686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

Discover how starting grief & loss counseling can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a grief counselor as soon as this week

4  therapists available in Baton Rouge

As an African-American female therapist, I want you to know that I offer a warm, non-judgmental space where you're genuinely heard...

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I make every effort to provide a warm and encouraging environment while offering the professional tools and guidance to assist cli...

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Over the years, I have worked extensively with children and adolescents, though my practice is not exclusively focused on that pop...

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As a woman who identifies with a number of mental health challenges, I feel I can best help others who are experiencing many types...

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Jacqueline Hayes

Hear from Jacqueline Hayes, Licensed Professional Counselor - Supervisor Appraisal (LPC-SA)

View Jacqueline Hayes's profile

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

"My go-to approach for helping people in grief & loss counseling is a less-is-more approach. I find the best benefit in acknowledging how much the loss hurts—nothing I can do or say will make that hurt less—and validating a person's right to grieve in their own way, because we're all unique beings. Yes, we as people are more similar than we are different, yet grief is a uniquely personalized experience that has to be allowed its own time, process, and rituals. I see my role in grief & loss counseling as one where I walk alongside the grief-stricken, holding space for them to share, vent, and emote/feel in a safe, nonjudgmental, non-rushing, confidential space, where even to sit in silence is understood and deemed cathartic."

What tools do you teach in grief & loss counseling?

"I teach the following tools in grief & loss counseling:

  • Acceptance & commitment (ACT)
  • Emotional regulation
  • Healthy boundaries
  • Emotional intelligence, or learning to accurately identify and describe nuanced emotions
  • Reframing grief to a ""celebration of life"" concept that often involves a shift toward the loved one's life being well-lived vs focusing on the pain of their transition from human form. This often includes exploration of healthy rituals to honor the life of that loved one.
"

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

I know a client is making meaningful progress in grief & loss counseling when the client verbalizes that they are feeling better. There is no set timeframe for this to happen. It is different for everyone. Until this happens, we stay the course of processing the loss and its impact, along with any other life events that are bound to happen as a person is in the grieving process.

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

"Clients can supplement their time in grief & loss counseling with what I call ""lifework."" That involves assignments (direct and indirect) that are essential to the success & maintenance of therapy in general, regardless of the initial presenting issue (in this case, grief & loss). Specifically for death-related grief & loss, I supplement the client's time outside of session with my own compiled ""grief packet."" I give that to them once we both agree they're ready. It is self-paced work. As they begin completing assignments within the packet, we discuss and process further in sessions. I also encourage supplementing talk therapy with support groups, leaning on faith/beliefs, surrounding oneself with healthy natural supports (family, friends, colleagues), and selfcare (hot baths, paying bills on time, reading, taking time alone, spa services, getting out in nature, prayer, making poetry/music/art.. etc)."

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

"To prepare for their first grief & loss counseling session, an individual can come as they are, literally—come in whatever condition you find yourself in. That may mean you are sobbing uncontrollably; or numb with disbelief; or not showered in days, or not up to being ""presentable"" with hair in place, makeup, or a clean-shaven face, etc. They must be fully clothed, other than that...there is grace in a space where someone is overcome with grief. Be prepared for transparency: be open to emoting, crying, or moments of silent reflection, and be brutally honest about what you feel, including anger. It's all valid and often appropriate, yet understandably painful. This is your safe space, your refuge, your place to get what you need to move beyond debilitating emotional pain and into some level of acceptance (up to and including celebration of life)."

Starting Grief & loss counseling in Baton Rouge

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

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 Baton Rouge, LA have specific experience, training, and skills that enable them to best support grieving individuals.

How does grief and loss counseling work?

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 Baton Rouge, LA will design your treatment plan around your unique needs and goals for therapy, applying the counseling techniques that best support them.

Signs I should seek grief counseling

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.

What counseling theory is best for grief?

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.

Is grief counseling conducted in person or online?

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.

How long does grief counseling last?

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.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 360+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our therapists and counselors in Baton Rouge accept 18 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana | BCBS

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana | Medicare Advantage

  • Christus Health Plan Exchange

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Medicare Advantage

  • JP Farley Corporation

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Self-pay costs at Baton Rouge
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

5.0 Thriveworks Baton Rouge reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
I believe that Stephanie Dean is an amazing individual and counselor. Not only does she care about her consumers, she also cares about other counselors that are new to the way things happen. I noticed that it was easy to speak openly because I feel that she truly empathizes when I express my issues and frustrations. She is always a joy to speak with and to. She will be an amazing asset wherever she goes.
Read more I believe that Stephanie Dean is an amazing individual and counselor. Not only does she care about her consumers, she also cares about other counselors that are new to the way things happen. I noticed that it was easy to speak openly because I feel that she truly empathizes when I express my issues and frustrations. She is always a joy to speak with and to. She will be an amazing asset wherever she goes.
Baton Rouge Mar 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling Baton Rouge is located off Interstate 12 at the intersection of Drusilla Drive and Route 73. The closest bus stop is the Jefferson-Drusilla E stop on Line 12. We share this building with Bill Barkas- State Farm Insurance. Behind this building block runs Ward Creek.

Phone number

(318) 242-8051

Languages spoken by LA providers

  • English
Thursday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in CT

Thursday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in CT

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