When Do I Need Grief Counseling?
Grief is an experience that touches everyone at some point in their lives, yet it never looks exactly the same for any two people. The process of grief isn’t just about feeling sad—it can include numbness, anxiety, anger, confusion, guilt, and even relief, depending on the circumstances. Some people find that with time and support from loved ones, they can work through their grief on their own. But what if that doesn’t happen? What if time passes, but your grief feels just as heavy as it did at the beginning?
Grief counseling isn’t about rushing through the process or forcing yourself to move on before you’re ready. It’s about understanding the impact grief has on your quality of life and finding ways to navigate it in a way that allows you to function in daily life. Holistic grief therapy in Los Angeles provides a space to process loss in a way that integrates your emotional, physical, and mental well-being. So how do you know if it’s time to seek grief counseling? Here are some things to consider.
Grief Is Disrupting Your Ability to Function
It’s normal for grief to bring changes to your daily routine in the short term—difficulty sleeping, shifts in appetite, or a lack of motivation. If these struggles continue and affect your work, self-care, or daily tasks, it might mean that grief is getting too hard to handle. If you feel like you’re stuck in survival mode, grief therapy can help you regain a sense of stability while still allowing space for your emotions.
Holistic grief therapy acknowledges that grief affects not just your mind, but your body and spirit as well. For instance, a person who has lost their spouse may find it hard to get back to daily life. They can feel a deep sense of exhaustion and loneliness. Therapy helps reveal deeper emotions tied to these struggles. It also offers personalized tools to rebuild connection and purpose.
You Feel Trapped in a Cycle of Emotions
Grief is fluid, moving between emotions like sadness, anger, guilt, and even moments of peace. But sometimes, people find themselves stuck in one emotional state, unable to move forward. Maybe the sadness never lifts, or the guilt keeps replaying the same moments over and over. A grief counselor can help you explore these emotional roadblocks and develop ways to move through them at your own pace. For instance, a person may feel stuck in regret after a tough last talk with a loved one. They might carry guilt that won't go away.
They may replay the moment repeatedly, questioning what they could have said differently or wishing for a chance to make amends. Unresolved guilt can cause emotional pain. This pain can stop people from grieving naturally. A grief counselor can help you explore your feelings. They provide guidance on processing regret and finding self-forgiveness. They also help you honor your loved one’s memory without holding onto guilt forever.
Your Grief Feels Overwhelming Rather Than Evolving
Grief doesn’t have a set timeline, but it typically changes over time. If your grief still feels as intense as it did in the early days—or if it has grown heavier—it may be a sign that additional support is needed. Holistic grief therapy can reveal what makes your grief feel heavy. It provides tools to ease that burden without making you feel like you’re “moving on.” For instance, a person who lost a parent may find their grief growing deeper years later when they become a parent. They struggle with the absence of their loved one during important life events. Therapy can help process these delayed waves of grief and create space for honoring loss while continuing to move forward.
You’re Avoiding Anything That Reminds You of Your Loss
It's normal to distance yourself from painful reminders. However, if you avoid anything related to your loss for too long, it may mean your grief isn't resolved. Avoidance takes many forms. You might stay away from places that remind you of your loss. Some people distract themselves to numb their feelings. Others may cut off conversations to avoid painful emotions. These behaviors may give short-term relief, but they can also extend grief. This makes healing seem harder to achieve. Therapy for grief offers a compassionate space to gradually face these emotions. Helping you rebuild a sense of connection without feeling forced or overwhelmed.
For example, a person who lost someone close might avoid specific songs, holidays, or friends. They fear these reminders could bring back deep pain. A grief counselor can help reintroduce these elements at a manageable pace. Thus, allowing for both grief and healing to coexist in a way that feels safe and sustainable. A therapist can help you understand why these reminders are hard. They will guide you to reframe their meaning. This way, you can integrate them into your life without feeling too much distress. This might involve developing gradual exposure strategies, engaging in reflective exercises, or finding ways to honor your loved one that feel comforting rather than painful. Through this process, a grief counselor can help create a path toward healing that respects both your loss and your ability to move forward.
Your Relationships Are Becoming Strained
Grief can create distance between you and your loved ones. Whether through withdrawal, frustration, or difficulty expressing your needs. It might seem like no one gets your pain. You may also feel that others expect too much from you in how you should cope. This disconnect can lead to feelings of loneliness, resentment, or even guilt, making it harder to reach out for support when you need it most. Relationships may become strained as loved ones struggle to understand your grief. Or as you find it difficult to engage in conversations and activities that once felt effortless.
If you need help with these changes, a grief counselor in Sherman Oaks can assist you. They can help you express your feelings clearly and restore trust in your relationships. Grief can create emotional distance. Leaving you feeling misunderstood or disconnected from those closest to you. When emotions feel too heavy to share, misunderstandings may occur. This can lead to frustration or conflict. A grief counselor can provide a structured space to work through these challenges. They can give you tools to share your needs, mend broken relationships, and create meaningful connections instead of being alone.
You’re Wrestling with Complex Emotions Like Guilt or Regret
Not all grief follows the traditional narrative of loss. You may feel relief after the passing of a loved one due to a difficult relationship or the end of their suffering. Or you may be overwhelmed with regret for things left unsaid or undone. These emotions can be heavy to process alone, but grief therapy in Sherman Oaks provides a space to work through them without judgment. A therapist can help you untangle these complex emotions. Understanding their origins helps us process emotions. This way, we can heal instead of feeling self-blame. By using guided reflection and therapeutic exercises, you can acknowledge your grief. This helps you avoid feeling trapped by guilt or regret. You will learn to honor your emotions and not let them control your healing.
Grief Is Taking a Toll on Your Physical Health
Grief doesn’t just affect your emotions. It can manifest physically through headaches, fatigue, digestive issues, or even chronic pain. If grief is impacting your everyday life, a grief therapist can assist you. They will help you manage your physical symptoms and support your emotional health. When we don’t process our emotions, our body holds onto that stress. This can cause lasting discomfort and tension. A grief counselor helps you see how your mind and body connect. They can guide you in coping techniques like mindfulness, breathwork, or gentle movement. These methods can help release emotional pain you might be holding onto. Tackling both the emotional and physical signs of grief creates a complete healing process. This way, you can find balance and well-being again.
You Feel Disconnected from Yourself
Grief has a way of reshaping identity, especially if your loss was deeply tied to your sense of self. If you’ve lost a spouse, parent, child, or even a part of your future that you had envisioned, you may feel uncertain about who you are now. Grief therapy can help you reconnect with yourself in a way that honors your past while making room for your evolving identity. This process often means reflecting on how loss has shaped your identity. It also includes finding ways to grow while remembering what you’ve lost. A grief counselor can help you gain confidence. They also guide you in finding your interests and reconnecting with your values. This support can help you feel more secure in who you're becoming, rather than getting lost in your grief.
You’re Engaging in Unhealthy Coping Strategies
When emotions become overwhelming, it’s common to seek distractions. Some people use substances, work too much, or spend excessively. These habits may offer short-term relief, but they often make emotional pain worse. These coping mechanisms can create a cycle of avoidance, making grief feel even more unmanageable over time. Unprocessed emotions can impact our daily lives. They often make it hard to feel present and connected to those around us. If you avoid your feelings instead of healing, therapy for grief in Sherman Oaks can help. It offers a safe space to find better ways to cope. A grief counselor can help you explore the emotions behind your actions. They can also introduce techniques such as mindfulness, journaling, or emotional expression. These approaches support you in processing grief and encourage lasting healing.
Time Has Passed, But You Still Feel Overwhelmed
There’s no “right” timeline for grief. If a lot of time has gone by and you still feel intense emotions, seeking support could be helpful. Grief doesn’t simply fade with time—it requires space to be acknowledged and processed. Years later, some people still feel overwhelmed. This can be triggered by anniversaries, milestones, or surprising reminders of their loss. Unprocessed grief can feel like an emotional weight that lingers in the background, making it difficult to fully engage with life. Grief counseling isn’t about pushing you forward—it’s about helping you integrate your loss into your life in a way that feels manageable. Holistic grief therapy in Los Angeles creates a supportive atmosphere. You can safely address unresolved emotions. This lets your grief progress naturally. You won’t feel stuck in pain or isolation.
Final Thoughts
Grief doesn’t have a rulebook, and there’s no single “correct” way to navigate it. But if your grief feels like it’s holding you back from living your life, seeking support is a compassionate choice. A grief counselor in Sherman Oaks can help you process emotions, regain a sense of balance, and find ways to move forward that feel right for you. You don’t have to figure this out alone. When you’re ready, therapy for grief in Sherman Oaks & throughout Los Angeles is here to provide the support you need, at the pace that feels best for you.
Finding Balance with Grief Therapy in Sherman Oaks & Throughout Los Angeles
Grief can be unpredictable, showing up in ways you never expected and lingering longer than you feel it should. Whether it’s disrupting your daily life, affecting your relationships, or leaving you feeling disconnected from yourself, grief therapy in Sherman Oaks & throughout Los Angeles offers a space to process loss in a way that respects your emotions without rushing your healing. Therapy can help you understand the weight of your grief, explore the challenges it presents, and develop strategies that allow you to carry it with greater ease.
As an online grief therapist, I provide a supportive environment where you can move through your grief at your own pace. Together, we’ll explore ways to honor your loss while creating space for healing, connection, and self-discovery. You don’t have to go through this alone—help is here when you’re ready.
Learn More About Me and My Services
Healing takes time, and it’s okay to move forward at your own pace.
Other Therapy Services Offered By Kiana Naimi
Besides grief counseling, I also offer other counseling services in Los Angeles and throughout California. Grief might be only one aspect of your mental health you want to address. This is why I offer a holistic approach to promoting overall emotional wellness. Other services I offer are trauma therapy and therapy intensives. I also specialize in different modalities such as Narrative Therapy, Attachment-Based Grief, Trauma Focused CBT, Somatic Embodiment & Regulation Strategies, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). Please explore my website to learn more about how I can support you on your journey towards healing and growth.