What is grief counseling at Foundations?
Grief counseling in Fort Collins, Loveland and Windsor at Foundations Counseling helps adults, teens and families grieve a parent, partner or child, including sudden or traumatic loss, using CBT, IFS, ACT and trauma focused therapy. The first meeting is a free consultation, and most new clients are seen within 48 hours.
Is my grief normal, or is it prolonged grief disorder?
Grief is a normal reaction to losing someone. MedlinePlus notes the acute phase may last up to 2 months, while milder symptoms can last a year or longer, and feelings like anger, guilt and numbness do not arrive in a set order. Feeling raw six months after your mom died is common, not a sign you are grieving wrong.
Prolonged grief disorder is different. The American Psychiatric Association describes it as intense, persistent grief that interferes with daily life, diagnosed only when the loss was at least a year ago for adults, or 6 months for children and teens. You do not need a diagnosis to get help. If grief keeps you from working, sleeping, eating or connecting with people, counseling is worth starting now.
How does counseling help after a sudden or traumatic death?
A death by accident, suicide, overdose or violence can leave shock, intrusive images and unanswered questions on top of the grief. Mayo Clinic lists an unexpected or violent death as a risk factor for complicated grief. Your counselor paces the work so you are not flooded, uses trauma focused skills to calm your body when memories hit, and helps you make room for the relationship, not only the way it ended.
How does therapy help someone who lost a child?
Losing a child, at any age, is one of the hardest losses a person can carry, and Mayo Clinic names the death of a child as another risk factor for complicated grief. Counseling gives each parent space to grieve in their own way, helps partners who grieve differently stay connected, and supports surviving brothers and sisters. For younger children, counselors may use play or art therapy so they can express what they cannot yet put into words.
How can I help an elderly parent get grief counseling?
When a parent loses a spouse of many years, grief often arrives with loneliness, new daily tasks and questions about the future. You can call or book a free consultation for your parent, with their permission, and you may join the first few minutes if that helps them feel comfortable. Sessions are available in person or through online counseling for parents who no longer drive. Your parent's counseling stays their own, and you can ask about sessions for yourself too.
How soon after a loss should I start grief counseling?
There is no wrong time. Some people come in the week of a death to get through the funeral and the first days; others come years later when unprocessed grief shows up as anger, numbness or depression. Early on, counseling focuses on sleep, basic routines and support. Later, it turns toward meaning, memory and rebuilding a life that still honors the person you lost.
What do the first sessions look like?
You share what happened and who you lost, at your own pace. Your counselor asks about sleep, support, and any thoughts of not wanting to live, because that is part of good grief care. Together you set two or three goals, such as getting through a hard anniversary or talking about your person without falling apart. Sessions usually last 50 minutes.
Who will I work with?
Many Foundations counselors list grief and loss as a specialty. You can meet them in the team section on this page, or tell us what you need when you reach out and we will match you with a counselor who fits. Your first meeting with that counselor is a free consultation. If the first match does not feel right, our Counselor Match Guarantee means we will find another counselor who is.
When is grief an emergency?
Grief counseling is not crisis care. If you or someone you love is thinking about suicide, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911. Some grief also overlaps with depression; if that is you, see our depression counseling page, and talk with a physician about any medical questions.
Ready to talk?
For a place to start at home, read coping with grief and loss. Questions about cost? See private pay vs insurance therapy. Counselors see clients in Fort Collins (Central), Fort Collins (Southeast), Loveland and Windsor. When you are ready, book a free consultation or call 970.227.2770.
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GUARANTEED COUNSELOR MATCH
Grief is personal, and trust matters. If your first counselor is not the right fit, we will match you with another Foundations counselor at no cost for the new consultation. How the Counselor Match Guarantee works.
Learn MoreHOW WE HELP WITH GRIEF
Your counselor learns about the person you lost, how the death happened, and what daily life looks like now. Methods our grief counselors use include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): loosens the guilt and "what if" loops that keep grief stuck.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS): helps the parts of you that are angry, numb or still searching feel heard.
- Trauma focused therapy: calms the shock and intrusive memories after a sudden or violent death.
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We understand that the journey to emotional well-being begins with connecting you to the right counselor. That's why we proudly offer our unique Counselor Match Guarantee. We don't just pair you with any counselor; we meticulously match you with someone who aligns with your specific needs, preferences, and goals for healing and growth. If the initial pairing needs to be corrected, we encourage you to explore our diverse and experienced team until you find the perfect fit.
Your comfort and progress are paramount, so we ensure you always have a supportive and confidential environment to pursue your journey of self-discovery and healing. Choose us as your trusted partner in this transformative experience—because your well-being deserves the utmost care.
Begin your journey today and take the first step towards a brighter, more fulfilling tomorrow. Let us guide you to emotional wellness with our dedicated and compassionate counseling services.
Meet Our CounselorsMeet the Grief & Loss Team
22 counselors Fort Collins 10 Loveland 9 Windsor 3
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