Supportive Therapy for Your Journey Through Grief and Loss

In the silent moments of grieving, you may find yourself walking a path clouded by intense sadness, confusion, and longing. Navigating grief is a journey that’s deeply personal and one that often unfolds in unpredictable ways.

At Marsh Psychotherapy, we recognize the deeply personal and transformative experience of grief. Our compassionate team is here to support you, offering guidance and understanding as you navigate the complex emotions and challenges of your journey.

You don’t have to face this path alone—we’re dedicated to walking alongside you, helping you rediscover hope and healing, one step at a time.

What Is Grief?

Most of us know grief when we feel it. It’s the emotional, physical, and psychological response to loss. Grief can be caused by any significant life change that makes you feel an intense sense of loss. This can be the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, the end of a relationship, infertility, even a shift in your identity.

Although grief is a universal emotion, there’s no one way to grieve. Grief can manifest as sadness, anger, longing, and emptiness. It may even lead to physical symptoms like fatigue or difficulty sleeping. And the ways in which we grieve may be as diverse as the causes of grief.

What Causes Grief?

Grief can be caused by a wide range of life events. It can result from a single event, or accumulate over time from multiple smaller losses compounding. Some common causes of grief include:

  • Death of a loved one

  • Job loss or career setbacks
  • Loss of a pet
  • Miscarriage or stillbirth
  • Infertility
  • Loss of a home or community
  • Traumatic experience
  • Loss of some part of your identity
  • Retirement
  • Loss of health or autonomy
  • Loss of a dream
  • Ending of a friendship
  • Divorce or breakup

Types of Grief & Loss

Grief is not a one-size-fits-all experience; there are many types, each with unique challenges and impacts.

At Marsh Psychotherapy, we recognize and address the wide spectrum of grief that individuals may feel.

  • Normal Grief: Perhaps the most commonly recognized form, this type of grief follows any type of intense loss, including bereavement. It can manifest as profound sadness, longing, or even guilt, and affects individuals differently.

  • Anticipatory Grief: This grief occurs in anticipation of an actual loss. It’s often experienced by individuals caring for terminally ill loved ones, and may include sadness, anxiety, and even a sense of relief and guilt as individuals prepare for what’s to come.

  • Traumatic Grief: This occurs when a loss is sudden and unexpected, often leaving individuals in a state of shock and disbelief. It can be accompanied by symptoms of trauma, such as flashbacks or severe anxiety.

  • Complicated Grief: Grief may become prolonged, intense, and even debilitating, affecting one’s ability to function. Individuals with complicated grief may struggle to accept the loss. They may experience intense feelings of hopelessness and have difficulty finding meaning after the loss.

  • Disenfranchised Grief: This type of grief is often unrecognized or invalidated by society, such as mourning a miscarriage, the loss of a pet, or the end of a non-marital relationship. It can be particularly challenging as it lacks communal support and acknowledgment.

  • Chronic Grief: Grief that lingers for months or even years can negatively impact a person’s mental and physical health. This type of grief often requires professional help to come to terms with the loss and move forward.

At Marsh Psychotherapy, we tailor our approach to suit the specific type of grief you are experiencing. Our therapists are equipped with the knowledge and skills to support you through your unique journey, acknowledging the individuality of your experience and providing the empathy, understanding, and therapeutic tools necessary for healing.

The Impacts of Grief

Grief is not just an emotional experience; it affects every facet of our being—mind, body, and spirit.At Marsh Psychotherapy, we recognize the multifaceted nature of loss and the various ways grief can impact your life.

Signs and symptoms of grief may include:

  • Emotional and Psychological Effects: Grief can lead to a wide range of emotional responses, including sadness, anger, guilt, or numbness. In some cases, it can cause anxiety, relief, or even disbelief.
  • Physical Health: The stress of grief can have tangible effects on physical health. Symptoms may include sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, fatigue, or somatic complaints such as headaches or stomachaches. In the long term, chronic stress can contribute to more serious health issues like heart disease or weakened immune function.
  • Cognitive Symptoms: The cognitive impacts of grief are often overlooked. Grief can affect your ability to think clearly, make decisions, or concentrate. Thoughts about loss may preoccupy the mind. Grief can also cause memory problems and forgetfulness.
  • Behavioral Changes: Grief may lead to changes in behavior. This might include withdrawal from social interactions, avoidance of certain places or people that remind you of your loss, substance abuse, or other coping mechanisms that can be harmful if left unchecked.
  • Impact on Relationships: Grief can change how you interact with others. You might find yourself feeling disconnected from loved ones, struggling with intimacy, or finding it difficult to express your emotions in healthy ways.
  • Spiritual and Existential Reckoning: For many, grief and trauma can prompt deep spiritual or existential questioning. You might grapple with questions about the meaning of life, your beliefs, or your place in the world.

The signs and symptoms of grief can be all-encompassing, affecting your emotional, physical, and cognitive well-being. It’s important to remember that grieving is a normal and natural process, but if you or someone you know is experiencing intense or prolonged grief, there are a variety of therapies that may be able to help.

Therapies We Use To Treat Grief

Grief is intensely personal, so while there’s no one best approach to healing, various therapeutic modalities may help.

IPT supports individuals through grief by offering a structured approach to mourning, adjusting to life changes, and strengthening social connections. It promotes emotional expression, reduces isolation, and helps resolve conflicts or guilt related to the loss. IPT also aids in role transitions, fostering a renewed sense of meaning and connection while enhancing communication and support-seeking to promote healing and resilience. Learn more.

Grief can bring forth a wide range of intense and overwhelming emotions, which may feel difficult to manage. DBT equips individuals with practical tools to navigate and regulate these emotions, fostering resilience and balance throughout the grieving process. Learn more.

Art therapy provides a creative and meaningful outlet for expressing emotions that may be difficult to verbalize. Through artistic exploration, individuals can externalize their feelings, gain insights, and engage in a powerful process of healing and self-discovery. Learn more.

CBT is a widely effective approach for addressing grief by identifying and challenging negative thought patterns that hinder the healing process. Whether you’re struggling with feelings of hopelessness, guilt, anger, or longing, CBT can help you develop healthier ways of thinking and coping, supporting you in your journey toward healing. Learn more.

Narrative therapy helps individuals make sense of their grief by re-framing and integrating the loss into their larger life story. By re-writing the narrative of your experience, you can find meaning in the loss, reclaim agency, and move forward with greater clarity and empowerment.

Mindfulness encourages individuals to stay present with their emotions rather than suppress or avoid them. By fostering awareness and acceptance, mindfulness practices can reduce stress and anxiety often tied to grief, allowing for deeper connection with your emotions, memories, and experiences without judgment.

Our Approach to Healing Grief

We approach the healing from grief with a deep sense of compassion and understanding. Recognizing that each person’s experience is unique, our therapy is tailored to meet you where you are in your healing journey.

Young black woman on a couch with pillows having online drama therapy in New York
  • Holistic and Individualized Care

    : We believe in a holistic approach to healing, one that addresses not just the emotional, but also the physical, mental, and spiritual impacts of grief. Our therapy plans are individualized, taking into account your personal experiences, strengths, and needs.

  • Building Resilience and Coping Skills: Our goal is not only to alleviate the immediate symptoms of grief, but to empower you with coping skills and resilience for the future. We focus on developing strategies to manage stress, enhance emotional regulation, and rebuild a sense of control and hope.
  • Supportive and Empathetic Environment: The therapeutic relationship is a cornerstone of our approach. We provide a safe, empathetic environment where you can share your experiences without judgment. This supportive setting is crucial for fostering trust and enabling deep healing.

Navigating the Path Together 

At Marsh Psychotherapy, we are committed to supporting you on your journey toward healing from grief. Our therapists offer compassion, understanding, and practical therapeutic tools to help you restore balance and find peace in your life.

When you’re ready to begin your healing process, contact us to schedule a consultation.

Laptop on a desk for online therapy for grief and trauma

What People Are Saying

“I left every session experiencing personal growth and  positive change.”

Take the First Step

If you’re struggling with grief, remember that you’re not alone, and help is available. Reach out to us to start your journey towards healing and empowerment.