Grief is one of the most universal human experiences — and one of the most isolating. Whether you have lost a person, a relationship, a role, or a life you had imagined, grief deserves acknowledgement and skilled support.
Our registered psychologists in Melbourne provide evidence-based grief therapy across four clinic locations and via Telehealth.
WorkCover, NDIS or TAC approved? YOU PAY NOTHING.
If your claim has been approved, we bill your funder directly. Zero out-of-pocket cost — no gap, no upfront payment, nothing.
Grief is the natural response to significant loss — emotional, cognitive, physical, and social. While grief is not a disorder, it can become significantly impairing when it is prolonged, complicated, or when the loss is not socially acknowledged (Doka, 2002).
Disenfranchised grief occurs when a loss is not recognised or validated by others — meaning the person is denied the social permission to grieve. This includes losses such as:
Grief may benefit from professional support when you notice:
Prolonged grief disorder — characterised by intense yearning, difficulty accepting the loss, and significant impairment lasting more than 12 months — affects approximately 10% of bereaved people and responds well to specialised psychological treatment (Shear et al., 2016).
Complicated or prolonged grief occurs when normal adaptive processes are disrupted — by the nature of the loss, the relationship, the circumstances of the death, or by pre-existing vulnerability factors. Disenfranchised grief is particularly likely to become complicated because the absence of social permission to grieve prevents normal processing (Doka, 2002).
Effective grief therapy:
Complicated grief treatment (CGT) produces significant improvements in grief symptoms, depression, and functioning, and is more effective than standard CBT for prolonged grief (Shear et al., 2016).
Our psychologists use the most evidence-based approaches for grief:
The most evidence-based treatment for prolonged grief disorder (Shear et al., 2016). CGT is a structured, 16-session individual therapy that combines motivational work, imaginal revisiting of the loss, and situational engagement to process grief and restore adaptive functioning.
Addresses the cognitive patterns that complicate grief — including avoidance, rumination, self-blame, and meaning disruption. Particularly effective for grief following traumatic, unexpected, or stigmatised losses (Boelen et al., 2007).
Builds the capacity to carry loss as part of a full life — making room for grief without avoiding it, and re-engaging with values and meaningful activities despite the pain of loss (Harris, 2019).
Supports bereaved people in rebuilding a meaningful life narrative in the aftermath of loss — including finding continuing bonds with the deceased, re-authoring personal identity, and discovering post-traumatic growth (Neimeyer, 2016).
All forms of loss are welcome here — no grief is too small, too long ago, or too complicated to deserve support.
Your first appointment is a space to share your loss and your experience of grieving — without judgement or expectation about how grief ‘should’ look.
We hold space for all forms of grief — including disenfranchised, ambiguous, and traumatic loss.
Grief therapy varies from 8 sessions (uncomplicated grief) to 16–24 sessions for prolonged or complex presentations.
We offer appointments in-clinic at our Mooroolbark, Wheelers Hill, Reservoir, and Melbourne CBD locations, as well as Telehealth sessions from anywhere in Australia.
WorkCover, NDIS or TAC approved? YOU PAY NOTHING.
If your claim has been approved, we bill your funder directly. Zero out-of-pocket cost — no gap, no upfront payment, nothing.
Is grief a mental disorder?
No. Grief is a natural human response to loss. Prolonged grief disorder is a clinical condition characterised by grief that is significantly impairing and does not follow the expected trajectory. Your psychologist can help distinguish normal grief from complicated grief that would benefit from specialised treatment.
It’s been years since my loss. Is it too late to get help?
No. Complicated grief can emerge or persist years after a loss. Effective treatment produces significant improvements regardless of when the loss occurred.
Can I access Medicare rebates for grief therapy?
Yes. Depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorder related to bereavement are within the scope of Medicare-rebated psychological therapy via a Mental Health Care Plan.
Your loss matters — even if others don’t see it. We’re here to help you carry it.
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Boelen, P. A., de Keijser, J., van den Hout, M. A., & van den Bout, J. (2007). Treatment of complicated grief: A comparison between cognitive-behavioral therapy and supportive counseling. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 75(2), 277–284. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.75.2.277
Doka, K. J. (Ed.). (2002). Disenfranchised grief: New directions, challenges, and strategies for practice. Research Press.
Harris, R. (2019). ACT made simple: An easy-to-read primer on acceptance and commitment therapy (2nd ed.). New Harbinger Publications.
Neimeyer, R. A. (2016). Techniques of grief therapy: Assessment and intervention. Routledge.
Shear, M. K., Reynolds, C. F., Simon, N. M., Zisook, S., Wang, Y., Mauro, C., Duan, N., Lebowitz, B., & Skritskaya, N. (2016). Optimizing treatment of complicated grief: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Psychiatry, 73(7), 685–694. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2016.0892
