Is Grief Counseling Only for People Who Have Experienced the Loss of a Loved One?
When most people think of grief counseling, they immediately associate it with the death of a loved one. And while that is certainly a profound and deeply felt loss, grief is more than losing people we love—it’s about losing anything meaningful to us. Grief comes in many forms. It can be the loss of a relationship, a career, a home, or even a sense of self. In recent months in Los Angeles, we have seen an increase in natural disasters like wildfires, and many people have had to face the devastating reality of losing their homes and prized possessions.
These losses carry emotional weight, sometimes just as heavy as the passing of a loved one. It’s not our job to compare, because really, the reality is, grief is not a one-size-fits-all, and neither is the support needed to process it. Grief counseling is for anyone navigating loss, no matter what form it takes.
Grief Isn’t Just About Death
Our society typically tends to recognize grief when someone passes away, and we often downplay other losses that shake the foundation of our lives. Losing a job, for example, isn’t just about finances—it’s about identity, routine, and purpose. A divorce isn’t just the end of a marriage; it’s the loss of shared dreams, companionship, and stability. People who move to a new city may grieve the familiarity of home and the relationships they left behind.
And then there are those who have lost everything in wildfires or other natural disasters. The loss of a home isn’t just about the physical structure—it’s the loss of safety, memories, and a sense of belonging. Imagine suddenly having to start over, with only what you could grab in a moment’s notice. These experiences are deeply traumatic, and processing them requires just as much care and support as any other type of loss.
The Emotional Impact of Different Types of Loss
The emotional toll of grief varies depending on the person and situation. For some, it’s a wave of sadness that comes and goes. For others, it’s overwhelming anxiety, anger, or even numbness. Regardless of what was lost, the emotions that follow are valid. For instance, people who have lost their homes to fires often describe feeling a sense of displacement, not just physically but emotionally. Their belongings—their history—are suddenly gone.
Family photos, heirlooms, the little things that made a house feel like home have vanished, and with them, a piece of their identity. Without space to talk about this loss, many people push their feelings down, believing they should just be grateful to be alive. But working with a grief counselor can help them process those emotions, acknowledge the depth of their loss, and find a way to move forward.
Why Grief Counseling Helps—No Matter the Loss
No matter what someone is grieving, the emotions are real and deserve attention. Grief counseling provides a space to talk openly about loss without judgment. It allows people to explore their emotions, understand their grief responses, and develop ways to cope. For those who have lost homes and possessions in fires, counseling can help with the trauma of sudden displacement. It can provide tools for managing the uncertainty and stress that come with rebuilding a life from scratch.
For someone going through a breakup, grief counseling might focus on self-worth, identity, and learning how to build a new future. A person who lost a job might work through feelings of failure or insecurity. At its core, grief counseling isn’t about erasing pain; it’s about helping people make sense of it, no matter the source.
Everyone Deserves Support
Too often, people minimize their grief because they believe it doesn’t “count.” They compare their loss to others and decide it isn’t significant enough to seek support. But grief isn’t a competition. Whether it’s the loss of a person, a home, a relationship, or a sense of security, the pain is real.
Seeking grief counseling isn’t about proving the validity of your loss. It’s about giving yourself permission to process, to talk, and to find a way to carry that loss while gradually moving forward. Because at the end of the day, grief isn’t just about death—it’s about change, transition, and learning to navigate life in the aftermath of loss.
Redefining Loss with Grief Therapy in Sherman Oaks & Throughout Los Angeles
Grief is often associated with death, but loss takes many forms. The end of a relationship, a career shift, a major life transition, or losing a sense of stability can all bring profound grief. Whether you’re mourning a loved one, a version of yourself, or the life you once knew, grief therapy in Sherman Oaks & throughout Los Angeles offers a space to process your emotions without judgment. Therapy isn’t about measuring the significance of your loss—it’s about recognizing that whatever you’re carrying is real and deserves attention.
As an online grief therapist, I offer support for all types of loss, helping you navigate complex emotions and find ways to move forward without minimizing your experience. Whether you’re grappling with sudden change, unresolved emotions, or the weight of an uncertain future, therapy provides a space to explore your grief with compassion. You don’t have to compare your pain or justify why it feels heavy—healing is valid no matter the circumstances.
Learn More About Me and My Services
Grief isn’t just about what’s gone—it’s about finding a way forward in what remains.
Other Therapy Services Offered By Kiana Naimi
In addition to grief counseling, I provide a range of therapeutic services for individuals in Los Angeles and throughout California. Grief may be just one part of your emotional experience, and healing often involves addressing multiple aspects of mental well-being. That’s why I take a holistic approach, offering trauma therapy and therapy intensives to support deeper healing. My practice incorporates various modalities, including Narrative Therapy, Attachment-Based Grief, Trauma-Focused CBT, Somatic Embodiment & Regulation Strategies, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). Explore my website to learn more about how I can help you navigate your unique journey toward healing and personal growth.