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

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

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Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama | BCBS, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), +14 more
LGBTQIA+, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, +10 more

Being able to provide support and validation to the LGBTQIA+ community through their many challenges and obstacles has been extremely rewarding for me... Being able to provide support and validation to the LGBTQIA+ community through their many challenges and obstacles has been extremely rewarding for me and has reinforced my drive to be an affirming therapist. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Cigna | Evernorth, Compsych, +12 more
Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Infidelity, Self Esteem, Stress, +7 more

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Pamela Pierce

Hear from Pamela Pierce, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

View Pamela Pierce's profile

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

My go-to approach for helping people in grief & loss counseling is to assess the nature of the loss and the impact the loss is having on the person, then tailor what they need to specifics regarding the loss. All of those factors greatly impact what may best assist the client, so it is important to collect that information, preferably in a conversational manner that feels more connecting for a client. I have found that it is usually important to provide certain psychoeducation about grief and loss to the client so that they have a realistic understanding of what to expect and can be more realistic and compassionate to themselves. I then work with them on how to process the loss based on their unique circumstances

What tools do you teach in grief & loss counseling?

I teach the following tools in grief & loss counseling:

  • How to normalize the various mixed emotions of the grief and loss process, and learn that grief is not linear.
  • How to incorporate aspects of the client's philosophical, spiritual, and/or religious context to assist them with processing what the loss may mean and ways it may impact how they view and experience the loss.
  • Ways to begin accepting the reality of the loss and attending to the pain associated with the loss, as well as how to remain active and engaged in life following the loss, as that looks different at different points following the loss.
  • How to mourn based on the nature of the relationship and circumstances of the loss,preparing for important dates, anniversaries, and milestones.

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

I am able to determine that a client is making meaningful progress in grief & loss counseling when they allow whatever emotions need space to have space, and find ways to do so that are healthy, not problematic or self-destructive. Also, when the client is able to start engaging more fully in their lives and report feeling able to connect with more of life's moments and emotions, as there is sometimes a detachment or numbness that can follow a loss.

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

Clients can supplement their time in grief & loss counseling with reading, listening, or viewing material that is helpful for them in acknowledging and working to accept the loss. For instance, reading sections of a spiritual, philosophical, or religious text that is meaningful to the person, watching videos of others who have had similar losses, or listening to podcasts or audiobooks on what has helped people grieve. It is crucial to remember that people grieve in different ways. It can be helpful to hear how others do it, but is important to not expect any two people to do it the same way.Also, remembering a loved one and moments shared is okay, but living in the past is not. So, making sure clients are walking that line of reminiscing without living in the past and are taking steps to move forward. Moving forward does not involve forgetting their loved one, but does need to involve finding ways to engage in the present.

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

To prepare for their first grief & loss counseling session, an individual can take a beat to consider what they may need for themselves within the counseling experience. Relatedly, the person can consider the words or images that can communicate to a mental health provider what they may need as a client. Also, the individual can work to understand that the pain will not go away quickly and in some cases may never go away completely, but improvement can happen. And again, improvement does not mean forgetting a loved one.

Starting Grief & loss counseling

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 Birmingham, AL 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 Birmingham, AL 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 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Birmingham therapists and counselors accept 21 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama | BCBS

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

  • Humana Medicare Advantage

  • Humana PPO | EPO | HDHP

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Self-pay costs at Birmingham
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 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Pam has really helped me!
Kenisha Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Pamela Pierce is the best Therapist I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. She's extremely patient and knowledgeable.
Read more Pamela Pierce is the best Therapist I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. She's extremely patient and knowledgeable.
Birmingham Jan 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Therapy Birmingham is located at 400 Office Park Dr Suite 308, Birmingham, AL 35233, off of US Hwy 280.

Phone number

(205) 729-7554

Languages spoken by AL providers

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

Shown in CT

Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in CT

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