Grief and Loss Counseling
Grief can change everything, including your routines, relationships, body, and sense of direction. Whether you have lost a loved one, a pet, a relationship, a pregnancy, a job, or the life you expected, grief can feel isolating and hard to put into words.
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At Optimal Key Therapy, grief and loss counseling provides a supportive space to talk openly, process what you are carrying, and learn practical ways to navigate difficult days. You do not need to have the right words, and you do not need to be “over it.” We meet you where you are, gently and at your pace.
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Ready to talk with someone? Use the Book an Appointment button to schedule, or click Schedule Consult to explore next steps.
Grief looks different for everyone
There is no single “correct” way to grieve. Some people feel deeply emotional. Others feel numb, irritable, restless, or disconnected. Grief can arrive in waves, especially around anniversaries, holidays, birthdays, and major life events.
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You may notice grief showing up as:
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Emotional: sadness, anger, guilt, relief, anxiety, irritability, mood swings
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Physical: fatigue, sleep changes, appetite changes, tight chest, headaches, low energy
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Mental: brain fog, difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, racing thoughts, “what if” loops
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Behavioral: withdrawing from others, avoiding reminders, overworking, increased screen time, changes in motivation
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Relational: feeling misunderstood, conflict with family, feeling alone even when supported
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If any of this sounds familiar, you are not “doing grief wrong.” You are human, and your nervous system is responding to loss.
Types of loss we can support
Grief is not only about death. Many life transitions include grief, even when the change was expected, and even when the change was chosen. Counseling can help you process and integrate loss such as:
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Death of a loved one (partner, parent, child, friend, extended family)
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Anticipatory grief (grieving before a loss due to illness, aging, or decline)
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Divorce, breakup, infidelity, or complicated family estrangement
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Miscarriage, infertility, stillbirth, or pregnancy and parenting-related loss
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Pet loss
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Job loss, career transition, retirement, and financial changes
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Relocation, identity shifts, empty nest, and major life transitions
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Chronic illness, disability, or changes in health
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Loss of safety after trauma or a sudden event
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Sometimes grief is layered. Old losses can be reactivated by new ones. Therapy can help you untangle what is happening and create steadier ground.
When grief feels stuck or overwhelming
Many people move through grief gradually, but sometimes it can feel like it is not easing. In other cases, it starts to interfere with daily functioning long after the loss. You might feel:
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unable to return to routines (work, sleep, caregiving, basic tasks)
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persistent numbness or disconnection
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intense longing, intrusive memories, or constant replaying
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panic, irritability, or fear that something else will happen
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shame, self-blame, or feeling “behind” others in your grief
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pressure to be “strong” while falling apart inside
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If grief feels complicated, confusing, or consuming, counseling can help you carry it differently while honoring what you have lost.
How grief counseling can help
Grief therapy is not about forcing closure or “moving on.” It is about supporting you as you:
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make sense of what happened and how it changed you
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express emotions safely, including emotions you feel you “should not” have
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reduce overwhelm and regulate stress responses in your body
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work with guilt, anger, regret, or unfinished conversations
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navigate triggers like anniversaries, holidays, and reminders
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rebuild routines when motivation and energy are low
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improve communication with family, partners, or friends who grieve differently
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create meaning and connection while honoring your relationship to what was lost
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Some clients want a place to talk. Others want tools, structure, and a plan. Many want both at different times. We will collaborate to find what support looks like for you.
How grief counseling can help
1) A grounded starting point.
We will talk about what you are experiencing now, emotionally, physically, and in your day-to-day life.
2) Your story, your pace.
You choose what to share and when. There is no pressure to revisit details before you are ready.
3) Practical coping strategies.
We may explore sleep support, nervous system regulation, boundaries, and ways to respond to triggering moments.
4). Processing and integration.
Over time, we will help you process grief in a way that supports healing while respecting the depth of your loss.
5) Support for life moving forward.
Grief changes, but it does not disappear on a schedule. Therapy can help you feel more present and connected again while still honoring what mattered.
Gentle support between sessions
Grief can make “normal” self-care feel difficult. If you are able, consider small and realistic supports:
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Choose one daily anchor (a short walk, a shower, tea, or journaling for 3 minutes)
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Create a simple plan for hard dates (anniversaries and holidays) so you are not alone in it
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Limit exposure to people or content that increases guilt or pressure
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Use grounding tools (slow breathing, naming five things you can see, hear, and feel)
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Make support specific (“Can you bring dinner Tuesday?” instead of “I’m fine”)
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Therapy can help you build a personalized approach that fits your life and your capacity right now.
Grief and Loss Counseling FAQs
How long does grief last?
Grief does not follow a timeline. Many people notice that intensity changes over time, but waves can return, especially around meaningful dates or life transitions.
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What is the difference between grief counseling and general therapy?
Grief counseling focuses on loss, mourning, adaptation, and the emotional and physical impacts of grief. It can include practical coping tools as well as deeper processing and meaning-making.
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Do I need counseling if I am functioning most days?
Not necessarily. Many people seek support because functioning takes all their energy, or because they feel numb, stuck, or alone. Counseling can help you feel more supported and less burdened.
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Can counseling help if the loss was a long time ago?
Yes. Older grief can resurface with new losses, major life events, or changes in family roles. Therapy can help you process what did not have space to be felt before.
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What if my grief includes anger, relief, or complicated feelings?
That is common, especially in complicated relationships, caregiving situations, or traumatic losses. Therapy is a place for the full truth, without judgment.
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How do I get started?
Click Book an Appointment to schedule, or use Schedule Consult to talk through what you are looking for and choose the right next step.
You do not have to carry grief alone. When you are ready, we are here to support you with compassionate and practical care.