Coping with Grief and Loss: Understanding the Healing Process and When to Seek Support

Dr Lauren
Jul 28
3 min read

Updated: Aug 21

Grief is a natural, human response to losing someone or something deeply meaningful. Whether it’s the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or the loss of a future you had envisioned, grief can touch every aspect of life—emotionally, physically, and psychologically.

At Brenner Psychological Associates, I specialize in helping adults across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont process grief and loss. This includes support for those experiencing Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD)—a condition in which grief remains intense over time and begins to interfere with daily functioning.

Through secure online therapy, I offer compassionate, evidence-based support, including Prolonged Grief Disorder Therapy (PGDT) and bereavement counseling. My goal is to help clients honor their loss, find meaning, and gently reengage with life.

What Does Grief Look Like?

Grief doesn't follow a timeline, and it rarely looks the same from one person to another.

Common grief responses include:

Sadness, yearning, or emotional numbness
Difficulty focusing or functioning
Anger, guilt, or unresolved questions
Changes in appetite or sleep
Avoiding reminders—or feeling unable to let them go
A sense that life has lost meaning

These are all valid responses. But when grief feels unrelenting—lasting a year or longer and disrupting your ability to live your life—it may be Prolonged Grief Disorder, a treatable condition that affects nearly 1 in 10 bereaved individuals.

Spiral wooden staircase with smooth, light brown panels curving upward. No visible text, creating a calm, abstract atmosphere.

What Is Prolonged Grief Disorder?

Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD), also known as complicated grief, occurs when the natural mourning process becomes stuck or overwhelming. You may experience:

Persistent longing or preoccupation with the deceased
Difficulty accepting the reality of the loss
Avoidance of places, people, or memories connected to the loss
A sense that life has lost meaning or direction
Withdrawal from others or disconnection from identity and purpose

Many people may struggle privately with PGD, feeling pressure to “carry on” even as they’re emotionally overwhelmed. It’s important to know: this isn’t a personal failure. It’s a legitimate mental health condition that can be addressed with skilled support.

Evidence-Based Therapy for Grief and Loss

As a licensed clinical psychologist offering telehealth therapy across MA, RI, and VT, I provide individualized treatment for acute grief and Prolonged Grief Disorder using research-backed approaches, including:

• Prolonged Grief Disorder Therapy (PGDT)

A structured, time-limited therapy specifically designed to treat complicated grief. PGDT helps clients process their loss, shift painful patterns, reconnect with others, and pursue meaningful life goals—while still maintaining a bond with the deceased.

• Supportive Grief Therapy

For those navigating a recent or significant loss, I provide a non-judgmental space to explore emotions, process the loss, and find meaning at a pace that feels right for you.

• Integrated Support for Trauma, Burnout, and Life Transitions

Grief is often entangled with other forms of suffering. Whether you’re a healthcare provider experiencing cumulative loss or dealing with grief layered with trauma, anxiety, or burnout, therapy is tailored to your full experience.

Healthy Ways to Support Yourself Through Grief

If you’re grieving, here are some gentle strategies that can help:

Acknowledge your emotions instead of suppressing them. Grief demands to be felt.
Maintain a sense of routine, even in small ways. Predictability can ease emotional overwhelm.
Stay connected with others. Even quiet company can reduce the isolation grief often brings.
Honor your loss through writing, ritual, or creative expression. These acts help preserve meaning and memory.
Seek professional support when grief starts to interfere with functioning. Therapy can help you move forward without “moving on.”

You Don’t Have to Grieve Alone

Grief can be deeply isolating, especially in a culture that pushes us to “move on” quickly. Whether your loss is fresh or something you've silently carried for years, healing is possible—and you don’t have to do it alone.

At Brenner Psychological Associates, I offer online grief therapy for adults in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont. I support individuals coping with all types of loss—from the death of a loved one to the loss of identity, purpose, or connection.

Through compassionate, personalized care, I help you move through grief at your own pace and reconnect with a life of meaning, emotional integrity, and connection.