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Top-Rated Grief Therapy Pasadena
Find peace and purpose in the face of loss.
Meet Dr. Sally Stephens
Experienced grief counselor in Pasadena
I’ve been a therapist for over 30 years, helping people navigate losses of all kinds with compassion and understanding. My passion lies in supporting high-achieving professionals who are struggling with grief, self-blame, or guilt.
Therapy with me is rooted in evidence-based methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as psychodynamic approaches to help you deeply process your experiences. Though grief is a natural response to loss, it can be incredibly painful and complex. Together, we'll make sense of your emotions and find practical strategies to help you move forward.
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Credentials: Ph.D, J.D., Psy.D.
License number: California Licensed Clinical Psychologist #PSY26995
Additional Specialties: Anxiety, Depression, Relationship Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Coping Skills, Infertility, Narcissistic Personality (NPD), Parenting, Pregnancy/Prenatal/Postpartum, Self-Esteem, Stress
High achievers may experience grief differently.
Grief is a complex emotional response to loss. For high-achieving individuals, the experience can be particularly challenging. The pressure to maintain a strong exterior and succeed in all areas of life can make it difficult to acknowledge and process feelings of sadness, anger, or despair.
Whether you've experienced a death in your family, the loss of a job or relationship, or any other kind of major life change, grief can significantly impact your everyday life.
Common grief reactions for ambitious people
Emotional
Sadness, anger, guilt, fear, anxiety, loneliness, numbness, and disbelief. High achievers may also experience feelings of perfectionism, self-doubt, and a sense of failure.
Physical
Fatigue, changes in appetite, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, and physical pain. These symptoms can interfere with work performance, relationships, and daily routines.
Behavioral
Withdrawal from social activities, irritability, substance abuse, and reckless behavior. High-achievers may also exhibit workaholism, excessive striving, or avoidance of emotions.
How grief can impact high achievers
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Difficulty focusing, decreased productivity, trouble meeting deadlines, and a decline in overall performance.
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Difficulty connecting with others, feeling isolated and misunderstood, and experiencing tension in personal and professional relationships.
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Questioning one's abilities, worthiness of success, and even identity. High achievers may feel like they've failed or let others down.
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Overwhelming feelings of pressure, uncertainty, and a constant sense of urgency. This can lead to burnout, physical symptoms, and unhealthy coping mechanisms.
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High achievers may struggle to acknowledge their emotional pain and seek support, fearing it will weaken their image or impede their progress.
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The loss of a loved one can disrupt a high achiever's sense of meaning and direction, leading to feelings of emptiness and despair.
Grief counseling can help.
Therapy doesn't reverse the loss you experienced or revoke your feelings of grief, but it can provide profound emotional healing. Here's how.
Better understand your grief
Though grief is a universal experience, each person has their own unique journey. Therapy provides a safe space to delve into your feelings and explore past experiences that may play a role in your grieving process.
Develop healthy coping mechanisms
It's natural to turn toward tools that allow you to numb or avoid difficult feelings, like overworking or engaging in perfectionistic tendencies. In therapy, you'll learn tools that allow you to feel your feelings without getting overwhelmed.
Explore meaning and purpose
Loss can shake your sense of self and leave you questioning your purpose in life. Together, we can explore meaning beyond your loss and tune into what your grief is telling you. It's not about forgetting your grief: it's about moving forward intentionally.
Improve your relationships
Grief may cause some people to withdraw from their loved ones. Working with a therapist can help you learn communication skills, get comfortable with vulnerability, and ultimately improve your relationships with others (and yourself).
FAQs about grief counseling
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There are many different types of grief therapists. Here's a quick look at some of the main kinds:
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs): LMFTs specialize in treating individuals, couples, and families. They can help you work through family conflicts that often arise after loss and provide strategies for coping as a family.
Licensed Social Workers (LCSWs): LCSWs have training in social work and mental health counseling. They can offer a broad range of services, including individual therapy, service coordination, and more.
Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs): LPCs are trained in counseling techniques and can provide support for individuals experiencing grief.
Clinical Psychologists: Psychologists (like myself) have a doctorate in a field like psychology. We're trained in providing therapy as well as psychological assessments.
Psychiatrists: While psychiatrists are primarily medical doctors who prescribe medications, they can also provide psychotherapy.
Choosing the best grief therapist in Pasadena for your needs comes down to more than just credentials. Look into each counselor's experience, approach, and other factors (like logistics) when making your choice.
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The best type of counseling for grief can vary depending on your individual needs and preferences. However, some common approaches that are often effective include:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This approach focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns that contribute to grief.
Psychodynamic Therapy: This approach explores unconscious thoughts and feelings that may be influencing your emotional responses to grief.
Group Therapy: Connecting with others who are going through similar experiences can provide support and validation.
It's important to find a therapist who is experienced in working with grief and who you feel comfortable with. You may want to consider asking potential therapists about their approach to grief counseling and their experience working with clients who have similar backgrounds or experiences.
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How soon should you have bereavement counseling?
There is no set timeline for seeking bereavement counseling. Grief is a personal journey, and the timing of seeking support will vary for each individual. Some people may find it helpful to seek counseling immediately after a loss, while others may need more time to adjust before they are ready to talk about their feelings.
Here are some factors to consider when deciding when to seek bereavement counseling:
Your emotional state: If you are struggling to cope with your grief or experiencing significant distress, it may be helpful to seek counseling sooner rather than later.
Your support system: If you have a strong support system in place, you may be able to cope with your grief without professional help. However, if you are feeling isolated or alone, counseling can provide a valuable source of support.
Your personal preferences: Ultimately, the decision of when to seek counseling is a personal one. Trust your instincts and do what feels right for you.
It is important to remember that there is no "right" time to seek bereavement counseling. If you are considering seeking help, it is a good idea to reach out to a therapist or counselor to discuss your needs and explore your options.
6 Pasadena grief counseling resources
Not sure if my practice is right for you? Here are some other local resources that can support your well-being during this difficult time.
Grief support groups:
1. All Saints Church, Pasadena: Grief & Loss Support Group. Learn More
2. Compassionate Friends - Verdugo Hills Chapter: Grief support for loss of a child. Learn More
Online grief resources:
3. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP): Provides online resources and support for individuals who have lost a loved one to suicide. Learn More
4. Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health: Provides options for local support groups and more online grief resources. Learn More
Hospice organizations:
5. Hospice of Huntington: Provides free grief support to the community, regardless of whether you or your loved one utilized their services. Learn More
6. Providence Saint Joseph Health: Offers hospice care and grief support services in Pasadena. Learn More
Get started today
Feeling stuck in your grief and unsure how to move forward? You can't get back what's been lost, but you can choose where to go from here. I'm committed to providing compassionate, effective grief therapy to high-achieving individuals in Pasadena, and I'd be honored to support you as well.
Request your free consultation today to see how I can help you process the many facets of grief and find peace after loss.