Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

8,566 people sought grief & loss counseling help in Massachusetts 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 61 therapists in Massachusetts available for an online or in-person session.
Joan Barclay

Hear from Joan Barclay, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

View Joan Barclay's profile

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

The grief and loss counseling that I offer has a client-based approach, as this is the inner work of the client. I help people to reframe regret, mitigate anger, and recognize (if appropriate) that forgiveness is a process. I focus on helping the client to find meaning in the loss, which may seem incredulous to achieve. I help the client make attachments within the loss.

What tools do you teach in grief & loss counseling?

One primary tool that I promote in healing from grief and loss is to honor our feelings. There is no “set time” by which one is supposed to stop crying, stop talking about the impact of the loss, or stop feeling vulnerable. Learning to stop the negative talk of shame regarding feelings of grief and loss is another powerful tool that I help clients refine.

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

Healing in one’s grief journey cannot be measured by time or by a count of sessions. When a client experiences those gradual wistful moments of remembering their loved one with gratitude, and perhaps a smile, progress in integrating the grief is happening. Recognizable cumulative moments like these reflect our progress and acceptance of the loss.

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

I encourage my client to honor their grief and loss by creating a meaningful ritual that can be done outside of sessions. We explore ways to do that together in session. Each loss is as unique, as is our grief. There is no prescribed method that is appropriate for everyone.

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

When I start my first session with a client who is grieving, I let them know that I am here to listen. I am here to hold and to honor their pain. If someone is so brave as to reach out for support in their grief and loss recovery journey, making that first step is the beginning of the healing. No other preparation is necessary. Just call to find a companion-in-grief counselor.

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 Westborough, MA 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 Westborough, MA 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 Westborough therapists and counselors accept 27 insurance plans

  • Aetna

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

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Compsych

  • Fallon Health

  • First Health Network

  • Harvard Pilgrim

  • Humana Exchange

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Self-pay costs at Westborough
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 Thriveworks Westborough reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
Hello all, I just want to tell everyone at thriveworks in Westboro mass office and future customers that I have had the pleasure of a 5 star counselor in donna hayes. Donna helped me when I was at the lowest point in my life. A law enforcement life, with lots of issues. She has helped me immensely. God bless you donna. Hopefully I will see you in fall when I return home. Thanks for your help and sorry for quitting exit today on my last appointment. Best regards always. Brian
Read more Hello all, I just want to tell everyone at thriveworks in Westboro mass office and future customers that I have had the pleasure of a 5 star counselor in donna hayes. Donna helped me when I was at the lowest point in my life. A law enforcement life, with lots of issues. She has helped me immensely. God bless you donna. Hopefully I will see you in fall when I return home. Thanks for your help and sorry for quitting exit today on my last appointment. Best regards always. Brian
Westborough Apr 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I’ve had a wonderful experience. The staff is punctual and kind.
Westborough Jan 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Thriveworks has been wonderful so far. My therapist is very supportive and communicative. The appointment reminders are very helpful, too.
Read more Thriveworks has been wonderful so far. My therapist is very supportive and communicative. The appointment reminders are very helpful, too.
Westborough Jan 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I love my therapist and feel better about my life knowing that I have guidance and direction in my life
Read more I love my therapist and feel better about my life knowing that I have guidance and direction in my life
Westborough Jan 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
My therapist is thoughtful, compassionate, incisive in a good way, understands complex trauma, and is full of good humor.
Read more My therapist is thoughtful, compassionate, incisive in a good way, understands complex trauma, and is full of good humor.
Westborough Aug 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
For a first visit, this place set a very good example for what is ahead. Attentive, note-taking, observant I am pleased with the initial visit.
Read more For a first visit, this place set a very good example for what is ahead. Attentive, note-taking, observant I am pleased with the initial visit.
Westborough Jun 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Just met Greg today so far everything went well.
Westborough Apr 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Good chat with Stephanie
Westborough Apr 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Westborough is located at 5 E Main St Suite 3, Westborough, MA 01581, in the same building as Berkshire Bank.

Phone number

(774) 252-7733

Languages spoken by MA providers

  • English
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
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

Shown in ET

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

Shown in ET

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