How soon after a loss should I seek grief counseling?

There is no right or wrong time to seek grief counseling. Some people find it helpful to start right away, while others come to therapy weeks, months, or even years later. If grief is affecting your ability to function or you feel you need support, that is the right time to reach out.

Is grief counseling only for people who have lost a loved one?

No. Grief can accompany many types of loss: the end of a relationship, a job loss, a health diagnosis, a miscarriage, a move, or any major life change. Our therapists are equipped to help you process any form of grief.

What if I feel like I should be 'over it' by now?

There is no timeline for grief, and there is no expiration date on your feelings. Grief can resurface at unexpected times, especially around anniversaries, holidays, or major life events. It is never too late to seek support, and you never have to apologize for still grieving.

Do you offer support groups for grief?

Currently, we offer individual grief counseling and family grief counseling. If you are interested in group support, we can provide referrals to grief support groups in the Austin area.

Our Services

Grief Counseling

Supportive grief counseling to help you process loss, honor your experience, and find a way forward through the pain.

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Understanding Grief Counseling

Grief is one of the most universal human experiences, yet also one of the most isolating. At Restored Family Counseling, we provide a compassionate space where you can process your loss at your own pace, without being told to "move on" or "stay strong." We honor the fullness of your grief and help you find meaning alongside the pain.

When you lose someone or something that mattered deeply, you're mourning more than the absence. You're grieving the future you imagined, the role they played in your daily life, and the version of yourself that existed in relationship to what was lost. Grief doesn't follow a neat timeline or predictable stages. It may show up as sadness, anger, guilt, numbness, relief, yearning, or a bewildering combination, and every response is normal and valid.

The losses that bring people to grief counseling are varied: the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, a health diagnosis, miscarriage, career loss, or ambiguous loss like a family member changed by dementia or addiction. Grief also manifests physically (fatigue, disrupted sleep, chest tightness, appetite changes) which our therapists address alongside the emotional dimensions.

Our therapists use meaning-making therapy to help you integrate loss into your life story (not to find a "silver lining," but to discover what your loss means to you), the continuing bonds framework that honors your ongoing relationship with the person you've lost, and EMDR when grief is complicated by traumatic circumstances. Grief counseling isn't about "getting over" your loss. It's about learning to carry it in a way that allows you to live fully. We also offer family grief counseling when a family is navigating loss together.

Signs You Might Benefit from Grief Counseling

Overwhelming sadness or emotional numbness after a loss

Difficulty accepting the reality of the loss

Feeling guilty, angry, or experiencing 'what if' thoughts

Withdrawal from others or loss of interest in daily life

Difficulty functioning at work or in relationships

Physical symptoms like fatigue, appetite changes, or insomnia

Feeling stuck in grief months or years after a loss

Our Approach to Grief Counseling

Our grief counselors use meaning-making therapy and continuing bonds approaches to help you process loss at your own pace. We create a space where all emotions are welcome and help you integrate your grief into the larger story of your life.

What to Expect

Session Format

50-minute sessions, held in a warm and private setting. Available in-person or via secure video for virtual sessions throughout Texas.

Typical Frequency

Most clients begin with weekly sessions to build momentum, then transition to biweekly or monthly as progress is made and goals are met.

Your Timeline

Every journey is different. Some clients find relief in 8 to 12 sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support. Your therapist will work with you to set a pace that feels right.