Find Grief Counseling

Grief counseling, also known as grief therapy, is a type of professional support that helps individuals process and adapt to significant loss. It's not about "getting over" your grief—it's about learning how to carry it in a way that doesn't overwhelm your life.

In grief and loss counseling, you might explore:

• The emotional, physical, and cognitive responses to loss
• How your specific grief journey is unfolding
• Unresolved feelings or unfinished conversations
• Coping strategies for managing triggers and milestones
• Ways to preserve connection to the person or thing you've lost
• The rebuilding of identity and purpose after loss

A skilled grief specialist provides not only emotional support but also structure, tools, and perspective to guide you through one of life's hardest seasons.

Grief is a natural response to loss, and everyone experiences it differently. Some people seek support immediately. Others may function well for months before hitting an emotional wall.

You might benefit from therapy for grief if:

• Your grief feels overwhelming or unmanageable
• You're struggling with daily tasks, sleep, or appetite
• You feel numb, stuck, or detached from life
• The loss has triggered anxiety, guilt, or anger
• You're having trouble accepting the reality of the loss
• You feel isolated and like others don't understand
• You're experiencing intrusive thoughts or intense longing
• You've lost your sense of purpose, identity, or faith

Whether your grief is fresh or years old, grief and loss counseling can meet you where you are.

The first session is about creating safety and connection. Your grief therapist will likely begin by asking about:

• The nature of your loss
• How you've been coping emotionally and physically
• What support systems you have in place
• Your goals or hopes for therapy

You don't need to have the "right words" or a clear narrative. Simply showing up is enough.

You may cry, you may feel numb, or you may talk around the loss at first. That's okay. Your therapist will guide the pace, offering validation and compassion—not pressure.

Yes. Different people respond to different formats and therapeutic approaches. Common options include:

Individual Grief Counseling

• One-on-one sessions with a grief counselor
• Focused attention on your unique story
• Private space to explore difficult emotions or trauma
• Often integrates cognitive behavioral therapy for grief, mindfulness, or narrative therapy

Group Grief Therapy

• A supportive environment with others who've experienced similar losses
• Reduces isolation and fosters shared understanding
• May be facilitated by a grief and loss therapist in person or online

Family or Couples Grief Counseling

• Helps family members or partners navigate grief together
• Supports communication, emotional connection, and collective healing

Therapy may also include art therapy, EMDR (especially for traumatic grief), or spiritual counseling—depending on your needs.

To find the right grief therapist:

• Search directories like MiResource.com
• Look for credentials (LCSW, LPC, LMFT, psychologist) and a focus on grief and loss counseling
• Ask about their experience with your type of loss (e.g., child loss, partner loss, suicide, ambiguous grief)
• Consider online grief therapy if travel, energy, or location is a concern
• Reach out for a consultation to see if you feel safe and understood

The right therapist won't rush or pathologize your grief. They'll walk beside you with patience and presence.