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 provider as soon as this week

Aetna, Cigna | Evernorth, Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network, +5 more
Military / Veteran, Domestic Abuse, Anger, Coping Skills, Infidelity, +11 more

I offer a warm, understanding space where you can feel safe, heard, and supported as we navigate trauma, grief, depression, and anxiety together, at a... I offer a warm, understanding space where you can feel safe, heard, and supported as we navigate trauma, grief, depression, and anxiety together, at a pace that feels right for you. Read more

Aetna, AmeriHealth Administrators, AmeriHealth Medicare Advantage, +22 more
Domestic Abuse, LGBTQIA+, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, +13 more

I strive to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space grounded in empathy where we can address your unique challenges and foster meaningful change.

Aetna, Cigna | Evernorth, Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network, +5 more
Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Career, Divorce / Breakup, +7 more

With as messy as life can be, it's important to acknowledge we are all humans just trying to figure it out. I make it a priority to meet my clients wh... With as messy as life can be, it's important to acknowledge we are all humans just trying to figure it out. I make it a priority to meet my clients where they are with kindness and understanding. Read more

Lara Carter

Hear from Lara Carter, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

View Lara Carter's profile

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

My approach to grief and loss counseling adapts to the nature of the loss and its impact on the individual. I focus on helping clients process their feelings related to the loss, explore ways to rebuild their life while adapting to the loss, and develop coping strategies to manage their emotions associated with grieving.

What tools do you teach in grief & loss counseling?

The tools and coping strategies I utilize in grief and loss counseling include:

  • Self-care strategies to address mental, emotional, social, physical, and spiritual needs.
  • Mindfulness strategies to help clients stay present and observant of their thoughts and feelings.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) skills, such as recognizing cognitive distortions and examining core beliefs, to manage thoughts more effectively.

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

Clients make meaningful progress when they report feeling more positive, lighter, or more motivated due to the coping strategies learned. Indicators of progress also include clients feeling more accepting of their loss and finding the ability to move forward in a meaningful direction.

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

To supplement their grief and loss counseling, clients are encouraged to practice self-care, give their minds time to rest, and engage in activities like hobbies, journaling, exercising, or meditation. These activities help in not ruminating on the loss and finding contentment in the moment.

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

Preparing for the first grief and loss counseling session involves identifying the main reasons for seeking therapy, including the nature of the loss and its impact. Understanding these aspects can assist the therapist in providing the most effective help.

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 Paramus, NJ 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 Paramus, NJ 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 Paramus therapists and counselors accept 22 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • AmeriHealth Administrators

  • AmeriHealth Medicare Advantage

  • AmeriHealth New Jersey

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network

  • First Health Network

  • Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey | BCBS - HMO

  • Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey | BCBS - PPO

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Self-pay costs at Paramus
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
★★★★★
Very easy to get help and very competent therapist.
Annie Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
She is a wonderful listener and gives wonderful advice
Maddlena Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
How honest and open he was
Noel Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I really appreciate Ilana Epstein's approach and insight as a clinician, as I embark on this journey to improved mental health & personal growth. I feel very seen and heard by her. I'm very happy with my sessions so far and look forward to continuing to better myself with Ilana's professional help.
Read more I really appreciate Ilana Epstein's approach and insight as a clinician, as I embark on this journey to improved mental health & personal growth. I feel very seen and heard by her. I'm very happy with my sessions so far and look forward to continuing to better myself with Ilana's professional help.
Allison Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Venting out finally
Josue Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Elizabeth is so amazing and extremely understanding. She has quite literally changed my life this past year and I have no clue where I would be without her guidance and support. I feel so lucky! She is one of those women that just truly deserves all the good in the world simply because of how much she has done for her clients. I've never looked forward to therapy until I met Elizabeth and I thank Thriveworks for connecting us!
Read more Elizabeth is so amazing and extremely understanding. She has quite literally changed my life this past year and I have no clue where I would be without her guidance and support. I feel so lucky! She is one of those women that just truly deserves all the good in the world simply because of how much she has done for her clients. I've never looked forward to therapy until I met Elizabeth and I thank Thriveworks for connecting us!
Chloe Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Michelle hillock is my therapist and she has helped so much. She truly is the best
Michelle Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Seeing and helping as long as I can. Time driving to and from
Anthony Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks in Paramus, NJ is located on Sunflower Ave, just off of State Route 17 and west of Di Maggio Park. We're in the same building as House Window Replacement & Installation and Harvest Property and Investment, and are neighbored by Exxon and Renell Label Print. The closest bus stop is Rt 17 and Ridgewood Ave.

Phone number

(973) 529-8913

Languages spoken by NJ providers

  • Hindi
  • English
  • Spanish
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
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Wednesday 8:00am - 9:30pm
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

Shown in ET

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