Grief Counseling in Castle Rock, CO
Loss changes everything. You don't have to find your way through it alone. Compassionate support for whatever you're carrying.
Book a Free ConsultationGrief is one of the heaviest things a person can carry. Whether you've lost someone you love, a relationship that mattered, a future you planned for, or a version of yourself you can't get back – the weight of it can feel impossible some days.
Maybe people keep telling you that you should be "better by now." Maybe you're tired of hearing that everything happens for a reason. Or maybe you're just exhausted from pretending you're okay when you're not.
There's no right way to grieve. And there's no timeline you're supposed to follow. At South Denver Therapy, we offer grief counseling that meets you exactly where you are – without judgment, without pressure, and without trying to rush you through your pain. You deserve support through this.
When Grief Becomes Too Heavy to Carry Alone
Grief touches every part of your life. It affects how you sleep, how you think, how you show up at work, how you connect with the people around you. Some days you might feel okay, and other days the smallest thing brings it all flooding back.
You might be wondering if what you're feeling is "normal." If you're taking too long. If you're grieving the right way. The truth is, there is no right way. And there's nothing wrong with needing help to carry something this heavy.
"Grief is not a problem to be solved. It's an experience to be carried – and you don't have to carry it alone."
Grief counseling isn't about "getting over" your loss or moving on like it never happened. It's about finding a way to hold your grief that allows you to keep living. To honor what you've lost while still being present for what remains.
Types of Loss We Help You Navigate
Grief doesn't only come from death. Many kinds of loss can bring deep pain that deserves real support:
Death of a Loved One
Losing a parent, spouse, child, sibling, friend, or anyone who mattered to you. Whether expected or sudden, each loss brings its own kind of pain.
Divorce & Relationship Endings
The end of a marriage or significant relationship involves grieving the future you imagined, the partnership you had, and sometimes the person you were.
Miscarriage & Infant Loss
Pregnancy loss and infant death are devastating. The grief is real, even when others don't acknowledge it or understand how deeply it affects you.
Loss of a Pet
Pets are family. Losing a beloved animal companion is a genuine loss that deserves to be grieved, even when others minimize it.
Job Loss & Career Changes
Losing a job or career can mean losing identity, purpose, security, and daily structure. The grief that comes with it is valid.
Health Changes & Diagnosis
A serious diagnosis or chronic illness means grieving the health and life you had before. Living with limitations requires adjusting to a new reality.
Empty Nest & Life Transitions
Children leaving home, retirement, moving away from community – major life transitions involve real grief for what's ending.
Estrangement & Living Losses
Sometimes we grieve people who are still alive – through estrangement, addiction, dementia, or relationships that can't be repaired.
Our Approach to Grief Therapy
We don't follow a rigid formula or try to fit your grief into neat stages. Everyone's experience is different, and therapy should honor that. Our approach is gentle but not passive – we're here to support you, and also to help you find ways to move through your pain rather than getting stuck in it.
What You Can Expect From Us
- A safe space to feel whatever you feel – anger, sadness, guilt, relief, numbness. All of it is welcome here.
- No pressure to "get over it" – we honor that grief takes time and doesn't follow a schedule.
- Help making sense of your experience – processing what happened and what it means to you.
- Practical tools for difficult days – ways to cope when grief feels overwhelming.
- Support finding meaning and connection – discovering how to carry your loss while still living fully.
- Your pace, always – we follow your lead and adjust as your needs change.
EMDR for Complicated Grief and Traumatic Loss
Sometimes grief gets complicated. Maybe the loss was sudden or traumatic. Maybe you're stuck in a loop of painful memories you can't escape. Maybe the grief has become so heavy that you feel frozen, unable to move forward.
When EMDR Can Help
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful therapy for processing grief that feels stuck or overwhelming. It's especially helpful when:
- The loss was sudden, traumatic, or violent
- You're haunted by images or memories you can't shake
- Grief has triggered trauma symptoms like nightmares or flashbacks
- You feel stuck and unable to process the loss
- Traditional talk therapy hasn't been enough
EMDR doesn't erase your memories or make you forget your loved one. It helps your brain process the most painful parts of the loss so they stop overwhelming you. Many people find they can hold their grief more gently after EMDR – the love remains, but the sharpest edges soften.
Carissa is EMDRIA-certified, meaning she's completed advanced training in EMDR therapy and is qualified to treat complex grief and trauma.
Learn more about EMDR therapy →When Grief Affects Your Relationship
Grief doesn't just affect you – it ripples through your relationships too. You and your partner might grieve differently, causing friction when you need each other most. You might withdraw when your family reaches out, or feel disconnected from people who dont understand what you're going through.
Individual Support for Relationship Challenges
We help you navigate how grief is affecting your connections with others:
- Understanding why you and your partner grieve differently
- Learning to communicate your needs when you're hurting
- Managing guilt, anger, or resentment toward others
- Reconnecting with loved ones after withdrawing
- Setting boundaries with people who don't understand
- Processing relationship grief (divorce, estrangement, broken friendships)
What Grief Counseling Looks Like
Starting therapy when you're grieving can feel like one more thing to manage. Here's what the process actually looks like:
Free Consultation
A brief 15-minute call to connect and see if we're a good fit. You can share a little about what you're going through and ask any questions. No pressure, no commitment.
Getting to Know You
Your first session is about understanding your story – your loss, how you've been coping, what's been hardest, and what you're hoping for. We go at your pace.
Building Support
We work together on coping strategies, processing your grief, and addressing whatever is most pressing for you. Some sessions might be heavy, others might bring relief.
Moving Forward
Over time, you'll find you can carry your grief differently. It doesn't disappear, but it becomes something you can hold while still living your life. We'll know together when you're ready to continue on your own.
Why Choose South Denver Therapy
Meet Carissa Keeter
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) • EMDRIA CertifiedCarissa brings warmth, presence, and deep expertise in trauma to her work with grieving clients. She understands that grief isn't something to be fixed or rushed through – it's something to be witnessed and supported. Her approach is compassionate but not passive; she'll meet you in your pain while also helping you find your way through it.
Learn more about CarissaAward-Winning Care
Voted Best of the Best in Mental Health for Castle Rock in 2024 and 2025.
Compassionate Approach
Gentle, patient support that honors your grief without rushing you through it.
Trauma Expertise
EMDRIA-certified for complicated grief and traumatic loss that needs specialized care.
In-Person & Telehealth
Meet at our Castle Rock office or from home via secure video – whatever feels right.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need grief counseling?
There's no right or wrong time to seek grief support. Some people find it helpful immediately after a loss, while others come months or years later when they realize they're still struggling. If grief is affecting your daily life, relationships, work, or overall wellbeing – or if you simply want support through a difficult time – counseling can help.
How long does grief counseling take?
There's no set timeline for grief, and counseling honors that. Some people find relief in just a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support. We'll work at your pace and adjust as your needs change. The goal isn't to "get over" your loss but to find a way to carry it that allows you to live fully.
Can you help with grief that isn't from a death?
Absolutely. Grief can come from many types of loss – divorce, miscarriage, job loss, health changes, estrangement from family, the end of a friendship, or major life transitions. All grief is valid and deserves support, regardless of the source.
What is complicated grief?
Complicated grief (sometimes called prolonged grief disorder) occurs when intense grief symptoms persist for an extended time and significantly interfere with daily life. It may involve difficulty accepting the loss, intense longing, feeling stuck, or inability to engage with life. EMDR therapy can be particularly helpful for complicated grief.
How much does grief counseling cost?
Sessions are $175 for 60 minutes. Many clients get reimbursed through their out-of-network insurance benefits. Visit our FAQs page to learn how Mentaya can help you recover a significant portion of your costs.
Do you offer online grief counseling?
Yes. We offer secure telehealth sessions for anyone in Colorado. This can be especially helpful when grief makes it hard to leave home, or when you simply prefer the comfort and privacy of your own space.
You Don't Have to Grieve Alone
Whatever you've lost, however long you've been carrying it – you deserve support. Reach out when you're ready. We'll be here.
Book a Free ConsultationOr call us at (720) 663-8046