Photo of Michael E Farinha, Psychologist in 91107, CA
Michael E Farinha
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91107
As your psychologist/therapist I will help you in anyway that I can. I will provide you a supportive and comforting environment in which you will able to share and process your feelings. We will also look at ways that we can improve your psychological health and well-being by applying cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, as well as recovery, spirituality, and grief and loss issues. We will identify any illnesses and issues, and will work towards full recovery. I see individuals, couples and families for psychotherapy, intervention and consultation. I specialize in mood, anxiety, addictive and relationship disorders.
As your psychologist/therapist I will help you in anyway that I can. I will provide you a supportive and comforting environment in which you will able to share and process your feelings. We will also look at ways that we can improve your psychological health and well-being by applying cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, as well as recovery, spirituality, and grief and loss issues. We will identify any illnesses and issues, and will work towards full recovery. I see individuals, couples and families for psychotherapy, intervention and consultation. I specialize in mood, anxiety, addictive and relationship disorders.
(626) 325-0766 View (626) 325-0766
Photo of Pamela Coleman, Marriage & Family Therapist in 91107, CA
Pamela Coleman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91107
My name is Pamela Coleman, and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 24 years of experience in the mental health field. My approach to therapy is client-entered, and my focus areas are adults of all ages, adolescents, couples, and families. My overall approach is eclectic, but I hold an attachment theory-based perspective. I am trauma-informed and trauma-responsive. My focus has been on clients that have experienced differing levels of trauma and, as a result, are having difficulty functioning in some area(s) of their life. This may be demonstrated as anxiety, avoidance, depression, or many other ways.
My name is Pamela Coleman, and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 24 years of experience in the mental health field. My approach to therapy is client-entered, and my focus areas are adults of all ages, adolescents, couples, and families. My overall approach is eclectic, but I hold an attachment theory-based perspective. I am trauma-informed and trauma-responsive. My focus has been on clients that have experienced differing levels of trauma and, as a result, are having difficulty functioning in some area(s) of their life. This may be demonstrated as anxiety, avoidance, depression, or many other ways.
(951) 379-3477 View (951) 379-3477
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.