After a profound loss, many people tell themselves they should be able to carry their grief alone. You might feel like needing help means you’re not strong enough. Or maybe you’ve internalized the idea that talking about your grief will just make it worse. These are some of the most common internal objections to therapy—and they deserve to be met with compassion, not criticism.

The “I Should Be Able to Handle This” Mindset

Grief is often seen as something private, even solitary. You might be the one in your family or community who always keeps it together. You might feel pressure to stay strong, or shame for feeling like you’re not coping “well enough.”

But here’s the truth: You were never meant to grieve alone.

Support doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human. And therapy isn’t about fixing you—it’s about making space for your grief, with someone trained to walk beside you in it.

What Therapy Offers That Self-Reliance Can’t

• A safe, nonjudgmental space where you don’t have to protect anyone else from your emotions.
• Language and structure to help you understand your experience.
• Relief from trying to “hold it all together” all the time.

If You’re Not Ready to Talk to a Therapist (Yet)

If therapy feels like too much right now, here are some gentle starting points:

• Book: “It’s OK That You’re Not OK” by Megan Devine
• Resource: My free Grief Companion Journal (it’s free).
• Podcast: “Grief is a Sneaky Bitch” by Lisa Keefauver

You Don’t Have to Earn Support

You don’t need to wait until you’re falling apart. You don’t need to “deserve” therapy by struggling more. You’re allowed to want support—just because this is hard.

If you’re ready, I offer free consultations to see if grief therapy might feel right for you right now.

Contact me for a free consultation.

Or, Learn More About My Services

Here are some questions you might want to ask in a therapy consultation.

Here’s how you can prepare for a consultation.