Grief counseling

Grief counseling is a form of therapy that helps people process loss and find support as they move through grief. It is often used after the death of a loved one, but grief can also follow other major losses, such as a relationship ending, a serious diagnosis, infertility, caregiving changes, job loss, or a traumatic event.

Grief can affect people emotionally, physically, socially, and cognitively. Someone may feel sadness, anger, guilt, numbness, anxiety, trouble concentrating, changes in sleep, or difficulty returning to daily routines. Grief counseling gives people space to understand those reactions, talk through what they are experiencing, and develop coping strategies that fit their life and needs.In the workplace, grief can affect focus, energy, presenteeism, attendance, and connection with coworkers. Supportive employers can help by offering compassionate leave policies, manager guidance, flexible return-to-work options, and clear access to care when employees need more support.

Grief counseling may be one part of a broader mental health solution, especially when grief overlaps with depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use concerns, or other mental health needs. The right support should meet each person where they are, respect that grief does not follow a fixed timeline, and help people stay connected to care as their needs change.