Grief and Loss Therapy in Richmond, VA
At Acacia Counseling and Consultative Services, our compassionate therapists understand that grief can feel overwhelming and impact every facet of your life. If you’re coping with a significant life change, the loss of a loved one, or the ending of a long-term relationship, we can help with grief and loss therapy in Richmond, Virginia. Our effective therapy for grief and loss is accessible through telehealth services, so you can get the support you need.
Understanding Grief and Loss
Grief is a natural response to loss. However, it manifests differently between individuals—some may experience guilt and anger, while others may feel withdrawn and sad. Common causes of grief include:
The death of a loved one
Divorce or ending of a long-term relationship
Miscarriage or infertility
Job loss
Major health diagnoses
Estrangement from family members or friends
Loss of a close friendship
Caregiving transitions
Retirement
Grief can resurface unexpectedly—it doesn’t follow a set timeline. Many people notice waves of emotion tied to anniversaries, memories, or certain reminders of the loss.
Symptoms of Grief and Loss
Grief can affect individuals emotionally, physically, and cognitively. While everyone’s experience is different, common symptoms may include:
Persistent sadness or tearfulness
Emptiness or hopelessness
Irritability or emotional numbness
Changes in appetite or sleep
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Social withdrawal or disconnection from others
These experiences can interfere with daily responsibilities, work performance, and relationships. The good news is that therapy can help you heal.
Grief and Loss Therapy Can Promote Healing
Acacia Counseling and Consultative Services offers a safe, supportive space for individuals to process grief and loss, explore their feelings, and develop coping strategies to navigate complex emotions. We focus on growth and healing, tailoring each session to your unique situation. Our empathetic grief and loss therapists can help you find ways to honor and remember your loss while moving forward and finding hope for the future.
Individual Grief Counseling
Individual grief and loss therapy creates space to explore your personal experience of grief without pressure or judgment. Sessions may involve:
Discussing the circumstances of the loss
Naming emotions that feel difficult to express
Understanding how grief affects your thoughts, relationships, and sense of self
Examining changes in your roles, routines, or identity
Rather than attempting to eliminate grief, therapy focuses on developing ways to carry it, learning how to respond to intense moments, and reconnecting with joyful aspects of life.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Grief
CBT helps individuals understand how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected. In therapy, clients identify unhelpful thought patterns that intensify grief, such as self-blame, guilt, or fear of future loss, and learn ways to respond to those thoughts with compassion. CBT skills help clients manage overwhelming moments of grief and gradually move forward.
Acceptance-Based and Mindfulness Approaches
Acceptance-based grief and loss therapy helps individuals acknowledge grief as part of their lived experience rather than something to overcome. Clients learn to reduce the urge to avoid or suppress grief, while mindfulness practices foster present-moment awareness and emotional regulation.
Trauma-Informed Grief and Loss Therapy
When loss is sudden, complicated, or connected to traumatic experiences, trauma-informed therapy may address both grief and nervous system responses. Sessions emphasize emotional safety, identify how the body reacts to reminders of the loss, and encourage clients to process their grief at a comfortable pace. A trauma-informed approach prioritizes consent, predictability, and collaboration, allowing progress while respecting boundaries.
Reach Out to a Grief and Loss Therapist
You don’t have to face grief alone. Please contact Acacia Counseling & Consultative Services today to schedule a telehealth session for grief and loss therapy in Richmond, VA. We would be honored to be part of your healing journey