Grief Therapists in King County, WA

Photo of Enely Van Ness, Mental Health Counselor in King County, WA
Enely Van Ness
Mental Health Counselor, MA, LMHC, MHP
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98119  (Online Only)
I specialize in grief and loss; LGBTQ+ issues; depression and anxiety; and trauma processing. I approach therapy from a place of curiosity, humor, and collaboration. It can be difficult to go through challenges alone and sometimes we need an outside perspective to challenge the unhelpful and negative narratives we have constructed for ourselves during those challenging times. I am here to help uncover and create a narrative that reflects your strengths and intrinsic identity.
I specialize in grief and loss; LGBTQ+ issues; depression and anxiety; and trauma processing. I approach therapy from a place of curiosity, humor, and collaboration. It can be difficult to go through challenges alone and sometimes we need an outside perspective to challenge the unhelpful and negative narratives we have constructed for ourselves during those challenging times. I am here to help uncover and create a narrative that reflects your strengths and intrinsic identity.
(206) 537-0675 View (206) 537-0675
Photo of Jessica Ann Jobaris, Counselor in King County, WA
Jessica Ann Jobaris
Counselor, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98102
Good Grief. Life’s unpredictability, traumatic experiences, loss and difficult relationships can leave us feeling confused, stuck, anxious, depressed even…hopeless. As a relational therapist, my purpose is to move with you, through your pain, discovering together how the grief you are experiencing might be the "good grief" moving you towards wholeness & growth. If the entire human project is the process of transforming our suffering into meaning, then this is your brave journey. You are unique. Your agonies are unique. Your life story and your longings are unique. Yet, you are not alone. Let's meet the work of discovery...together.
Good Grief. Life’s unpredictability, traumatic experiences, loss and difficult relationships can leave us feeling confused, stuck, anxious, depressed even…hopeless. As a relational therapist, my purpose is to move with you, through your pain, discovering together how the grief you are experiencing might be the "good grief" moving you towards wholeness & growth. If the entire human project is the process of transforming our suffering into meaning, then this is your brave journey. You are unique. Your agonies are unique. Your life story and your longings are unique. Yet, you are not alone. Let's meet the work of discovery...together.
(425) 517-0991 View (425) 517-0991
Photo of Jamie I Fenimore, Counselor in King County, WA
Jamie I Fenimore
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Federal Way, WA 98003
I work with adults and couples suffering from anxiety, depression, and grief and loss. My counseling approach is based on mutual trust facilitating an exploration of both past and present relationships and experiences. My desire is for each client to discover a truer and more fully integrated sense of self, freedom in relationships, a richer life experience, and hope for the future.
I work with adults and couples suffering from anxiety, depression, and grief and loss. My counseling approach is based on mutual trust facilitating an exploration of both past and present relationships and experiences. My desire is for each client to discover a truer and more fully integrated sense of self, freedom in relationships, a richer life experience, and hope for the future.
(206) 707-9475 View (206) 707-9475
Photo of Gretchen W. Savage, Counselor in King County, WA
Gretchen W. Savage
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98115  (Online Only)
I work with individuals who are noticing a change in themselves through life transition, relationship loss, grief symptoms, feeling sadness 'when everything seems fine.' I work with clients who are experiencing long established triggers and grief symptoms through gentleness, safety, and respect for defenses. I have faith in the natural tendency of humans to grow toward healing and integration of mind, body, and spirit.
I work with individuals who are noticing a change in themselves through life transition, relationship loss, grief symptoms, feeling sadness 'when everything seems fine.' I work with clients who are experiencing long established triggers and grief symptoms through gentleness, safety, and respect for defenses. I have faith in the natural tendency of humans to grow toward healing and integration of mind, body, and spirit.
(206) 429-4610 View (206) 429-4610
Photo of Michael Kaufman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in King County, WA
Michael Kaufman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MSW, MHP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103
I have been a child and family therapist since 2009, and volunteered in the field of grief and loss for 14 years, working with grieving children (ages 3 to 18) who lost a loved one. I'm client-centered and strengths-based, and believe my job is to try to understand how my client's brain works, to best assist each individual understand her/ himself. I have learned from the last 9 years working with a wide variety of amazing individuals that I must be very creative and flexible. I'm grateful for how much I have and continue to learn from my clients.
I have been a child and family therapist since 2009, and volunteered in the field of grief and loss for 14 years, working with grieving children (ages 3 to 18) who lost a loved one. I'm client-centered and strengths-based, and believe my job is to try to understand how my client's brain works, to best assist each individual understand her/ himself. I have learned from the last 9 years working with a wide variety of amazing individuals that I must be very creative and flexible. I'm grateful for how much I have and continue to learn from my clients.
(253) 201-4196 View (253) 201-4196
Photo of Paola Faggella, Counselor in King County, WA
Paola Faggella
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98106
I have over 25 years of experience helping people find their calm and safe place to live their life amidst loss, trauma, anxiety, and it all falling to pieces.
You are worthy and you are not alone. You deserve to feel good in your thoughts and being. Sometimes things break down, or a life transition kicks us to the ground. Whatever your story is, I commend you on reaching out and supporting your mental health. Do you have lingering memories that persist and pop up at unexpected times? Are you caught in a cycle of patterns that do not serve you anymore? Do you wrestle with stagnation and belief patterns that put up roadblocks of where you want to be and how you live your life? Do you feel things so deeply or maybe are completely numb? Do you feel heavy from the burden of emotional pain?
I have over 25 years of experience helping people find their calm and safe place to live their life amidst loss, trauma, anxiety, and it all falling to pieces.
You are worthy and you are not alone. You deserve to feel good in your thoughts and being. Sometimes things break down, or a life transition kicks us to the ground. Whatever your story is, I commend you on reaching out and supporting your mental health. Do you have lingering memories that persist and pop up at unexpected times? Are you caught in a cycle of patterns that do not serve you anymore? Do you wrestle with stagnation and belief patterns that put up roadblocks of where you want to be and how you live your life? Do you feel things so deeply or maybe are completely numb? Do you feel heavy from the burden of emotional pain?
(206) 736-2774 View (206) 736-2774
Photo of Sunita Benning, Marriage & Family Therapist in King County, 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 Karee Powers, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in King County, WA
Karee Powers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98122  (Online Only)
I have extensive experience working with complex trauma, combat trauma, sexual trauma and grief, depression, and anxiety.
I specialize in helping adults and adolescents who are struggling through difficult life situations. My hope is that my clients will begin to emerge from the experience with strength, insight and a sense of empowerment to address the next challenge with grace. Using a strengths-based approach, I employ concepts of cognitive therapy and mindfulness to increase self-awareness and choice within life's challenges. I also use EMDR, an evidence-based approach, to help release the impact of past experiences on current emotions, thoughts and behaviors including traumatic events and childhood trauma.
I have extensive experience working with complex trauma, combat trauma, sexual trauma and grief, depression, and anxiety.
I specialize in helping adults and adolescents who are struggling through difficult life situations. My hope is that my clients will begin to emerge from the experience with strength, insight and a sense of empowerment to address the next challenge with grace. Using a strengths-based approach, I employ concepts of cognitive therapy and mindfulness to increase self-awareness and choice within life's challenges. I also use EMDR, an evidence-based approach, to help release the impact of past experiences on current emotions, thoughts and behaviors including traumatic events and childhood trauma.
(206) 899-4897 View (206) 899-4897
Photo of Kay Feather, Counselor in King County, WA
Kay Feather
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kirkland, WA 98033
Often when someone experiences trauma or severe life stressors, their life begins to unravel. I meet you where you are. The places in you that are lost and hurt and find a gentle supportive way to guide you and help you return to your core. To regain balance in your life. This is the work I have done since 2005 with the Native American Community. I help those who are deeply traumatized, by events in their life, those who have suffered abuse, neglect and grief.
Often when someone experiences trauma or severe life stressors, their life begins to unravel. I meet you where you are. The places in you that are lost and hurt and find a gentle supportive way to guide you and help you return to your core. To regain balance in your life. This is the work I have done since 2005 with the Native American Community. I help those who are deeply traumatized, by events in their life, those who have suffered abuse, neglect and grief.
(425) 584-3196 View (425) 584-3196
Photo of Lucia Wang, Counselor in King County, WA
Lucia Wang
Counselor, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Bothell, WA 98011
As a holistic, trauma-informed therapist, I take into consideration all aspects of your personhood–physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual. My focus is working with adult survivors of narcissistic abuse, neglect, borderline personality disorder, relationship issues, grief, ambiguous loss, life transitions, and systemic racism and oppression.
As a holistic, trauma-informed therapist, I take into consideration all aspects of your personhood–physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual. My focus is working with adult survivors of narcissistic abuse, neglect, borderline personality disorder, relationship issues, grief, ambiguous loss, life transitions, and systemic racism and oppression.
View
Photo of Stephanie Justus, Marriage & Family Therapist in King County, WA
Stephanie Justus
Marriage & Family Therapist, MSMFT, LMFT
Verified Verified
Kirkland, WA 98034  (Online Only)
Carrying the weight of anxiety, grief, disconnection from those around you, maybe even from yourself, can be overwhelming at times. It can be difficult to navigate these things alone. I believe in the power of the therapeutic, client-focused relationship as a catalyst for exploration and healing. My work with clients focuses on guiding people as they process life transitions, challenges and new opportunities. I walk alongside you in making a shift in your mindset to a place aligned with your core values and truth. I maintain a holistic perspective integrating mind, body, and spirit to empower every client in reaching his/her goals.
Carrying the weight of anxiety, grief, disconnection from those around you, maybe even from yourself, can be overwhelming at times. It can be difficult to navigate these things alone. I believe in the power of the therapeutic, client-focused relationship as a catalyst for exploration and healing. My work with clients focuses on guiding people as they process life transitions, challenges and new opportunities. I walk alongside you in making a shift in your mindset to a place aligned with your core values and truth. I maintain a holistic perspective integrating mind, body, and spirit to empower every client in reaching his/her goals.
(360) 301-7625 View (360) 301-7625
Photo of Lindsey J Pepperoni, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in King County, WA
Lindsey J Pepperoni
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98109
I am particularly passionate about working with individuals and couples who are struggling with anxiety, depression, identity or other lifecycle transitions, issues around sexuality, faith transitions, and/or grief and loss, among other issues.
I am here for anyone who is struggling, looking for support, help, or personal exploration. My goal is to provide a safe space and an outside perspective with which to collaborate and problem solve. I identify as queer, and I am LGBTQIA+ affirming. I work with people of all identities, genders, and relationship configurations. I recognize that each client is unique and therefore approach my work using a client-centered, strengths-based model to personalize treatment. I have the added benefit of having a sex therapy certified supervisor, which makes me a great fit for clients who wish to explore intimacy issues and sexual shame.
I am particularly passionate about working with individuals and couples who are struggling with anxiety, depression, identity or other lifecycle transitions, issues around sexuality, faith transitions, and/or grief and loss, among other issues.
I am here for anyone who is struggling, looking for support, help, or personal exploration. My goal is to provide a safe space and an outside perspective with which to collaborate and problem solve. I identify as queer, and I am LGBTQIA+ affirming. I work with people of all identities, genders, and relationship configurations. I recognize that each client is unique and therefore approach my work using a client-centered, strengths-based model to personalize treatment. I have the added benefit of having a sex therapy certified supervisor, which makes me a great fit for clients who wish to explore intimacy issues and sexual shame.
(206) 207-7242 View (206) 207-7242
Photo of Karlie Markendorf, Counselor in King County, WA
Karlie Markendorf
Counselor, LMHC, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98101
Waitlist for new clients
During times of stress and transition, seeking therapy can be a source of support, comfort, and even inspiration. My experience has focused on creative and body-centered approaches to growth and healing, including art therapy, trauma-sensitive yoga, dreamwork, and EMDR. This includes grief work and issues that accompany trauma-related treatment, such as anxiety, depression, and existential/spiritual issues. Additional themes in clients' healing work include explorations of relationships, sexuality, and identity. I love working co-creatively with clients of all ages and backgrounds.
During times of stress and transition, seeking therapy can be a source of support, comfort, and even inspiration. My experience has focused on creative and body-centered approaches to growth and healing, including art therapy, trauma-sensitive yoga, dreamwork, and EMDR. This includes grief work and issues that accompany trauma-related treatment, such as anxiety, depression, and existential/spiritual issues. Additional themes in clients' healing work include explorations of relationships, sexuality, and identity. I love working co-creatively with clients of all ages and backgrounds.
(206) 557-6657 View (206) 557-6657
Photo of Kara Hill, Counselor in King County, WA
Kara Hill
Counselor, LMHCA, NCC, MA, MBA
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98195  (Online Only)
I also work with individuals and help them through a myriad of other mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, existential questions, grief & loss, faith transitions/crisis/journeys, moral injury, social anxiety, body image, eating disorders, suicide, trauma, women's issues, infertility, and many others.
Sometimes you just need a safe and confidential space to sort it all out. Life and relationships can challenge us to our very limits as we try to love other people and hold onto our own sense of self at the same time. It can feel overwhelming to navigate the emotions, interaction cycles, and patterns at play in relationships. As difficult as these challenges are, they are ultimately the key to our personal growth and development. I work with couples who want a better partnership, and want to feel heard, valued, and understood. I help them find genuine connection in their emotional, mental, spiritual, and intimate relationship.
I also work with individuals and help them through a myriad of other mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, existential questions, grief & loss, faith transitions/crisis/journeys, moral injury, social anxiety, body image, eating disorders, suicide, trauma, women's issues, infertility, and many others.
Sometimes you just need a safe and confidential space to sort it all out. Life and relationships can challenge us to our very limits as we try to love other people and hold onto our own sense of self at the same time. It can feel overwhelming to navigate the emotions, interaction cycles, and patterns at play in relationships. As difficult as these challenges are, they are ultimately the key to our personal growth and development. I work with couples who want a better partnership, and want to feel heard, valued, and understood. I help them find genuine connection in their emotional, mental, spiritual, and intimate relationship.
(360) 646-2093 View (360) 646-2093
Photo of Monique Ngo, Marriage & Family Therapist in King County, WA
Monique Ngo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98118  (Online Only)
I am an integrative and culturally sensitive driven therapist who works with teens and adults to unlearn systemic inequalities and process intergenerational trauma, grief, and anxiety, so you can confidently befriend your feelings, navigate life transitions, step into authenticity, and feel more at home in yourself. Often times when we are going through something difficult, it can be hard to see our way out. This may lead to spiraling thoughts, a lost sense of security & safety, thinking "I'm not good enough", consistently feeling on edge, and feeling disconnected from ourselves and others.
I am an integrative and culturally sensitive driven therapist who works with teens and adults to unlearn systemic inequalities and process intergenerational trauma, grief, and anxiety, so you can confidently befriend your feelings, navigate life transitions, step into authenticity, and feel more at home in yourself. Often times when we are going through something difficult, it can be hard to see our way out. This may lead to spiraling thoughts, a lost sense of security & safety, thinking "I'm not good enough", consistently feeling on edge, and feeling disconnected from ourselves and others.
(206) 823-2701 View (206) 823-2701
Photo of Emili Fletcher, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in King County, WA
Emili Fletcher
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodinville, WA 98072
Many people say life doesn't go according to plan. We all know that to be true. Life goes up and down with many bits and pieces that make our story. As we are going through our life we may not understand or want parts of our story that entail grief and pain. YOUR story is what makes you, what has happened in your life, and what hasn't happened in your life. Many of us tend to have expectations of who we are supposed to be and how to navigate life, that we may forget to live life. Life isn't about pushing through, dread and pain. It's about the hope that pain and loss can be grieved and change can happen in your heart.
Many people say life doesn't go according to plan. We all know that to be true. Life goes up and down with many bits and pieces that make our story. As we are going through our life we may not understand or want parts of our story that entail grief and pain. YOUR story is what makes you, what has happened in your life, and what hasn't happened in your life. Many of us tend to have expectations of who we are supposed to be and how to navigate life, that we may forget to live life. Life isn't about pushing through, dread and pain. It's about the hope that pain and loss can be grieved and change can happen in your heart.
(253) 242-2351 View (253) 242-2351
Photo of Angela R. Schellenberg, Counselor in King County, WA
Angela R. Schellenberg
Counselor, LMHC, EMDR, K-8 cer
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellevue, WA 98004  (Online Only)
I work with people who have suffered a traumatic loss, grief, PTSD, early childhood trauma, complex trauma, grief, and loss, Anxiety, Depression.
My approach to counseling is holistic, humanistic and client-centered. I am trained in EMDR and trauma. I work with you and together we create an individualized approach to counseling that supports your goals. My professional background is in Trauma, PTSD, Grief, Loss, Early Parent loss. Anxiety, Depression. CBT, Family Systems Counseling, Narrative Therapy, Restorative Retelling, EFT, Matrix Reprinting, Multicultural Cultural Counseling, Feminist, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. Since 2000, I have had the experience of living abroad as an elementary K-8 Certified teacher in Shanghai, China, Chiangmai, and Saudi Arabia.
I work with people who have suffered a traumatic loss, grief, PTSD, early childhood trauma, complex trauma, grief, and loss, Anxiety, Depression.
My approach to counseling is holistic, humanistic and client-centered. I am trained in EMDR and trauma. I work with you and together we create an individualized approach to counseling that supports your goals. My professional background is in Trauma, PTSD, Grief, Loss, Early Parent loss. Anxiety, Depression. CBT, Family Systems Counseling, Narrative Therapy, Restorative Retelling, EFT, Matrix Reprinting, Multicultural Cultural Counseling, Feminist, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. Since 2000, I have had the experience of living abroad as an elementary K-8 Certified teacher in Shanghai, China, Chiangmai, and Saudi Arabia.
(206) 278-3407 View (206) 278-3407
Photo of Kimberly Reid, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in King County, WA
Kimberly Reid
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, LMFTA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Federal Way, WA 98023
I have a special interest in blended families, couples, parenting, grief & loss, medical family therapy, military families, perinatal women, and life transitions.
When we allow ourselves to be transformed by our life’s experiences, they have valuable lessons to teach us; nothing is wasted. By leaning into our challenges, we can emerge more resilient, compassionate, and able to live a life of gratitude for all that shaped us into who we are. I take a non-judgmental holistic view honoring each person’s unique mind, body, relational, & spiritual identities. I have a sense of cultural humility and a deep appreciation for diversity. I empathetically collaborate with my clients throughout their journey, meeting them in their unique circumstances. I value authenticity, acceptance, & social justice.
I have a special interest in blended families, couples, parenting, grief & loss, medical family therapy, military families, perinatal women, and life transitions.
When we allow ourselves to be transformed by our life’s experiences, they have valuable lessons to teach us; nothing is wasted. By leaning into our challenges, we can emerge more resilient, compassionate, and able to live a life of gratitude for all that shaped us into who we are. I take a non-judgmental holistic view honoring each person’s unique mind, body, relational, & spiritual identities. I have a sense of cultural humility and a deep appreciation for diversity. I empathetically collaborate with my clients throughout their journey, meeting them in their unique circumstances. I value authenticity, acceptance, & social justice.
(253) 400-2874 View (253) 400-2874
Photo of Empathic Resilience Counseling (Katie Lunden), Counselor in King County, WA
Empathic Resilience Counseling (Katie Lunden)
Counselor, MA, LMHC, NATC
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Bellevue, WA 98005
Are you experiencing feelings of not being "good enough?" Do you struggle with people pleasing and chronic self-blame? Are you starting to wonder if you're in an antagonistic relationship in which your needs/YOU don't matter? Do you experience gaslighting that has you struggling with self-doubt? Do you struggle with feelings of guilt and shame? Are you struggling to navigate a relationship with an emotionally immature or emotionally abusive person in your life? Are you looking for a therapist that truly understands the heartache of grief and loss you're feeling from the kinds of relationships and/or life you wish you had?
Are you experiencing feelings of not being "good enough?" Do you struggle with people pleasing and chronic self-blame? Are you starting to wonder if you're in an antagonistic relationship in which your needs/YOU don't matter? Do you experience gaslighting that has you struggling with self-doubt? Do you struggle with feelings of guilt and shame? Are you struggling to navigate a relationship with an emotionally immature or emotionally abusive person in your life? Are you looking for a therapist that truly understands the heartache of grief and loss you're feeling from the kinds of relationships and/or life you wish you had?
(206) 792-5332 View (206) 792-5332
Photo of Carla Ann Kleefeld, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in King County, WA
Carla Ann Kleefeld
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, PhD, LPCC, LMHC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98119  (Online Only)
My expertise is in working with interpersonal neurobiology and grief, as well as mindfulness, Archetypal Psychology and dreams.
I am a warm and engaged therapist and bring a deep curiosity and playfulness as well as deep listening and feeling to our process. I have over 30 years of training and experience in the field of clinical and depth psychology. Whether you are an individual or couple, struggling with communication issues or reevaluating your relationship needs and history, I bring an engaged and informed perspective to our work together. I am extensively trained in early attachment, relational trauma, sexuality and intimacy and bring a compassionate collaborative presence to the therapeutic process.
My expertise is in working with interpersonal neurobiology and grief, as well as mindfulness, Archetypal Psychology and dreams.
I am a warm and engaged therapist and bring a deep curiosity and playfulness as well as deep listening and feeling to our process. I have over 30 years of training and experience in the field of clinical and depth psychology. Whether you are an individual or couple, struggling with communication issues or reevaluating your relationship needs and history, I bring an engaged and informed perspective to our work together. I am extensively trained in early attachment, relational trauma, sexuality and intimacy and bring a compassionate collaborative presence to the therapeutic process.
(505) 257-6309 View (505) 257-6309

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.