Grief is the emotional response to losing someone or something meaningful. While we often associate grief with the death of a loved one, it can arise after many types of loss—such as the death of a pet, the end of a relationship, infertility, a significant life transition, or leaving a long-term home or community. Grief affects people differently, and there is no “right” way or “normal” timeline for how long it should last. Many people struggle not only with their painful emotions, but also with pressure—internal or external—to grieve in a particular way.

For some, grief gradually becomes more manageable with time, showing up in waves that allow for moments of connection, routine, or even joy. For others, grief may remain intense, persistent, or all-consuming. When the emotional pain continues for many months or years and significantly disrupts daily functioning, this is sometimes referred to as complicated grief or prolonged grief. Therapy can be especially helpful in these situations.

Navigating grief can feel overwhelming, isolating, or confusing. You may find yourself unsure how to move forward, questioning whether your reactions are “normal,” or feeling conflicted about the changes in your identity and relationships. Therapy offers a supportive space to explore your experience of loss without judgment. A therapist can help you understand what grief looks like for you, make sense of the meaning of your loss, and support your process of adapting to life in its changed form.

In therapy, you may work on:

• Understanding your unique emotional and physical responses to grief

• Processing the meaning of your loss and its impact on your identity and relationships

• Learning to tolerate waves of emotion without feeling overwhelmed

• Reducing self-judgment or unrealistic expectations about how you “should” be grieving

• Navigating major life transitions following a loss

• Honoring your connection to the person or experience you lost while moving toward a new normal
  

While therapy cannot remove the pain of grief, it can help you feel less alone, more grounded, and more empowered in how you move through this profoundly human experience.

If you’re struggling with grief or loss and want support navigating this difficult time, you can schedule a consultation with one of our clinicians below.