Therapy for Grief & Loss
in St. Paul-Minneapolis
Online Counseling for Grief & Loss Available for all of Minnesota
Loss is an unfortunate but universal part of life. We will all lose something in our lives, and that means we’ll need to learn how to process and move through the experience of grief and mourning. From accepting the loss, processing the emotional impact of loss, navigating day-to-day life throughout the time of mourning, and building resilience to move forward, therapy can be an essential resource at every stage of grief. Wherever you are in the grieving process, I would be happy to lend a compassionate ear to listen to your experience and help you move forward while maintaining space to truly mourn after a loss. I’m Kathy Johnson, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), serving the St. Paul-Minneapolis area at my White Bear Lake practice, Tarriance. If you’re looking to develop your support network as you work through a period of grief and loss, I would be honored to walk alongside you. You can learn more about therapy for grief and loss on this page or by reaching out to schedule a consultation.
Understanding Grief, Loss & Bereavement
Most people think of bereavement when they hear the word grief. Bereavement is the type of grief we experience after the loss of a loved one. Grief or mourning is our emotional, mental, and physical response to any kind of loss. That includes loss of loved ones and pets, the end of relationships, loss of identity, job loss, and other forms of loss.
Am I Grieving?
First and foremost, there is no wrong way to manage grief and loss. It is natural to feel sad, lonely, angry, and a whole range of complex emotions when you’re grieving, and no two people experience loss in the same way. Whatever you’re experiencing, it’s valid and okay. Many people find themselves struggling with grief for months or even years after a loss, but the good news is, you don’t need to work through all of this on your own. Therapy can help you at any stage in the mourning process to make space to live your life and begin moving forward. Some signs that you’re dealing with overwhelming grief and could benefit from working with a therapist include:
You’ve struggled for months and months, and you feel like your emotions are getting more intense instead of less intense.
You have a hard time getting anything done in the day, and you’re struggling at work or school.
Your relationships are suffering because you feel like your loved ones can’t understand what you’re going through.
No matter how hard you try, you can’t stop yourself from crying about everything.
You feel hopeless, helpless, or guilty about the loss or your grief response.
You’re having difficulty concentrating, sleeping, eating, or generally functioning from day-to-day.
How Therapy Helps with Grief & Loss
Mourning is a natural process, and there’s no right or wrong way to grieve. Therapy can help you move through this natural process with a caring person to walk alongside you who understands the grief process in ways others in your life may not. Also if your grief has taken over your life and you find yourself struggling to allow space for joy and living your life, therapy may be a good option. Therapy will help you to hold space for your grief, but it also can help open up the option to move forward with your life and start finding peace, fulfillment, and even joy once more.
Get Started
Whether you’re interested in mental health counseling, life coaching, or cross-cultural consulting, you can receive the support and guidance you need at Tarriance. I’m here to support people who want to feel better, do better, and live better – whatever that looks like for you. When you’re ready to begin or you have questions that need answers, I’m here. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me, Kathleen “Kathy” Johnson, a counselor serving St. Paul-Minneapolis residents.
Contact me for a free 15-minute phone consultation to see if counseling would be a good fit.