Grief Therapy

Grief is one of the most deeply personal experiences we face. Whether you are mourning the loss of a loved one, navigating a divorce, or adjusting to a significant life change, grief can feel overwhelming and isolating. You do not have to carry it alone.

Understanding Grief

I work with many forms of grief and loss, not only the death of a loved one. Grief can come with divorce, breakups, infertility, illness, loss of identity, children leaving home, job loss, immigration, and other major life transitions. I believe grief is a deeply personal experience, and there is no specific timeline for how someone “should” feel or when they should be over it.

Pressure to Move On

People sometimes misunderstand grief as something that should simply go away with time, but grief can affect many areas of life, including relationships, sleep, work, anxiety, mood, and even physical well-being. When others are telling someone to “move on,” therapy can provide a safe space to process the loss without judgment or pressure.

How Therapy Helps

My approach is to help clients understand and honor their grief, process the emotions and changes that come with the loss, and gradually find ways to move forward while still making room for what they have experienced. Healthy progress does not necessarily mean forgetting or no longer feeling sadness. It can mean developing greater acceptance, reconnecting with yourself and others, finding meaning, and learning to live a fulfilling life while carrying the loss in a different way.

Rita Balakhane, LMFT, brings a warm, empathetic approach to grief work, drawing on psychodynamic, humanistic, and mindfulness-based techniques. With over 22 years of experience, she has supported individuals and families through many forms of loss.

Culture & Grief

Cultural background, family traditions, beliefs, and personal values can strongly influence how someone experiences and expresses grief. I respect each client’s unique way of grieving and incorporate their cultural and family traditions into therapy when they feel it is meaningful and supportive.

What to Expect

In our work together, you can expect:

• A compassionate, nonjudgmental space to express your feelings
• Support in understanding and processing your unique experience of grief
• Exploration of how loss has affected your relationships, identity, and daily life
• Gentle guidance toward finding meaning and renewed purpose
• Respect for your pace and your process

Getting Started

If grief is weighing on you, reaching out for support is a sign of strength. Contact Rita to schedule a session and begin finding your way through.