Question 1

What type of counseling is needed when a person cannot get over the grief of losing a loved one?

Accepted Answer

Grief and loss counseling helps people grieve difficult losses including the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, or the end of a relationship. It helps people navigate their grief process and eventually accept, understand, and move forward from their loss. Thriveworks grief  therapists in Philadelphia, PA have specific experience, training, and skills that enable them to best support grieving individuals.

Question 2

How does grief and loss counseling work?

Accepted Answer

Grief and loss counseling isn't one-size-fits-all, but it involves sharing about your loss and then working with your counselor to acknowledge and accept your new reality in its wake. Your  provider at Thriveworks in Philadelphia, PA will design your treatment plan around your unique needs and goals for therapy, applying the counseling techniques that best support them.

Question 3

Signs I should seek grief counseling

Accepted Answer

If you have recently experienced an event like the death of a loved one, a breakup or divorce, the loss of a job, or another major life change, then you may want to seek grief and loss counseling. Grief can be caused by many experiences and events, so if you feel that you are having trouble moving on from a certain event or find that it is still impacting your life and functioning, grief and loss counseling can help you process it more effectively so that you can move on and once again find fulfillment and satisfaction in your life.

Question 4

What counseling theory is best for grief?

Accepted Answer

There are many counseling theories for treating grief, one of the most frequently used being the dual process model of grief which helps people acknowledge who or what they've lost through rumination while also adjusting to the new roles and identities that this loss has now placed on them. There are also many commonly used therapy approaches used in grief and loss counseling, including  Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT),  Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and traumatic grief therapy.

Question 5

Is grief counseling conducted in person or online?

Accepted Answer

Grief & loss counseling at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

Question 6

How long does grief counseling last?

Accepted Answer

For many, grief and loss counseling lasts for about 6 months. For others, it may last shorter or longer, depending on the severity of their loss and their grief.

Question 7

What is your go-to approach for grief & loss counseling?

Accepted Answer

CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) can be highly effective in helping individuals cope with grief and loss by addressing their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors surrounding the experience of loss. Here's how CBT can help: Identifying and challenging negative thoughts: CBT helps individuals recognize and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to feelings of grief, such as guilt, self-blame, or hopelessness. By identifying and challenging these thoughts, individuals can gain a more balanced perspective on their loss., Coping skills development: CBT equips individuals with practical coping skills to manage their grief, such as relaxation techniques, problem-solving skills, and stress management strategies. These skills can help individuals navigate the intense emotions associated with grief more effectively., Behavioral activation: Grief often leads to withdrawal from activities and social interactions. CBT encourages individuals to gradually reintroduce enjoyable and meaningful activities into their lives, promoting a sense of normalcy and well-being., Emotional regulation: CBT helps individuals develop skills to regulate their emotions, such as mindfulness and emotional awareness exercises. This enables individuals to tolerate and process their emotions in a healthier way., Grief processing: CBT provides a structured framework for individuals to process their grief in a safe and supportive environment. Therapists may use techniques such as cognitive restructuring or narrative therapy to help clients make sense of their loss and integrate it into their lives., Building resilience: By addressing maladaptive thought patterns and developing effective coping strategies, CBT helps individuals build resilience in the face of loss. This enables them to adapt to life changes and move forward with a sense of purpose and meaning.

Question 8

What tools do you teach in grief & loss counseling?

Accepted Answer

In grief and loss counseling, various tools and techniques are used to help individuals navigate through their emotions and experiences. Some of these tools include: Psychoeducation: Providing information about the grieving process, describing common reactions to loss, and normalizing the experience can help individuals understand what they are going through and reduce feelings of isolation., Emotional expression: Encouraging clients to express their feelings openly and without judgment can be cathartic. This might involve talking about their emotions, journaling, art therapy, or using other creative outlets., Cognitive restructuring: Helping clients identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and beliefs related to their loss can alleviate emotional distress and promote healthier coping strategies., Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Teaching mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or progressive muscle relaxation can help clients manage anxiety and stress associated with grief., Support groups: Connecting clients with others who have experienced similar losses can provide validation, empathy, and a sense of community. Support groups can be in-person or online., Narrative therapy: Encouraging clients to tell their story of loss can facilitate meaning-making and help them integrate the loss into their life story in a way that feels meaningful and coherent., Behavioral activation: Encouraging clients to engage in activities that bring them joy or a sense of accomplishment, even when they don't feel like it, can help alleviate depressive symptoms and increase overall well-being., Attachment-focused interventions: Recognizing and exploring the attachment bonds that were formed with the deceased can be important in processing grief and resolving any unresolved feelings or conflicts., Spiritual exploration: For clients with spiritual or religious beliefs, exploring the meaning of loss within their spiritual framework can provide comfort and support., Self-care strategies: Encouraging clients to prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and maintaining social connections can help them cope with grief more effectively.

Question 9

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in grief & loss counseling?

Accepted Answer

Healing from grief is a highly individual process, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer to how someone might show signs of healing. However, there are some common indicators that suggest someone may be moving through the grieving process: Acceptance of emotions: They may begin to accept and express their emotions more openly, allowing themselves to feel sadness, anger, or even moments of joy without guilt or shame., Resumption of daily activities: They may gradually start to re-engage in their usual routines and activities, such as work, hobbies, or socializing, albeit perhaps with some adjustments., Improved mood: While they may still have moments of sadness or distress, overall, their mood may start to lift, and they may experience more frequent moments of contentment or peace., Increased self-care: They may begin to prioritize their own well-being more, taking care of themselves physically, emotionally, and mentally., Connection with others: They may seek out and accept support from friends, family, or support groups, and may start to feel more connected to others after a period of isolation or withdrawal., Ability to reminisce: They may be able to talk about their loved one and share memories without becoming overwhelmed by sadness, finding comfort and even joy in remembering., Setting future goals: They may start to envision a future for themselves and set goals or make plans, however small, indicating a sense of hope and forward movement.

Question 10

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement grief & loss counseling?

Accepted Answer

Clients can supplement therapy through: Journaling: Encourage clients to write about their feelings, memories, and experiences related to their loss. Journaling can provide a safe outlet for emotions and help in the process of making sense of what has happened., Mindfulness and meditation: Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help clients develop awareness of their thoughts and emotions without judgment. This can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and increase resilience in coping with grief., Creative expression: Engaging in creative activities such as painting, drawing, writing poetry, or playing music can be therapeutic. Creative expression allows clients to externalize their emotions and find meaning in their grief journey., Physical exercise: Regular exercise has been shown to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. I encourage clients to find physical activities they enjoy, whether it's walking, yoga, swimming, or dancing., Connecting with supportive relationships: Spending time with friends, family, or support groups who understand and empathize with their experience can provide comfort and validation. Sharing memories and stories about their loved one can also be healing., Self-care practices: I encourage clients to prioritize self-care activities that nourish their mind, body, and soul. This could include getting enough sleep, eating healthily, spending time in nature, taking relaxing baths, or engaging in hobbies they enjoy., Seeking solace in spirituality or religion: For those who find comfort in spirituality or religion, engaging in prayer, meditation, attending religious services, or seeking guidance from a spiritual leader can provide solace and support., Educating themselves about grief: Encourage clients to read books or articles or attend workshops about the grieving process. Understanding that grief is a natural response to loss and learning coping strategies can empower clients in their journey toward healing., Setting goals and creating rituals: Setting small achievable goals can provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Additionally, creating rituals or memorializing their loved one in meaningful ways can help clients honor their memory and find closure.

Question 11

What should someone do to prepare for starting grief & loss counseling?

Accepted Answer

The best way to prepare for the first session is to allow yourself to feel whatever you feel without placing rules on how you should feel or not feel. Grief is a lifelong process that we don't simply get over with time, but integrate into who we are in an adaptive way.

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Our therapists offer grief & loss counseling in Philadelphia, PA

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Common approaches to Grief & loss counseling

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

Christian counseling

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

EMDR therapy

Emotionally focused therapy (EFT)

Humanistic therapy

Motivational interviewing

Person-centered therapy (PCT)

Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT)

Strength-based therapy

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Starting Grief & loss counseling

What type of counseling is needed when a person cannot get over the grief of losing a loved one?

How does grief and loss counseling work?

Signs I should seek grief counseling

What counseling theory is best for grief?

Is grief counseling conducted in person or online?

How long does grief counseling last?

Pricing & insurance

Insurance options

Self-pay costs

Our Philadelphia therapists and counselors accept 44 insurance plans

Aetna

Ambetter from Pennsylvania Health and Wellness

AmeriHealth Administrators

AmeriHealth Medicare Advantage

AmeriHealth Pennsylvania

Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

Capital BlueCross of Pennsylvania | BCBS Medicare Advantage

Carelon

Cigna | Evernorth

Cigna | Evernorth EAP

Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

Compsych

First Health Network

Geisinger Health Plan

Geisinger Health Plan Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Pennsylvania Exchange

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Pennsylvania | Medicare Advantage

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Pennsylvania | PPO - HMO

Humana Exchange

Humana HMO/POS

Humana Medicare Advantage

Humana PPO | EPO | HDHP

Independence Administrators

Independence Blue Cross | BCBS

Independence Blue Exchange

JP Farley Corporation

Keystone 65 Medicare Advantage

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Keystone Health Plan East HMO | POS

Martin's Point (US Family Health Plans)

Martins Point (Generations Advantage Medicare Advantage)

Medicare PA

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Personal Choice PPO | EPO

Quest Behavioral Health

Railroad Medicare

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Tricare West

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United Healthcare | Optum EAP

Wellcare by Allwell | Pennsylvania Health and Wellness

Talk therapy

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