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597 people sought grief & loss counseling help at Columbia in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a grief & loss counseling can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Cigna | Evernorth, United Healthcare | Optum, +2 more
Anger, Coping Skills, Infidelity, Self Esteem, Stress, +6 more

You can't control everything and everyone around you, but you can learn to control how you react to it by establishing boundaries and healthy coping s... You can't control everything and everyone around you, but you can learn to control how you react to it by establishing boundaries and healthy coping skills to promote peace and balance for you. Read more

13 more therapist available in South Carolina

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Cierra Brabham

Hear from Cierra Brabham, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

View Cierra Brabham's profile

What is your go-to approach for grief & loss counseling?

My go-to approach for helping people in grief and loss therapy is to focus on building rapport with the client. It is important that the client feel comfortable when sharing sensitive information. The focus is on the client's main concerns, and they are supported. Based on each client's needs, I will choose which treatment is appropriate. I use evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy to form a treatment plan that is appropriate for the client.

What tools do you teach in grief & loss counseling?

I teach the following tools in grief therapy:

  • Five stages of grief: Discussion of the emotional process related to grief.
  • Distress tolerance skills: The client learns to manage distress/stressors in a healthy way.
  • Stress management skills: Learn strategies to manage life challenges and everyday stress.
  • Mindfulness: Learn to stay in the present moment without judgment when situations seem difficult or out of an individual's control.
  • Emotion regulation skills: Learn to process and express emotions in a healthy way.
  • Behavioral activation: Treatment for depression to address lack of motivation and feelings of hopelessness, which are common symptoms of depression.
  • Relaxation techniques: Address anxiety by learning breathing techniques and other mindfulness skills.

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in grief & loss counseling?

I know a client is making meaningful progress in grief and loss therapy when they can successfully navigate challenges independently with the tools provided in treatment. The client starts to work through life challenges and loss without it overly impacting their daily lives.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement grief & loss counseling?

Clients can supplement their time in grief and loss therapy by building a healthy routine of activities learned in treatment. I encourage clients to build a healthy support system for accountability in mental health maintenance.

What should someone do to prepare for starting grief & loss counseling?

To prepare for your first grief and loss therapy session, I encourage clients to write down their thoughts and concerns before the session so that all concerns can be discussed during the intake session. Do not be nervous; clinicians are here to listen and help.

Starting Grief & loss counseling

What type of counseling is needed when a person cannot get over the grief of losing a loved one?

Grief and loss counseling helps people grieve difficult losses including the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, or the end of a relationship. It helps people navigate their grief process and eventually accept, understand, and move forward from their loss. Thriveworks grief therapists in Columbia, SC have specific experience, training, and skills that enable them to best support grieving individuals.

How does grief and loss counseling work?

Grief and loss counseling isn’t one-size-fits-all, but it involves sharing about your loss and then working with your counselor to acknowledge and accept your new reality in its wake. Your provider at Thriveworks in Columbia, SC will design your treatment plan around your unique needs and goals for therapy, applying the counseling techniques that best support them.

Signs I should seek grief counseling

If you have recently experienced an event like the death of a loved one, a breakup or divorce, the loss of a job, or another major life change, then you may want to seek grief and loss counseling. Grief can be caused by many experiences and events, so if you feel that you are having trouble moving on from a certain event or find that it is still impacting your life and functioning, grief and loss counseling can help you process it more effectively so that you can move on and once again find fulfillment and satisfaction in your life.

What counseling theory is best for grief?

There are many counseling theories for treating grief, one of the most frequently used being the dual process model of grief which helps people acknowledge who or what they’ve lost through rumination while also adjusting to the new roles and identities that this loss has now placed on them. There are also many commonly used therapy approaches used in grief and loss counseling, including Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and traumatic grief therapy.

Is grief counseling conducted in person or online?

Grief & loss counseling at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does grief counseling last?

For many, grief and loss counseling lasts for about 6 months. For others, it may last shorter or longer, depending on the severity of their loss and their grief.

Need more help deciding?

Grief Therapy – Grief Counselors in Columbia, SC

Have you ever lost something or someone meaningful? Everyone experiences loss in their life, and a normal response to that loss is grief. While many people feel grief at some point in their lives, it can be a strange emotion and difficult experience to navigate. Many people choose to reach out for grief therapy after a significant loss so that they can come through the grief and into acceptance.

Thriveworks Grief Therapy in Columbia, SC helps clients learn how to mourn a loss and then rebuild a meaningful life. Our grief counselors have partnered with many people through one of life’s most painful experiences: loss. (803) 477-3736

What Causes Grief?

If you are reading this, you have most likely lost someone or something that you love. While many people associate grief therapy with bereavement, the loss can be of anyone or anything meaningful to you. No list could fully document every reason people experience grief, but often, people feel grief during or after …

  • A loved one dies
  • A pet passes
  • Chronic pain or health problems
  • Experiencing a permanent or temporary disability
  • Moving
  • Loss of independence (especially with age)
  • A divorce or break-up
  • A job loss
  • A natural disaster
  • Loss of a home

Symptoms of Grief

Grief is a natural response people feel to a loss of any kind, but it is a complex emotion. At times, grief feels like a crushing weight, pressing down upon you. Grief can also feel like intense sadness, even depression. Sometimes, grief even feels like relief. It may even feel like regret.

Each person will experience grief differently. Some people may show many external symptoms of their grief. Others may seem normal on the outside while internally they are experiencing intense grief. While there is no normal response to grief, you may be experiencing…

  • Loss of appetite
  • Outbursts of anger
  • Difficulty focusing
  • Anxiety
  • Panic
  • Depression
  • Irritability and moodiness
  • An intense need to retell stories about the loved one
  • Isolation from others
  • Sudden and severe crying
  • Physically painful sadness

How Can Grief Therapy Help?

If you can relate to any of these things, you’re not alone. Grieving can be one of life’s most difficult, intense, and confusing experiences. Grief therapy has given many people a better understanding of what they are feeling with loss and bereavement. Grief counselors often equip their clients with the coping skills they need to handle the grief, mourn well, and rebuild a meaningful life after loss.

Scheduling Grief Counseling at Thriveworks Columbia

Grief can be an isolating experience. Thriveworks Grief Therapy in Columbia wants you to know that it is okay to reach out for help if you are experiencing a loss. Our grief counselors offer professional and compassionate care.  We’ll partner with you to help you heal, grow, and find meaning in life again.

There’s never been a better time to call Thriveworks Grief Therapy in Columbia. Our grief therapists are available for day, evening, and weekend appointments. We have no waitlist for grief counseling you often get an appointment for the same week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans; so getting grief help may be more affordable than you thought. Call today to schedule your grief counseling appointment. (803) 477-3736

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Columbia therapists and counselors accept 25 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina Medicare Advantage

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina | BCBS

  • Carelon

  • Carolina Behavioral Health Alliance (CBHA)

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

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Self-pay costs at Columbia
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.5 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Samer has done a great job getting to know our son and providing best practices to help him. He is personable and professional. We look forward to seeing our son make progress and move in the right direction.
Read more Samer has done a great job getting to know our son and providing best practices to help him. He is personable and professional. We look forward to seeing our son make progress and move in the right direction.
Crystal Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★
I had a good therapist for 3 sessions and unfortunately, she had to leave the area for family reasons. I met for the first time with my new therapist and it went well, so all is good. So far, Thriveworks has been wonderful !
Read more I had a good therapist for 3 sessions and unfortunately, she had to leave the area for family reasons. I met for the first time with my new therapist and it went well, so all is good. So far, Thriveworks has been wonderful !
Roger Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My counseling has been caring and professional
Cynthia Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have only had great appointments with Melissa. She CARES about her patients and LISTENS to my concerns and follows up at each appointment.
Read more I have only had great appointments with Melissa. She CARES about her patients and LISTENS to my concerns and follows up at each appointment.
Susan Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have been seeing a therapist via Thriveworks every other week for several months and I couldn't be happier. The intake form was easy to fill out and somehow managed to put me with someone who works perfectly with me. She works at my pace, she understands and works towards our goals, and she helps me to see things more clearly as we process the issues at hand. She never 'tells me' what the issue is or how to solve but instead she leads me there so I can see it on my own as that is much more effective. I was very nervous about online therapy but after this experience with Kristen, I would recommend it to everyone, regardless of the severity of their issues. Kristen is a true professional and can ebb and flow as I am ready to process things. She has been a game changer for me, my family, and my colleagues.
Read more I have been seeing a therapist via Thriveworks every other week for several months and I couldn't be happier. The intake form was easy to fill out and somehow managed to put me with someone who works perfectly with me. She works at my pace, she understands and works towards our goals, and she helps me to see things more clearly as we process the issues at hand. She never 'tells me' what the issue is or how to solve but instead she leads me there so I can see it on my own as that is much more effective. I was very nervous about online therapy but after this experience with Kristen, I would recommend it to everyone, regardless of the severity of their issues. Kristen is a true professional and can ebb and flow as I am ready to process things. She has been a game changer for me, my family, and my colleagues.
Tar Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Counseling from counselor Barron has helped me in my day struggles of dealing with my trailer apartment burn-out, 9/11 (VCF) Washington DC [DOJ] claim, relationship of the future, and bear facts about how to handle family members who feel they can control your sexual, your income, your employment, and your future success.
Read more Counseling from counselor Barron has helped me in my day struggles of dealing with my trailer apartment burn-out, 9/11 (VCF) Washington DC [DOJ] claim, relationship of the future, and bear facts about how to handle family members who feel they can control your sexual, your income, your employment, and your future success.
Meshelle Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have been having Having my counseling sessions with Melissa Pate for grief counseling. She has been fantastic helping me thru the grief process since my husbands passing. I never thought it would be so hard but with her help I am starting to make progress. She gives me advice on references, books, and gives encouragement. I am so grateful to have found Melissa and Thriveworks. Lesley
Read more I have been having Having my counseling sessions with Melissa Pate for grief counseling. She has been fantastic helping me thru the grief process since my husbands passing. I never thought it would be so hard but with her help I am starting to make progress. She gives me advice on references, books, and gives encouragement. I am so grateful to have found Melissa and Thriveworks. Lesley
Lesley Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Mr Sachs has been outstanding with his handling of our sessions. Personally, I believe that therapy/counseling is truly a personal experience and the therapist needs to be matched to the patient as much as the patient with the therapist. I feel like he was a perfect fit for what we needed with our sessions.
Read more Mr Sachs has been outstanding with his handling of our sessions. Personally, I believe that therapy/counseling is truly a personal experience and the therapist needs to be matched to the patient as much as the patient with the therapist. I feel like he was a perfect fit for what we needed with our sessions.
Bill Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Columbia is located on Executive Pointe Blvd off of Bush River Rd, just northwest of Interstate 20 on the north side of the Saluda River. Our building is neighbored by The Steele Law Firm; S.C. Press Association; and Thomas, Watson & Company. The closest bus stop is Bush Woodland WB. If you have trouble finding our office or have any questions about how to get here, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Phone number

(803) 573-9453

Languages spoken by SC providers

  • English
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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