Grief Counseling
Support Through Loss & Life Transitions
Grief touches every part of life. Whether it's the loss of a loved one, the heartbreak of miscarriage, or the end of a relationship or dream, grief can leave you feeling lost, isolated, or unsure how to move forward. There is no "right" way to grieve, and no timeline you must follow.
At A New Day Psychology, I provide a safe space to honor your loss and gently process the emotions that come with it. Together, we'll work toward healing in a way that respects your unique story and helps you rediscover moments of peace and hope. I specialize in supporting those experiencing infertility grief, pregnancy loss, and spiritual loss, using approaches like EMDR for traumatic grief.
Types of Grief I Work With
Grief can take many forms, including:
Pregnancy loss or stillbirth
Infertility grief – the pain of cycles, failed treatments, or unmet dreams
Loss of a loved one – sudden or expected, recent or long ago
Anticipatory grief – preparing for a loss that hasn't happened yet
Traumatic grief – loss complicated by trauma or unexpected events
Loss of identity or role - after life changes such as parenthood, illness, divorce or other transitions
How Therapy Helps With Grief
Grief counseling is not about "getting over it." It's about creating space to carry your loss with more compassion and less heaviness.
In therapy, we may focus on:
Processing Emotions
Therapy offers a dedicated, non-judgmental place to express the full range of your grief—including pain, anger, guilt, and confusion
Navigate the Waves of Loss
Learn proven strategies and grounding techniques to manage the intense, overwhelming emotional swings and physical sensations that accompany deep loss
Rebuilding Identity
We'll gently explore who you are now, supporting you as you reintegrate your life story and adapt to life as it is now
Meaning-Making
Discover healthy ways to honor your loved one or loss. Maintain a connection to your loved one's memory and legacy with grieving rituals
Challenge Self-Blame and Guilt
Address and neutralize common, heavy feelings of "what if" or "if only" that often accompany grief, helping you move toward self-compassion and acceptance
Re-engage with Hope and Purpose
Move beyond just surviving the day-to-day and slowly begin to find renewed meaning and purpose in your life when you are ready
My Approach
I use a gentle, client-centered approach, informed by evidence-based methods such as:
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
CBT helps by identifying and challenging the distorted, guilt-inducing, or catastrophic thought patterns that fuel intense emotional distress, allowing for healthier adaptation to the loss.
ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)
ACT teaches you to accept the pain of loss while committing to actions and behaviors that align with their core life values, creating a meaningful life alongside your grief.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
EMDR works to process traumatic aspects of the loss (such as the shock of a sudden death or visual memory of the event) by making those memories less intense and emotionally painful.
Mindfulness Practices
Mindfulness helps those grieving to anchor themselves in the present moment, increasing their capacity to gently observe and tolerate intense emotional surges without being overwhelmed by them.
Strengths-Based Therapy
This approach helps you recognize and mobilize their existing personal resources, resilience, and positive coping abilities to navigate the challenges of loss and rediscover competence and hope.
You Don't Have to Grieve Alone
Although grief is a natural part of life, it can feel unbearable to carry alone. With the right therapeutic support, you can gently process your loss and create space for hope, empowering you to re-engage with your purpose and start living fully again.
Book Your Free 15-Minute Consult
Why Choose A New Day Psychology
Licensed Across States
Licensed in Missouri and New Jersey via PSYPACT
Evidence-Based Treatment
Specialized grief therapy using proven approaches
Flexible Telehealth
Compassionate support from your safe space
Insurance Accepted
We work with major insurance providers
Grief Counseling in Missouri, New Jersey & Beyond
Compassionate grief counseling and bereavement support are accessible through secure telehealth. Whether you're in Kansas City, St. Louis, Newark, Jersey City, or anywhere in Missouri or New Jersey, professional support for loss and grief is available to help you heal.
Serving Missouri
Providing compassionate grief counseling throughout Missouri, including Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia, and surrounding areas.
Learn About Missouri ServicesServing New Jersey
Offering supportive bereavement counseling to clients across New Jersey, including Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, and statewide.
Learn About New Jersey ServicesThrough secure telehealth technology, you can access compassionate grief counseling from the comfort of your home, anywhere in Missouri or New Jersey.
View All Service LocationsReady to Begin Your Healing Journey?
You don't have to grieve alone. Connect with compassionate support today.
Get Help Today - Free ConsultationGrief Counseling FAQ
How long does grief last?
Grief doesn't follow a timeline. Everyone processes loss differently, and there's no 'right' amount of time to grieve. Some people begin to feel better after months, while others take years. Grief often comes in waves, with intense periods followed by calmer times. Therapy can help you navigate grief at your own pace and prevent it from becoming complicated or prolonged grief disorder.
What is complicated grief?
Complicated grief (also called prolonged grief disorder) occurs when grief is so intense and long-lasting that it interferes with daily functioning for more than a year after the loss. Signs include intense yearning, preoccupation with the deceased, difficulty accepting the death, numbness, feeling life is meaningless, and inability to engage in normal activities. Professional grief therapy can help resolve complicated grief.
Is it normal to feel angry or guilty while grieving?
Yes, anger and guilt are completely normal parts of grief. You might feel angry at the person who died, at medical professionals, at God, or at yourself. Guilt often involves regrets or 'what-ifs.' These feelings don't mean you're grieving wrong—they're natural responses to loss. Grief counseling provides a safe space to process these difficult emotions without judgment.
Can you help with anticipatory grief?
Yes, anticipatory grief—grief that occurs before a death or loss happens—is a valid experience that deserves support. This often occurs when a loved one has a terminal illness or as you face other impending losses. Therapy can help you process complex emotions, prepare for the future, and make the most of the time remaining while also attending to your own wellbeing.
Do I need grief counseling or can I grieve on my own?
Many people grieve without professional help, but therapy can be beneficial if grief is overwhelming, interfering with daily life, lasting longer than expected, or if you feel stuck. Grief counseling is especially helpful for traumatic deaths, multiple losses, lack of support, or when grief triggers other mental health concerns. You don't have to suffer alone—support is available.
Learn More About This Topic
Helpful articles from Dr. Pottenger on related topics
5 Signs You Need Grief Counseling (And When to Seek Help)
How do you know when grief has become more than you can handle alone? Here are five signs it may be time to seek professional grief counseling.
Is It Grief or Depression? How to Tell the Difference
Grief and depression share many symptoms but require different approaches. Learn how to tell the difference and when to seek help.
Pregnancy After Loss: Navigating Grief, Fear, and Hope
Pregnancy after loss brings a complex mix of emotions. Learn how grief counseling can help you navigate fear, hope, and healing.
Related Services
Explore other areas where I can support you
Trauma Therapy
Healing from traumatic loss, sudden death, and complicated grief using EMDR and trauma-focused therapy.
Infertility Counseling
Support for the unique grief of infertility, pregnancy loss, and the journey through fertility treatments.
Spirituality Counseling
Processing spiritual grief, loss of faith community, and finding meaning after faith transitions.