availability-icon

Offered in-person & online

Grief counseling in Greensboro, NC

Get in-person or online care, and cover the majority of the costs with your insurance.

Get in-person or online care, and cover the majority of the costs with your insurance. Scheduling is easy — call our team and they’ll help you find your perfect match.

Connect with a therapist, psychiatrist or counselor near you

1,096 people sought grief & loss counseling help at Greensboro in the last year

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

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Aetna, Carolina Behavioral Health Alliance (CBHA), Compsych, +9 more
Anger, Coping Skills, Infidelity, Men’s Issues, Self Esteem, +9 more

I'm a professional counselor with 20 years of experience. I look forward to collaborating with you to build the road to a better future.

Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS Medicare Advantage, +22 more
Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Women’s Issues, Bipolar Disorder, +7 more

I genuinely care about helping people to explore their potential and discover contentment and equilibrium.

Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS Medicare Advantage, +20 more
Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, ADHD, OCD / Obsessive-Compulsive, +5 more

As a young professional in a constantly changing world, allow me to help you make hard times and tough experiences a little easier.

Hear from our clinicians

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

Jennifer: I tend to be extremely integrative when counseling individuals seeking support in grief/loss. I view grief and loss as interchangeable to trauma so my approach to grief and loss closely mirrors my approach to trauma: a blend of psychodynamic, attachment style, family systems, behavioral psychology and CBT. I find the strongest efficacy in psychodynamic therapy as it allows client to explore underlying meanings and themes within their grief or events related to their grief (especially if the client endured what can be identified as a pattern of similar experiences).

Kate: A common approach for helping people in grief and loss counseling is using a combination of emotional processing and support-based interventions, such as grief work and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The best benefit is often found in creating a safe space where individuals can openly express their emotions, which helps them work through feelings of sadness, anger, guilt, or confusion. Supporting clients in understanding the stages of grief and normalizing their experience can reduce feelings of isolation or abnormality. Techniques like narrative therapy, where clients share their story of loss, and mindfulness practices can help individuals find meaning and cope with the intensity of their emotions. This approach fosters healing by balancing emotional expression with practical strategies for managing the day-to-day impact of grief.

What tools do you teach in grief & loss counseling?

Jennifer: I encourage clients to process and radically accept their grief. This allows them to acknowledge how they are truly feeling (regardless of the emotion) and radically accept (acknowledge without judgment) how they feel.

Kate: The following tools are commonly taught in grief and loss counseling:

  • Emotional Expression: Encourages individuals to openly share their feelings of grief, whether through talking, journaling, or creative outlets, helping them process their emotions in a healthy way.
  • Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques: Helps clients stay present and manage overwhelming feelings of grief by focusing on breathing exercises, body awareness, or grounding activities like using the five senses.
  • Grief Journaling: Provides a structured way for individuals to document their thoughts and feelings, track their emotional journey, and reflect on memories of their loved one.
  • Cognitive Restructuring: Assists clients in challenging any unhelpful or irrational beliefs related to the loss, such as guilt or feelings of responsibility, and replacing them with more balanced perspectives.
  • Self-Compassion: Teaches individuals to treat themselves with kindness during the grieving process, reducing self-criticism and allowing for healthier emotional healing.
  • Legacy Projects: Involves creating something meaningful to honor the memory of the lost loved one, such as a scrapbook, letter, or charitable action, helping clients find a sense of purpose in their grief.
  • Social Support Building: Encourages individuals to lean on friends, family, or support groups, recognizing that connecting with others can ease feelings of isolation during the grieving process.
  • Rituals and Memorials: Helps individuals develop personal rituals or participate in memorial activities that provide comfort and help maintain a connection with the loved one who has passed.

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

Jennifer: I know a client is making progress when they can find meaning in their grief/suffering and or if they are able to move towards radically accepting what happened.

Kate: Progress in grief and loss counseling is evident when a client begins to express their emotions more freely and with less fear of judgment or overwhelm. Meaningful progress can be seen when the individual starts to accept the reality of the loss, while gradually finding ways to engage in life and daily activities again. The client may also show improved emotional regulation, moving through waves of grief with greater resilience and the ability to manage intense feelings without feeling stuck. Another indicator of progress is when the individual begins to create new meaning or purpose in life despite the loss, such as through legacy projects, personal goals, or re-engaging in relationships. The ability to reflect on memories of the loved one without being completely overcome by grief, and the gradual shift from acute pain to a more integrated experience of loss, are key signs of healing.

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

Jennifer: Clients can supplement grief and loss with exercises that focus on gratitude and mindfulness-based practices.

Kate: Clients can supplement their time in grief and loss counseling with the following activities:

  • Journaling: Writing down thoughts, emotions, or memories can help process the grief and provide an outlet for feelings that may be difficult to express verbally.
  • Engaging in Self-Care: Prioritizing activities that promote physical and emotional well-being, such as exercise, adequate sleep, healthy eating, and relaxation techniques, can support healing during the grieving process.
  • Connecting with Support Networks: Reaching out to friends, family, or joining a grief support group can provide a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation during times of loss.
  • Creating a Legacy Project: Working on something meaningful to honor the memory of the lost loved one, such as creating a memory book, writing a letter, or participating in a charitable activity, can provide comfort and a sense of purpose.
  • Practicing Mindfulness or Meditation: Using mindfulness techniques can help clients stay present and manage overwhelming emotions, reducing the intensity of grief in the moment.
  • Engaging in Rituals or Memorial Activities: Creating personal rituals or participating in memorial events can help maintain a connection with the loved one and offer a sense of closure or peace.
  • Reading or Listening to Grief Resources: Books, podcasts, or articles on grief and loss can offer insights, comfort, and practical coping strategies that align with the counseling process.
  • Setting Small Goals: Gradually re-engaging in activities and setting small, achievable goals in daily life can help individuals move forward while still honoring their grief.

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

Jennifer: To prepare for a session involving grief or loss, a client can write down all of the words that come to mind when they think of the grief. Clients can also talk about the grief with the central focus on meaning (what the grief means to them now, what they would like it to mean as they progress).

Kate: To prepare for their first grief and loss counseling session, an individual can reflect on their emotions and experiences related to the loss, considering how it has affected different areas of their life, such as relationships, daily functioning, or personal beliefs. It may help to write down specific feelings, memories, or challenges they are struggling with, as this can guide the conversation during the session. Being open to discussing both their emotions and any physical symptoms they may have experienced (like sleep issues or fatigue) is important. The individual can also think about what they hope to achieve in counseling, whether it's finding ways to cope, gaining emotional support, or learning how to move forward while honoring the memory of the lost loved one. Lastly, bringing any questions about the counseling process or sharing concerns about grief can help them feel more comfortable and engaged in the therapeutic journey.

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 Greensboro, NC 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 Greensboro, NC 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.

Need more help deciding?

Grief Counseling in Greensboro, NC

There isn’t pain quite like that of grief and loss. Losing a beloved friend, family member, pet, even a job, can be heart wrenching. In fact, such a loss can change life as we know it, as we shift our day to day activities, consider our priorities, and go on living. Fortunately, there is a dedicated mental health service for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one: grief counseling. Grief counseling can offer the guidance and support you might need during this most difficult time.

If you are in the Greensboro, NC area, consider scheduling a grief counseling appointment at Thriveworks Counseling in Greensboro, NC. We have grief counselors, therapists, and psychologists on staff who can help you. Just call our office to schedule an appointment.

What Is the Difference Between Grief, Bereavement, Mourning, and Loss?

You’ve probably heard the words “grief,” “bereavement,” “mourning,” and “loss” used when describing a death. It is easy to assume that they mean the same thing. But while they are often used interchangeably and can overlap, they are different and knowing the difference can help you understand the grieving process:

  1. Loss: Loss is the actual losing of someone or something. When someone refers to a loss, they are most often referring to the death of a loved one. “He recently suffered the loss of his mother.” “She recently lost her beloved dog.” Loss can also be attributed to the end or absence of things such as the end of a relationship or even a job. Whether the term “death” or “loss” is used often depends on the context and cultural influences.
  2. Bereavement: Bereavement is a term used to describe the objective situation a person faces following the death of a loved one. It is generally used to describe the period of being in grief and mourning following a death. “She has suffered two bereavements just this year.”
  3. Grief: Grief or grieving is the term used to describe the overall way we experience loss internally. The focus here is on the individual’s internal emotional processing of the loss. We experience loss emotionally, physically, cognitively, socially and spiritually. How we handle grief is unique to each person. The thoughts and feelings we experience can be quite intense and sometimes can impede functioning. Some people handle grief well. Others struggle with finding ways to accept and cope with the loss.
  4. Mourning: Mourning is the “how” of grief. It is the external or public expression of grief. The way we mourn is largely determined by the traditions and values of our culture, our family, our community, or our spiritual practices. For example, wearing black for a designated time in some cultures signifies a person in mourning. In other cultures, burning memorial candles or saying specific prayers for a designated time represents a time of mourning.

Schedule Grief Counseling at Thriveworks Counseling in Greensboro, NC

Losing a loved one is never easy and can be quite confusing. Understanding the things you are experiencing can help ease the pain and set you on the path to healing and peace.

Thriveworks has grief counselors in Greensboro who are here to help. The experienced and compassionate counselors at Thriveworks understand the dynamics of grieving and are able to help you begin the healing process. Take the first step—reach out for help. Call us to schedule your first grief counseling session, either in person or online.

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 Greensboro therapists and counselors accept 22 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS Medicare Advantage

  • Carelon

  • Caresource

  • Carolina Behavioral Health Alliance (CBHA)

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • Devoted Health | Medicare Advantage

  • Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network

Show more
Self-pay costs at Greensboro
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

4.8 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I am very impressed with Rikki Hester. She is very professional and has a warm caring manner. I look forward to our weekly sessions.
Ellen Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I am pleased with my therapist at Thriveworks.
Vicki Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I am very happy with my work with Dr. Yelverton. She understands my cultural background which helps a lot. I can work well with her. I've made significant progress with help.
Laura Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★
Therapist listen and don't judge.
jayzabel Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Karen is a very good listener. I feel she has helped with me with problem solving in my life.
Greensboro Aug 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I’ve worked with Travis Bittle and she is an excellent clinician. She is very knowledgeable and has an abundance of experience in the mental health field. Client care and ethics are very important to her. She’s awesome!!
Greensboro Dec 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Travis Bittle is a great clinician, she is caring and understanding. She goes above and beyond to ensure you are comfortable and understand what you are going through.
Greensboro Dec 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★
The first session seemed kind of unproductive but it's cool.
Greensboro Mar 2017
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Greensboro can be found right before Battleground Ave and Westridge Road meet, immediately west of Country Park. Our office shares a building with Berky Orthodontics and MetLife, and is across the street from McDonalds. The closest bus stops are Battleground/Westridge and Battleground/Southeastern Eye.

Phone number

(336) 891-3857

Languages spoken by NC providers

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

Shown in ET

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
Thursday 8:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

7 photos

Nearby cities where we also offer grief & loss counseling

Find a provider ...