Grief Therapy
Grief therapy in Chicago, IL for adults coping with loss, bereavement, and overwhelming grief. Evidence-based counseling supports emotional processing, coping skills, and healing after the death of a loved one or significant life loss.
Quick Facts
- For: Adults coping with grief, bereavement, and significant loss
- Concerns: Overwhelming sadness, guilt, anger, numbness, anxiety, difficulty adjusting after loss
- Approach: Compassionate, evidence-based grief therapy (CBT, ACT, mindfulness-based)
- Sessions: 55–60 minutes, in-person or telehealth
- Location: Chicago, IL & virtual across Illinois
- Insurance: BCBS, Blue Choice, United, Cigna
What're the 3 Cs of Grief?
Can't
This represents the feelings of helplessness or powerlessness often felt during grief. It may be difficult to understand or accept the reality of the loss, and there may be a sense of not being able to move forward.
Couldn't
This refers to the feelings of guilt or self-blame that can arise, questioning whether there was something more you could have done to prevent the loss or to help the person who has passed.
Won't
This addresses the resistance or fear of moving on from the loss. It can be difficult to imagine a life without the person or thing you’ve lost, and there may be a reluctance to embrace change or the future.
How to Deal with Overwhelming Grief?
At Sarah Cline & Associates, we understand that navigating grief can be one of life’s most difficult challenges. Our compassionate and supportive approach ensures that you always feel safe, heard, and cared for during this deeply personal journey.
We work with individuals experiencing intense emotions such as sadness, shock, anger, and feelings of loss, helping them find healthy ways to process and cope with their grief.
Grief can profoundly impact your day-to-day life, but you don’t have to go through it alone. We’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
Expert Support for Managing Grief
What kind of therapy is best for grief?
We believe in guiding our clients with compassion and without judgment.
Our therapists acknowledge that loss is a part of the human experience, and we approach each client as a fellow human being willing to sit with you in your space of loss and sadness.
We are patient and provide the guidance we can along the path of grief. Our approach to grief therapy includes various therapeutic techniques, such as CBT, DBT, ACT, and IFS, when applicable We recognize that everyone experiences loss, and we support you with empathy and patience.
We help you understand your grief, offer guidance, and provide practical tools to help you cope and heal.
How does grief therapy work?
Grief therapy follows a flexible, supportive process that adapts to your needs while helping you safely process loss and emotions over time.
During a 55-60 minute grief therapy session, your therapist will provide a safe and supportive environment for you to express and process your feelings.
Sessions may include:
- Discussing your current emotions and experiences
- Allowing you to share what life is feeling like for you
- Exploring what may be helping or hindering your grieving process
- Providing education about grief and loss
- Offering interventions tailored to your needs
Our compassionate counselors are here to support you through your grief journey, helping you feel empowered and hopeful for the future.
At Sarah Cline & Associates, you are not alone. Together, we can navigate the challenges of grief and loss and work towards healing and acceptance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is grief therapy effective?
Grief therapy can be an effective form of support for individuals coping with loss and bereavement. Therapy provides space to process emotions, reduce feelings of isolation, and develop coping strategies that support healing while honoring the unique and personal nature of grief.
What types of loss can grief therapy help with?
Grief therapy can support individuals experiencing many forms of loss, including the death of a loved one, anticipatory grief, complicated grief, and significant life changes. Therapy is not limited to a single type of loss and adapts to each person’s experience.
How long does grief therapy usually last?
The length of grief therapy varies based on individual needs, goals, and circumstances. Some people seek short-term support during an acute period of loss, while others choose longer-term therapy as they continue to process grief over time.
What happens during a first grief therapy session?
The first session focuses on understanding your loss, current emotions, and what support you are seeking. Your therapist will explain the therapy process, answer questions, and help establish goals while ensuring the space feels safe and nonjudgmental.
Is there a “right” way to grieve?
No. Grief looks different for everyone. There is no correct timeline or way to grieve. Grief therapy respects this individuality and supports clients in navigating their emotions without judgment or pressure to move on.
Sources
- American Psychological Association (APA)
Grief is a natural response to loss that can affect emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being. Psychotherapy can help individuals process grief, manage intense emotions, and adapt to life after loss in a healthy and supportive way.
https://www.apa.org/topics/grief - National Institute on Aging (NIH)
Grief and mourning can affect emotions, behavior, and physical well-being after a loss. Talk therapy with a grief counselor or therapist can help people work through sorrow, adjust to life changes, and develop coping strategies over time.
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/grief-and-mourning/coping-grief-and-loss
Feel Heard, Feel Safe, Feel Better - Contact Us
In-Person Sessions
2100 Manchester Rd. Suite 501-1
Wheaton, IL. 60187
Virtual Sessions
Throughout Illinois