Grief and Bereavement: How Can Therapy Help?

There is one universal experience that we will all face, yet it’s often avoided in conversation—death. And for those left behind, the weight of bereavement can feel overwhelming.

So, how can therapy help during the grieving process?

Understanding Grief: It's Not Linear

Grief is not a neat, orderly process. You may have heard of the five stages of grief—Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance—but these stages don't follow a predictable path. People can move back and forth between them, experiencing intense feelings one day and relative calm the next. You might even feel like you're moving through several stages simultaneously. The key thing to remember is that grief is deeply personal, and there’s no “right” way to experience it.

Therapy as a Safe Space

One of the biggest challenges with grief is that it often isn’t fully processed in our day-to-day interactions. Well-meaning friends and family might try to comfort us by encouraging us not to cry or telling us to stay strong. While they have good intentions, these responses can sometimes prevent the healthy expression of grief. Crying, reflecting, or even just sitting with uncomfortable emotions is part of a natural healing process. But not everyone is equipped to handle those raw emotions, and you may find yourself feeling stifled or rushed to "move on."

Therapy, however, offers a different kind of space. As a therapist, I provide a supportive, open environment where you can fully express what you've been holding inside. Whether it’s through tears, reflection, or conversation, individual therapy allows you to work through your grief without the fear of burdening others or being cut off prematurely. Therapy is your space to let out the pain that’s been building up, helping you process loss in a way that feels right for you.

Group Therapy: Shared Healing

In addition to individual therapy, group therapy can be incredibly helpful for those going through grief. Being with others who are experiencing similar losses can provide a sense of solidarity and validation. Programs like “Our House” in Los Angeles offer affordable group grief therapy for those who have experienced a loss within the past year. Groups are often tailored to specific types of loss—such as adult children who have lost parents or parents who have lost children—allowing participants to connect deeply with others who truly understand their experience. The shared environment can create a powerful sense of community and healing.

Grief vs. Bereavement: What’s the Difference?

It’s important to clarify the difference between grief and bereavement, as they are often used interchangeably.

• Grief refers to the emotional response to any kind of loss. This could be the loss of a job, a pet, a relationship, or even the end of a significant life stage. Grief isn’t always tied to death—it can occur after both positive and negative life changes.

• Bereavement, on the other hand, is specifically tied to the death of a loved one. It refers to the grieving process that follows the loss of a person. Bereavement is a unique form of grief, where the emotional and psychological impact is often more intense due to the personal nature of the loss.

How Therapy Supports the Grieving Process

Whether you're experiencing grief after the loss of a loved one or after a significant life change, therapy can provide essential support. It gives you space to navigate complex emotions without judgment and allows you to process feelings at your own pace.

Grief can be isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right tools, structure, and support—whether through individual or group therapy—you can work through the pain of loss in a way that honors your experience and helps you heal.