Grief is a natural emotional response to loss, often triggered by the death of a loved one, but it can also result from other significant life changes such as divorce, illness, job loss, or estrangement. It can affect people in many different ways—emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Common experiences of grief include sadness, anger, guilt, numbness, confusion, or even relief, and these feelings may come in waves or last longer than expected. Everyone’s grieving process is unique, and there is no “right” way or timeline to mourn.

Mental health counseling can be a powerful support during the grieving process. Therapy offers a compassionate, nonjudgmental space to express emotions, make sense of the loss, and explore the impact it has on your life and identity. A counselor can help you process difficult feelings, manage overwhelming emotions, and find ways to honor the person or thing you’ve lost. Grief counseling may also help you navigate complicated grief, where feelings of sorrow feel stuck or prolonged, interfering with daily functioning. Therapists can use approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, or mindfulness techniques to guide healing. Ultimately, counseling supports the journey from pain toward acceptance, resilience, and a renewed sense of meaning and connection.