Grief Therapists in Medina, WA

Photo of Meghan Davidson, MSSW, LICSW, CMHS, VSW-CP, GCTC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Meghan Davidson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LICSW, CMHS, VSW-CP, GCTC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Medina, WA 98039  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with people who have experienced abuse, neglect, and trauma as well as grief and loss.
Sometimes life just really sucks and we need someone to help support, empower, and encourage us through the hard times. I would love to be that person for you. I focus on coming from a trauma informed, strengths based lens that keeps you in control as we partner together to figure out what works best for you.
I specialize in working with people who have experienced abuse, neglect, and trauma as well as grief and loss.
Sometimes life just really sucks and we need someone to help support, empower, and encourage us through the hard times. I would love to be that person for you. I focus on coming from a trauma informed, strengths based lens that keeps you in control as we partner together to figure out what works best for you.
(509) 740-0987 View (509) 740-0987
Photo of Alison Davis, MA, LMHC, CSAT, EMDR, IFS, Counselor
Alison Davis
Counselor, MA, LMHC, CSAT, EMDR, IFS
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Medina, WA 98039
They specializes in marriage and family counseling, adolescents and teenagers, anxiety, grief, depression, self-esteem, anger management, addiction, sex addiction and infidelity.
I provide a compassionate place to heal so that you can experience healthy relationships and find meaning and joy in life. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington. I am certified in Couples Communication, Sex Addiction (CSAT), and Lifespan Integration - which helps to heal past wounds. I am also trained in EMDR, which is a clinically proven way to help people resolve trauma. I work with clients on issues such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship issues including infidelity, codependency, grief, trauma, and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. I also work with addictions (sex, chemicals & gambling) and Partners and families of addicted individuals.
They specializes in marriage and family counseling, adolescents and teenagers, anxiety, grief, depression, self-esteem, anger management, addiction, sex addiction and infidelity.
I provide a compassionate place to heal so that you can experience healthy relationships and find meaning and joy in life. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington. I am certified in Couples Communication, Sex Addiction (CSAT), and Lifespan Integration - which helps to heal past wounds. I am also trained in EMDR, which is a clinically proven way to help people resolve trauma. I work with clients on issues such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship issues including infidelity, codependency, grief, trauma, and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. I also work with addictions (sex, chemicals & gambling) and Partners and families of addicted individuals.
(206) 489-3642 View (206) 489-3642
Photo of Carrie Erickson, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Carrie Erickson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Medina, WA 98039
Specialties:Depression, Anxiety, Mindfulness, Family/Relationships, LGBQT, Infertility, Trauma, Sex/Sexuality, Grief, Women's Health, & Divorce Recovery.
Welcome! I'm a highly skilled Marriage & Family therapist with over 20 years of clinical experience with clients & supervision of interns. I have a B.S. in Communications & a M.S. in Marriage & Family Therapy. If you are in need of immediate help/relief or looking for long-term therapy, I can definitely address your concerns as I am trained in both. My areas of expertise are working with adults, teens, relationships, & families looking to create authentic, lasting change. My style is collaborative, compassionate, directive, & fun. Hope is essential for Healing. Resilience is essential to Thrive. I can help you achieve both.
Specialties:Depression, Anxiety, Mindfulness, Family/Relationships, LGBQT, Infertility, Trauma, Sex/Sexuality, Grief, Women's Health, & Divorce Recovery.
Welcome! I'm a highly skilled Marriage & Family therapist with over 20 years of clinical experience with clients & supervision of interns. I have a B.S. in Communications & a M.S. in Marriage & Family Therapy. If you are in need of immediate help/relief or looking for long-term therapy, I can definitely address your concerns as I am trained in both. My areas of expertise are working with adults, teens, relationships, & families looking to create authentic, lasting change. My style is collaborative, compassionate, directive, & fun. Hope is essential for Healing. Resilience is essential to Thrive. I can help you achieve both.
(206) 317-5126 View (206) 317-5126
Photo of Cami Huysman - ACT Services, LMHC, LICSW, SUDP, MHP, CMHS
ACT Services
Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, LICSW, SUDP, MHP, CMHS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Medina, WA 98039  (Online Only)
Now accepting NEW clients! We all experience difficulties in life: breakups, divorce, grief and loss as well as trouble with school or work performance. We believe quality mental health services should be available when inevitable events knock us off course and we can't "fix" it ourselves. Most people try several remedies before therapy, but sometimes extra help is needed. We also recognize that everyone wants privacy, ranging from children to lawyers to other medical professionals. We were founded with you in mind. Your privacy is important to us, and shouldn't be a barrier to quality care.
Now accepting NEW clients! We all experience difficulties in life: breakups, divorce, grief and loss as well as trouble with school or work performance. We believe quality mental health services should be available when inevitable events knock us off course and we can't "fix" it ourselves. Most people try several remedies before therapy, but sometimes extra help is needed. We also recognize that everyone wants privacy, ranging from children to lawyers to other medical professionals. We were founded with you in mind. Your privacy is important to us, and shouldn't be a barrier to quality care.
(509) 631-8240 View (509) 631-8240
Photo of Ashlie Unruh, MA, LMHC, LCPC, Counselor
Ashlie Unruh
Counselor, MA, LMHC, LCPC
Verified Verified
Medina, WA 98039  (Online Only)
My focus is working with women who struggle with depression, trauma, grief, shame/guilt, anxiety, spiritual abuse, emotional, and sexual abuse.
I have journeyed with adults experiencing a wide variety of issues, in practice for 20+ years. Although I spend time exploring the specific problem that brings you into counseling or therapy, I will also explore in depth the nature of your relationships with other significant people in your life. I will do this in such a way as to challenge ineffective ways of living and provide for personal change to occur. Change at this level requires more than new skills or understanding. I will help you work through and take responsibility for the specific situations you are facing.
My focus is working with women who struggle with depression, trauma, grief, shame/guilt, anxiety, spiritual abuse, emotional, and sexual abuse.
I have journeyed with adults experiencing a wide variety of issues, in practice for 20+ years. Although I spend time exploring the specific problem that brings you into counseling or therapy, I will also explore in depth the nature of your relationships with other significant people in your life. I will do this in such a way as to challenge ineffective ways of living and provide for personal change to occur. Change at this level requires more than new skills or understanding. I will help you work through and take responsibility for the specific situations you are facing.
(208) 495-3356 View (208) 495-3356
Photo of Maria Agne, MA, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maria Agne
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Medina, WA 98039
I believe the growth and beauty of our resilience comes from dealing directly and gently with our pain, loss and obstacles, as well as spectacular adventures, planned and unplanned.
Do you want to take your life experiences to a more fulfilling level? Do you know your 'issues' and 'patterns,' yet still find yourself stuck and dealing with the same problems within yourself or relationships repeatedly? We often begin our greatest work where things feel limiting. My passion for this work comes from a desire to be a part of people’s courageous experiences of understanding who they are, while letting go of who they aren’t. I specialize in working with professionals in the tech industry, business, creative endeavors; stay-at-home parents; and people transitioning in their lives, as well as couples in troubled waters.
I believe the growth and beauty of our resilience comes from dealing directly and gently with our pain, loss and obstacles, as well as spectacular adventures, planned and unplanned.
Do you want to take your life experiences to a more fulfilling level? Do you know your 'issues' and 'patterns,' yet still find yourself stuck and dealing with the same problems within yourself or relationships repeatedly? We often begin our greatest work where things feel limiting. My passion for this work comes from a desire to be a part of people’s courageous experiences of understanding who they are, while letting go of who they aren’t. I specialize in working with professionals in the tech industry, business, creative endeavors; stay-at-home parents; and people transitioning in their lives, as well as couples in troubled waters.
(206) 207-9334 View (206) 207-9334
Photo of Meghan McGinn, PhD, Psychologist
Meghan McGinn
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Medina, WA 98039  (Online Only)
Are you considering couple therapy? Virtually all couples encounter challenging periods in their relationships or times when they struggle to communicate about important topics. Working with an experienced and highly trained couple therapist can help get you back on track. I work with couples facing a wide range of challenges, and in particular, those who are dealing with parenting stress, infertility, grief, trauma, ADHD, or anxiety. My practice, Have the Talk Counseling, PLLC, exclusively serves couples via telehealth (video-conferencing), which most people find offers greater convenience and flexibility for scheduling.
Are you considering couple therapy? Virtually all couples encounter challenging periods in their relationships or times when they struggle to communicate about important topics. Working with an experienced and highly trained couple therapist can help get you back on track. I work with couples facing a wide range of challenges, and in particular, those who are dealing with parenting stress, infertility, grief, trauma, ADHD, or anxiety. My practice, Have the Talk Counseling, PLLC, exclusively serves couples via telehealth (video-conferencing), which most people find offers greater convenience and flexibility for scheduling.
(425) 600-1754 View (425) 600-1754
Photo of Dana Cram, MA, LMHC, MHP, Counselor
Dana Cram
Counselor, MA, LMHC, MHP
Verified Verified
Medina, WA 98039  (Online Only)
You're ready for change. You're tired of how things have been, and not just the last two years. If you're looking for an authentic, empathic individual to help guide you along the way, I may be the right therapist for you. I love helping young adults and people early in their careers navigate college stress, peer relationships, and dating, as well as those with established careers, contemplating a change. Anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, ADHD, stress management, relationship issues, grief/ loss, and postpartum concerns are all welcome. You're ready: let's get started.
You're ready for change. You're tired of how things have been, and not just the last two years. If you're looking for an authentic, empathic individual to help guide you along the way, I may be the right therapist for you. I love helping young adults and people early in their careers navigate college stress, peer relationships, and dating, as well as those with established careers, contemplating a change. Anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, ADHD, stress management, relationship issues, grief/ loss, and postpartum concerns are all welcome. You're ready: let's get started.
(509) 239-7874 View (509) 239-7874
Photo of Christy Little, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Christy Little
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Medina, WA 98039  (Online Only)
I also work with individuals navigating the dizzying and devastating grief process after a significant loss.
Divorce doesn't feel like the right option, and yet, something needs to change. You and your spouse are missing that connection that used to come so easily. You find yourself fighting over all the little things. Or, maybe there's so little connection between you that you feel more like roommates and are missing that spark... Or, maybe you recently learned the devastating news about your partner’s affair. Let me help you find the light at the end of the tunnel.
I also work with individuals navigating the dizzying and devastating grief process after a significant loss.
Divorce doesn't feel like the right option, and yet, something needs to change. You and your spouse are missing that connection that used to come so easily. You find yourself fighting over all the little things. Or, maybe there's so little connection between you that you feel more like roommates and are missing that spark... Or, maybe you recently learned the devastating news about your partner’s affair. Let me help you find the light at the end of the tunnel.
(253) 367-3569 View (253) 367-3569
Photo of Rachel E. Zavertnik - Rachel E. Zavertnik | irezonate joy llc., LCSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rachel E. Zavertnik | irezonate joy llc.
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Medina, WA 98039
I understand how difficult it can be to parent effectively, especially when it comes to improving communication and creating a peaceful home without resorting to yelling, screaming, or empty threats. Mastering positive parenting can be tough and overwhelming. Are you constantly arguing with your child or finding yourself using threats and getting into disagreements? Do you struggle to get your child to help with chores or show respect? I completely understand as I've been in similar situations. It's normal to want to feel in control while leading a balanced and satisfying life.
I understand how difficult it can be to parent effectively, especially when it comes to improving communication and creating a peaceful home without resorting to yelling, screaming, or empty threats. Mastering positive parenting can be tough and overwhelming. Are you constantly arguing with your child or finding yourself using threats and getting into disagreements? Do you struggle to get your child to help with chores or show respect? I completely understand as I've been in similar situations. It's normal to want to feel in control while leading a balanced and satisfying life.
(971) 203-0743 View (971) 203-0743
Photo of Veronika Stutz - Phoenix Rises Counseling LLC, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Phoenix Rises Counseling LLC
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Medina, WA 98039  (Online Only)
I help you heal the hurt of traumatic childhoods, abusive relationships, or the lingering pain of traumatic events; the feeling of "not enough-ness", "having to prove my worth", or "settling for less". I help you move on from hurtful relationships or choosing "the wrong partner" so you can achieve a loving partnership. I help you find yourself again. I help you shed your old skin. I work to bring freedom from current PTSD, chronic PTSD, "small" or "big" traumas, anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. I also welcome open relationships, ethical non-monogamy, polyamory, kink, and sex-positivity for individual and couples counseling.
I help you heal the hurt of traumatic childhoods, abusive relationships, or the lingering pain of traumatic events; the feeling of "not enough-ness", "having to prove my worth", or "settling for less". I help you move on from hurtful relationships or choosing "the wrong partner" so you can achieve a loving partnership. I help you find yourself again. I help you shed your old skin. I work to bring freedom from current PTSD, chronic PTSD, "small" or "big" traumas, anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. I also welcome open relationships, ethical non-monogamy, polyamory, kink, and sex-positivity for individual and couples counseling.
(509) 260-2334 x100 View (509) 260-2334 x100
Photo of Ashley Connors, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ashley Connors
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Medina, WA 98039
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Washington State and South Carolina. My most common client is someone that has tried previous therapies that have left them frustrated due to lack of results. I am proud to offer evidence-based treatments for anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and disorders of emotion regulation. My practice is offered in hybrid of video-conferencing and in-person meetings. Some of the benefits of this format is being able to meet with an evidence-based treatment therapist in the privacy of your own home with greater flexibility in scheduling.
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Washington State and South Carolina. My most common client is someone that has tried previous therapies that have left them frustrated due to lack of results. I am proud to offer evidence-based treatments for anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and disorders of emotion regulation. My practice is offered in hybrid of video-conferencing and in-person meetings. Some of the benefits of this format is being able to meet with an evidence-based treatment therapist in the privacy of your own home with greater flexibility in scheduling.
(206) 701-5442 View (206) 701-5442
Photo of Karin Potter, LMHC, CMHS, Counselor
Karin Potter
Counselor, LMHC, CMHS
Verified Verified
Medina, WA 98039  (Online Only)
Being a person is hard work; our lives are complex and navigating the world is challenging even in the best of circumstances. What we all long for, a sense of wellness, is not just the absence of affliction, it is the presence of vitality. Each of us has the capacity for this vitality, where we live fully and whole-heartedly. Clients who find my services most helpful tend to be those who are looking for a new way of living, who seek a deeper understanding of their feelings, their relationships, and their life.
Being a person is hard work; our lives are complex and navigating the world is challenging even in the best of circumstances. What we all long for, a sense of wellness, is not just the absence of affliction, it is the presence of vitality. Each of us has the capacity for this vitality, where we live fully and whole-heartedly. Clients who find my services most helpful tend to be those who are looking for a new way of living, who seek a deeper understanding of their feelings, their relationships, and their life.
(425) 414-7844 View (425) 414-7844
Photo of Guinnivere Katray Bohnsack, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Guinnivere Katray Bohnsack
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Medina, WA 98039  (Online Only)
Licensed in MI, IA, WA and NC. Your human experience contains the magical potential for joy, challenge, love, pain, connection...we are invited to take the very essence of each experience and uncover the wisdom within. Companioning others in this courageous endeavor of feeling our lives fully is the gift I offer. Bring your hurt, your heart, your deepest desires and longings, your bitterness, your hope, your bravery...all is welcome here. We will uncover the mystery underlying your experience to create connection , illumination, and restoration. My approach is warm and direct. Together, we will find the song that sings you home.
Licensed in MI, IA, WA and NC. Your human experience contains the magical potential for joy, challenge, love, pain, connection...we are invited to take the very essence of each experience and uncover the wisdom within. Companioning others in this courageous endeavor of feeling our lives fully is the gift I offer. Bring your hurt, your heart, your deepest desires and longings, your bitterness, your hope, your bravery...all is welcome here. We will uncover the mystery underlying your experience to create connection , illumination, and restoration. My approach is warm and direct. Together, we will find the song that sings you home.
(828) 518-6646 View (828) 518-6646
Photo of Esther Karson, PhD, FIPA, BCPsa, Psychologist
Esther Karson
Psychologist, PhD, FIPA, BCPsa
Verified Verified
Medina, WA 98039
As we work toward these goals, patients' creativity and aliveness tend, over time, to b lossom and prevail.
Emotional pain can feel awkward and difficult to express. I know how hard it can be to make that first move and turn to someone for help with anxiety, depression, panic,trauma, self-loathing, or concerns about relationships with important people in your life. I use an insight-oriented approach to help my patients make meaning of their feelings and current behavior in light of both their chorus of internal voices and their actual psychological histories.When a patient becomes aware of 'the past operating in the present', a space begins to open up in their minds for making different choices.
As we work toward these goals, patients' creativity and aliveness tend, over time, to b lossom and prevail.
Emotional pain can feel awkward and difficult to express. I know how hard it can be to make that first move and turn to someone for help with anxiety, depression, panic,trauma, self-loathing, or concerns about relationships with important people in your life. I use an insight-oriented approach to help my patients make meaning of their feelings and current behavior in light of both their chorus of internal voices and their actual psychological histories.When a patient becomes aware of 'the past operating in the present', a space begins to open up in their minds for making different choices.
(425) 954-7838 View (425) 954-7838
Photo of Lori E Mazenko, MA, LPC, LMHC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lori E Mazenko
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Medina, WA 98039
You've taken the first step to wellness by looking for a therapist. It can be difficult to find just the right match. You're ready to make a change - I can assist you. My desire is to help you understand core issues that are creating challenges in your life, find ways to cope more satisfactorily, make your desired changes, discover new options and make informed choices. I believe that the fit between client and therapist is important in making changes. I enjoy coming alongside people who have decided it's time to live life to the fullest and overcome issues holding them back.
You've taken the first step to wellness by looking for a therapist. It can be difficult to find just the right match. You're ready to make a change - I can assist you. My desire is to help you understand core issues that are creating challenges in your life, find ways to cope more satisfactorily, make your desired changes, discover new options and make informed choices. I believe that the fit between client and therapist is important in making changes. I enjoy coming alongside people who have decided it's time to live life to the fullest and overcome issues holding them back.
(541) 359-3934 View (541) 359-3934
Photo of Jennifer Palau, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jennifer Palau
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Medina, WA 98039
Accepting new clients. I specialize in adolescents and adults that find emotions get the best of you and you don't know what to do differently or better. If you are willing, I will work with you to learn effective skills that can bring you a sense of balance and a life worth living. I look forward to guiding you towards those solutions in a compassionate, collaborate setting. I specialize in acute behaviors such as self-harm, and also more general depression and anxiety issues that can interfere in your quality of life. I also provide parent coaching in these areas if you are a parent of a teen struggling with these issues.
Accepting new clients. I specialize in adolescents and adults that find emotions get the best of you and you don't know what to do differently or better. If you are willing, I will work with you to learn effective skills that can bring you a sense of balance and a life worth living. I look forward to guiding you towards those solutions in a compassionate, collaborate setting. I specialize in acute behaviors such as self-harm, and also more general depression and anxiety issues that can interfere in your quality of life. I also provide parent coaching in these areas if you are a parent of a teen struggling with these issues.
(425) 274-2486 View (425) 274-2486
Photo of Lottie Cooper, MA, LPC Intern
Lottie Cooper
LPC Intern, MA
Verified Verified
Medina, WA 98039  (Online Only)
Are you feeling stuck and want a breakthrough? I can facilitate releasing your physical, emotional, spiritual pain that is stored in the body. Are you ready to commit to yourself ? I am committed to supporting you in creating a joyful & fulfilling life. I use many modalities to individualize sessions to meet your needs to heal your pain mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Learn sensitive ways of thinking and communicating to support your relationships, create new perspectives, inner wisdom, and self-love, for a more fulfilling life. Learn skills to easily release stress, and explorations to track your progress.
Are you feeling stuck and want a breakthrough? I can facilitate releasing your physical, emotional, spiritual pain that is stored in the body. Are you ready to commit to yourself ? I am committed to supporting you in creating a joyful & fulfilling life. I use many modalities to individualize sessions to meet your needs to heal your pain mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Learn sensitive ways of thinking and communicating to support your relationships, create new perspectives, inner wisdom, and self-love, for a more fulfilling life. Learn skills to easily release stress, and explorations to track your progress.
(828) 944-4105 View (828) 944-4105
Photo of Colin Ross Lindborg, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Colin Ross Lindborg
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Medina, WA 98039
I accept most forms of insurance. Are you feeling sad, anxious, overwhelmed, or have you simply found yourself wanting more from your life? People seek therapy for a variety of reasons, and this seeking is often the first brave step toward living into a sense of greater possibility and deeper relationships! I view therapy first and foremost as healing that arises from a conversation. That conversation can be transformative, can take many forms, and is an act of co-creation between you and me. Let's help you create the life you were meant to live!
I accept most forms of insurance. Are you feeling sad, anxious, overwhelmed, or have you simply found yourself wanting more from your life? People seek therapy for a variety of reasons, and this seeking is often the first brave step toward living into a sense of greater possibility and deeper relationships! I view therapy first and foremost as healing that arises from a conversation. That conversation can be transformative, can take many forms, and is an act of co-creation between you and me. Let's help you create the life you were meant to live!
(360) 614-2287 View (360) 614-2287
Photo of Courteney Burrill, MA, LMHC, SUDP, NCC, MHP, Counselor
Courteney Burrill
Counselor, MA, LMHC, SUDP, NCC, MHP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Medina, WA 98039
NEW clients welcome! You've been struggling for a while, trying to fix "it" yourself. You are ready for more-fulfilling relationships and a rewarding life. If you are looking for an authentic, caring, and empathic individual to help guide you along the way, I may be the right therapist for you. I love working with adults to navigate all that life throws at us, including substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, stress management, and more. You're ready for change: fill out the questionnaire on our website (actspokane.com/new) to get started.
NEW clients welcome! You've been struggling for a while, trying to fix "it" yourself. You are ready for more-fulfilling relationships and a rewarding life. If you are looking for an authentic, caring, and empathic individual to help guide you along the way, I may be the right therapist for you. I love working with adults to navigate all that life throws at us, including substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, stress management, and more. You're ready for change: fill out the questionnaire on our website (actspokane.com/new) to get started.
(509) 257-4945 View (509) 257-4945
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Grief Therapists

How long does therapy take for grief?

There is no exact timeline for grief counseling. Some people may start to feel better after just a few sessions, while others may take months or longer to feel relief. Some specific approaches, including some types of CBT, may involve a set number of sessions, or therapy may be open-ended until the patient determines they are ready to wrap up. Just as there is no right or wrong way to grieve, there is no right or wrong way to seek therapy for grief.

When should you seek therapy for grief?

Many people mistakenly believe that their grief needs to be debilitating or all-encompassing to warrant therapy. This is not the case. While people who experience severe, prolonged grief—particularly those who are considering self-harm or engaging in unhealthy substance use—are especially likely to benefit from therapy, so too are people whose grief is less intense but still interfering with well-being or daily functioning. In practice, almost anyone struggling to process a loss could benefit from grief counseling.

Can grief be managed without therapy?

Oftentimes, yes. Grief is a near-universal part of being human, and many find that their grief, while profound, does not stop them from participating in day-to-day life and steadily eases over time without outside help. For others, however, the harsh pain of early grief persists for months or years or leaves them unable to function. This group is especially likely to benefit from seeing a therapist, who can guide them through their grief and help them reconnect with the world.

What happens if grief is left untreated?

Because grief does not in itself necessitate therapy, untreated grief will often resolve on its own. However, for some people—particularly those who would qualify for a diagnosis of prolonged grief disorder—untreated grief can be a source of seemingly endless pain or lead them to withdraw from the world. In such cases, treatment can be indispensable, as it can help an individual adapt to the loss and start living again.