When searching for ‘grief therapist near me’, we do so because losing someone you love can be one of the most difficult experiences in life, and grief can be a challenging emotion to navigate.
While experiencing grief is a normal and natural response to the death of a loved one, it can be overwhelming and all-consuming. 😟
This is where grief counseling comes in, as it offers a supportive environment to help individuals process their grief and work through the various stages of mourning.
One of the most common questions people have about grief counseling is whether or not it really works.
✨ The short answer is yes – grief therapy in-person and online can be highly effective in helping individuals cope with their grief and move forward in a healthy and constructive way.
We’ll help you find the right grief therapist near you at affordable prices, no matter where you live. Let’s get started!
Finding a good grief therapist nearby or online
💙 With the guidance and support of your counselor, you will gain clarity, strength, and confidence to recognize the emotional challenges that are preventing you from living a fulfilling life.
If you are struggling with grief and finding it hard to cope, BetterHelp.com is an all-around great choice for support and guidance that will carefully match you with an ideal and vetted therapist in your area.
BetterHelp is the leading online therapy platform that offers affordable and personalized grief counseling for individuals and groups. ✅
Get matched with the best grief therapist near me: BetterHelp
Fill out a brief questionnaire and get matched to a licensed grief specialist online in as little as 48 hours.
Sponsored, keeps our community free. Therapy Helpers does not accept money for reviews.
4.5 (6,513+) FROM TRUSTPILOT
BetterHelp
Fill out a brief questionnaire and get matched with an experienced therapist online in as little as 48 hours.
✓ Over 33K credentialed professionals
✓ Financial aid available
✓ Subscriptions as low as $65/week, billed every four weeks
✓ Cancel plan or change therapist anytime
✓ 20% off your first month through Therapy Helpers
💡 Note: BetterHelp does not accept insurance or prescribe medication. If you have insurance or require help with medication, we recommend matching with a local grief therapist on Talkspace.com (currently offering $80 off).
Comparing the Costs: In-person vs. online grief therapy
Let’s talk about how much money you might spend on in-person and online grief therapy. If you choose traditional in-person therapy, each session usually lasts 45-60 minutes, costing between $140 and $180.
For couples who want therapy together, it gets even more expensive. The sessions are longer, lasting 75-90 minutes, and can cost anywhere from $190 to $310. 💰
→ But there’s a cheaper option available: With BetterHelp’s grief therapy online, you could pay as little as $60 to $90 per weekly session, depending on the plan you choose. That’s about $240-360 for entire month of counseling (financial aid available).
By going with online therapy, you can save a lot of money without sacrificing the quality of the therapy you receive.
So, if you’re looking for a therapy option that is affordable and still gives you good help, you should definitely think about trying online therapy.
How do I start grief therapy on BetterHelp?
Start by filling out the questionnaire. BetterHelp has a team of certified and experienced grief counselors near you who have helped numerous individuals overcome the impact of grief, bereavement, and loss.
You’ll be matched to the right therapist in as little as 48 hours.💙
The counseling sessions will equip you with the knowledge and skills to identify and address the emotional or psychological barriers when confronting grief.
🌟 What makes BetterHelp stand out?
BetterHelp’s state-licensed and experienced counselors provide you with a judgment-free, comfortable space to express your feelings, process your emotions, and develop effective coping strategies that work for you.
With BetterHelp, you can receive grief counseling from the comfort of your own home at a time that suits your schedule.
Their convenient online platform allows you to communicate with your local counselor through various means, messaging, live chat, and video conferencing.
So, if you’re looking for a supportive and effective way to work through your grief, BetterHelp is a great option to help you find hope and healing.
You can switch therapists at any time, to work with the one that you resonate with the most.
Sponsored, keeps our community free. Therapy Helpers does not accept money for reviews.
4.5 (6,513+) FROM TRUSTPILOT
Try BetterHelp
Fill out a brief questionnaire and get matched with an experienced therapist online in as little as 48 hours.
✓ Over 33K credentialed professionals
✓ Financial aid available
✓ Subscriptions as low as $65/week, billed every four weeks
✓ Cancel plan or change therapist anytime
✓ 20% off your first month through Therapy Helpers
💡 Note: BetterHelp does not accept insurance or prescribe medication. If you have insurance or require help with medication, we recommend matching with a local therapist on Talkspace.com (currently offering $80 off).
What techniques are used in BetterHelp grief therapy?
One common type of grief is anticipatory grief, which occurs when a person knows that a loss is imminent, such as when a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Anticipatory grief can be particularly difficult, as it can involve a prolonged period of emotional distress and a sense of helplessness in the face of an inevitable loss.
This type of grief can also involve feelings of guilt or shame, as individuals may struggle with the idea of preparing for the loss while their loved one is still alive.
Another type of grief is disenfranchised grief, which occurs when a person experiences a loss that is not recognized or validated by society. This can include losses such as the death of a pet, a miscarriage, or the loss of a relationship that was not officially recognized, such as a same-sex partnership.
Disenfranchised grief can be particularly challenging, as individuals may feel isolated and unsupported in their stage of grief. This can lead to a sense of shame or guilt, as people may feel that they should not be experiencing such intense emotions over a loss that is not considered “legitimate” by others.
Let’s review the most effective methods and interventions when searching for the best grief therapists near me. Whether meeting with a therapist in person or online, there are three time-tested methods that grief specialists use:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a technique commonly used in grief counseling to help individuals manage their grief. CBT is a goal-oriented and practical approach that focuses on identifying and changing negative thoughts and behaviors that may contribute to the intensity and duration of suffering.
One aspect of CBT is mindfulness, which involves being present in the moment and accepting your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Mindfulness can help individuals develop a greater awareness of their emotions and learn to tolerate the discomfort associated with grief.
Another technique used in CBT is relaxation exercises. These exercises can include deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery. These techniques can help individuals reduce their physical symptoms of grief, such as muscle tension, headaches, and stomach discomfort.
Cognitive restructuring is another technique used in CBT. This involves identifying and challenging negative thoughts and beliefs related to grief. For example, an individual may have the belief that they should not be enjoying life after the loss of a loved one. This belief can contribute to feelings of guilt and shame, which can exacerbate the grief process. By challenging this belief and reframing it in a more realistic and positive way, individuals can begin to shift their perspective and find more constructive ways to cope with their grief.
CBT can be a valuable tool for those struggling with grief, as it can help individuals develop skills to manage their emotions and find ways to cope with their loss. It is important to note, however, that not all individuals may find CBT helpful, and it may be necessary to try other techniques or approaches to find what works best for you.
“Grieving doesn’t make you imperfect. It makes you human.”
— SARAH DESSEN
Narrative Therapy
Another technique that is used in grief counseling is narrative therapy which is an approach to grief counseling that involves helping individuals tell their story and make sense of their grief.
This approach recognizes that individuals construct their understanding of their experiences through the stories they tell themselves and others. By exploring and reshaping these stories, individuals can gain a greater sense of meaning and purpose in the aftermath of loss.
Narrative therapy can take many forms, including writing, creating timelines, or making art. For example, an individual may be encouraged to write about their experiences, including their memories of the person they have lost and their feelings of grief.
This can help individuals gain clarity and perspective on their grief and develop a greater sense of control over their emotions.
Creating a timeline can also be a valuable tool in narrative therapy. This can involve mapping out significant events leading up to and following the loss, including moments of joy, pain, and growth.
This can help individuals see their grief as part of a larger narrative and can help them identify patterns and themes in their experiences. It is crucial to know of this method when looking for the best grief therapist near you so you can discuss it with your therapist as one of the potential options.
Art therapy is another approach used in narrative therapy. This can involve creating art, such as drawings, paintings, or sculptures, that express the individual’s emotions and experiences.
The act of creating art can be a powerful tool for processing grief and can help individuals express emotions that are difficult to put into words.
Through the process of narrative therapy, individuals can gain a greater sense of meaning and purpose in the aftermath of loss. By exploring and reshaping their stories, individuals can develop a more hopeful and constructive narrative that helps them move forward with their lives.
Group Therapy
This is another powerful intervention to be aware of when looking for grief therapists near you. Group therapy can also be an effective form of grief counseling.
Group therapy is a type of grief counseling that involves a small group of individuals coming together to share their experiences of loss and support each other in their grief journey. It is a judgment-free space where individuals can connect with others going through similar struggles and receive validation, comfort, and encouragement.
One of the benefits of group therapy is the sense of community and belonging that it provides. Grief can be an isolating experience, and finding others who truly understand the depth of your emotions can be challenging.
Group therapy allows individuals to connect with others experiencing similar emotions and challenges, which can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Group therapy can also be an effective way to learn from other’s experiences and gain new perspectives on your own grief journey. Through sharing stories, insights, and strategies, group members can learn from each other and develop new coping skills and techniques for managing their grief.
In addition, group therapy provides a supportive environment for individuals to express their emotions and thoughts without fear of judgment or rejection. This can be especially helpful for those who may feel hesitant to share their grief with family or friends due to concerns about burdening others or being seen as weak or vulnerable.
It is important to note that group therapy may not be suitable for everyone, and some individuals may prefer to work one-on-one with a grief counselor or therapist.
However, for those who feel comfortable in a group setting, group therapy can be a powerful and effective tool for managing grief.
It is essential to know that If you are considering group therapy for your grief, it is important to find a group that qualified and experienced group therapists at BetterHelp.
You may also want to consider factors such as the size and composition of the group, the frequency and duration of sessions, and the cost and location of the group.
Sponsored, keeps our community free. Therapy Helpers does not accept money for reviews.
4.5 (6,513+) FROM TRUSTPILOT
BetterHelp
Fill out a brief questionnaire and get matched with an experienced therapist online in as little as 48 hours.
✓ Over 33K credentialed professionals
✓ Financial aid available
✓ Subscriptions as low as $65/week, billed every four weeks
✓ Cancel plan or change therapist anytime
✓ 20% off your first month through Therapy Helpers
💡 Note: BetterHelp does not accept insurance or prescribe medication. If you have insurance or require help with medication, we recommend matching with a local therapist on Talkspace.com (they’re currently offering $80 off).
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy is a technique that can be valuable for individuals coping with grief and loss. Grief is a complex emotion that can sometimes become overwhelming and prolonged.
Hypnotherapy involves inducing a relaxed state of mind, allowing access to the subconscious where our thoughts and emotions are stored.
Through this process, we can explore our feelings about the loss in a gentle manner. Hypnotherapy aids in processing the pain associated with grief, facilitating healing, and ultimately helping individuals navigate their journey toward acceptance and moving forward in life. It offers an additional form of support during this challenging time.
EMDR
Let’s explore EMDR therapy and its potential benefits for individuals who have gone through traumatic experiences. EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a therapeutic approach specifically designed to address the impact of trauma on mental well-being. Traumatic events can have a profound effect, causing distressing symptoms and disrupting daily life.
EMDR therapy incorporates bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or taps, to activate both sides of the brain while recalling the traumatic memory.
This process assists in reprocessing the traumatic memory, leading to the integration of distressing emotions and the development of healthier coping mechanisms. EMDR therapy can be a valuable resource for those seeking to heal from trauma, providing a sense of empowerment and a path towards emotional recovery.
Factors that can influence the success of grief counseling
Overall, grief counseling can help, but there are several factors that can influence the success of grief counseling techniques. Firstly, the individual’s willingness to participate in the therapy process can play a significant role. If the individual is resistant to counseling or is not committed to working through their grief, it can hinder progress and limit the effectiveness of the therapy.
The severity of the individual’s grief is another important factor to consider. If the individual is experiencing complicated grief, which may involve a range of complex emotions and symptoms, such as persistent yearning or longing for the deceased, difficulty accepting the reality of the loss or feeling disconnected from others, they may require more intensive or specialized support.
The quality of the therapeutic relationship is also crucial for successful grief and loss counseling. The therapist or counselor must be empathetic, non-judgmental, and supportive while providing a welcoming environment where the individual can share their thoughts and feelings openly and honestly.
A solid therapeutic relationship can help the individual feel validated, understood, and supported, which can be critical for healing.
Additionally, the type of grief counseling technique used can also influence its success. Some individuals may benefit more from one type of therapy than another, depending on their individual needs and preferences.
For example, some individuals may find cognitive-behavioral therapy helpful for addressing negative thoughts and behaviors. In contrast, others may prefer a more expressive therapy approach, such as art therapy or narrative therapy.
Overall, the success of grief counseling techniques can depend on a range of factors, and it’s crucial for individuals to work with a trained professional who can tailor their approach to meet their unique needs and circumstances.
By addressing these factors and tailoring therapy to the individual, grief counseling can be a powerful tool for helping individuals process their grief and move forward in a healthy and constructive way.
Additional resources
Evermore is an impartial nonprofit organization at a national level, committed to enhancing the well-being of children and families who have experienced the loss of a loved one.
The issue of bereavement is largely overlooked and not well-documented, making it a concealed problem in the United States and globally. Their grief support directory can be found here.
The MISS Foundation is an incredible nonprofit organization that extends its compassionate support and valuable resources to families enduring the heart-wrenching loss of a child, regardless of the circumstances surrounding their passing.
Originally established as a group for grieving mothers, the foundation has since grown to encompass the needs of fathers, siblings, and other family members navigating the unimaginable journey of grief. Through its diverse array of programs and services, including support groups, counseling, educational materials, and community events, the foundation strives to be a guiding light, helping families find solace and healing amidst their profound sorrow.
Their unwavering commitment to raising awareness about child death and advocating for the unique needs of bereaved families is truly inspiring.
By providing an understanding space for individuals to share their stories and find comfort in one another, the MISS Foundation is invaluable in fostering hope and resilience amidst the darkest times. Their grief support directory can be found here.
Takeaway: Benefits of grief therapy
In conclusion, grief is a complex and deeply personal experience that can be difficult to navigate. It’s important to remember that there is hope for healing and support.
After losing a loved one, grief counseling techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and group therapy can be highly effective in helping individuals process their grief, improve their emotional well-being, and move forward healthily and constructively.
It’s essential to recognize that dealing with grief cannot be simply “fixed” or “cured.” It is a process that takes time and patience, and it can be helpful to have the support and guidance of a trained professional to help navigate this journey.
By seeking a grief counselor or therapist, individuals can receive the validation, support, and coping skills they need to manage their grief and move forward positively.
Remember, there is no “right” or “wrong” way to grieve, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s essential to find the best techniques and approaches for you and seek the support and guidance you need to manage your grief healthily and constructively.
With time, patience, and support, you can learn to cope with your grief and find a way to move forward positively.
