Grief Counselling | Melbourne & Telehealth
Psychological Support for Grief & Loss
Grief is a natural response to loss, but natural does not mean easy or predictable. It can follow a death, relationship ending, miscarriage, illness, injury, loss of role, migration, estrangement, redundancy or a future that has changed. Psychological support can provide space to process what has happened, respond to practical and emotional impacts and find a way of carrying the loss without imposing a timetable.
Registered psychologist
Evidence-informed and practical
Selected Melbourne locations
Telehealth Australia-wide where suitable
Self-referral welcome; referral and rebate options available
Does this sound familiar?
There is no correct sequence of stages and no fixed deadline for grief. People often move between emotions and levels of functioning.
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Intense sadness, yearning, numbness, anger, guilt, relief or disbelief.
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Difficulty concentrating, sleeping, eating or completing ordinary tasks.
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Feeling disconnected from people who do not understand the loss.
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Anniversaries, reminders or administrative tasks bringing a fresh wave of distress.
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Changes in identity, role, relationships, faith or sense of the future.
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Avoiding reminders completely or feeling unable to engage with anything else.
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Grief becoming entangled with trauma, depression, family conflict or caregiving exhaustion.
How therapy may help
Grief therapy is not about erasing attachment or forcing closure. It can help a person make room for the loss, rebuild functioning and find a way to reconnect with life while respecting what matters.
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Understand the person’s unique loss, relationship and cultural or spiritual context.
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Process difficult emotions without judging the pace or form of grief.
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Address guilt, unfinished conversations, traumatic circumstances or conflict where relevant.
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Plan for anniversaries, practical demands, family differences and returning to routines.
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Rebuild connection, purpose and identity in ways that do not minimise the loss.
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Identify when depression, trauma symptoms or safety concerns need additional attention.
What sessions may involve
Sessions may be supportive, reflective and practical. Depending on need, the work may include emotion processing, meaning-making, CBT or ACT strategies, self-compassion, communication planning and gradual reconnection with valued activities.
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Beginning with the story and impact the person is ready to discuss.
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Clarifying what support would be most useful now - emotional, practical or relational.
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Working with difficult moments, reminders and decisions at a tolerable pace.
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Reviewing how grief is changing over time and whether another pathway is needed.
How getting started usually works
1. Send a short enquiry or book a psychology session. The current concern is preselected in the form.
2. The practice checks age group, service fit, Melbourne or telehealth preference, availability and referral or funding pathway.
3. The first appointment clarifies the concern, history, functioning, goals, strengths and any safety or medical factors.
4. You and the psychologist agree on a plan, review progress and adjust the work as needed.
Grief should not be pathologised, but severe distress deserves attention
Many grief reactions do not indicate a mental disorder. At the same time, persistent inability to function, severe trauma symptoms, escalating substance use, psychosis, mania or risk of self-harm requires careful assessment and may need coordinated medical or specialist care. Urgent risk should be directed to emergency or crisis services.
Related support
Concerns often overlap. These pages may also help you identify the most suitable starting point:
Tell us what is affecting everyday life
The form should preselect “Grief and loss”. Tell us briefly what you would like help with, who the appointment is for and whether you prefer Melbourne or telehealth. You can select more than one concern or choose “Not sure”.
This form is not monitored continuously and is not for urgent or crisis support. If there is immediate danger, call 000. Lifeline is available on 13 11 14. For family or sexual violence support, contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or text 0458 737 732.
FAQs
How soon after a loss can I see a psychologist?
There is no required waiting period. Some people want support early; others seek help months or years later. The timing should be based on your needs rather than a rule.
Will therapy make me “move on”?
The aim is not to forget, detach or meet a timetable. Therapy can help you live alongside grief, maintain connection to what matters and respond to the practical and emotional effects of loss.
Can therapy help with non-death losses?
Yes. Grief may follow separation, infertility, miscarriage, illness, disability, migration, estrangement, job loss or major changes in identity and future plans.
What if family members are grieving differently?
Different coping styles and timelines are common. Individual or relationship-focused work may help with communication, expectations and conflict, subject to service suitability.
Can grief counselling be provided by telehealth?
Telehealth may be suitable where privacy, safety and clinical fit are confirmed. Some people value being at home; others prefer a clinic setting.