How does someone know if grief counseling is necessary?

Deciding to seek grief counseling is not a sign that you are grieving “incorrectly” or that there is something wrong with you. People seek grief counseling for many different reasons. Sometimes, they may feel “stuck” in their grief or they may be afraid that grief will take control over their life. Some people may not have any family or friends who “get it” and they need to talk to someone outside of the situation. Sometimes, grief might be intertwined with other issues, such as substance use, history of abuse or neglect, or mental health conditions, and people seek guidance and support on navigating these complex factors. If you are struggling with grief, please contact me. Exploring your grief with a trained, experienced counselor can help you find clarity, comfort, and hope.

How are the goals for grief counseling determined?

In the first or second counseling session, we will set goals for counseling together and revisit these regularly over time.

How long does grief counseling last?

Each grief counseling session is 50 minutes in length, and my clients typically meet with me on a weekly or biweekly basis. Each person’s grief experience and grief counseling needs are unique, and there is no set number of sessions that is right for everyone.

What if other factors are involved in grief, such as substance use or mental health conditions?

People do not experience grief in isolation, and life does not give us a “time out” when we need to grieve. Someone may have been dealing with substance use or mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety prior to their loss and then the loss may cause these concerns to escalate. In other cases, the stress of confronting grief may push someone to turn to substance use or expose previously unidentified mental health challenges. As a grief counselor, I can help you navigate these complex factors and address mental health challenges that may affect your grief. If necessary, I can collaborate with other professionals, including psychiatrists and addictions specialists, to best meet your needs.