Consider grief therapy if you're experiencing: 

• Intense emotions that feel overwhelming or unmanageable

• Difficulty functioning in daily life (work, relationships, self-care)

• Feeling stuck in your grief or unable to move forward

• Physical symptoms like exhaustion, headaches, or sleep problems

• Anxiety or depression that emerged after your loss

• Thoughts that scare you or feelings of wanting to join your loved one

• Isolation or withdrawal from people and activities

• Anger, guilt, or regret that feels consuming

• Numbness or inability to feel anything

• Difficulty accepting the reality of your loss

• A sense that others don't understand or can't handle your grief 

You don't need to wait until grief becomes "serious" to seek help. Many people benefit from therapy early in their grief journey to develop healthy coping tools and process emotions before they become overwhelming. There's no "right" time to start grief therapy—if you're wondering whether you need support, that question itself is often a sign that therapy could help.

Grief therapy is a specialized form of therapy that recognizes grief is not a mental health disorder but a natural human experience. Unlike general therapists who may occasionally work with grieving clients, our entire practice focuses exclusively on grief and loss. We understand the unique challenges of grief—the waves of emotion, the physical exhaustion, the feeling that your world has fundamentally changed. 

We don't try to "fix" you or rush your process. Instead, we provide pragmatic tools to help you integrate grief into your life story without letting it define you. Our therapists are trained in grief-specific modalities like Complicated Grief Treatment, Prolonged Grief Therapy, and understand the nuances of different types of grief including disenfranchised grief, anticipatory grief, and traumatic grief. 

As skilled grief therapists, we are comfortable in the space of not needing to fix you—for there is no fixing when someone you love dies or your life changes in irreversible ways. We know that welcoming your pain and being with you in it is the only way grief evolves.

We have come to know unprocessed grief as a root of human suffering. Unprocessed grief can show up as anxiety, depression, isolation, self-doubt, rage, estrangement, physical maladies, addiction, self-loathing, and much more. Our role is to help you healthfully integrate your grief so it takes its place as a part of your story without defining you. 

Grieving is exhausting on all levels—physically, mentally, emotionally, and existentially. It can be hard enough to buy groceries, let alone reach out for support. We want to make this first step as easy as possible.

Many people we meet with have never been to therapy. Many have never before experienced the intensity and disorientation that grief can bring. You can expect us to take time in the first session to discern your individual needs (e.g., what do you want more of in your life? and what do you want less of in your life?), provide you with pragmatic information and tools, and form collaborative goals by which we can measure progress. 

The first session is also an opportunity for you to get to know your therapist and decide if it feels like a good fit. We encourage you to ask questions and share what you need from therapy.

Each of our clinicians brings unique strengths, training, and specializations to their work. During your initial contact with us, we'll learn about your needs and help match you with a therapist who specializes in your particular type of grief or loss and is licensed in your state. 

We also offer consultation calls where you can speak with a therapist before committing to sessions. This gives you a chance to ask questions, discuss your situation, and get a sense of whether the therapist feels like a good fit. 

If after starting therapy you don't feel a connection with your therapist, we encourage you to let us know so we can help you find a better match within our team.

Availability varies by clinician and location. Some therapists may have immediate openings, while others may have a brief wait. When you contact us, we'll work to match you with the most appropriate therapist and get you scheduled as quickly as possible. We understand that when you're ready to start therapy, you're ready—and we do our best to minimize wait times.

The length of grief therapy varies greatly depending on your individual needs, the type of loss you've experienced, and your goals for therapy. Some people find benefit from a few months of focused grief work, while others engage in therapy for a year or longer. 

Grief doesn't follow a timeline, and neither does grief therapy. We work collaboratively with you to assess progress and determine what feels right for your healing journey. You're always in control of how long you continue therapy.

Yes. Grief often manifests as depression, anxiety, or both. These are common responses to loss, and grief therapy is specifically designed to address these symptoms in the context of your grief. 

We help you understand how grief and mental health symptoms interact, provide tools to manage overwhelming emotions, and work toward integrating your loss in a way that allows you to engage with life again. Our approach addresses the root of your suffering—the unprocessed grief—rather than just treating symptoms.

We specialize in all types of grief, including: 

• Bereavement grief following the death of a loved one (parent, spouse, child, sibling, friend, pet)  

• Complicated or prolonged grief where grief symptoms persist intensely beyond the expected timeframe 

• Anticipatory grief experienced before an expected loss (terminal illness, progressive disease) 

• Disenfranchised grief from losses that aren't socially recognized (miscarriage, abortion, pet loss, estrangement, job loss, identity changes) 

• Ambiguous loss when someone is physically or psychologically absent (dementia, missing persons, estrangement) 

• Traumatic grief following sudden, violent, or traumatic deaths (suicide, homicide, accidents, overdose) 

• Multiple losses when experiencing several losses close together 

• Non-death losses including divorce, relationship endings, career changes, health diagnoses, loss of independence, relocation 

• Pandemic-related grief from losses during COVID-19 (deaths, isolation, cancelled milestones, collective grief)

• Perinatal loss including miscarriage, stillbirth, infant loss, fertility struggles

Our therapists understand that grief shows up differently for everyone and can manifest as anxiety, depression, anger, numbness, physical symptoms, or isolation. We meet you where you are.

As defined by the Center for Prolonged Grief, "Prolonged Grief is a persistent form of intense grief in which maladaptive thoughts and dysfunctional behaviors are present along with continued yearning, longing and sadness and/or preoccupation with thoughts and memories of the person who died. Grief continues to dominate life and the future seems bleak and empty. Irrational thoughts that the deceased person might reappear are common and the bereaved person feels lost and alone." 

Katherine and several team members have training in Prolonged Grief Therapy Treatment, an evidence-based approach specifically designed to help people who are experiencing this intense and persistent form of grief.

Complicated grief (also called persistent complex bereavement disorder) is when grief symptoms remain severe and debilitating for an extended period, typically beyond 6-12 months after a loss. It's characterized by intense longing for the deceased, difficulty accepting the death, bitterness, numbness, feeling that life is meaningless, and trouble engaging in life or forming new relationships. 

Complicated grief is different from "normal" grief in its intensity and duration—it doesn't soften with time and significantly impairs your ability to function. We have specialized training in Complicated Grief Treatment (CGT), an evidence-based therapy designed specifically for this condition.

Absolutely. Grief is not limited to death. We work with people experiencing all types of loss, including: 

• Divorce or relationship endings 

• Estrangement from family members 

• Job loss or career changes 

• Loss of health or physical abilities 

• Infertility or pregnancy loss 

• Loss of identity (retirement, empty nest, gender transition) - Loss of home or community 

• Loss of safety or innocence after trauma 

• Loss of dreams or expectations for the future 

These losses are real and deserve the same compassionate support as grief following death.

Disenfranchised grief occurs when your loss isn't openly acknowledged, socially validated, or publicly mourned. Society may not recognize your grief as legitimate, or you may not feel you have "permission" to grieve. Examples include: 

• Miscarriage or abortion 

• Death of an ex-partner 

• Loss of a pet 

• Grief after estrangement 

• Loss of an affair partner 

• Death of someone who was abusive to you 

• Grief over what never was (infertility, never-known biological parents) 

At Grounded Grief, we recognize all grief as valid. We provide a space where you can grieve losses that others may not understand or acknowledge.

Yes. Anticipatory grief is the grief you experience before a loss actually occurs—often when a loved one has a terminal diagnosis or progressive disease. This type of grief comes with its own challenges: mourning someone who is still alive, navigating changing relationships, managing caregiver stress, and dealing with uncertainty. 

We help people process anticipatory grief while also supporting them in making the most of the time remaining and preparing for the loss ahead.

Our team includes licensed clinicians in Oregon, Washington State, Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, and Tennessee. This means if you live in any of these states, you can work with one of our specialized grief therapists either through secure telehealth sessions or in-person at our Portland or Washington, DC offices. 

When you contact us, we'll match you with a therapist licensed in your state who specializes in your particular type of grief or loss. Even if you live in a rural area without local grief specialists, our telehealth services make expert grief support accessible wherever you are. 

Our clinicians serve clients in the following states:

• Oregon 

• Washington State 

• Washington, DC 

• Maryland

• Virginia

• Delaware

• Tennessee

Yes. In-person sessions are available at our two office locations: 

• Grounded Grief East: 1718 Connecticut Avenue NW, #201 Washington, DC 20009 

• Grounded Grief West: 328 NE Failing Street Portland, OR 97212 

Remote sessions remain an option for all clients.

Yes. Each Grounded Grief clinician offers remote sessions with clients. Our video platforms are either Telehealth by Simple Practice or Zoom for Healthcare—both are HIPAA-compliant and secure. 

Virtual sessions allow you to access specialized grief therapy from anywhere in the states where we're licensed. Many clients prefer telehealth because they can receive support from the comfort of their own home, without travel time or scheduling complications.

Yes. Research shows that telehealth therapy is equally effective as in-person therapy for treating grief, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Many of our clients actually prefer virtual sessions because they can access specialized grief therapy from the comfort of their own home, without needing to navigate traffic or find childcare. 

Telehealth also allows you to work with a grief specialist even if you live in a rural area or a state where grief therapists are scarce. We use HIPAA-compliant, secure video platforms (SimplePractice or Zoom for Healthcare) to protect your confidentiality. Some clients choose to start virtually and transition to in-person, or alternate between both formats depending on their needs.

We use HIPAA-compliant, secure telehealth platforms: either Telehealth by SimplePractice or Zoom for Healthcare. Both are designed specifically for confidential healthcare sessions and meet all privacy and security requirements.

You'll need: 

• A computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone 

• A reliable internet connection 

• A private space where you can speak freely without being overheard 

• We recommend using headphones for better sound quality and privacy. 

• You don't need to download any special software for SimplePractice—it works in your web browser. 

• For Zoom sessions, you may be asked to download the Zoom app.

Yes! Many clients appreciate the flexibility to attend in-person when convenient and switch to virtual when needed (traveling, weather, illness, childcare issues, etc.). Just let your therapist know your preference.

Grounded Outdoor is our nature-based grief therapy approach. Research shows that spending time in nature can support healing, reduce stress, and provide a different container for processing grief. Some of our therapists offer the option to conduct sessions while walking in nature or sitting in outdoor spaces rather than traditional office settings. This approach is particularly beneficial for people who feel confined by traditional office settings or who find that movement and nature help them access and process emotions.

Rates for individual sessions range from $180-$215 per 50-55 minute session. Here is our current pricing per clinician:

• Katherine Hatch (Serving OR, DC & MD clients): $215 per 55-min 

• Youske Eto (Serving OR clients): $195 per 55-min 

• A.C. Caldwell (Serving OR clients): $185 per 55-min 

• Juniper Wong (Serving OR & WA clients): $195 per 55-min

• Lindsay Wooster-Halburg (Serving OR & WA clients): $190 per 55-min 

• Tatiana Bien-Aime (Serving DC, MD & VA clients): $190 per 50-min 

• Megan Hunt (Serving DC & MD clients): $190 per 50-min 

• Sara Linnehan (Serving MD, DE & TN clients): $180 per 50-min

• Stephanie O'Brien (Serving DC & MD clients): $180 per 50-min 

• Tisha Washington (Serving MD clients): $180 per 50-min

• Alyssa Ackerman (Serving clients regardless of location): $180 per 55-min

Oregon:

• Kaiser (Northwest) 

• Aetna (Oregon)

• Please note we are sad to report that we are no longer paneled with Care Oregon and OHP as of October 1, 2025. 

All other states (WA, DC, MD, VA, DE, TN):

At this time, we are not paneled with any insurance companies. We are currently working to panel with a few options. In the meantime, we are happy to provide superbills so that our clients can seek potential out-of-network reimbursement for our services.

A superbill is an itemized receipt that includes all the information your insurance company needs to process an out-of-network claim. After each session, we can provide you with a superbill that includes: 

• Dates of service 

• Diagnosis codes 

• Treatment codes (CPT codes) 

• Provider information and license numbers 

• Amount paid 

You submit this superbill to your insurance company to request reimbursement. The amount you receive back depends on your plan's out-of-network benefits. 

We recommend calling your insurance company before starting therapy to ask: 

• "Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?" 

• "What percentage is reimbursed for out-of-network therapists?" 

• "What is my out-of-network deductible?" 

• "Is there a limit to how many sessions are covered per year?" 

We're happy to provide a superbill to support this process, but we cannot guarantee what your insurance will reimburse.

Yes! We accept Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) cards as payment. Therapy services typically qualify as eligible medical expenses under these accounts.

Yes, we offer a number of sliding scale options. We believe cost should not be a barrier to accessing quality grief support. Please inquire about sliding scale availability when you contact us, and we'll work with you to find an arrangement that makes therapy accessible.

We offer several options: 

1. Sliding scale slots: We reserve a limited number of reduced-fee slots for clients with financial need 

2. HSA/FSA: Use pre-tax dollars from these accounts 

3. Out-of-network reimbursement: Submit superbills to your insurance for potential partial reimbursement 

4. Grief groups: More affordable than individual therapy while still providing expert support 

5. Payment plans: In some cases, we can arrange payment plans 

Please reach out to discuss options—we want to work with you to make therapy accessible.

Our rates for groups and workshops vary depending on the specific offering. Find our current groups, workshops, and their costs on our Groups & Workshops page.

Group therapy is typically more affordable than individual sessions while still providing expert guidance and the added benefit of connection with others who are grieving.

Several things set us apart: 

1. Grief-specific expertise: Our entire practice focuses exclusively on grief and loss. We're not general therapists who sometimes see grieving clients—grief is what we do.

2. Specialized training: Our therapists are trained in evidence-based grief-specific modalities including Complicated Grief Treatment, Prolonged Grief Therapy, EMDR, IFS, and trauma-informed approaches. 

3. Multi-state access: We serve seven states, making specialized grief therapy accessible whether you live in a major city or rural area. 

4. Diverse approaches: We offer individual therapy, group support, outdoor therapy, organizational grief support, and clinical supervision. 

5. Philosophy: We recognize grief isn't a disorder—it's part of being human. We don't try to fix you or rush your process. We provide pragmatic tools while honoring your unique grief journey.

Our approach to therapy is grounded in relational therapy perspectives as well as in IFS (Internal Family Systems), Complicated Grief Treatment, Prolonged Grief Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy methods. We have some clinicians who are trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and trauma-informed approaches. 

Each clinician will discuss their specific training modalities during a consultation call. While we share a foundation in grief-specific treatment, each therapist brings their unique strengths and specialized training to their work.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has helped millions of people of all ages relieve many types of psychological stress and trauma. 

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements, but also tapping or sounds) to help your brain process traumatic memories and grief in a way that reduces their emotional intensity. 

It's particularly helpful for traumatic grief—when someone died suddenly, violently, or in a way that left you feeling traumatized. Several of our therapists are trained in EMDR and will determine in collaboration with you if and when it might be helpful.

You can learn more about EMDR here.

IFS (Internal Family Systems) is an integrative psychotherapy approach based in systems theory and multiplicity of the mind. IFS views the mind as naturally made up of different "parts"—each with their own perspectives, feelings, and roles. 

In grief, you might notice different parts: a part that wants to stay busy and avoid the pain, a part that's angry at the person who died, a part that feels guilty for living, a part that wants to talk about your loss, and a part that wants to protect you from overwhelming feelings. 

IFS helps you understand and work with these parts compassionately, rather than fighting against them. Several of our therapists use IFS in their grief work. 

You can learn more about IFS here.

Complicated Grief Treatment is an evidence-based therapy specifically designed for people experiencing complicated or prolonged grief. 

Developed by Dr. Katherine Shear at Columbia University, CGT combines elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and motivational interviewing. 

CGT helps you: 

• Accept the reality of the loss 

• Manage painful emotions 

• Imagine a future with possibilities 

• Strengthen relationships with living people 

• Tell the story of the death 

• Create a continuing bond with the deceased while also moving forward 

Several of our therapists are trained in CGT and use it when working with clients whose grief has become persistent and debilitating.

While all our therapists share a foundation in grief-specific treatment and a philosophy that honors grief as a natural human experience, each brings their unique training, specializations, and style to their work. Some specialize in trauma and EMDR, others in IFS or CGT. Some offer outdoor therapy. Some work extensively with specific types of loss (perinatal loss, suicide loss, etc.). During your consultation call or first session, your therapist will discuss their approach and how it might fit your needs.

Grief is our specialty—it's what we focus on exclusively. While our therapists are licensed to treat a range of mental health concerns, they chose to dedicate their practice to grief and loss because of the specialized knowledge and approach it requires. This matters because grief therapy is fundamentally different from treating depression or anxiety alone. 

We understand the unique trajectory of grief, the ways it shows up in your body and relationships, and the difference between grief that's evolving naturally and grief that's become complicated.

All our therapists are fully licensed clinical mental health professionals in the states where they practice. This includes licenses such as: 

• LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) 

• LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) 

• LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) 

• LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker) 

In addition to their clinical licenses, many have specialized training in grief-specific modalities like Complicated Grief Treatment, Prolonged Grief Therapy, EMDR, IFS, and trauma-informed care.

No. Our therapists are licensed psychotherapists, not psychiatrists or medical doctors, so we cannot prescribe medication. However, we can work collaboratively with your physician or psychiatrist if you're interested in exploring medication as part of your grief treatment. 

Many people find that therapy alone is sufficient for processing grief, while others benefit from a combination of therapy and medication, particularly if they're experiencing severe depression or anxiety alongside their grief.

Yes. We use HIPAA-compliant platforms (SimplePractice Telehealth and Zoom for Healthcare) that are specifically designed for confidential healthcare sessions. These platforms use encryption and meet all federal privacy and security requirements. 

Just like in-person therapy, everything discussed in telehealth sessions is confidential and protected by the same ethical and legal standards.

• Find a private space where you won't be interrupted or overheard 

• Test your internet connection and video/audio beforehand

• Have tissues available 

• Consider having water nearby 

• Close other programs/tabs on your device to ensure the best connection 

• Join the session a few minutes early to handle any technical issues 

• Wear headphones if it helps you feel more private 

• It's okay if your space isn't perfect—we understand you're working with what you have. The most important thing is that you feel safe and able to speak freely.

Technical issues happen! If you get disconnected, try rejoining the session. If you can't reconnect, your therapist will call you at the phone number on file. 

If we're unable to conduct the session via video due to technical issues, we can complete it as a phone session, or reschedule without charge if you prefer to wait for video to be working.

We understand that finding private space can be challenging. Many clients do sessions from their parked car, a private office, or other locations. The key requirements are: 

• Privacy (you can speak freely without being overheard) 

• Stable internet connection for video sessions 

• A space where you feel safe processing difficult emotions 

• Please avoid doing sessions while driving or in situations where you can't give therapy your full attention.

Due to limited availability, we require 48-hour notice to cancel your individual therapy session without charge. Without 48-hour notice, clients will be charged in full for their session. We understand that emergencies happen. 

If you have an unexpected crisis, illness, or emergency that prevents you from providing 48-hour notice, please contact your therapist to discuss.

We accept: 

• All major credit cards 

• HSA (Health Savings Account) cards 

• FSA (Flexible Spending Account) cards 

• Personal checks 

• Cash (for in-person sessions) 

We process card payments via Stripe through our electronic medical record system, Simple Practice.

Payment is due at the time of service.

We require all clients to sign: 

• Informed Consent Form 

• Rights and Responsibilities Form 

• Notice of Privacy Practices Form 

You'll receive these forms electronically before your first session. Please review them prior to your first visit in order to make the most of our time together. 

If you have questions about any of the forms, your therapist will be happy to discuss them during your first session.

Washington, DC Office (1718 Connecticut Avenue NW): Street parking is available on Connecticut Avenue and surrounding streets. There are also paid parking garages nearby. Metro access is available via the Dupont Circle station (Red Line). 

Portland, OR Office (328 NE Failing Street): Street parking is available on Failing Street and surrounding streets. Please check posted signs for any parking restrictions. If you have difficulty finding parking or accessing either office, please call us and we can provide additional guidance.

Please contact us directly to discuss accessibility needs for our Portland and DC locations. 

We want to ensure you can access our services comfortably and will work with you to address any accessibility concerns.

Yes, if having someone with you would feel supportive. Some clients bring a partner, family member, or friend to their first session or to particularly difficult sessions. Just let your therapist know in advance so they can plan accordingly. 

For most grief therapy, we recommend individual sessions so you have a private space to process your grief, but there may be times when having support present feels important.

Our practice primarily serves adults (18+). Some of our therapists work with older teens (16-17) on a case-by-case basis. If you're seeking grief therapy for a child or young teen, we're happy to provide referrals to colleagues who specialize in grief therapy for children and adolescents.

Crying is welcome and expected in grief therapy. You will not be "too much" for your therapist, and you don't need to apologize for crying. In fact, allowing yourself to cry in a safe, supportive space is often part of the healing process. 

Your therapist will sit with you in your tears, offer tissues, and hold space for whatever emotions arise. If you need a moment to collect yourself, that's fine. If you cry through most of the session, that's fine too. There's no "right" way to grieve in therapy.

Mutual trust and having a solid rapport is crucial to effective therapy. If after a session or two you don't feel a good connection with your therapist, please let us know. 

We have a team of skilled grief therapists, and we can help you find a better match within our practice. There's no judgment in wanting to work with a different therapist—everyone has different needs and preferences, and we want you to feel comfortable and supported.

Grounded Grief Therapy does not provide emergency or crisis services. If you're in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health emergency, please: 

• Call 911

• Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988

• Text "HELLO" to 741741 (Crisis Text Line)

• Go to your nearest emergency room 

If you're a current client experiencing a crisis between sessions, you can reach out to your therapist via email or the client portal. They will respond as quickly as possible during business hours, but for immediate crisis support, please use the resources above.

For non-emergency support between sessions: 

• Email your therapist through the SimplePractice client portal 

• Use coping tools and resources your therapist has provided

• Reach out to your support network (friends, family, support groups) 

• Call a grief support hotline for immediate support 

Your therapist can also help you create a crisis plan during your sessions so you know what to do if you're struggling between appointments.

Yes. Some clients benefit from twice-weekly or even more frequent sessions, especially in the early days and weeks after a loss. 

Discuss your needs with your therapist, and we'll work with you to create a schedule that provides adequate support during your most difficult times.

Getting started is simple: 

1. Contact us: Fill out the contact form on our website, email us at katherine@groundedgrief.com, or call 202-599-1913 

2. Share your information: Let us know which state you're in, your insurance information (if applicable), and a bit about what brings you to therapy 

3. Get matched: We'll match you with a therapist licensed in your state who specializes in your type of loss 

4. Schedule: Your therapist will reach out to schedule a consultation call or first session 

5. Begin: Start your grief therapy journey with support and guidance We understand that reaching out is hard. We'll handle the logistics so you can focus on getting the support you need.

Yes! If you've read about our team members and feel drawn to a particular therapist, you're welcome to request them. We'll do our best to accommodate your request based on the therapist's availability and whether they're licensed in your state.

Yes. We offer individual and group supervision sessions to support therapists in becoming more confident in sitting with loss, including complex, prolonged, complicated, disenfranchised, non-death loss, and traumatic grief. 

If you're a therapist seeking supervision in grief therapy, please contact us for more information about availability and fees.

Yes. We offer tailored grief and loss training sessions to clinical organizations and clinicians looking to build capacity for being with grief. 

We also provide Organizational Grief Support Sessions for workplaces that have experienced loss. These sessions are 1-2 hours of tailored support designed to help organizations better navigate grief and loss. Please contact us for more information and fees. 

Still have questions? We're here to help. Contact us at: 

• Email: katherine@groundedgrief.com 

• Phone: 202-599-1913 

• Contact form: groundedgrief.com/contact

We look forward to supporting you on your grief journey.