Photo of Amy Heidecker, Counselor in Anacortes, WA
Amy Heidecker
Counselor, MA, LCPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Anacortes, WA 98221
Now accepting online clients in WA & MT. This journey called life is full of ups & downs, joy & pain, being known and feeling alone. This is most prominent during transition times like adolescence, graduating, getting married or divorced, or losing part of your identity through a change in roles or job. In my practice I honor the whole person and treat mind, body, & spirit, as well as the connections with others in relationships. You are welcome & encouraged to bring your whole story and whole self to the therapy process.
Now accepting online clients in WA & MT. This journey called life is full of ups & downs, joy & pain, being known and feeling alone. This is most prominent during transition times like adolescence, graduating, getting married or divorced, or losing part of your identity through a change in roles or job. In my practice I honor the whole person and treat mind, body, & spirit, as well as the connections with others in relationships. You are welcome & encouraged to bring your whole story and whole self to the therapy process.
(406) 612-1414 View (406) 612-1414
Photo of Heather Varnau, Counselor in Anacortes, WA
Heather Varnau
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Anacortes, WA 98221
With your partner: Do you feel alone in your relationship? Are you recovering from infidelity or broken trust? Do you want to communicate in a way that pulls for your partner's understanding and connection? For yourself: Do you want to resolve your internal conflicts? Do you want to learn self-compassion and feel at peace with yourself? Do you want to break negative patterns in your relationships? I'm here to help. Over the past 15 years, I've helped hundreds of couples and individuals create emotional security, happiness, and connection through evidence-based and empirically validated therapy methods.
With your partner: Do you feel alone in your relationship? Are you recovering from infidelity or broken trust? Do you want to communicate in a way that pulls for your partner's understanding and connection? For yourself: Do you want to resolve your internal conflicts? Do you want to learn self-compassion and feel at peace with yourself? Do you want to break negative patterns in your relationships? I'm here to help. Over the past 15 years, I've helped hundreds of couples and individuals create emotional security, happiness, and connection through evidence-based and empirically validated therapy methods.
(360) 205-2569 View (360) 205-2569
Photo of Charlotte Underwood, Licensed Professional Counselor in Anacortes, WA
Charlotte Underwood
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Anacortes, WA 98221
I am a depth oriented psychotherapist specializing in trauma, ancestral healing, and somatic therapy. While you may be experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or insomnia, these are all symptoms. I work with you to heal what’s causing your distress, dis-ease. When the body, heart, mind, soul and spirit are not aligned, we suffer. We will work using a variety of approaches depending on what needs the most tending and care, always with compassion and a pace that is safe and allows for long term healing, integration, and nervous system regulation, allowing your natural rhythm to return.
I am a depth oriented psychotherapist specializing in trauma, ancestral healing, and somatic therapy. While you may be experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or insomnia, these are all symptoms. I work with you to heal what’s causing your distress, dis-ease. When the body, heart, mind, soul and spirit are not aligned, we suffer. We will work using a variety of approaches depending on what needs the most tending and care, always with compassion and a pace that is safe and allows for long term healing, integration, and nervous system regulation, allowing your natural rhythm to return.
(401) 388-3421 View (401) 388-3421
Photo of Thom Thornsberry Smith, Marriage & Family Therapist in Anacortes, WA
Thom Thornsberry Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, CHT
Verified Verified
Anacortes, WA 98221
Not accepting new clients
We are truly living in troubled times, globally and personally. Many of us find ourselves fluctuating between feelings of anxiety and/or depression. At 67 years old, I’ve spent nearly half my life – 35 years – as a Marriage and Family Therapist/Psychotherapist. Adding Hypnotherapy to my practice has been a game changer, and that, along with friends, colleagues, and many clients, I’ve learned ways of managing my thinking and thereby managing my emotions. This is what I do in my private practice and I can help you to do the same.
We are truly living in troubled times, globally and personally. Many of us find ourselves fluctuating between feelings of anxiety and/or depression. At 67 years old, I’ve spent nearly half my life – 35 years – as a Marriage and Family Therapist/Psychotherapist. Adding Hypnotherapy to my practice has been a game changer, and that, along with friends, colleagues, and many clients, I’ve learned ways of managing my thinking and thereby managing my emotions. This is what I do in my private practice and I can help you to do the same.
(206) 207-3006 View (206) 207-3006

Online Therapists

Photo of Kerry Theresa Grant, Marriage & Family Therapist in Anacortes, WA
Kerry Theresa Grant
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Waitlist for new clients
I work with clients who want more satisfaction and meaning in life and relationships. The pain of anxiety, low mood, ADHD, addictive or compulsive behaviors, transitions, loss, trauma, or relational distress motivates them to look for change. They are curious about knowing themselves more deeply, through the heart and felt-sense experience, as well as the intellect. To grow beyond the safety of the familiar self in meaningful ways, they are willing to face some discomfort and vulnerability, and commit to useful behaviors and habits. They value this one precious life they have here, and want to make the best of it.
I work with clients who want more satisfaction and meaning in life and relationships. The pain of anxiety, low mood, ADHD, addictive or compulsive behaviors, transitions, loss, trauma, or relational distress motivates them to look for change. They are curious about knowing themselves more deeply, through the heart and felt-sense experience, as well as the intellect. To grow beyond the safety of the familiar self in meaningful ways, they are willing to face some discomfort and vulnerability, and commit to useful behaviors and habits. They value this one precious life they have here, and want to make the best of it.
(206) 800-7594 View (206) 800-7594
Photo of Sonia Rae Therapy, Marriage & Family Therapist in Anacortes, WA
Sonia Rae Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, MHP, CMHS
Verified Verified
Bellingham, WA 98225
Good For You! You have taken the first step: You are asking for help at a time when life challenges have caused you to pause and reflect. Life can feel out of balance, leaving us with feelings of despair, anxiousness and loss. Our basic human needs are those of connecting to others. We feel pain and discomfort when we feel separated. It takes courage to look at ourselves, to find the meaning of the discomfort. This struggle can have profound lasting results for personal growth, better health, and closer relationships with our family, friends and the community at large.
Good For You! You have taken the first step: You are asking for help at a time when life challenges have caused you to pause and reflect. Life can feel out of balance, leaving us with feelings of despair, anxiousness and loss. Our basic human needs are those of connecting to others. We feel pain and discomfort when we feel separated. It takes courage to look at ourselves, to find the meaning of the discomfort. This struggle can have profound lasting results for personal growth, better health, and closer relationships with our family, friends and the community at large.
(360) 979-1917 View (360) 979-1917
Photo of Joseph Gottfried, Counselor in Anacortes, WA
Joseph Gottfried
Counselor, MA, LMHC, LCPC
Verified Verified
Bellingham, WA 98229
Do you want more from counselling than just talking things out? Perhaps you would you like to bring your spirituality to counseling as a simpler, easier way to become free from painful feelings and relationships. In this counseling approach you not only find a safe place to be heard and work out problems, but you also find ways to change troubling patterns from the inside out. Through powerful yet gentle methods alongside inner prayer/ intention, you can resolve the root causes of personal problems like anxiety, loss, feeling stuck, depression, chronic illness, hard relationships, lack of meaning or purpose, trauma & addiction.
Do you want more from counselling than just talking things out? Perhaps you would you like to bring your spirituality to counseling as a simpler, easier way to become free from painful feelings and relationships. In this counseling approach you not only find a safe place to be heard and work out problems, but you also find ways to change troubling patterns from the inside out. Through powerful yet gentle methods alongside inner prayer/ intention, you can resolve the root causes of personal problems like anxiety, loss, feeling stuck, depression, chronic illness, hard relationships, lack of meaning or purpose, trauma & addiction.
(360) 295-2870 View (360) 295-2870
Photo of Siena Tenisci, Pre-Licensed Professional in Anacortes, WA
Siena Tenisci
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98101  (Online Only)
I am co-founder of Northwest Grief Tending, an organization offering community grief rituals that honor many different forms of loss – big and small.
For many, reaching out for support can feel vulnerable and overwhelming at times. I have enormous compassion for people going through life’s challenges and transitions and strive to create an inclusive and non-judgemental space where all parts of you are welcome. I've been working therapeutically with adults for a decade struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, trauma/PTSD, life transitions, self-esteem, relationship difficulties, boundaries, spirituality, and/or working toward personal growth. I'd be happy to guide you through the process of finding the right support.
I am co-founder of Northwest Grief Tending, an organization offering community grief rituals that honor many different forms of loss – big and small.
For many, reaching out for support can feel vulnerable and overwhelming at times. I have enormous compassion for people going through life’s challenges and transitions and strive to create an inclusive and non-judgemental space where all parts of you are welcome. I've been working therapeutically with adults for a decade struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, trauma/PTSD, life transitions, self-esteem, relationship difficulties, boundaries, spirituality, and/or working toward personal growth. I'd be happy to guide you through the process of finding the right support.
(206) 672-0814 View (206) 672-0814
Photo of Alicia Elliott, Marriage & Family Therapist in Anacortes, WA
Alicia Elliott
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Gig Harbor, WA 98335  (Online Only)
What’s your story? Is it a tragic tale of grief and loss? Or is your story a fast paced, anxiety ridden adventure repeatedly landing you in a pit of despair? I understand how difficult it can be to get control of the story of your life.
What’s your story? Is it a tragic tale of grief and loss? Or is your story a fast paced, anxiety ridden adventure repeatedly landing you in a pit of despair? I understand how difficult it can be to get control of the story of your life.
(253) 215-8026 View (253) 215-8026
Photo of Sunita Benning, Marriage & Family Therapist in Anacortes, WA
Sunita Benning
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98109  (Online Only)
I have experience working with a broad range of clinical issues: relational/family difficulties, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief/loss, parent/child conflict.
We carry on our day to day lives, hope for change, work hard and at times still feel like nothing is working; we feel like these challenges make it impossible to move past or live the life we intend to live. I provide counseling for individuals, and couples of all kinds dealing with challenges that leave them feeling stuck. It is my privilege to work alongside you to provide you the space to experience, examine and process what is going on in your life right now.
I have experience working with a broad range of clinical issues: relational/family difficulties, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief/loss, parent/child conflict.
We carry on our day to day lives, hope for change, work hard and at times still feel like nothing is working; we feel like these challenges make it impossible to move past or live the life we intend to live. I provide counseling for individuals, and couples of all kinds dealing with challenges that leave them feeling stuck. It is my privilege to work alongside you to provide you the space to experience, examine and process what is going on in your life right now.
(253) 733-0186 View (253) 733-0186
Photo of Kipp D Trembley, Counselor in Anacortes, WA
Kipp D Trembley
Counselor, MA, MATP, LMHC
Verified Verified
Port Orchard, WA 98366
I meet with individuals, couples, families, and run groups. I generally work with folks who complain of depression, anxiety, grief and loss, stress management, anger management, trauma/PTSD, interpersonal conflict, parenting challenges, spiritual challenges, frustration tolerance, and some health challenges to include nicotine addiction. I also provide in-home nursing-aid care, DD respite care, and tutoring. A client is encouraged to boldly explore their own thoughts and emotions in a safe, warm and collaborative therapeutic environment and find new solutions, skills, insight and awareness around life's challenges, both within the person and the persons' life experience
I meet with individuals, couples, families, and run groups. I generally work with folks who complain of depression, anxiety, grief and loss, stress management, anger management, trauma/PTSD, interpersonal conflict, parenting challenges, spiritual challenges, frustration tolerance, and some health challenges to include nicotine addiction. I also provide in-home nursing-aid care, DD respite care, and tutoring. A client is encouraged to boldly explore their own thoughts and emotions in a safe, warm and collaborative therapeutic environment and find new solutions, skills, insight and awareness around life's challenges, both within the person and the persons' life experience
(360) 529-4924 View (360) 529-4924
Photo of Angelo Paul Avila, Counselor in Anacortes, WA
Angelo Paul Avila
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Bellingham, WA 98225  (Online Only)
Now accepting new clients! I'm poly-informed, trauma-informed, and open to working with clients ages 13 and up. I have diverse experience working with adults of many populations, as well as minors as young as 5 years old. I specialize in work related to attachment, trauma, grief, sexuality, depression, and anxiety. If you're someone who's just getting started learning about your journey towards personal growth, or if you're interested in taking your awareness deeper than you have previously, I have tools and training that can help you start moving in the direction you want to go.
Now accepting new clients! I'm poly-informed, trauma-informed, and open to working with clients ages 13 and up. I have diverse experience working with adults of many populations, as well as minors as young as 5 years old. I specialize in work related to attachment, trauma, grief, sexuality, depression, and anxiety. If you're someone who's just getting started learning about your journey towards personal growth, or if you're interested in taking your awareness deeper than you have previously, I have tools and training that can help you start moving in the direction you want to go.
(360) 743-3120 View (360) 743-3120
Photo of Karen Beth Acheson, Psychologist in Anacortes, WA
Karen Beth Acheson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Puyallup, WA 98374  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
expertise as a Psychologist to offer specialized assistance for people with emotional concerns related to companion animals including care-taking, grief/loss, hoarding and so forth.
Greetings and welcome. I'm Dr. Karen Beth Acheson, Ph.D., and I have over 20 years of experience bringing warmth, compassion, and a sense of humor to help empower people to make healthy changes in their lives. My primary focus is adult psychotherapy. My style is down-to-earth; I draw from humanistic, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral & mindfulness-based therapies. My specialty areas include: Depression; Bipolar (manic) Depression; Anxiety; Trauma (including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder); and Emotional/Sexual/physical Abuse. Also, I am now blending my lifelong passion for animals, including a B.S. in Animal Science, with
expertise as a Psychologist to offer specialized assistance for people with emotional concerns related to companion animals including care-taking, grief/loss, hoarding and so forth.
Greetings and welcome. I'm Dr. Karen Beth Acheson, Ph.D., and I have over 20 years of experience bringing warmth, compassion, and a sense of humor to help empower people to make healthy changes in their lives. My primary focus is adult psychotherapy. My style is down-to-earth; I draw from humanistic, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral & mindfulness-based therapies. My specialty areas include: Depression; Bipolar (manic) Depression; Anxiety; Trauma (including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder); and Emotional/Sexual/physical Abuse. Also, I am now blending my lifelong passion for animals, including a B.S. in Animal Science, with
(253) 215-6726 View (253) 215-6726
Photo of Christi Proffitt, Counselor in Anacortes, WA
Christi Proffitt
Counselor, MA, LMHC, RDT
Verified Verified
16 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98133  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
You might be realizing you need support - that maybe you’re not handling things as well as you’d hoped. Maybe the What Ifs & the doubts have taken over, or you’re not feeling motivated anymore. You’re not sure how it started, but you’re tired of feeling this way. It scares you to think nothing will change. Maybe you’ve had a loss in your life, or maybe you’re just not happy with how often you use your phone/TV, weed, or alcohol to cope with things. Maybe you're not sure what to do to make changes. Maybe this is the first time you've considered counseling - if so, kudos for taking that first step.
You might be realizing you need support - that maybe you’re not handling things as well as you’d hoped. Maybe the What Ifs & the doubts have taken over, or you’re not feeling motivated anymore. You’re not sure how it started, but you’re tired of feeling this way. It scares you to think nothing will change. Maybe you’ve had a loss in your life, or maybe you’re just not happy with how often you use your phone/TV, weed, or alcohol to cope with things. Maybe you're not sure what to do to make changes. Maybe this is the first time you've considered counseling - if so, kudos for taking that first step.
(206) 203-7457 View (206) 203-7457
Photo of Meg Bohman Houbrick, Counselor in Anacortes, WA
Meg Bohman Houbrick
Counselor, MA, LMHC, MHP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Tacoma, WA 98406
I am a mental health counselor, trained to work with individuals, couples, and families. I believe that every human being is fundamentally capable of experiencing the joyful and fulfilling lives they seek - sometimes, life makes that difficult. Maybe you are experiencing grief, conflict in relationships, or loss of self. Maybe you’ve noticed yourself feeling depressed, anxious, or withdrawn. No matter what may bring you to therapy, I am honored to walk along with you as we explore opportunities for healing and growth.
I am a mental health counselor, trained to work with individuals, couples, and families. I believe that every human being is fundamentally capable of experiencing the joyful and fulfilling lives they seek - sometimes, life makes that difficult. Maybe you are experiencing grief, conflict in relationships, or loss of self. Maybe you’ve noticed yourself feeling depressed, anxious, or withdrawn. No matter what may bring you to therapy, I am honored to walk along with you as we explore opportunities for healing and growth.
(253) 201-2307 View (253) 201-2307
Photo of Alyshia Collins, Counselor in Anacortes, WA
Alyshia Collins
Counselor, LMHCA, MEd
Verified Verified
Tacoma, WA 98407  (Online Only)
My therapeutic philosophy is rooted in compassion and a person-centered approach, which forms the cornerstone of my practice. I meet clients where they are in their journey, fostering a safe and supportive space for exploration and growth. Utilizing HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms, I provide convenient and confidential services exclusively through remote sessions. A lifelong learner myself, I am committed to continuous professional development, recognizing the importance of self-improvement, just as my clients endeavor to enhance their lives. My areas of focus include self-esteem, life-transitions, depression, grief, & anxiety.
My therapeutic philosophy is rooted in compassion and a person-centered approach, which forms the cornerstone of my practice. I meet clients where they are in their journey, fostering a safe and supportive space for exploration and growth. Utilizing HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms, I provide convenient and confidential services exclusively through remote sessions. A lifelong learner myself, I am committed to continuous professional development, recognizing the importance of self-improvement, just as my clients endeavor to enhance their lives. My areas of focus include self-esteem, life-transitions, depression, grief, & anxiety.
(253) 367-4739 View (253) 367-4739
Photo of Jaime Cara, Counselor in Anacortes, WA
Jaime Cara
Counselor, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98119  (Online Only)
If you're reading this, you might know the struggle of constantly putting others' needs before your own, feel tired of being anxious and overwhelmed, or wrestling with the belief that you're not good enough or perhaps even "too much." Life is full of unexpected changes, both big and small, and navigating these transitions can be incredibly challenging. I believe that everyone deserves to feel heard and understood. Whether you're dealing with loss, going through a big life change, trying to be kinder to yourself, or just want to understand yourself better, I'm here to help you navigate your personal growth and well-being.
If you're reading this, you might know the struggle of constantly putting others' needs before your own, feel tired of being anxious and overwhelmed, or wrestling with the belief that you're not good enough or perhaps even "too much." Life is full of unexpected changes, both big and small, and navigating these transitions can be incredibly challenging. I believe that everyone deserves to feel heard and understood. Whether you're dealing with loss, going through a big life change, trying to be kinder to yourself, or just want to understand yourself better, I'm here to help you navigate your personal growth and well-being.
(206) 279-1821 View (206) 279-1821
Photo of Cait King, Marriage & Family Therapist in Anacortes, WA
Cait King
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Not Verified Not Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98109
I am also privileged to work with clients experiencing anxiety or mood disorders, as well as those experiencing grief, trauma, or going through significant life transitions.
As a Couple and Family Therapist, I am honored to collaborate with clients in deciphering what may be holding you back from the freedom to live a more whole, robust life. A concentration of mine is in working with those who have attentional difficulties or learning differences such as ADHD, whether in a couple, family, or individual setting.
I am also privileged to work with clients experiencing anxiety or mood disorders, as well as those experiencing grief, trauma, or going through significant life transitions.
As a Couple and Family Therapist, I am honored to collaborate with clients in deciphering what may be holding you back from the freedom to live a more whole, robust life. A concentration of mine is in working with those who have attentional difficulties or learning differences such as ADHD, whether in a couple, family, or individual setting.
(267) 953-8094 View (267) 953-8094
Photo of Ian Jacobson, Counselor in Anacortes, WA
Ian Jacobson
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Edmonds, WA 98020
Working with a broad spectrum of clients dealing with such issues as grief, loss, trauma, shame, depression, anxiety, stress management, identity issues, and relational problems, my desire is to help them to move beyond merely coping with these issues and to find true healing and freedom and, ultimately, to live more whole, fulfilling, and flourishing lives.
*Currently accepting new patients* Hi, there! I'm Ian. If you are feeling down, anxious, or stuck or are struggling in your relationships, I would like to help. I believe that meaningful personal connection—feeling understood, accepted, & loved—is at the heart of well-being, so my desire is to provide a genuine, warm, & safe presence in which my clients feel comfortable sharing their stories & exploring how their past has shaped them & their experience of the present. Though I use a psychodynamic approach, I tailor my approach to meet my clients' needs, integrating techniques from various approaches like CBT, gestalt, & mindfulness.
Working with a broad spectrum of clients dealing with such issues as grief, loss, trauma, shame, depression, anxiety, stress management, identity issues, and relational problems, my desire is to help them to move beyond merely coping with these issues and to find true healing and freedom and, ultimately, to live more whole, fulfilling, and flourishing lives.
*Currently accepting new patients* Hi, there! I'm Ian. If you are feeling down, anxious, or stuck or are struggling in your relationships, I would like to help. I believe that meaningful personal connection—feeling understood, accepted, & loved—is at the heart of well-being, so my desire is to provide a genuine, warm, & safe presence in which my clients feel comfortable sharing their stories & exploring how their past has shaped them & their experience of the present. Though I use a psychodynamic approach, I tailor my approach to meet my clients' needs, integrating techniques from various approaches like CBT, gestalt, & mindfulness.
(206) 531-7328 View (206) 531-7328
Photo of Amanda H Abou-Zaki, Counselor in Anacortes, WA
Amanda H Abou-Zaki
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kirkland, WA 98033
I use Gottman methods for couples and I am a certified Trauma & Grief specialist.
Life is unpredictable with many ups and downs. No matter how much we want life to move in a linear fashion it often goes unplanned causing us to feel off balance. I believe therapy is a safe place to begin your own personal journey and learning to be present in your life. It allows you to rediscover who you are. Therapy is different for every individual and/or couple. I have an EMDR, existential & integrative approach to helping clients create healthy, fulfilling and rewarding lives. I integrate therapeutic styles depending on the best fit for client and situation.
I use Gottman methods for couples and I am a certified Trauma & Grief specialist.
Life is unpredictable with many ups and downs. No matter how much we want life to move in a linear fashion it often goes unplanned causing us to feel off balance. I believe therapy is a safe place to begin your own personal journey and learning to be present in your life. It allows you to rediscover who you are. Therapy is different for every individual and/or couple. I have an EMDR, existential & integrative approach to helping clients create healthy, fulfilling and rewarding lives. I integrate therapeutic styles depending on the best fit for client and situation.
(425) 273-2300 View (425) 273-2300
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.