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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As a female of color, I understand the unique issue of balancing our lives and managing stress and pressure of meeting the needs of everyone in our li... As a female of color, I understand the unique issue of balancing our lives and managing stress and pressure of meeting the needs of everyone in our lives. Read more

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James Fox

Hear from James Fox, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

View James Fox's profile

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

I use CBT. CBT is versatile and it gives control to the client to figure out how best to achieve their goals.

What tools do you teach in grief & loss counseling?

I teach the following tools for gaining insight into the issues clients are facing: problem-solving skills, coping skills, breathing techniques, communication skills, self-awareness, expressing themselves through effective communication, stress reduction, and meditation.

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

I know a client is making progress in therapy when they are actively engaged and sharing their thoughts and feelings about the subject matter. I can also tell when the session is over and it feels like we just started, as that means we are both actively engaged in the subject matter of the meeting.

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

I suggest group therapy or a self-help group. Clients can also read related written material online or in books related to the issues they are dealing with.

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

To prepare for the first session, the client can take a personal inventory of what they want to accomplish in therapy and write it down so they remember what they want to say.

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 West Hartford, CT 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 West Hartford, CT 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 West Hartford, CT—Hartford Therapy for Grief

Losing a loved one, or someone that you are close to—a parent, a child, sibling, spouse, or pet—can be an extremely painful experience. In addition, other losses such as miscarriage or getting let go from a job can be just as painful, as both matters involve letting go of an important part of your life and dealing with difficult emotions like sadness, anger, and confusion.

Grieving a loss can be an excruciating process, regardless of the type of loss at hand. And often, getting through this process requires a lot of support, of which can be provided by a grief counselor. Grief counselors are experts at helping people grieve their loss properly, from processing the loss to accepting the difficult emotions that come with it. They help individuals who have been grieving for months as well as those who just found out about the passing of a loved one or loss of a job yesterday. Grief counselors can help at any stage of the grief process.

If you are suffering from a great loss and looking for Hartford therapy, consider working with a grief counselor at Thriveworks in West Hartford. These experts understand just how important the grieving process is and they know how to help you grieve properly. Additionally, they will provide you with endless support throughout this difficult time. To schedule an appointment, just give us a call at (860) 553-3374. We’re here to help you heal from your loss.

What Is Grief? What Are the Symptoms of Grief?

Grief is a response to loss. There are different levels of grief, from a normal and healthy level of grief to complicated grief. Normal grief comes with a variety of feelings, like distress, and behaviors, like an inability to live one’s normal day to day. With the right support, though, those with normal grief are able to work through these feelings and get back to a healthy normal. Complicated grief, however, is characterized by intense distress and despair for a long period of time—sometimes even years—after a loss. Often, those who have complicated grief need help processing their loss and moving forward with life.

You might have complicated grief and require grief counseling if you experience the following symptoms for at least 6 months:

  • You’re too overwhelmed by your emotions to talk to your loved ones
  • Your grief is triggered by minor events
  • You continuously think about your loss during day to day interactions
  • You despise, fear, or obsess over the loved one’s possessions
  • You have made extreme lifestyle changes after the loss
  • You engage in self-destructive behavior like binge-drinking
  • You experience deep despair on dates associated with the loved one lost
  • You refuse to talk about the loss
  • You are increasingly afraid of dying

Complicated grief can manifest in various ways. If you are experiencing the above symptoms, consider working with a grief counselor at Thriveworks — especially if you have been experiencing these symptoms of an extended amount of time or if they’ve only gotten worse. Our grief counselors want to help you process your loss, heal, and find happiness again.

Schedule Grief Counseling at Thriveworks in West Hartford, CT

Are you looking for grief therapy after losing a loved one? The grief counselors at Thriveworks Counseling in Hartford can offer you the help and support you need after experiencing such a loss. They have the knowledge, skills, and care to walk you through the grief process which might involve working through difficult feelings, accepting the loss, and confronting memories or thoughts related to your loss. We have a safe, nonjudgmental environment that will supplement a positive experience in grief counseling.

If you are ready to schedule an appointment, give us a call at (860) 553-3374. We want to help you live a happier, healthier life. Plus, we offer our clients many benefits including evening and weekend sessions, in-person and online care, most major insurances accepted, and more.

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 West Hartford therapists and counselors accept 25 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Connecticut | BCBS

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Connecticut Medicare Advantage

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • Connecticare

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

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Self-pay costs at West Hartford
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
★★★★★
I couldn’t be more pleased with the help Tracy Saucier has given me! She is so kind, compassionate and a great listener.
Read more I couldn’t be more pleased with the help Tracy Saucier has given me! She is so kind, compassionate and a great listener.
Jane Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I love the format of telehealth in the evening. At a time where it's so challenging to find Psychiatrists, Thriveworks has been so easy to work with. And Ericka is lovely; easy to work with, easy to talk to, trustworthy, and very helpful.
Read more I love the format of telehealth in the evening. At a time where it's so challenging to find Psychiatrists, Thriveworks has been so easy to work with. And Ericka is lovely; easy to work with, easy to talk to, trustworthy, and very helpful.
Elizabeth Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I feel very comfortable talking with my therapist Jill about things that have been taking up room in my mind. She helps me find tools to cope with PTSD, anxieties & depression. I know I have a while to go but I am seeing progress due to our sessions.
Read more I feel very comfortable talking with my therapist Jill about things that have been taking up room in my mind. She helps me find tools to cope with PTSD, anxieties & depression. I know I have a while to go but I am seeing progress due to our sessions.
Elizabeth Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Tracy Saucier is an excellent therapist and I feel very comfortable with her
Helen Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Mr Saxton and the counsellors at Thriveworks are highly skilled and knowledgeable in assisting overcome situations that require special understanding.
Read more Mr Saxton and the counsellors at Thriveworks are highly skilled and knowledgeable in assisting overcome situations that require special understanding.
Ash Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
The importance of finding a relatable therapist is key! Being in the medical field myself and coping with those stressors post 2020 traumatic events lead me to reach out for help. Learning understand and cope with moving forward in a healthier way. Thank you Ms Cano for making it easy to talk to you and relate!
Read more The importance of finding a relatable therapist is key! Being in the medical field myself and coping with those stressors post 2020 traumatic events lead me to reach out for help. Learning understand and cope with moving forward in a healthier way. Thank you Ms Cano for making it easy to talk to you and relate!
West Hartford Mar 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Eva is absolutely wonderful and has given us tools and techniques to improve our communication and marriage.
Read more Eva is absolutely wonderful and has given us tools and techniques to improve our communication and marriage.
West Hartford Feb 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Mimi is wonderful, attentive and kind. She's really helped me to grow and see the positives in myself. I am so happy to have met her!!!
Read more Mimi is wonderful, attentive and kind. She's really helped me to grow and see the positives in myself. I am so happy to have met her!!!
West Hartford Dec 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry West Hartford is located at the corner of Farmington Ave and Ardmore Rd. We currently share the building with Step To Beauty and New England Realty Management, among other businesses. Across the street will find The Westfield apartment building and one block west on Farmington Ave is the Beth David Synagogue.

Phone number

(860) 530-5326

Languages spoken by CT providers

  • Polish
  • English
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 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
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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