Grief and Loss Counseling in Playa Vista, CA.

Grief is a painful and frightening process and it's important to recognize that each individual experiences grief in a different way. There is no "right way" to grieve. Some people may show a lot of emotion and others may retreat into themselves and become quiet. Alternatively, some people may become physically ill, display anger, throw themselves into a project or work, or simply lay on the couch and feel unable to do anything. Psychotherapy helps in understanding the grief process and assists in actively working through it. It also helps in developing an awareness of the strong feelings you have and an understanding of how previous experiences and loss have an impact today.

We all encounter loss. It's and inescapable part of life. Painful as it can be, how we deal with grief and loss determines how we either thrive or live our lives always feeling the loss that once was. The inability to work through grief or loss keeps us from living fully in the moment. The ability to let go of the things we've lost is crucial to moving on. People who grieve well live well. Those who don't, don't. Feel free to call my office for a free 15 minute telephone consultation at 800-474-1445.

I have lost people close to me and I can understand what you may be experiencing, even if you had violent/sudden loss. I offer a highly supportive environment in which we talk through your loss, share memories, and I can teach you about grief and loss. In addition, I offer a supportive therapy group for bereavement, which has been proven extremely helpful to people grieving. I use energy therapies and other alternative therapies along with more conventional psychotherapy which enhances your healig and working through losses. I offer a holistic approach to therapy through talk therapy, art and creative therapy, group therapy, bibliotherapy and energy therapies. Contact me because I can help!

Loss isn’t something we “get over.” It’s something we get through. And healing takes time. Relationships don’t end when someone you love dies, leaves home, or gives up. You continue to carry that person with you going forward. It’s important to be patient with the grief process, and to talk about your loss with someone who doesn’t try to rush you, or paint a smiley face on your loss. Let’s talk. Let’s celebrate what was good, what you will miss, what made that relationship unique. Shakespeare said it best when he suggested we “Give sorrow words.” Talking is healing when someone really understands.

I have lost many loved ones and can ID the stages very quickly to help. I use various methods depending on the person. I believe groups are good for grief and encourage support networks. Talking to a Therapist at this time helps a great deal to minimize the grief. I believe that love never dies and one should be able to remember those with love and compassion. Time helps! Multiple losses are the hardest to deal with and need a counselor to start the healing process. Come in and talk! I have a protocol which is meaningful to anyone that has lost a loved one that works.

Grieving is a complex process. There is no right or wrong, ideal or non-ideal formulaic process to grieving. Grief is personal and varies from person to person. Allowing oneself to grief, while not loosing perspective on life is a difficult process and often requires assistance. This is where I can be of help. I will listen and provide guidance during the process of grief.

Grief counseling helps people cope with grief and mourning following the loss of a loved one or due to major life changes that trigger feelings of grief (i.e. job loss or divorce). It provides a space for individuals to work through and process the complex emotions surrounding loss. Healthy grieving results in remembering the loss with a newfound sense of peace, rather than searing pain.

Losing someone is profound. Humans do not understand how to process loss. Our brain's do not know how process someone not being there. I can be there with you as you are looking to move forward with your life. Much of the work can involve processing emotion, remembering the important stories and lessons, and then choosing to move in a way that dignifies the loss.

Sometimes loss is unbearable. If you are suffering from a depression brought on by the death of a loved one or the loss of something else immensely important to you, I can help. Maybe you've lost hope, as if there is no reason to get out of bed anymore. Psychotherapy with a caring therapist can help tremendously. Psychotherapy can help you move the stages of grief at a pace that is comfortable for you.

Grief following a loss is not only normal, but part of the healing process. Sometimes however, a subset of people experiencing normal grief find themselves drifting into a clinical depression. Dr. Levine offers supportive therapy for those experiencing normal grief and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for that subset of grieving people who grief has gotten out of control and morphed into a more severe emotional state of despair and hopelessness. Dr. Levine has over 20+ years of experience both professional and personal dealing with the grieving process. He is here to help you.

Grieving a loss can feel overwhelming and isolating. Whether you are grieving a recent loss or need to process a loss from your past, a safe space to freely express your thoughts and feelings can be healing. Children's response to loss is framed by their developmental capacities. For this reason, children may process a loss and then need to reprocess at a later stage of development. Therapy provides an opportunity for children and adolescents to process their loss in age appropriate ways.

We all will inevitably experience loss- i.e., the passing of a loved one, the end of a relationship, possibly significant life transitions. Grief and loss work focuses on developing effective and healthy coping mechanisms while moving through often challenging emotional states. Often individuals utilize maladaptive coping strategies, such as substances, alcohol and/or food to help minimize painful feelings. My philosophy is that while there are identifiable stages of grief and loss, they are not experienced sequentially. Navigating often confusing and competing emotions is necessary to ultimately heal.

Nothing in life can be more difficult and painful than dealing with loss. When we love deeply we will also grieve deeply. When we don't know how to grieve well, prolong sadness and pain can remain. The therapeutic relationship is one place where a safe place can be found to open fully the pain of loss. I also offer divorce support and grief groups where a community of suffers can join in the journey of recovery.