Therapists in North York, ON

Photo of Robert T. Muller, Psychologist in North York, ON
Robert T. Muller
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
North York, ON M3J
I've been a trauma therapist in Toronto for over 25 years, helping people with PTSD or trauma; those who have struggled with a painful past. I use a trauma-informed approach, that draws on attachment theory, I see individuals, couples or families, who have been affected by trauma. Many of my clients are in high distress from grief and loss, they often have difficult family relationships, or they're trying to cope with anxiety, eating disorders, or emotional pain.
I've been a trauma therapist in Toronto for over 25 years, helping people with PTSD or trauma; those who have struggled with a painful past. I use a trauma-informed approach, that draws on attachment theory, I see individuals, couples or families, who have been affected by trauma. Many of my clients are in high distress from grief and loss, they often have difficult family relationships, or they're trying to cope with anxiety, eating disorders, or emotional pain.
(416) 939-6491 View (416) 939-6491
Photo of May Li, Registered Social Worker in North York, ON
May Li
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RP
Verified Verified
North York, ON M2K
Meeting your searching eyes, my heart feels the pain. I ask myself, what I could offer? As human, we inevitably deal with pain, loss, sadness, anger, anxiety, depression --- I might not be able to feel the deep pain you are experiencing, but I am here, ready to go through it with you and know it will be overcome. I also know when the waves of pain subside, we always find treasures left behind. Life doesn’t mean to survive, but to thrive. Challenges help us to expand our heart, our view, our belief in ourselves, and make us grow. It is often not easy. But you are here, ready to meet it courageously, aren't you?
Meeting your searching eyes, my heart feels the pain. I ask myself, what I could offer? As human, we inevitably deal with pain, loss, sadness, anger, anxiety, depression --- I might not be able to feel the deep pain you are experiencing, but I am here, ready to go through it with you and know it will be overcome. I also know when the waves of pain subside, we always find treasures left behind. Life doesn’t mean to survive, but to thrive. Challenges help us to expand our heart, our view, our belief in ourselves, and make us grow. It is often not easy. But you are here, ready to meet it courageously, aren't you?
(289) 210-7356 View (289) 210-7356
Photo of Paul T P Wong, Psychologist in North York, ON
Paul T P Wong
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
North York, ON M2M  (Online Only)
My ideal client is willing to engage in self-reflection, explore the deeper existential issues related to his/her predicament, and discover the pathways of actualizing his/her potential and dream. Such a client can be a new college graduate struggling for a better understanding of her self-identity or a senior questioning his life's meaning. The issues I am best suited to addressing are both the dark sides of the human condition-such as depression, anxiety, anger, loss, suffering, and death-and the bright sides of personal growth and flourishing.
My ideal client is willing to engage in self-reflection, explore the deeper existential issues related to his/her predicament, and discover the pathways of actualizing his/her potential and dream. Such a client can be a new college graduate struggling for a better understanding of her self-identity or a senior questioning his life's meaning. The issues I am best suited to addressing are both the dark sides of the human condition-such as depression, anxiety, anger, loss, suffering, and death-and the bright sides of personal growth and flourishing.
(855) 690-4409 View (855) 690-4409
Photo of Life Design Therapy , Counsellor in North York, ON
Life Design Therapy
Counsellor, PhD, DCC, MCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North York, ON M2J
We are committed to helping individuals overcome the numerous struggles which are personal injury such as car accident or work injury, chronic pain, depression and anxiety, the overwhelming effects of grief and loss, separation and divorce and the many other crisis of life. Our goal is to empower our clients to realize the potential they have been given for success, happiness, and build healthy coping skills. During times like this, we provide psychological assessment and intervention to use of a digital platform that provides secure, encrypted, audio-video conferencing to communicate with a client in anywhere needing our service.
We are committed to helping individuals overcome the numerous struggles which are personal injury such as car accident or work injury, chronic pain, depression and anxiety, the overwhelming effects of grief and loss, separation and divorce and the many other crisis of life. Our goal is to empower our clients to realize the potential they have been given for success, happiness, and build healthy coping skills. During times like this, we provide psychological assessment and intervention to use of a digital platform that provides secure, encrypted, audio-video conferencing to communicate with a client in anywhere needing our service.
(647) 977-5985 View (647) 977-5985
Photo of Anna Shin, Registered Psychotherapist in North York, ON
Anna Shin
Registered Psychotherapist, MDiv, RMFT, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North York, ON M2K  (Online Only)
For individuals struggling with difficult emotions, such as anxiety, depression, grief, anger, guilt, and low self-esteem, I offer concrete strategies and information to help them augment their coping skills.
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship problems, low self-esteem, anger, or feeling overwhelmed with life's challenges? I provide a non-judgemental, supportive environment where clients can feel safe exploring their most difficult issues and gain some clarity on directions for change. I have successfully helped numerous clients enhance self-awareness, discover their inherent strengths, and boost resilience to meet the complex demands of modern-day life.
For individuals struggling with difficult emotions, such as anxiety, depression, grief, anger, guilt, and low self-esteem, I offer concrete strategies and information to help them augment their coping skills.
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship problems, low self-esteem, anger, or feeling overwhelmed with life's challenges? I provide a non-judgemental, supportive environment where clients can feel safe exploring their most difficult issues and gain some clarity on directions for change. I have successfully helped numerous clients enhance self-awareness, discover their inherent strengths, and boost resilience to meet the complex demands of modern-day life.
(844) 402-2686 View (844) 402-2686
Photo of Narda Razack, Registered Social Worker in North York, ON
Narda Razack
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, PhD
Verified Verified
North York, ON M2J  (Online Only)
Are you struggling in certain areas in your life? Are you experiencing anxiety, insomnia or other emotional issues? Do you occasionally feel a sense of helplessness? Do family dynamics, partner/friend relationship, caring for an elderly parent add to your daily stress? Are you continually dealing with racial trauma, identity, work, and/or gender-based violence? Are you grieving the loss of a partner, family member or a friend? I will provide a non-judgmental space to talk through challenges that continue to plague your mind and wear you down physically and emotionally.
Are you struggling in certain areas in your life? Are you experiencing anxiety, insomnia or other emotional issues? Do you occasionally feel a sense of helplessness? Do family dynamics, partner/friend relationship, caring for an elderly parent add to your daily stress? Are you continually dealing with racial trauma, identity, work, and/or gender-based violence? Are you grieving the loss of a partner, family member or a friend? I will provide a non-judgmental space to talk through challenges that continue to plague your mind and wear you down physically and emotionally.
(226) 270-6695 View (226) 270-6695
Photo of S3LF Services, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in North York, ON
S3LF Services
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MCP, RP(Q)
Verified Verified
North York, ON M1R  (Online Only)
At S3LF Services, our specialties include a holistic and integrative approach to anxiety, depression, codependency, domestic abuse, grief, racial identity, relationship issues, self-esteem, stress, and other concerns. Our knowledge in therapies like an existential, solution-focused brief, mindfulness, cognitive behavioural, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavioural therapy, culturally sensitive and trauma-informed perspective inform our treatment plans. We assess your current situation and collaborate with you to develop a plan that will best suit your journey towards healing at your own pace.
At S3LF Services, our specialties include a holistic and integrative approach to anxiety, depression, codependency, domestic abuse, grief, racial identity, relationship issues, self-esteem, stress, and other concerns. Our knowledge in therapies like an existential, solution-focused brief, mindfulness, cognitive behavioural, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavioural therapy, culturally sensitive and trauma-informed perspective inform our treatment plans. We assess your current situation and collaborate with you to develop a plan that will best suit your journey towards healing at your own pace.
(289) 274-5516 View (289) 274-5516
Photo of Maninder Kaur, Counsellor in North York, ON
Maninder Kaur
Counsellor, MS, CCC
Verified Verified
North York, ON M3N
I have experience working with individuals struggling with self-confidence, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, social-emotional issues, relationship challenges, and a variety of other mental health issues.
At Happy Hearts Counselling Services, we are dedicated to provide a safe & therapeutic space for individuals struggling with mental health/life challenges. We empower our clients to heal, grow, achieve their goals, & to live their best lives by using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused therapy, Psycho-educational counselling, & talk therapy. Happy Hearts Counselling Services provides individual, family, group & couples counselling services, as well as parent coaching. We are person-centred as we believe that what works for one person is unique to what works for another.
I have experience working with individuals struggling with self-confidence, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, social-emotional issues, relationship challenges, and a variety of other mental health issues.
At Happy Hearts Counselling Services, we are dedicated to provide a safe & therapeutic space for individuals struggling with mental health/life challenges. We empower our clients to heal, grow, achieve their goals, & to live their best lives by using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused therapy, Psycho-educational counselling, & talk therapy. Happy Hearts Counselling Services provides individual, family, group & couples counselling services, as well as parent coaching. We are person-centred as we believe that what works for one person is unique to what works for another.
(416) 553-6837 View (416) 553-6837
Photo of Andria Allen, Registered Social Worker in North York, ON
Andria Allen
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
North York, ON M3H  (Online Only)
From struggles with Anxiety, Grief, Anger Management, Intimate relationships, Family Conflicts, Parenting, Self-Esteem, Personality Disorders, Addictions, Life after Violence, Community Violence, or if you are a Clinician and need Clinical Supervision.
Let me guide you to regain connections with your body, mind, and spirit. I believe that it takes a strong person to reach out for help and I applaud your first step in searching for a therapist. If you are dealing with sadness, confusion, loss or just wanting to set your life on a new path, I can assist you to see yourself on the other side of distress. I can assist you to regain control of your life. Our sessions can help you (and your partner or loved one), to become more self-aware and understand the reasons why you behave and react in the way that you do.
From struggles with Anxiety, Grief, Anger Management, Intimate relationships, Family Conflicts, Parenting, Self-Esteem, Personality Disorders, Addictions, Life after Violence, Community Violence, or if you are a Clinician and need Clinical Supervision.
Let me guide you to regain connections with your body, mind, and spirit. I believe that it takes a strong person to reach out for help and I applaud your first step in searching for a therapist. If you are dealing with sadness, confusion, loss or just wanting to set your life on a new path, I can assist you to see yourself on the other side of distress. I can assist you to regain control of your life. Our sessions can help you (and your partner or loved one), to become more self-aware and understand the reasons why you behave and react in the way that you do.
(877) 296-6958 View (877) 296-6958
Photo of Jan Hill, Registered Psychotherapist in North York, ON
Jan Hill
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, PhD, MCC
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
North York, ON M3J
We all have times when we feel overwhelmed by unexpected changes in our family life, relationships, careers or health - times when strong emotions are difficult to manage alone. Perhaps you are experiencing divorce, looking for a career change, deeply saddening by the state of our planet, or wondering what comes next. Maybe you long for a different life, but don't know what to move towards. You might be a high-achieving professional whose drive for success has left you feeling isolated and disconnected. You may be an exhausted or frustrated parent/partner, or grieving the loss of someone you love. You may be male/female/non-binary.
We all have times when we feel overwhelmed by unexpected changes in our family life, relationships, careers or health - times when strong emotions are difficult to manage alone. Perhaps you are experiencing divorce, looking for a career change, deeply saddening by the state of our planet, or wondering what comes next. Maybe you long for a different life, but don't know what to move towards. You might be a high-achieving professional whose drive for success has left you feeling isolated and disconnected. You may be an exhausted or frustrated parent/partner, or grieving the loss of someone you love. You may be male/female/non-binary.
(647) 957-9230 View (647) 957-9230
Photo of Gabriela Arriola, Registered Social Worker in North York, ON
Gabriela Arriola
Registered Social Worker, BA, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North York, ON M9N
I have worked with people facing multi-faceted issues in their relationships and communities including: divorce , abuse, disabilities, grief, depression, parenting and anger.
Hello, and welcome to my site. Are you feeling depressed, isolated, stressed, anxious, low self esteem or suicidal? Are you having relationship problems, with partners, co-workers, family members(children)? I provide therapy for everyone but especially for those struggling with issues of divorce , anxiety and conflictive family relationship. I work with individuals, couples and families. I work in both languages Spanish and English . I am a member of Ontario College of Social Workers.
I have worked with people facing multi-faceted issues in their relationships and communities including: divorce , abuse, disabilities, grief, depression, parenting and anger.
Hello, and welcome to my site. Are you feeling depressed, isolated, stressed, anxious, low self esteem or suicidal? Are you having relationship problems, with partners, co-workers, family members(children)? I provide therapy for everyone but especially for those struggling with issues of divorce , anxiety and conflictive family relationship. I work with individuals, couples and families. I work in both languages Spanish and English . I am a member of Ontario College of Social Workers.
(289) 207-6548 View (289) 207-6548
Photo of Fabiola Duran, Registered Psychotherapist in North York, ON
Fabiola Duran
Registered Psychotherapist, PhD, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North York, ON M3J  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My name is Fabiola. I have more than twenty five years of working experience (12 years in Canada, 10 years in the US, 5 years in Colombia) with Spanish and English speaking couples, individuals, and families in the areas of grief, infidelity, trauma, PTSD, divorce, anger management, sleep or insomnia, pregnancy, prenatal, post-partum, domestic violence, drug addictions, depression, anxiety, stress, among others. I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.
My name is Fabiola. I have more than twenty five years of working experience (12 years in Canada, 10 years in the US, 5 years in Colombia) with Spanish and English speaking couples, individuals, and families in the areas of grief, infidelity, trauma, PTSD, divorce, anger management, sleep or insomnia, pregnancy, prenatal, post-partum, domestic violence, drug addictions, depression, anxiety, stress, among others. I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.
(647) 496-1036 View (647) 496-1036
Photo of Lynda Ceresne, Registered Psychotherapist in North York, ON
Lynda Ceresne
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
North York, ON M2H
My areas of specialty include: adult family conflict, relationship repair, parenting, career challenges, trauma, depression, anxiety, emotional regulation, women's mental health, dating, separation, divorce, intimate partner violence, grief, and living with cancer.
I am a dynamic, highly skilled, and dedicated Registered Psychotherapist. I have over 25 years of experience working successfully with youth and adults, couples, and families. I understand how difficult it can be to ask for help and how important it is to find a therapist you feel comfortable with. We will work together to identify changes you want to make and establish therapy goals. My clinical therapy work is collaborative, supportive, and goal-oriented. I act as a facilitator and guide, assisting clients to realize their goals for change, feel happier, and be more effective personally and professionally.
My areas of specialty include: adult family conflict, relationship repair, parenting, career challenges, trauma, depression, anxiety, emotional regulation, women's mental health, dating, separation, divorce, intimate partner violence, grief, and living with cancer.
I am a dynamic, highly skilled, and dedicated Registered Psychotherapist. I have over 25 years of experience working successfully with youth and adults, couples, and families. I understand how difficult it can be to ask for help and how important it is to find a therapist you feel comfortable with. We will work together to identify changes you want to make and establish therapy goals. My clinical therapy work is collaborative, supportive, and goal-oriented. I act as a facilitator and guide, assisting clients to realize their goals for change, feel happier, and be more effective personally and professionally.
(647) 360-5122 View (647) 360-5122
Photo of Danielle Besseling, Registered Social Worker in North York, ON
Danielle Besseling
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
North York, ON M5M  (Online Only)
I am passionate about helping people get to the root of their problems. Sometimes the "root" of the issue manifests itself in painful ways such as anxiety, depression, eating issues, or even just difficulty getting through day to day life. I seek to help my clients gain awareness and acceptance of their emotions and needs and empower them to make new choices that cultivate the life they want. I help clients navigate the difficulty that major life transitions present such as, loss, illness, divorce, family changes and career issues. Where it is relevant, I help explore how those emotions relate to past patterns and experiences.
I am passionate about helping people get to the root of their problems. Sometimes the "root" of the issue manifests itself in painful ways such as anxiety, depression, eating issues, or even just difficulty getting through day to day life. I seek to help my clients gain awareness and acceptance of their emotions and needs and empower them to make new choices that cultivate the life they want. I help clients navigate the difficulty that major life transitions present such as, loss, illness, divorce, family changes and career issues. Where it is relevant, I help explore how those emotions relate to past patterns and experiences.
(855) 463-1477 View (855) 463-1477
Photo of Jothi Ramesh, Registered Social Worker in North York, ON
Jothi Ramesh
Registered Social Worker, MA, RSW
Verified Verified
North York, ON M1L
My areas of expertise are depression, anxiety, OCD, relationship issues,addictions, financial issues, anger management, bereavement, self-esteem, sexuality, transgendered/transexual, trauma, workplace issues, MVA, and eating disorders.
I offer counselling and psychotherapy for individuals, couples and families. I work with clients to improve their resiliency and help to uncover their strengths. I use different modalities to meet the individual's needs. I use a client-centred approach that gives the client the ability to drive the sessions' goals. I help clients connect the dots between patterns that were established in their childhood and its manifestations in adult life. This aids in understanding the connection between the two and enables an exploration of ways to alter them.
My areas of expertise are depression, anxiety, OCD, relationship issues,addictions, financial issues, anger management, bereavement, self-esteem, sexuality, transgendered/transexual, trauma, workplace issues, MVA, and eating disorders.
I offer counselling and psychotherapy for individuals, couples and families. I work with clients to improve their resiliency and help to uncover their strengths. I use different modalities to meet the individual's needs. I use a client-centred approach that gives the client the ability to drive the sessions' goals. I help clients connect the dots between patterns that were established in their childhood and its manifestations in adult life. This aids in understanding the connection between the two and enables an exploration of ways to alter them.
(437) 800-0304 View (437) 800-0304
Photo of Ashley Davidson, Registered Social Worker in North York, ON
Ashley Davidson
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
North York, ON M2K  (Online Only)
Many of us have life experiences that shake up our worlds and dramatically transform how we see ourselves. They may be relationship breakdowns, major traumas, the loss of a family pet, becoming a parent, or receiving a life-changing diagnosis. These challenges can leave us feeling overwhelmed and oftentimes isolated - know that you are not alone. My role is to help you to feel heard, make sense of difficult experiences, as well as teach you strategies to cope with distressing thoughts and emotions that accompany trauma and anxiety. Together we can work towards reconnecting you with who you are and the life you wish to lead.
Many of us have life experiences that shake up our worlds and dramatically transform how we see ourselves. They may be relationship breakdowns, major traumas, the loss of a family pet, becoming a parent, or receiving a life-changing diagnosis. These challenges can leave us feeling overwhelmed and oftentimes isolated - know that you are not alone. My role is to help you to feel heard, make sense of difficult experiences, as well as teach you strategies to cope with distressing thoughts and emotions that accompany trauma and anxiety. Together we can work towards reconnecting you with who you are and the life you wish to lead.
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Photo of Nechama Drookman, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in North York, ON
Nechama Drookman
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BEd, MA, RPQ
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North York, ON M2R  (Online Only)
You may recognize that something in your life is not aligned with your hopes and dreams. You may feel stuck and are struggling - you don't need to do this alone! I'm here to provide you with the guidance and clarity you seek. You may be experiencing depression, grief, anxiety, stress, trauma, ineffective or damaging coping mechanisms such as substance misuse and other addictions, life-cycle crises such as divorce, empty nest, infertility, and marriage and/or parenting difficulties. Together we can uncover and understand the root causes that influence your circumstances and explore options for managing your presenting issues.
You may recognize that something in your life is not aligned with your hopes and dreams. You may feel stuck and are struggling - you don't need to do this alone! I'm here to provide you with the guidance and clarity you seek. You may be experiencing depression, grief, anxiety, stress, trauma, ineffective or damaging coping mechanisms such as substance misuse and other addictions, life-cycle crises such as divorce, empty nest, infertility, and marriage and/or parenting difficulties. Together we can uncover and understand the root causes that influence your circumstances and explore options for managing your presenting issues.
(289) 216-8472 View (289) 216-8472
Photo of Ferdie Mateos, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in North York, ON
Ferdie Mateos
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
North York, ON M3M  (Online Only)
Accepting NEW Clients! - Are you hoping to feel less "stuck," anxious, or sad? Is there a part of you hoping to reconnect with yourself and build confidence, build better boundaries, or understand how your childhood impacts your present? Do you want to learn coping strategies or skills for daily life or ADHD? Have you experienced a loss that you're looking to work through, or find stress is too present in your day? Do you sometimes just need someone to create a neutral space for you to tell your story?
Accepting NEW Clients! - Are you hoping to feel less "stuck," anxious, or sad? Is there a part of you hoping to reconnect with yourself and build confidence, build better boundaries, or understand how your childhood impacts your present? Do you want to learn coping strategies or skills for daily life or ADHD? Have you experienced a loss that you're looking to work through, or find stress is too present in your day? Do you sometimes just need someone to create a neutral space for you to tell your story?
(289) 274-7390 View (289) 274-7390
Photo of Korri Shefa, Registered Psychotherapist in North York, ON
Korri Shefa
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
North York, ON M2H  (Online Only)
I work with couples and individuals providing in-person therapy as well as virtual therapy which have been exceedingly popular as it provides more flexibility in today's culture. In couples therapy I incorporate gottman theory, emotionally focused therapy (EFT) and attachment therapy. I work with individuals suffering from various anxiety disorders, as well as depression, suicidality and grief related to infertility. I have an eclectic approach, incorporating cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques as well as pulling from different theoretical orientations such as attachment theory and motivational interviewing techniques.
I work with couples and individuals providing in-person therapy as well as virtual therapy which have been exceedingly popular as it provides more flexibility in today's culture. In couples therapy I incorporate gottman theory, emotionally focused therapy (EFT) and attachment therapy. I work with individuals suffering from various anxiety disorders, as well as depression, suicidality and grief related to infertility. I have an eclectic approach, incorporating cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques as well as pulling from different theoretical orientations such as attachment theory and motivational interviewing techniques.
(647) 695-7681 View (647) 695-7681
Photo of Aileen Yu, Registered Psychotherapist in North York, ON
Aileen Yu
Registered Psychotherapist, BEd, MDiv, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North York, ON M2N
You have already demonstrated the courage to seek positive changes in life when you saw my profile. Are you struggling with issues related to trauma, grief, addiction, anxiety, relationship issues, or major life changes? There comes a time when help is needed from a certified professional to cope with many of life's challenges. When we are dealing with all the issues, it is hard to walk the journey alone. I am willing to support you to find solutions that are effective and long lasting. I am here to help you gain insights, self-awareness, and the skills to have a more holistic life. Together we will find hope and healing.
You have already demonstrated the courage to seek positive changes in life when you saw my profile. Are you struggling with issues related to trauma, grief, addiction, anxiety, relationship issues, or major life changes? There comes a time when help is needed from a certified professional to cope with many of life's challenges. When we are dealing with all the issues, it is hard to walk the journey alone. I am willing to support you to find solutions that are effective and long lasting. I am here to help you gain insights, self-awareness, and the skills to have a more holistic life. Together we will find hope and healing.
(647) 694-6787 View (647) 694-6787

See more therapy options for North York

Grief Counsellors

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.