Photo of Carla Ann Kleefeld, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Seattle, 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
Photo of Ross Kling, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Seattle, WA
Ross Kling
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFTA
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98115
In grief therapy I offer a safe space filled with reflective listening for you to explore your feelings.
Ross Kling, MA, LMFTA. I offer counseling to help you heal, reconnect with yourself, and rediscover your connection with others. With empathy and understanding developed over 25 years as an independent funeral director, I have helped thousands of individuals and families navigate deeply distressing feelings of vulnerability and emotion. This informs my approach as a therapist. I embrace a welcoming openness for the human experience and a desire to deeply listen to another. I utilize solution based and narrative therapies as well as Gottman based practices to help people better understand themselves and one another.
In grief therapy I offer a safe space filled with reflective listening for you to explore your feelings.
Ross Kling, MA, LMFTA. I offer counseling to help you heal, reconnect with yourself, and rediscover your connection with others. With empathy and understanding developed over 25 years as an independent funeral director, I have helped thousands of individuals and families navigate deeply distressing feelings of vulnerability and emotion. This informs my approach as a therapist. I embrace a welcoming openness for the human experience and a desire to deeply listen to another. I utilize solution based and narrative therapies as well as Gottman based practices to help people better understand themselves and one another.
(206) 222-4633 View (206) 222-4633
Photo of Christi Proffitt, Counselor in Seattle, 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 Jaime Cara, Counselor in Seattle, 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 Lisa Kothari, Counselor in Seattle, WA
Lisa Kothari
Counselor, MA, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98108  (Online Only)
My clients explore many facets of their lives with me, including their feelings of anxiety and depression. I also walk alongside people who are navigating their racial identity. Others are in a space of transition in their career paths and personal relationships. Finally, I specialize in working with people grieving a loss in their lives. No matter what your struggles are, my capacity to sit in difficult spaces with myself is the cornerstone of the work I do with those who engage with me in therapy.
My clients explore many facets of their lives with me, including their feelings of anxiety and depression. I also walk alongside people who are navigating their racial identity. Others are in a space of transition in their career paths and personal relationships. Finally, I specialize in working with people grieving a loss in their lives. No matter what your struggles are, my capacity to sit in difficult spaces with myself is the cornerstone of the work I do with those who engage with me in therapy.
(206) 202-5595 View (206) 202-5595
Photo of Catherine Wetzel Larkin, Counselor in Seattle, WA
Catherine Wetzel Larkin
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98107  (Online Only)
I am a licensed Mental Health therapist ( WA license number: 00010994) with twenty five years of experience counseling individuals, couples, families, and adolescents. I have a special interest in neuroscience and attachment theory in the context of helping individuals cope and heal from stress, trauma, and grief. I am also passionate about assisting people in developing healthy, authentic relationships, and in carving out their own unique life course. I believe that the relationship that is built between client and therapist is an important part of therapeutic growth and change.
I am a licensed Mental Health therapist ( WA license number: 00010994) with twenty five years of experience counseling individuals, couples, families, and adolescents. I have a special interest in neuroscience and attachment theory in the context of helping individuals cope and heal from stress, trauma, and grief. I am also passionate about assisting people in developing healthy, authentic relationships, and in carving out their own unique life course. I believe that the relationship that is built between client and therapist is an important part of therapeutic growth and change.
(206) 347-8425 View (206) 347-8425
Photo of Marie Marotta, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Seattle, WA
Marie Marotta
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98107
Anxiety Depression Grief and Loss Chronic and life changing medical conditions Death and living with terminal illnesses Life stage transitions Elders Young Adults (18+) Mid Life Shifts Parenting and family stressors Pregnancy and Post Partum Depression and Anxiety Strengths based care.
My passion lies in supporting people to learn the skills necessary to live their best life at every stage. There are times in life when a professional perspective is needed, and my goal is to provide for psychosocial and emotional healing, helping to navigate difficult circumstances and provide for a supportive environment where each individual can achieve growth and fulfillment on their terms.
Anxiety Depression Grief and Loss Chronic and life changing medical conditions Death and living with terminal illnesses Life stage transitions Elders Young Adults (18+) Mid Life Shifts Parenting and family stressors Pregnancy and Post Partum Depression and Anxiety Strengths based care.
My passion lies in supporting people to learn the skills necessary to live their best life at every stage. There are times in life when a professional perspective is needed, and my goal is to provide for psychosocial and emotional healing, helping to navigate difficult circumstances and provide for a supportive environment where each individual can achieve growth and fulfillment on their terms.
(206) 573-8259 View (206) 573-8259
Photo of Michael Kaufman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Seattle, 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 Max Zhvanetsky, Counselor in Seattle, WA
Max Zhvanetsky
Counselor, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98122
Are you finding yourself burnt out? Feeling stuck, isolated, or traumatized by current or historical events? We feel the pressure to better this world, but struggle with feelings of hopelessness and powerlessness. At times like these it is vital to reclaim spaces of joy, safety, and connection within ourselves and the world around us. I am a queer, Jewish, immigrant with firsthand experience of needing to reclaim self within larger narratives of oppression and isolation. I know that this process can often involve navigating trauma and grief. None of us can do this alone.
Are you finding yourself burnt out? Feeling stuck, isolated, or traumatized by current or historical events? We feel the pressure to better this world, but struggle with feelings of hopelessness and powerlessness. At times like these it is vital to reclaim spaces of joy, safety, and connection within ourselves and the world around us. I am a queer, Jewish, immigrant with firsthand experience of needing to reclaim self within larger narratives of oppression and isolation. I know that this process can often involve navigating trauma and grief. None of us can do this alone.
View
Photo of Anna Fasano, Mental Health Counselor in Seattle, WA
Anna Fasano
Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, ATRP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98107  (Online Only)
Whether you're grappling with distress related to loss, grief, anxiety, depression, stress, work dissatisfaction, existential and emotional disturbances, relational strain, or challenges in leading an authentic life, we can collaborate to address these issues with a strengths-based, multicultural conscious, and trauma-informed approach.
Accepting new clients! Let's work together with compassion and creativity to align you with your goals. Collectively, we can illuminate deeper insights, shed light on behavioral patterns, tend to emotional wounds, and clarify aspects of your identity and values. I work with adult individuals, and adolescents. I hold extensive experience within the LGBTQ+ community, and specialize in treating symptoms of anxiety and depression. I also provide support for those at the intersection of transition, individuals experiencing grief and loss, those healing from trauma, navigating chronic and terminal illness, and those overwhelmed by burnout
Whether you're grappling with distress related to loss, grief, anxiety, depression, stress, work dissatisfaction, existential and emotional disturbances, relational strain, or challenges in leading an authentic life, we can collaborate to address these issues with a strengths-based, multicultural conscious, and trauma-informed approach.
Accepting new clients! Let's work together with compassion and creativity to align you with your goals. Collectively, we can illuminate deeper insights, shed light on behavioral patterns, tend to emotional wounds, and clarify aspects of your identity and values. I work with adult individuals, and adolescents. I hold extensive experience within the LGBTQ+ community, and specialize in treating symptoms of anxiety and depression. I also provide support for those at the intersection of transition, individuals experiencing grief and loss, those healing from trauma, navigating chronic and terminal illness, and those overwhelmed by burnout
(425) 310-4066 View (425) 310-4066
Photo of Karee Powers, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Seattle, 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 Nina Lane, Counselor in Seattle, WA
Nina Lane
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Not Verified Not Verified
Seattle, WA 98101
Do you feel stuck? Are you sad or anxious? Are you having difficulty managing your relationships or experiencing self-esteem issues? My psychotherapy practice can help you rediscover and expand your personal strengths and self-knowledge in order to deal with the challenges in your life. I understand the courage it takes to make the first step into therapy and I focus on creating a safe environment for you to build towards a happier life. I have extensive training in issues related to loss and grief, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and trauma.
Do you feel stuck? Are you sad or anxious? Are you having difficulty managing your relationships or experiencing self-esteem issues? My psychotherapy practice can help you rediscover and expand your personal strengths and self-knowledge in order to deal with the challenges in your life. I understand the courage it takes to make the first step into therapy and I focus on creating a safe environment for you to build towards a happier life. I have extensive training in issues related to loss and grief, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and trauma.
(206) 504-3014 View (206) 504-3014
Photo of Alexandra Szablya, Counselor in Seattle, WA
Alexandra Szablya
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98121
I work with individuals and couples who are looking to get more out of their lives. Choosing the right therapist for you is important - email, text or call to set up a free consult to see if we're a good match to work through your issues. With couples, I help increase communication and understanding of each other using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Gottman. My areas of focus for individuals include work issues, depression and anxiety, grief, navigating American culture, and sexual issues that get in the way of committed relationships.
I work with individuals and couples who are looking to get more out of their lives. Choosing the right therapist for you is important - email, text or call to set up a free consult to see if we're a good match to work through your issues. With couples, I help increase communication and understanding of each other using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Gottman. My areas of focus for individuals include work issues, depression and anxiety, grief, navigating American culture, and sexual issues that get in the way of committed relationships.
(206) 981-5260 View (206) 981-5260
Photo of Kevin Klevjer, Counselor in Seattle, WA
Kevin Klevjer
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98134
I am especially drawn to work with individuals struggling with relationship issues, grief, and with those whom have suffered under spiritual abuse.
Depression, anxiety, and the impact of trauma in our life and story often prevents us from living the life we yearn for. Martin Buber once said, “All real living is meeting.” We humans seem built for connection, for meeting, for encounter. We thrive when we are able to deeply see and be seen by another. Yet, all humans also experience barriers to connection. How can psychotherapy help? Psychotherapy can become a place to experience belonging and attunement, to discover ways there have been maladaptive patterns of disconnection in your life, and to imagine new ways of living that will bring you relational healing.
I am especially drawn to work with individuals struggling with relationship issues, grief, and with those whom have suffered under spiritual abuse.
Depression, anxiety, and the impact of trauma in our life and story often prevents us from living the life we yearn for. Martin Buber once said, “All real living is meeting.” We humans seem built for connection, for meeting, for encounter. We thrive when we are able to deeply see and be seen by another. Yet, all humans also experience barriers to connection. How can psychotherapy help? Psychotherapy can become a place to experience belonging and attunement, to discover ways there have been maladaptive patterns of disconnection in your life, and to imagine new ways of living that will bring you relational healing.
(206) 207-5518 View (206) 207-5518
Photo of Kyle Petricek, Counselor in Seattle, WA
Kyle Petricek
Counselor, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103
You are likely seeking relief and clarity to thoughts, behaviors, and feelings that are not working for you. Simply put, something is stuck. I work with people to transform painful and frustrating experiences. For some, this looks like grief work. Others explore relationship struggles. I work with clients to bring awareness to their body, mind, and spirit to assist them in growing a deeper sense of their stories and desires. My ultimate goal is that you will have a growing sense of what it means for you to engage your world with a deepening sense of aliveness.
You are likely seeking relief and clarity to thoughts, behaviors, and feelings that are not working for you. Simply put, something is stuck. I work with people to transform painful and frustrating experiences. For some, this looks like grief work. Others explore relationship struggles. I work with clients to bring awareness to their body, mind, and spirit to assist them in growing a deeper sense of their stories and desires. My ultimate goal is that you will have a growing sense of what it means for you to engage your world with a deepening sense of aliveness.
(206) 752-5241 View (206) 752-5241
Photo of Nik Thoma, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Seattle, WA
Nik Thoma
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98103
We experience life through all of our senses and can enlist them in the therapeutic process to address feelings of anxiety, depression, uncertainty, grief, burnout, or anger (among many more!). I approach therapy from a narrative and expressive arts perspective. This means using visual arts, music, movement, creative writing, reading, and/or play in the therapy space, in addition to talk therapy, to assist you in exploring and rewriting the stories you engage with on a daily basis — both about yourself and the world around you. I work best with people who may have been told that they “think outside the box”.
We experience life through all of our senses and can enlist them in the therapeutic process to address feelings of anxiety, depression, uncertainty, grief, burnout, or anger (among many more!). I approach therapy from a narrative and expressive arts perspective. This means using visual arts, music, movement, creative writing, reading, and/or play in the therapy space, in addition to talk therapy, to assist you in exploring and rewriting the stories you engage with on a daily basis — both about yourself and the world around you. I work best with people who may have been told that they “think outside the box”.
(206) 210-1261 View (206) 210-1261
Photo of Kelly Mulligan, Counselor in Seattle, WA
Kelly Mulligan
Counselor, MA, LMHC, MIT
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98112
Are you experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, or struggling in relationships or in a life transition? Seeking therapy is a courageous first step towards creating change in one’s life. With over 25 years of experience, my life’s work has been focused on helping individuals of all ages, and families, build resilience, increase self awareness of behavior and thinking patterns, while strengthening connection. Therapy can lead to a significant reduction in feelings of distress, improve coping skills as well as help you learn to live in the present.
Are you experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, or struggling in relationships or in a life transition? Seeking therapy is a courageous first step towards creating change in one’s life. With over 25 years of experience, my life’s work has been focused on helping individuals of all ages, and families, build resilience, increase self awareness of behavior and thinking patterns, while strengthening connection. Therapy can lead to a significant reduction in feelings of distress, improve coping skills as well as help you learn to live in the present.
(206) 309-4137 View (206) 309-4137
Photo of Melanie Chitwood, Counselor in Seattle, WA
Melanie Chitwood
Counselor, MA, LMHC, LPCC, MBPsS
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98102
My specialty areas include grief & loss; bereavement from terminal illness as well as from sudden/unexpected causes; adjusting to culture/reverse culture shock; relationship struggles; work related stressors, rebuilding identity after a break-up or divorce; neurodivergence; victims of sexual abuse; & therapy for professionals experiencing vicarious trauma.
Finding the right therapist can be a daunting process, yet it is one that really matters. It is understandable to feel out of sorts, isolated, or misunderstood when experiencing relationship, family, peer, academic, or workplace stress, during a life transition, or when recovering from trauma. You may also be struggling with a death, the end of a relationship, a relocation from another state or country, an adjustment to a health issue of yourself or a loved one, or being in an environment in which you feel you don't fit. It can be painful to experience these feelings and to try to find a way forward. You don't have to do this alone.
My specialty areas include grief & loss; bereavement from terminal illness as well as from sudden/unexpected causes; adjusting to culture/reverse culture shock; relationship struggles; work related stressors, rebuilding identity after a break-up or divorce; neurodivergence; victims of sexual abuse; & therapy for professionals experiencing vicarious trauma.
Finding the right therapist can be a daunting process, yet it is one that really matters. It is understandable to feel out of sorts, isolated, or misunderstood when experiencing relationship, family, peer, academic, or workplace stress, during a life transition, or when recovering from trauma. You may also be struggling with a death, the end of a relationship, a relocation from another state or country, an adjustment to a health issue of yourself or a loved one, or being in an environment in which you feel you don't fit. It can be painful to experience these feelings and to try to find a way forward. You don't have to do this alone.
(206) 462-5694 View (206) 462-5694
Photo of Brian Cruess, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Seattle, WA
Brian Cruess
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98122
We all find ourselves in circumstances at one time or another that call for adjusting to change or making decisions, whether it's charting a path through grief and loss, developmental transitions, job loss, recovering from trauma or the challenges of parenting. Therapy can be helpful in sorting through confusing thoughts and feelings, gaining insight, establishing a course of action amongst different choices, and building confidence through experiencing a deeper understanding of yourself, all in the context of a caring relationship.
We all find ourselves in circumstances at one time or another that call for adjusting to change or making decisions, whether it's charting a path through grief and loss, developmental transitions, job loss, recovering from trauma or the challenges of parenting. Therapy can be helpful in sorting through confusing thoughts and feelings, gaining insight, establishing a course of action amongst different choices, and building confidence through experiencing a deeper understanding of yourself, all in the context of a caring relationship.
(206) 496-0381 View (206) 496-0381
Photo of Enely Van Ness, Mental Health Counselor in Seattle, 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
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.