top of page

Grief Therapy

​

Do you find yourself getting upset easily and often?

​

If you lost someone suddenly, strong emotions might surface unexpectedly, making it hard to move forward. Even years later, the sadness may still impact your daily life. You might find yourself replaying the loss, unable to fully accept it.

​

Loss isn’t always about death. It could involve the death of a loved one, the loss of a pet, your job, a relationship, or your health. No matter what you’ve lost, adjusting can be incredibly tough. You may have expected to feel better by now and feel frustrated that you don’t.

​

Others may notice and express concern. They might say you seem distant or disconnected. Even if you smile or enjoy yourself at times, it can bring on guilt, making it hard to embrace those moments. It's important to remember: there is no "right" way to grieve. Grief is deeply personal, and though others may voice concerns, it doesn’t mean your grief is wrong or "too much."

You have the right to grieve your way, and grief therapy can help you process loss while honoring your feelings and relationships.

Does it feel like your loss just happened, even if it’s been months or years?

How is grief impacting you?

Grief Can Impact Every Part of Life

sad white woman in profile; image by Engin Akyrt

Grief can show up in many unexpected ways:

  • Your emotions may feel overwhelming and unpredictable. One moment you’re crying, and the next, you’re angry or confused.

  • You might lose interest in things that once brought you joy.

  • Sometimes, you may feel numb, disconnected from both yourself and the world.

  • Your mind may constantly revisit the loss, making it impossible to think about anything else.

  • You may feel isolated, as if others don’t understand what you’re going through.

  • Well-meaning comments may feel more hurtful than supportive.

  • You might wish you could turn back time and have just one more moment with the person you lost.

  • Guilt could creep in, even over things others might not understand. You may regret things said or unsaid or blame yourself for things beyond your control.

  • Grief may create anxiety and a feeling of powerlessness that’s hard to shake.

  • You might feel hesitant to get close to others, fearing you’ll lose them too.

​​​​

Grief is More Common Than You Think


In the U.S., millions experience grief. In California alone, a significant portion of the population struggles with grief every year. According to New York Life Insurance, 68% of American adults will be affected by grief at some point. This lack of open discussion can make you feel isolated.

The impact of grief varies by age and life stage. The COVID-19 pandemic has further amplified the grief experienced by many.

  • Children and adolescents: About 7.7% of children (1 in 13) will experience the death of a parent or sibling before turning 18.

  • Young adults (ages 18-34): This group often needs extra support, as they navigate grief alongside growing independence and the pressures of career-building and societal expectations.

  • Middle-aged adults (35-54): Grief here often centers on the loss of parents or peers, and those in the "sandwich generation" may struggle to balance caregiving with their own grieving needs.

  • Older adults (55+): As they experience the loss of romantic partners and lifelong friends, loneliness and depression are common.

Thankfully, grief therapy can help you cope with these losses.

How Grief Therapy Can Help

Grief therapy offers a safe, supportive space where you can process your emotions without judgment. The goal isn’t to rush you or dictate how you should feel, but to help you understand your loss and find a way to move forward with purpose. Your emotions are not something to be ashamed of—they are a testament to the love and meaning of what you've lost.

​

In therapy, we focus on:

  • Talking through your experience: A non-judgmental space to express your feelings and share how your life has changed.

  • Accepting the reality of your loss: Help to come to terms with what’s happened so that it no longer consumes you.

  • Managing emotional pain: We’ll work on techniques to help you stop reliving the loss and find peace.

  • Finding meaning: Therapy can help you live a fulfilling life while honoring your loss, without letting grief dominate.

​

With over 20 years of experience, I’ve helped adults, teens, and children through various types of loss. Whether through accidents, suicides, divorces, or health struggles, I understand the depth of grief and the transformative power of the right support. Grief therapy gives you a safe space to grieve while also finding a way to move forward.

​

If you’re ready to reclaim joy and live fully again, reach out to me today.

a wooded path with trees and dappled sunshine

What You Need to Know About Grief Therapy

​

  • Will grief therapy make me feel worse?
    Therapy focuses on helping you cope with your emotions, without needing to relive the loss. Together, we’ll provide space for what you're feeling, without shame or guilt.

  • How do I know grief therapy will work for me?
    Ignoring grief can harm your well-being. My approach works with your strengths and resources, helping you regain balance. We can discuss your concerns during a consultation.

  • What techniques do you use in grief therapy?
    I use a variety of tools, including Ericksonian hypnosis, EMDR therapy for traumatic losses, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy to help you rediscover effective coping strategies.

​

Clients often feel lighter and less emotionally fragile after therapy. They appreciate the psychoeducation on grief, so they don't feel "weird" for their reactions, and they value that we can try different therapeutic approaches until we find what works best for them.

​

I’m here to provide the expertise, compassion, and support you need to navigate your grief and start moving forward. Please call or click the contact button below to start living again!

Where to Find Me

Where to Find Me

 

 

Providing online/virtual psychotherapy only in the state of California

Lisa S. Larsen, Psy.D.
(she/her/hers)

Appointments can be made by calling the office or submitting the contact form. Thank you, and I look forward to speaking with you soon!

bottom of page