives and insight into your motives and fears. I help you with feelings of depression and anxiety due to relationship issues-between individuals or within a family, life changes or loss. Together we can uncover unresolved issues from past experiences or trauma which often impact present behaviors and feelings.
I have experience working with individual adults, adolescents and children, couples and families. I provide a safe and comfortable environment in which you can explore your feelings and develop self-awareness of your perspectives and insight into your motives and fears. I help you with feelings of depression and anxiety due to relationship issues-between individuals or within a family, life changes or loss. Together we can uncover unresolved issues from past experiences or trauma which often impact present behaviors and feelings.
(412) 228-0368 View (412) 228-0368
Photo of Damien Gabis, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Pittsburgh, PA
Damien Gabis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15209  (Online Only)
Damien has provided therapeutic interventions for people going through grief and loss, PTSD, anxiety, depression, interpersonal conflict, and other barriers. He is an LGBTQ+ and trauma informed therapist. Damien is a veteran and has experience in treating military trauma.
Damien has provided therapeutic interventions for people going through grief and loss, PTSD, anxiety, depression, interpersonal conflict, and other barriers. He is an LGBTQ+ and trauma informed therapist. Damien is a veteran and has experience in treating military trauma.
(412) 435-1359 View (412) 435-1359
Photo of Ascend Integrative Counseling & Holistic Wellness, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Pittsburgh, PA
Ascend Integrative Counseling & Holistic Wellness
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Areas of focus include but are not limited to: Anxiety, Depression, Marriage & Family, Life Stressors, Work Life-Balance/ Transitions, Life-stage Development, Grief, Death & Dying (End of Life/Planning/Grief Support).
Things may get overwhelming and a person may need to explore ways to manage a particular stressor. Another may desire to work on long-term challenges, emotions, or relationship concerns. Ascend therapists have worked with children, adolescents, adults and the elderly in both medical and therapeutic settings in the Pittsburgh area, over the past 27 years. We utilize a strength-based perspective that recognizes and seeks to ignite the inner strength that each individual possesses. We customize and personalize your services to facilitate an increase in mood, functioning, and well-being; to take you to a higher level.
Areas of focus include but are not limited to: Anxiety, Depression, Marriage & Family, Life Stressors, Work Life-Balance/ Transitions, Life-stage Development, Grief, Death & Dying (End of Life/Planning/Grief Support).
Things may get overwhelming and a person may need to explore ways to manage a particular stressor. Another may desire to work on long-term challenges, emotions, or relationship concerns. Ascend therapists have worked with children, adolescents, adults and the elderly in both medical and therapeutic settings in the Pittsburgh area, over the past 27 years. We utilize a strength-based perspective that recognizes and seeks to ignite the inner strength that each individual possesses. We customize and personalize your services to facilitate an increase in mood, functioning, and well-being; to take you to a higher level.
(412) 903-3244 View (412) 903-3244
Photo of Michelle Landau, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Pittsburgh, PA
Michelle Landau
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSA, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
My therapeutic areas of interest include living with chronic physical illnesses, grief and loss issues, anxiety, depression, life transitions, moving beyond fear in one's life, and providing support during and after pregnancy.
I help clients learn to listen to and hear themselves; my interest is in helping you to develop the confidence to recognize and honor your own wisdom and thereby make more effective choices in your life. My clinical experiences have afforded me the opportunity to work with a wide range of clients, including but not limited to those with major depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, bi-polar disorder, and grief. If you are interested in gaining insight into your problems and concerns in order to make changes in your life, then our work together will be rewarding for you.
My therapeutic areas of interest include living with chronic physical illnesses, grief and loss issues, anxiety, depression, life transitions, moving beyond fear in one's life, and providing support during and after pregnancy.
I help clients learn to listen to and hear themselves; my interest is in helping you to develop the confidence to recognize and honor your own wisdom and thereby make more effective choices in your life. My clinical experiences have afforded me the opportunity to work with a wide range of clients, including but not limited to those with major depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, bi-polar disorder, and grief. If you are interested in gaining insight into your problems and concerns in order to make changes in your life, then our work together will be rewarding for you.
(412) 253-6173 View (412) 253-6173
Photo of Lisa Renee Fleissner, Licensed Professional Counselor in Pittsburgh, PA
Lisa Renee Fleissner
Licensed Professional Counselor, NBCC, LPC
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
My areas of specialty include anxiety, depression, grief, trauma,spirituality and teen therapy as well as marriage and family therapy.
Would you like a therapist who is enthusiastic about helping and has 15 years of experience understanding life struggles such as job stress, relationships and self-esteem issues?Do think you would fit well in a smaller setting where you are known personally? I have a independent practice that allows me the freedom to devote more time and attention to each case and would like to help you manage your personal struggles that throw your life off balance. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and work well with people wanting to gain confidence in themselves. Call 412-977-2036.
My areas of specialty include anxiety, depression, grief, trauma,spirituality and teen therapy as well as marriage and family therapy.
Would you like a therapist who is enthusiastic about helping and has 15 years of experience understanding life struggles such as job stress, relationships and self-esteem issues?Do think you would fit well in a smaller setting where you are known personally? I have a independent practice that allows me the freedom to devote more time and attention to each case and would like to help you manage your personal struggles that throw your life off balance. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and work well with people wanting to gain confidence in themselves. Call 412-977-2036.
(724) 602-9720 View (724) 602-9720
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.