Grief & Loss Support for Adults
COMPASSIONATE, TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE FOR GRIEF
Grief is a natural response to loss — but that doesn’t mean it’s easy, predictable, or something you should go through alone. Many adults carry grief quietly while continuing to work, parent, and care for others, often feeling pressure to “move on” before they’re ready.
At Ann Arbor Psych, we provide supportive, evidence-based care for adults experiencing grief and loss, helping people process what has changed while rebuilding stability, meaning, and connection.
Understanding Grief
Grief is not a single emotion. It can include sadness, anger, guilt, relief, numbness, anxiety, or even moments of joy — sometimes all in the same day.
Grief is also not linear. There is no fixed timeline, and there is no “right way” to grieve.
Loss can include:
Death of a loved one
Loss of a relationship or divorce
Miscarriage or infertility
Loss of health, identity, or independence
Estrangement from family
Loss of safety, community, or a future you expected
Grief by the Numbers
Grief is universal — but support is often lacking.
Most adults will experience multiple significant losses across their lifetime
Up to 10% of bereaved adults develop Prolonged Grief Disorder, where grief remains intense and impairing over time
Grief frequently co-occurs with:
Depression
Anxiety disorders
PTSD
Sleep disturbances
Many adults experiencing grief never seek mental health care, often because their pain feels “normal” or undeserving of help
Needing support does not mean your grief is abnormal — it means it matters.
Common Grief Symptoms in Adults
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Deep sadness or yearning
Emotional numbness or detachment
Guilt, regret, or “what if” thinking
Difficulty concentrating or remembering
Fear of future losses
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Fatigue or low energy
Sleep disruption
Appetite changes
Somatic pain or heaviness
Increased illness or lowered immunity
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Social withdrawal
Avoidance of reminders
Difficulty returning to routines
Overworking or emotional shutdown
Types of Grief We Support
We work with adults experiencing:
Acute grief
Complicated or prolonged grief
Anticipatory grief
Traumatic grief
Disenfranchised grief (losses not socially recognized)
Cumulative grief (multiple losses over time)
Grief may exist on its own or alongside depression, anxiety, trauma, or ADHD.
Grief vs. Depression
Grief and depression can look similar, but they are not the same — and sometimes they overlap.
Grief often involves:
Waves of sadness tied to reminders
Capacity for moments of connection or relief
Longing or yearning for what was lost
Depression more often involves:
Persistent low mood
Loss of interest or pleasure
Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
Our clinicians carefully assess both, ensuring you receive appropriate and respectful care without pathologizing normal grief.
Our Approach to Grief Care
TALK THERAPY
Therapy may focus on:
Processing the loss safely
Making meaning without forcing closure
Navigating identity changes after loss
Managing guilt, anger, or unfinished business
Re-engaging with life at your own pace
PSYCHIATRIC SUPPORT (WHEN APPROPRIATE)
Medication may be considered if grief is accompanied by:
Severe depression
Debilitating anxiety or panic
Significant sleep disruption
Trauma-related symptoms
Medication is never used to “erase” grief — only to reduce suffering when symptoms become overwhelming.
Our Grief-Informed Providers
Grief requires presence, patience, and clinical skill.
Our providers have experience supporting adults through:
Complex and traumatic loss
Long-term and cumulative grief
Grief complicated by depression, anxiety, or trauma
Identity shifts after loss
You will not be rushed, minimized, or pressured to “move on.” We meet you where you are.
Meet Brian Phillips, NP
Meet Bruce Burkeen, PA-C
Meet Roopa Kline, PA-C
Angela Braun, PA-C
Anthonia Umelogu, NP
Austin Powell, PA-C
Dr. Akash Kumar
Erin Egan, LMSW
Sarah J. Kruger, LCSW
Dr. Aaron Sedlar
Pamela Aalto, LMSW
Benjamin Hadden, LLMSW
Kristen Daniels, LMSW
Mary Jameson, LMSW
Rachel Thompson, LLMSW
Clinically Reviewed By: