686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks 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

Good news! We have 72 therapists in Virginia available for an online or in-person session.
Patricia McCarty

Hear from Patricia McCarty, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

View Patricia McCarty's profile

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

As a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), I prioritize meeting clients where they are, employing a humanistic theory with an integrative approach tailored to individual needs. This includes techniques from:

  • Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)
  • Schema therapy
  • Strength-based approaches
  • Adlerian theory
  • Psychoanalytic and psychodynamic theories
  • Existentialism
  • Narrative therapy
  • Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
  • Expressive art therapy
  • Positive psychotherapy
  • Coaching
  • Internal family systems (IFS)
  • Motivational interviewing (MI)
  • Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT)
  • Exposure response prevention (ERP)
  • Solution-focused therapy
  • Interpersonal therapy

What tools do you teach in grief & loss counseling?

In therapy, I focus on teaching tools for:

  • Developing self-awareness and self-compassion
  • Setting attainable behavioral change goals
  • Challenging negative thoughts/self-talk
  • Exploring healthy coping strategies tailored to the individual
  • Moving beyond comfortable but unhelpful patterns

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

I know a client is making meaningful progress in therapy when they demonstrate a deeper understanding of their thoughts, behaviors, and feelings and they start incorporating their learned skills without being prompted.

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

Clients can supplement their time in therapy with tending to the pillars of mental health:

  • Physical needs (sleep, nutrition, exercise)
  • Mental and spiritual self-care
  • Fostering social supports
I also encourage mindfulness, meditation, and journaling.

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

To prepare for your first therapy session, you can come up with a sentence or two that summarizes what you are looking for in treatment. Be prepared to answer a bunch of questions as I learn about you and gather background info for the intake assessment. Other than that, strap yourself in, be open-minded and willing to do the work, and trust the therapeutic process!

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 Henrico, VA 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 Henrico, VA 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?

Dealing with the loss of a loved one can be overwhelming, leaving you feeling sad and lonely. Thriveworks offers grief counseling in Henrico, VA to provide support during this difficult time. Our counselors, also known as bereavement counselors, can help you navigate the grieving process.

Call us at (804) 265-4857 to schedule your appointment today.

What Are Signs of Grief?

Signs that grief may be becoming overwhelming include uncontrollable crying, loss of interest in once enjoyable activities, and difficulty managing anger. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it may be time to seek professional help. Our Short Pump grief counselors can assist you in identifying and coping with these emotions.

The loss of a loved one can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as addiction or self-medication. Thriveworks counselors can provide strategies for managing grief in a healthy way and offer support as you navigate this challenging time.

Schedule with Thriveworks Short Pump

Grieving is a natural process that takes time, and there’s no need to go through it alone. Our Henrico grief counselors are here to help you understand and manage your emotions as you move forward.

Reach out now, and you may be able to attend your first session within 7 days of calling our office at (804) 265-4857.

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 Henrico therapists and counselors accept 27 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | Exchange

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

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Self-pay costs at Henrico
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

5.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Trish is VERY good at listening and responding with the right questions to get to your issue and literally talk it out. Therapists in the past seemed to have canned suggestions not relating to my specific issues.
Read more Trish is VERY good at listening and responding with the right questions to get to your issue and literally talk it out. Therapists in the past seemed to have canned suggestions not relating to my specific issues.
Joe Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Jennifer is a very caring therapist. She listens attentively and asks leading questions. This helps you work out the answer yourself.
Read more Jennifer is a very caring therapist. She listens attentively and asks leading questions. This helps you work out the answer yourself.
Sharon Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I've worked with Domonique and I've seen the care and concern she provides her clients. She is invested in their wellbeing and offers clinically sound services. She is supportive, down to earth, but is also willing to tackle the tough issues, and by doing so, increases clients' growth and sets clients up for long-term success. She supported me in handling various major life changing situations.
Read more I've worked with Domonique and I've seen the care and concern she provides her clients. She is invested in their wellbeing and offers clinically sound services. She is supportive, down to earth, but is also willing to tackle the tough issues, and by doing so, increases clients' growth and sets clients up for long-term success. She supported me in handling various major life changing situations.
Short Pump Dec 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I was drinking just to cope with my depression 9 months ago. I thought it was the drinking that caused me to be depressed and miserable. I was so in denial I didn’t see how depressed and sad I really was. I had no hope. Mary put everything in perspective for me and helped challenge me to change. She gave me a little tough love and guidance that I needed. With the help of Mary’s help, coping skills, -and medication, I feel like a new woman! Thanks Mary for all your help! You rock! ❤️
Read more I was drinking just to cope with my depression 9 months ago. I thought it was the drinking that caused me to be depressed and miserable. I was so in denial I didn’t see how depressed and sad I really was. I had no hope. Mary put everything in perspective for me and helped challenge me to change. She gave me a little tough love and guidance that I needed. With the help of Mary’s help, coping skills, -and medication, I feel like a new woman! Thanks Mary for all your help! You rock! ❤️
Short Pump Sep 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I have used Roberta as a consultant for three years. Her consultations about therapeutic and ethical situations have been both professional and wise. I am a hospital chaplain at a busy hospital and for our most challenging cases, I turn to Roberta. She is responsive and empathetic. I highly recommend Roberta as both a therapist and consultant.
Read more I have used Roberta as a consultant for three years. Her consultations about therapeutic and ethical situations have been both professional and wise. I am a hospital chaplain at a busy hospital and for our most challenging cases, I turn to Roberta. She is responsive and empathetic. I highly recommend Roberta as both a therapist and consultant.
Short Pump Jul 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Mary and I have worked together for the last two years. She has been instrumental in assisting me to reach my goal of being a Licensed Professional Counselor. Her clinical perspective, knowledge, and understanding of counseling principles has made an positive impact on how I approach my clients. Mary offers an abundance of education and clinical expertise that she easily shares with others. Mary demonstrates empathy, clinical knowledge, has a sense of humor, and realistic view of client needs. She has the ability to tap into the client's world which enhances their therapeutic experience.
Read more Mary and I have worked together for the last two years. She has been instrumental in assisting me to reach my goal of being a Licensed Professional Counselor. Her clinical perspective, knowledge, and understanding of counseling principles has made an positive impact on how I approach my clients. Mary offers an abundance of education and clinical expertise that she easily shares with others. Mary demonstrates empathy, clinical knowledge, has a sense of humor, and realistic view of client needs. She has the ability to tap into the client's world which enhances their therapeutic experience.
Short Pump Oct 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I've worked with Caitlin Devey, and I've seen the care and concern she provides her clients. She is invested in their wellbeing and offers clinically sound services. Caitlin is supportive, down to earth, but is also willing to tackle the tough issues, and by doing so, increases clients' growth and sets clients up for long-term success.
Read more I've worked with Caitlin Devey, and I've seen the care and concern she provides her clients. She is invested in their wellbeing and offers clinically sound services. Caitlin is supportive, down to earth, but is also willing to tackle the tough issues, and by doing so, increases clients' growth and sets clients up for long-term success.
Short Pump Jun 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Mrs. Lowenstein is one of my favorite people and one of the best supervisors I've ever had the pleasure of working with. Her commitment to my success as an MSW is nothing short of miraculous. She has advocated for me to get supervision from the Board of Social Work and has been next to me every step of my journey. Rebekah continues to go above and beyond for me and I have not doubt that she will do this for her clients as well. She is patient, funny, personable, competent, and one of the smartest women I know.
Read more Mrs. Lowenstein is one of my favorite people and one of the best supervisors I've ever had the pleasure of working with. Her commitment to my success as an MSW is nothing short of miraculous. She has advocated for me to get supervision from the Board of Social Work and has been next to me every step of my journey. Rebekah continues to go above and beyond for me and I have not doubt that she will do this for her clients as well. She is patient, funny, personable, competent, and one of the smartest women I know.
Short Pump Dec 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

We share a building with Tranquility Yoni Steam. Across the street is Divine World Changers International Ministries. We are near the intersection of Gayton Road and Cambridge Drive.

Phone number

(804) 265-4857

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
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

Shown in ET

Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
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

Shown in ET

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