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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.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 10 therapists in Michigan available for an online or in-person session.
Pamela Lavis

Hear from Pamela Lavis, Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

View Pamela Lavis's profile

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

My go-to approach for helping people in grief and loss counseling is cognitive behavioral therapy. I find this to be the best approach because CBT teaches individuals to identify negative thoughts, process them, and refocus their cognitions. I also utilize the teachings of Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and her theory of the 5 stages of grief.

What tools do you teach in grief & loss counseling?

I teach the following tools in grief & loss counseling: processing the stages of grief, identifying and processing negative thoughts or behaviors, reframing and refocusing, stress-reducing techniques including art therapy and journaling, and mindfulness in regard to hope and healing.

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 therapy when they begin to look toward hope and healing.

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

Clients can supplement their time in grief and loss counseling by utilizing the tools taught in sessions when they are in between therapy appointments.

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

To prepare for their first grief and loss counseling session, individuals can identify where their most difficult struggles are in regard to grief and loss.

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 Troy, MI 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 Troy, MI 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 Services in Troy, MI—Oakland Therapists and Counselors

If you are grieving the loss of a loved one, job, or pet, consider working with a grief counselor at Thriveworks Troy in Oakland. Our licensed psychologists have the skills, training, and experience to guide you through your grief and offer the support you need during this difficult time.

When you are ready, you can give us a call at (248) 764-4182 to get started.

What Are the 5 Stages of Grief?

When we lose someone close to us, the emotions we feel can be all over the place. However, there are five main stages of grief that we can experience. Here are each of those five stages and how they may affect you:

  1. Denial: The first stage is denial. This is characterized by confusion, avoidance, and fear. In this stage, you might deny the reality of what happened and feel like your loss didn’t actually happen.
  2. Anger: In the second stage, anger presents itself. You may feel an overwhelming sensation of frustration and irritation. This can also lead you to feel mad that your loved one “left you” or mad that you were fired from your job.
  3. Bargaining: This third stage is when you struggle to come to terms with what happened. This is an especially crucial time to need extra support from your friends and family.
  4. Depression: This stage can often time be the hardest. Depression can make you feel overwhelmed, helpless, and hostile. It can be difficult to pull yourself out of depression without the help of others.
  5. Acceptance: In the final stage of grieving, you will feel acceptance. This is when you begin to accept that your loved one is gone and are able to make peace with your loss.

How fast or how slow you move through the stages of grief depends on your personal emotions. There isn’t a “right way” to grieve. Some people experience all five stages, while others only experience some. However you grieve, we understand how hard it can be. Especially doing it alone. Here at Thriveworks Troy Counseling in Oakland, we can set you up with a licensed grief counselor who can help you accept your loss and move forward with your life.

Should I Go to Grief Therapy?

This is a good question! It all depends on how you feel and how overwhelmed you may be. When it comes to losing someone, sometimes we have to help plan a funeral or write an obituary. Maybe after losing a job, you need to spend time searching for new ones. Whether you just want some support in the emotions you are feeling, or you need help making big decisions, we’re here for you. Here are some of the following symptoms you may experience that could benefit from working with a grief counselor:

  • Feelings of depression or anxiety
  • A weak support system
  • Avoidance of friends or family
  • Sudden changes in behavior
  • Lack of joy in everyday life
  • Disregarding responsibilities
  • Inability to move on after several months

You don’t have to only be experiencing the symptoms above to be able to benefit from the support of a grief counselor. There are many different emotions and no emotion is wrong. If you feel like you would benefit from the help of a grief counselor, reach out to our office today.

Schedule an Appointment with a Grief Counselor at Thriveworks Troy in Oakland

The grief counselors at Thriveworks Troy, MI are caring, experienced professionals who are ready to help you find peace and happiness. When you are ready, they’re here.

To schedule an appointment with one of our providers, you can do so online through our online booking portal or by calling (248) 764-4182 to be connected with a scheduling specialist.

We offer extended hours and weekend hours to help you find a time that works best for you.

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 Troy therapists and counselors accept 29 insurance plans

  • ASR

  • Aetna

  • Blue Care Network of Michigan

  • Blue Care Network of Michigan Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan | BCBS Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan | BCBS PPO

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

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Self-pay costs at Troy
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 Troy reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
Vickie, is an extraordinary listener. I felt comfortable talking to her since day one. She does not judge me and she makes me feel welcomed. I trust her expertise and the way she coaches me through the most difficult times. I like the way she listens to me and is not so quick to speak. I highly recommend her because she has helped me through my darkest hour.
Read more Vickie, is an extraordinary listener. I felt comfortable talking to her since day one. She does not judge me and she makes me feel welcomed. I trust her expertise and the way she coaches me through the most difficult times. I like the way she listens to me and is not so quick to speak. I highly recommend her because she has helped me through my darkest hour.
Troy Nov 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I have known Andrea my entire life. She has an incredible passion for listening to and helping others. She is empathetic, caring, and has the ability to help others find their way through the most difficult of times or challenges. I highly recommend her!
Read more I have known Andrea my entire life. She has an incredible passion for listening to and helping others. She is empathetic, caring, and has the ability to help others find their way through the most difficult of times or challenges. I highly recommend her!
Troy Nov 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Andrea is an excellent therapist! She is a dedicated and trustworthy professional. Andrea has a strong skillset, and is compassionate about helping her clients navigate through life's challenges.
Read more Andrea is an excellent therapist! She is a dedicated and trustworthy professional. Andrea has a strong skillset, and is compassionate about helping her clients navigate through life's challenges.
Troy Nov 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Andrea is one of the most kind and trustworthy individuals I have ever had the pleasure of knowing and working with. Her genuine, heartfelt attitude towards her work is immense. Andrea has a positive attitude that is contagious. She is absolutely wonderful!
Read more Andrea is one of the most kind and trustworthy individuals I have ever had the pleasure of knowing and working with. Her genuine, heartfelt attitude towards her work is immense. Andrea has a positive attitude that is contagious. She is absolutely wonderful!
Troy Aug 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I've known Andrea for a number of years. Working with children is her passion. She just loves kids and will work diligently to achieve any child and parental goals. A firm believer that early detection/ treatment of childhood problems is the key for the development into a healthy adult. She works closely with parents and family members, as they play a crucial role in the child's successes. Always interested in expanding her knowledge base and keeps informed of new information related to her specialities. An extremely good listener and communicator that takes an active role in working with children and their family. I would highly recommend Andrea to anyone that is seeking an experienced counselor for their child.
Read more I've known Andrea for a number of years. Working with children is her passion. She just loves kids and will work diligently to achieve any child and parental goals. A firm believer that early detection/ treatment of childhood problems is the key for the development into a healthy adult. She works closely with parents and family members, as they play a crucial role in the child's successes. Always interested in expanding her knowledge base and keeps informed of new information related to her specialities. An extremely good listener and communicator that takes an active role in working with children and their family. I would highly recommend Andrea to anyone that is seeking an experienced counselor for their child.
Troy Feb 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Crystal is a compassionate and insightful counselor. It is so much easier to talk with someone who makes me feel comfortable without judgement. She truly listens and helps me see different ways to improve the tough situations I’m dealing with. I am so thankful for the support she’s provided and she has my most heartfelt recommendation.
Read more Crystal is a compassionate and insightful counselor. It is so much easier to talk with someone who makes me feel comfortable without judgement. She truly listens and helps me see different ways to improve the tough situations I’m dealing with. I am so thankful for the support she’s provided and she has my most heartfelt recommendation.
Troy Jan 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Troy is located off of W Big Beaver Rd, near the intersection of Big Beaver and Crooks Rd, just west of Interstate 75. Nearby businesses include O'Neil Family Dentistry, Somerset Pediatrics, and Revival Research Institute. Across the street from us are eTitle Agency Inc. and City Cove Counseling Services LLC. The closest bus stop is at Big Beaver + Crooks.

Phone number

(248) 609-3727

Languages spoken by MI providers

  • English
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
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

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
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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