Grief & Loss Therapy

Because loss changes everything—and you don’t have to go through it alone.

Grief is a natural response to losing something or someone meaningful. While it’s often associated with death, grief can arise from many kinds of loss: the end of a relationship, the death of a pet, loss of health, infertility, job changes, estrangement, retirement, or even shifts in identity.

Grief doesn’t follow a timeline. It doesn’t look the same for everyone. And it doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. But it can feel overwhelming, isolating, or confusing—and that’s where therapy can help.

What Is Grief Therapy?

Grief therapy offers a compassionate and supportive space to process your loss—whatever that loss may be. It's not about “getting over it” or “moving on.” It’s about moving through your grief, finding ways to carry your pain while staying connected to yourself, your loved one, and your life.

In therapy, we can explore:

• The emotional, physical, and spiritual impact of your loss

• Complex or unresolved grief

• Guilt, anger, numbness, or relief—whatever you’re feeling

• Changes in identity, relationships, or sense of meaning

• How to honor what you’ve lost while finding ways to keep living

You may cry. You may laugh. You may need silence. All of it is welcome.

Types of Loss I Work With

I support clients through many forms of grief, including:

• Death of a loved one (recent or long ago)

• Anticipatory grief (before a death or major loss)

• Ambiguous loss (e.g., dementia, addiction, estrangement, incarceration, adoption)

• Disenfranchised grief (losses that are not socially recognized—like pet loss, miscarriage, or the end of a friendship)

• Cumulative grief and burnout

• Loss of identity or role (e.g., retirement, chronic illness, caregiver identity)

• Major life transitions

What to Expect in Sessions

Grief therapy is deeply personal. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. I tailor our work together based on your unique needs, pace, and preferences. Our work may include:

• Storytelling and meaning-making

• Somatic (body-based) awareness

• Mindfulness and grounding practices

• Exploring cultural, spiritual, or familial beliefs about grief

• Support for anniversaries, holidays, or milestone moments

• Creating rituals or memorials to honor your loss

Sometimes therapy is a place to talk. Sometimes it’s a place to breathe and just be with what you’re carrying.

Why Grief Therapy Helps

Grief isn’t a problem to solve—but it is something you can learn to live with in a way that feels more manageable, meaningful, and supported. Therapy can:

• Help you feel less alone

• Normalize your emotions

• Create space to express what might feel “unspeakable”

• Offer tools to navigate waves of grief

• Support your healing without rushing it

You don’t have to perform your pain, minimize your loss, or pretend you're okay when you're not. This is a space where all of you is welcome—grief and all.

Ready to Begin?

If you’re struggling after a loss—or if you’re feeling something you can’t quite name—I invite you to reach out. Whether your grief is fresh or long-held, loud or quiet, visible or hidden, it matters. You matter. And support is available.

Let’s find a way forward together.

Contact Me  818-617-1123/mb@michelebartlettlcsw.com to schedule a consultation or ask any questions you may have.