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, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, +6 more
Narcissism, LGBTQIA+, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, +10 more

I am passionate about helping children and youth struggling with the anxieties that come with being an athlete or performer.

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, +6 more
Anger, Coping Skills, ADHD, OCD / Obsessive-Compulsive, Sleep / Insomnia, +6 more

I will work to develop a space that allows clients to feel safe and secure to achieve their therapeutic goals.

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, +6 more
Military / Veteran, LGBTQIA+, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, +11 more

As a mother, wife, daughter, and college student, I have come to terms with the fact that all individuals are unique in their experiences, how they pe... As a mother, wife, daughter, and college student, I have come to terms with the fact that all individuals are unique in their experiences, how they perceive these experiences, and their reactions and responses to these experiences. Read more

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, +21 more
Military / Veteran, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Infidelity, +17 more

As a woman of color from a multi-ethnic background, I understand the importance of addressing one's mental health and finding healthier ways to functi... As a woman of color from a multi-ethnic background, I understand the importance of addressing one's mental health and finding healthier ways to function and balance life's challenges. Read more

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, +21 more
Military / Veteran, LGBTQIA+, Anger, Coping Skills, Infidelity, +15 more

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, +22 more
Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Women’s Issues, Divorce / Breakup, +8 more

Adam Alderson

Hear from Adam Alderson, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

View Adam Alderson's profile

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

My preferred approach to grief and loss counseling is both cognitively and conversationally based because I feel helping people change their perspective or restructure their thoughts in a gentle format helps them feel validated.

What tools do you teach in grief & loss counseling?

I utilize the following tools in grief and loss counseling:

  • Cognitive challenging
  • Cognitive refocusing
  • Cognitive reframing
  • Exploration of coping patterns
  • Exploration or emotions
  • Relaxation/deep breathing
  • Supportive reflection

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

I feel a client is making meaningful progress in grief and loss counseling when they begin to voice less sadness and regret and more acceptance and hope.

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

Clients can supplement their time in grief & loss counseling with self-reflection time, sharing their emotions with their supports, developing new coping skills, or enhancing older ones.

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

To prepare for their first grief & loss counseling session, an individual can take an inventory of their feelings and emotions to help them focus on where they want to start.

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 Richmond, VA 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 Richmond, VA 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 Richmond therapists and counselors accept 24 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | Exchange

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS HMO

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Carelon | Medicare Advantage

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

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Self-pay costs at Richmond
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

4.9 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Jaclyn creates a safe space for you to let your guard down. She goes at your pace. She challenges you in love. She asks what you need, and it's up to you to communicate that need. She makes herself available. And, you never feel like a bother.
Nichole Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Great Person to talk to.
Joseph Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have recommended Thriveworks to co-workers and friends that are going thru tough times. #1 reason is Johanna Hunt. Johanna is professional, attentive and sympathetic. Johanna helped me get out of a dark place and back on track to living a happy more healthy life. Johanna is the best :)
Read more I have recommended Thriveworks to co-workers and friends that are going thru tough times. #1 reason is Johanna Hunt. Johanna is professional, attentive and sympathetic. Johanna helped me get out of a dark place and back on track to living a happy more healthy life. Johanna is the best :)
Matt Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
In person sessions are valuable. The office environment and happy lobby space make a big difference in the experience. Our therapist has amazing recall and memory. She can often link past statements to current situations. She does have an expansive view of the big picture. She also helps prepare us for what is happening, what may be happening and how best to be prepared. This has been a frightening experience and having our Thriveworks therapist in our toolbox helps us navigate these unknown waters. It helps us move forward knowing she is on our team.
Read more In person sessions are valuable. The office environment and happy lobby space make a big difference in the experience. Our therapist has amazing recall and memory. She can often link past statements to current situations. She does have an expansive view of the big picture. She also helps prepare us for what is happening, what may be happening and how best to be prepared. This has been a frightening experience and having our Thriveworks therapist in our toolbox helps us navigate these unknown waters. It helps us move forward knowing she is on our team.
Brian Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Ease of discussion and good ideas
Robert Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★
CJ is present, thoughtful, and engaged in the process. One of the best therapists I've had.
Timothy Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Fantastic provider! Highly recommend.
Megan Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My therapist's listening skills are paramount in helping me navigate my issues. She readily ties my historical issues to show impact, improvement. She's helps me greatly.
Elizabeth Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Richmond is located in the neighborhood of Newtowne West on W Broad St. We share a building with Silk Hair Studio and Milano Market. We’re also right next to Grace Park and only a few blocks away from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).

Phone number

(804) 312-3118

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
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

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