Therapy for Prolonged Grief

Experiencing grief after losing a loved one is natural, yet for some, grief persists in a way that interferes with daily life. Prolonged Grief Disorder (also called complicated grief) involves intense, persistent sorrow that makes it difficult to move forward, maintain relationships, or engage in normal routines. However, grief often has no timeline and societal expectations about grieving do not take individual differences into account. Your grief is YOURS and there is no set timeline or "should" for it to end.

What is Prolonged Grief Disorder?

Unlike typical grief, prolonged grief significantly affects functioning. Individuals often feel "stuck," preoccupied with the deceased, and unable to establish a new sense of normal. Daily life—work, relationships, or personal care—can be profoundly disrupted. Prolonged grief occurs when intense grief persists for over a year, but diagnosis relies on emotional intensity, functional impairment, and duration rather than time alone. Everyone’s grief process is unique, and long-lasting grief does not automatically indicate that something is wrong.

Recognizing the Signs

Prolonged Grief Disorder can affect anyone but is more likely after the death of a parent, child, or partner, particularly if the death is sudden, traumatic, or prevents closure. Risk increases when support systems are inaccessible or grief is socially minimized. C.S. Lewis wrote about this in his book, "A Grief Observed."

• Intense longing or preoccupation with the deceased → "They're on my mind ALL the time."
• Denial or inability to accept the loss → "I just can't be. It can't be."
• Persistent ruminating thoughts about the death → "I replay the scene again and again in my head."
• Emotional numbness or emptiness → "I can't feel anything. Nothing matters."
• Feeling life is meaningless without the deceased → "What's the point anymore? I don't care about anything."

• Difficulty functioning at work, school, or socially → "I can't get anything done at work. I'm a zombie."
• Avoiding reminders of the deceased → "We can't go to that restaurant."
• Feeling part of oneself has died → "A piece of me is missing. The pain is terrible. I miss them so much."
• Catastrophizing about the future → "It happened. So it will happen again."
• Self-blame or guilt → "If I had only said something. I knew they were addicted."
• Difficulty planning or focusing → "I don't want to go anywhere. Not vacation, not anywhere."
• Anger or irritability → "I'm fuming all the time."
• Isolation or detachment from others → "I haven't spoken to my friends lately. I don't care."

How Therapy for Grief Helps

I provide a safe, structured space to process grief, regain emotional balance, reconnect with life, and assist you in:

• Understanding the intensity and impact of your grief
• Developing strategies to manage overwhelming emotions
• Gradually accepting loss and restoring a sense of purpose
• Reconnecting with joy, meaning, and relationships

Healing is possible, and I support you every step of the way.

Getting Started in NYC

Taking the first step by reaching out. I help you heal from grief and reclaim a sense of joy and energy for life.

Read about Grief Therapy in NYC