Therapy for Grief and Loss

Online & In-person Therapy in San Francisco, The San Francisco Bay Area and throughout California

Love and Loss are two sides of the same coin.

Sometimes grief knocks you to your knees and sometimes it sneaks up on you unexpectedly. Your loss might be new or perhaps it has been with you for some time. Whatever it is that you’re experiencing, you’re beginning to observe the impacts of this in every facet of your life.

  • Struggling to stay focused at work or school

  • Feeling isolated and withdrawn because you think nobody will understand and you don’t want to be a burden

  • Unmotivated

  • Feeling guilt / shame

  • Using alcohol, drugs, or food to cope

Grief does not have a timeline, but you can learn to live with your loss with compassion.

TYPES OF GRIEF:

BEREAVEMENT: Death of a loved one

ANTICIPATORY GRIEF: The experience of loss when imagining a life transition - such as a move, career change, a significant medical diagnosis or the imminent death of a loved one

AMBIGUOUS LOSS: A loss without closure or resolution; the physical absence of a loved one that is uncertain or unresolved; loss of contact due to a separation, divorce, or estrangement; loss associated with a loved one’s emotional or cognitive decline (Alzheimers, dementia, traumatic brain injury, addiction, chronic mental illness)

SOCIO-POLITICAL GRIEF: Climate change, racial and systemic injustice

LOSS OF SAFETY: Grappling with feeling safe as a survivor of physical, emotional or sexual trauma. One who has witnessed or experienced violence disrupting their life and left feeling insecure

LOSS OF AUTONOMY: One who has an illness or condition that impacts their physical and cognitive abilities; financial instability; one who can no longer care for themselves and grapples with the loss of independence

LOSS OF UNFULFILLED DREAMS: Struggles with infertility; one whose livelihood does not align with their aspirations

What we’ll work on

Therapy for Grief and Loss can help:

  • Compassionately explore and identify your unique experience of grief and loss. I listen and provide support as you openly express your feelings without judgement.

  • Validate and acknowledge the range of emotions you may be experiencing within a safe and supportive space.

  • Collaborate and develop practical coping tools to help you manage the challenges that arise during the grieving process. These tools empower you to navigate daily life while honoring your emotions.

  • Navigate a path toward acceptance of your loss through therapeutic conversations and creating space to process memories associated with your loss.

  • Cultivate strength and adaptability while fostering emotional resilience to help you face the challenges that accompany grief.

  • Find ways to honor the person, an aspect of your life or the world that have been lost. This can be through ritual, creative expression, or other meaningful practices.

  • Explore meaning and purpose, seeking to find ways in which the loss can be integrated into your life story, and helping you move forward.

Your sadness and isolation don’t have to be your story.

Grief and Loss therapy can help you get there.

“Grief can be the garden of compassion. If you keep your heart open through everything, your pain can become your greatest ally in your life’s search for love and wisdom.”

- Rumi