Losing a loved one, a relationship, a job, or even a dream can make grief feel overwhelming. You might feel alone, angry, numb, or worry that you will never feel like yourself again.
You do not have to go through this alone. A caring grief therapist in Los Angeles can help you work through your emotions, find meaning, and slowly rebuild your life.
Michelle Webber, LCSW, provides grief therapy that Los Angeles residents trust for warm, evidence‑based support. With over a decade of experience as a mental health therapist in Los Angeles, she understands that grief is not a problem to be solved but an experience to be honored.
What is Grief?
Grief is often misunderstood. Many people think it follows a simple, predictable timeline: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance. In reality, grief is much messier. It comes in waves and can be triggered by a smell, a song, or a memory. It might cause physical symptoms like tiredness, headaches, or changes in appetite. Grief can also bring up feelings of anxiety, depression, or guilt.
As a grief therapist in Los Angeles, Michelle Webber helps clients see that there is no single right way to grieve. Some people cry openly, while others feel numb. Some want to talk, and others need quiet. Your grief is unique to you and your relationship with what you have lost.
Common Signs That Grief May Be Impacting Your Daily Life

- Persistent sadness or emptiness.
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much.
- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed.
- Changes in appetite or weight.
- Fatigue or low energy.
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
- Feeling detached from others.
- Anger or irritability.
- Questioning your faith or sense of purpose.
- Thoughts of death or wanting to “join” the deceased (seek immediate help if this occurs).
If any of these sound familiar, grief therapy in Los Angeles can give you a safe place to talk about your feelings without judgment.
Types of Loss We Address in Grief Therapy
Grief is not limited to death.
Michelle Webber works with clients experiencing many forms of loss:
- Death of a loved one: spouse, parent, child, sibling, friend, or pet.
- Divorce or relationship loss: including breakups and separation. Michelle also offers divorce therapy in Los Angeles services for those navigating the end of a marriage.
- Miscarriage or pregnancy loss: often disenfranchised grief that is not always recognized.
- Loss of health: chronic illness, disability, or a life‑changing diagnosis.
- Loss of a job or career: retirement, layoff, or unfulfilled professional dreams.
- Loss of identity: after becoming a parent, an empty nest, or a major life transition.
- Loss of a dream: the life you thought you would have.
Whatever the source, your pain is valid. Grief therapy in Los Angeles honors that.
How Grief Therapy Works
Many people worry that talking about their loss will make them feel worse or that they will break down and never recover. In truth, avoiding grief often makes the pain last longer. Grief therapy gives you a caring, structured space to face your emotions at your own pace.
Michelle Webber integrates several evidence‑based approaches:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): To identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts about the loss, such as guilt (“I should have done more”) or catastrophizing (“I’ll never be happy again”).
- Complicated Grief Treatment (CGT): For those who feel stuck in intense grief for an extended period.
- Mindfulness and self-compassion: These practices help you stay present when grief feels overwhelming and encourage you to treat yourself kindly.
- Psychodynamic therapy: To explore how past losses or relationship patterns affect your current grief.
- Narrative therapy: To help you make sense of your story and find meaning.
As a grief therapist in Los Angeles, Michelle knows that grief often overlaps with anxiety, depression, and trauma. She offers therapy for anxiety and depression in Los Angeles as part of a complete approach.
Grief and Co‑Occurring Mental Health Conditions
Grief can cause or make depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and post-traumatic stress worse. For example, losing someone suddenly or in a traumatic way can lead to upsetting images and feeling on edge, which are signs of PTSD. When someone dies after a long illness, you might feel relief mixed with guilt, which can lead to complicated grief.
Michelle Webber is skilled in trauma therapy and dual diagnosis care. She can help you untangle the complex emotions that arise when grief is complicated by other mental health conditions. Her practice is also an affirming space for LGBTQ+ therapy in Los Angeles and queer therapy, recognizing that members of the LGBTQ+ community may face unique grief related to estrangement, chosen family, or disenfranchised losses.
What to Expect in Your First Session
Beginning grief therapy in Los Angeles can feel vulnerable, especially if you have never spoken about your loss with a professional. Here is what you can expect:
- Free phone consultation: Michelle will answer your questions and help you determine if she is the right fit.
- Initial assessment: You will share the story of your loss, your current struggles, and your goals for therapy.
- Individualized treatment plan: You and Michelle will decide together how often to meet and what to focus on. Some people need weekly support, while others prefer every other week.
- Ongoing support: As you progress, you may shift from crisis management to growth and meaning‑making.
Michelle’s approach is warm and collaborative. She will support and challenge you when needed, and celebrate your progress, no matter how small.
Frequently Asked Questions about Grief Therapy
How long does grief therapy typically last?
Some people find a few months of support helpful, while others stay in therapy for a year or longer. How long you continue depends on your loss and your personal goals.
Can grief therapy help if the loss happened a long time ago?
Yes. Unresolved grief can come back even years later. It is never too late to get help.
Can I do grief therapy online?
Yes. Online therapy is available to all California residents. Many people like the convenience and privacy of virtual sessions.
What if I am also struggling with substance use?
Grief can sometimes lead to or worsen substance use. Michelle offers substance abuse therapy in Los Angeles and can help you work on both issues at the same time.
Take the First Step
You do not have to face grief alone. A skilled grief therapist in Los Angeles can help you honor your loss, care for your pain, and slowly find hope again.
Contact Michelle Webber, LCSW, today:
- Phone: 323-301-0083
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: 1600 Vine Street, Los Angeles, CA 90028
- Hours: 9am – 7pm (flexible scheduling)
Call or email for a free, confidential consultation. You deserve a place to heal and someone to guide you through.
