Grief Isn’t Always About Death
When we hear the word grief, most people think of death—a loved one passing away, and the waves of sadness that follow. And while that kind of loss is very real and deeply painful, it’s not the only kind of grief people carry.
As a therapist in New York, I often work with clients who are experiencing grief they didn’t even realize “counted.” These losses might not come with a funeral or a formal goodbye, but they still leave a mark. They can be quiet, ongoing, and deeply personal.
They still deserve space.
What Is Grief Therapy (Really)?
Grief therapy is often thought of as support after the death of someone close. But it can also be a space to process emotional losses that don’t get acknowledged in the same way—like the loss of a dream, an identity, a relationship, or the version of life you thought you’d be living by now.
Therapy can help you make sense of these complex feelings, especially when others don’t see what you’re grieving—or why.
You Might Be Grieving If You’re Navigating:
The end of a long-term relationship or friendship
Fertility challenges, pregnancy loss, or feeling left behind in family-building, as well as the decision not to have a family, even if you know that’s what is right for you
An emotionally immature or unavailable parent who struggles to show up for you
The realization that your life doesn’t look the way you hoped it would
Losing a professional opportunity, or stepping away from a career path you worked hard to build
Caring for aging parents without the emotional support you need
Becoming a new parent and mourning the identity or freedom you had before
Feeling distant or unseen in your closest relationships
Estrangement from family or drifting apart from your community
These types of grief often come with questions like:
Why is this hitting me so hard?
I thought I was over this.
Other people have it worse—do I really get to be sad about this?
The answer is: yes. Your grief is valid, even if no one else sees it. Especially if no one else sees it.
Why Grieving These Losses Matters
When grief goes unnamed or unprocessed, it doesn’t just disappear—it often shows up as emotional fatigue, irritability, anxiety, or a sense of disconnection from your life. You may find yourself struggling to focus, withdrawing from people, feeling unmotivated or angry, or going through the motions without feeling much at all.
How We Might Work Through These Losses in Therapy
In grief therapy, we explore not just what was lost, but how it shaped your sense of identity, safety, or direction. Whether you’re grieving a version of your life, an emotionally unavailable parent, or a future that didn’t unfold how you hoped, therapy can help you make meaning, find language for what you’ve been carrying, and begin to reconnect with yourself in the aftermath.
Depending on your needs, we might explore:
Naming the loss in clear, compassionate language—so it stops feeling like something you have to minimize or carry alone
Making space for the full range of emotions, including anger, guilt, confusion, or even relief
Exploring past relational patterns that shaped how you respond to grief or silence your needs
Reworking internal narratives about what the loss means about you, your future, or your worth
Building rituals or meaning-making practices to acknowledge what was lost—even if no one else sees it
Strengthening boundaries or self-compassion when others don’t understand or validate your grief
Restoring a sense of connection to yourself when grief has made everything feel distant or numb
Grief therapy isn’t about “moving on.” It’s about learning how to live alongside what’s been lost—and allowing your needs to matter in the process.
Grief Therapy in New York (Virtual & In-Person)
If you’re carrying any of these quiet losses—or if something in your life feels heavy and you’re not sure why—you don’t have to navigate it alone. I offer both virtual grief therapy for New York residents and in-person sessions in Manhattan (Upper East Side and NoMad locations).
You don’t have to wait for things to get worse to reach out. If you're ready to talk, I’d be honored to support you.
Schedule a Free 15-Minute Consultation Call for Therapy
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