grief counseling in washington dc

Grief Counseling Washington DC

Takeaway: Loss can bring up many different emotions. Whether you’re feeling sad, lonely, angry, or numb, know that your experience is valid. Our approach to grief counseling in DC makes space for all your feelings and will help you find a path forward. Connect with us today to get started.

Our approach to grief counseling in Washington DC

Loss is a multifaceted experience. There's the loss itself, whether it's the death of a loved one or a non-death loss like a breakup or the loss of a job. But there are also the ripple effects that come with loss, the feelings of grief that show up at unexpected times.

At Vital Therapy, we understand how deeply loss can impact people. That's why we take an in-depth, integrative approach to therapy. Using a variety of different therapeutic approaches, we help your clients delve into their experiences rather than push away the difficult emotions that come with loss.

While this can be painful at times, we believe that fully embracing challenging emotions and painful memories is the most effective way to navigate the healing process. When you can get to the root of your experiences and face them head-on, you can grow your resilience and find a path forward.

Plus, you don't have to go through it alone. Our grief counselors will be with you every step of the way. We prioritize building strong therapeutic relationships with each of our clients so you'll feel fully supported throughout the grieving process. Together, we can help you embrace life after loss.

Meet our DC grief counselors

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Nicole Moore, Psy.D.

  • Dr. Nicole Moore is the executive director and founder of Vital Therapy. She is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor with a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from George Washington University. Dr. Moore enjoys helping people build insight into their thoughts, feelings, and emotions to help them heal from grief.

Paul Higgins, LGSW

  • Paul is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker in DC and a Licensed Masters Social Worker in Maryland. He has a law degree from the Catholic University of America and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Maryland School of Social Work. Paul strives to make the therapy room a safe, nonjudgmental space for clients to navigate loss, grief, and all the emotions that come with these experiences.

grief counseling in washington dc

Rebecca Ferrer, LPC

  • Rebecca is a licensed professional counselor and licensed behavior analyst with degrees from the University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins University, and George Washington University. She is passionate about helping people learn to accept and regulate the challenging feelings that come along with grief and loss.

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Claire Connolly, LCSW

  • Claire is a board-certified psychotherapist with a graduate degree from New York University. She is dedicated to making grief counseling a warm, supportive space for clients to navigate their loss and learn more about themselves through the process.

grief counseling dc

Finn, Service Dog

  • Finn is a Golden Retriever who sees patients with Dr. Nicole Moore. After two years of training per the Americans with Disabilities Act, Finn has earned his credentials as a Service Dog. He has also earned his Canine Good Citizen Award Certificate.

Why choose Vital Therapy for grief counseling in Washington DC

  • We offer grief support for the whole family.

    People can experience loss at any age. Our practice provides grief support for the entire family, including teens, young adults, and adults of all ages. We also support children through grief and loss, working collaboratively with parents in a family therapy setting.

  • We offer both in-person and online therapy to best meet your needs.

    Having different therapy options is vital when you're in the fog of grief. We provide support both in person and virtually so you can get help in the way that feels most accessible to you. Our office is conveniently located by the metro in DuPont Circle, and our virtual sessions take place via a HIPAA-compliant platform.

  • We help you work through all of the layers of your grief: not just the loss itself.

    Grief goes beyond the initial loss. With our in-depth approach, we support people in delving into the layers of their grief. Together, we'll make sense of the tangle of emotions that accompany loss in order to help you find your way through.

  • Yes, grief counseling (also called bereavement counseling) "works," but it's important to understand what to expect from the process. Grief and loss are part of the human condition, and counseling doesn't take away the experience or the painful memories you may have.

    Instead, working with a therapist can help you process your loss, explore your emotions, and ultimately find a way to live with the reality of your loss. It can also feel incredibly validating and supportive to have a person (i.e. your therapist) who's there for you during this difficult time.

  • There are a number of different therapy options to help people cope with grief. Our therapists use a variety of methods, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), psychodynamic therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and more.

    Other grief therapists might incorporate different methods, like art therapy, play therapy, or group therapy. Making a decision about which treatment is right for you is highly personal, and we encourage you to do a bit of research in order to help you make your choice.

  • Many different types of mental health professionals are qualified to support people through the grieving process. The clinicians at our practice have different credentials and backgrounds, and all are able to help you through your loss in their own unique way.

    During your search for a therapist, you might see psychologists, social workers, licensed professional counselors, and other clinicians who offer grief therapy. We recommend scheduling a consultation with anyone you're interested in working with so you can get a feel for whether they're the right therapist for you.

FAQs about grief counseling in Washington DC

Let our counselors support you through the grief process.

Coping with grief isn't easy, and you shouldn't have to navigate the process alone. Our clinicians are here to help you navigate your loss and support you in finding your path forward. Contact us today to request your complimentary consultation. We look forward to connecting with you.