5 Cleveland Grief Counselors Ready for Hire
If you’re reeling from a loss—whether that’s the death of a loved one, losing a job, or the end of a relationship—you know how isolating it can feel. The truth is, you shouldn’t have to navigate this alone.
Grief counseling can offer a safe space for you to process the emotions that often come with loss: everything from sadness and anger to numbness, regret, and even relief.
To get the most out of your counseling experience, it’s important to find a therapist who you truly connect with: someone who has a background working with the kinds of issues you’re facing, who may share similar identities with you, or who simply makes you feel seen and supported.
That’s why I’ve compiled this resource. As a Cleveland grief therapist myself, I know how important it is to find the right fit. Here, I’ll tell you a bit more about my practice and offer some referrals to other local providers in case we’re not a match. My goal is to help you find the care you’re looking for, whether that’s with me or another local grief counselor.
Meet the therapists
Recommended for holistic grief counseling: Brianna Halasa
Recommended for grief counseling for children: Sarah Bonnette
Recommended for creative grief counseling: Kimberly Koljat
Recommended for grief counseling for veterans: Bernadette Graham
Recommended for grief counseling for cancer & chronic illness: Duane D Culler
Why trust my recommendations?
As a licensed therapist specializing in trauma and grief, I understand how deeply personal the healing process is. My clinical experience, along with my own personal healing journey, has shown me how important it is to find the right fit. I’m also deeply committed to continuing my education by seeking training in the latest integrative therapy modalities, including EMDR, IFS, and somatic experiencing.
How I selected
In addition to introducing myself and sharing more about my approach to grief counseling, I carefully selected other local therapists in case my practice isn’t the right fit. The clinicians I’ve featured here have different approaches, work with diverse populations, and have additional speciality areas, so you can find a therapist who really resonates with whatever you’re going through.
Therapist profiles
Brianna Halasa
Recommended for holistic grief counseling
| Good fit for: | Not a fit for: |
|---|---|
| EMDR, IFS, & somatic experiencing | Children |
| Multicultural lens | Couples |
| In-person sessions | Those seeking a strictly behavioral approach |
Key logistics:
Offers grief counseling ✓
Clientele: Teens, adults
Location: Cleveland, OH
Virtual therapy?: Yes
Hi, I’m Brianna, a licensed therapist specializing in trauma-informed grief work. Through EMDR, IFS, somatic experiencing, and my multicultural lens as a second-generation Arab American, I help clients navigate loss while honoring how systemic factors impact healing. I believe grief deserves space without judgment, and your body holds wisdom for processing even the deepest losses.
Sarah Bonnette
Recommended for grief counseling for children
| Good fit for: | Not a fit for: |
|---|---|
| Kids & teenagers | EMDR |
| Family grief therapy | Group therapy |
| Online sessions | In-person sessions |
Key logistics:
Offers grief counseling ✓
Clientele: Children, teens, adults, couples, families
Location: Ohio
Virtual therapy?: Yes
Sarah is a virtual grief therapist who specializes in working with children, teens, and families. In addition to grief, she has experience helping people navigate issues related to school, adoption, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. If you’re looking for specialized grief counseling for your child or family, her practice could be a good fit.
Kimberly Koljat
Recommended for creative grief counseling
| Good fit for: | Not a fit for: |
|---|---|
| Those seeking creative processing methods | Couples |
| LGBTQIA+ community | Those seeking a purely cognitive behavioral approach |
| Highly Sensitive People & neurodivergent people | In-network therapy |
Key logistics:
Offers grief counseling ✓
Clientele: Children, teens, adults
Location: Cleveland, OH
Virtual therapy?: Yes
Kimberly offers insight-oriented, depth-focused grief counseling. She has extensive training in creative therapy modalities, including creative arts therapy, sand tray therapy, play therapy, and drama therapy, which might be especially helpful for people who prefer to process their grief in alternative ways to traditional talk therapy.
Bernadette Graham
Recommended for grief counseling for veterans
| Good fit for: | Not a fit for: |
|---|---|
| Active duty service members & veterans | Couples counseling |
| Reintegration back to civilian life | Family therapy |
| Online sessions | In-person sessions |
Key logistics:
Offers grief counseling ✓
Clientele: Adults
Location: Ohio
Virtual therapy?: Yes
Bernadette’s practice specializes in both grief and bereavement as well as veterans. As a veteran herself, Bernadette is passionate about helping active duty service members transition back into civilian life and process their experiences. She blends approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and narrative therapy to help people cope with loss.
Duane D Culler
Recommended for grief counseling for cancer & chronic illness
| Good fit for: | Not a fit for: |
|---|---|
| Terminal or chronic illness | Children & teens |
| Psychodynamic therapy | Couples therapy |
| In-person sessions | Family therapy |
Key logistics:
Offers grief counseling ✓
Clientele: Adults
Location: Shaker Heights, OH
Virtual therapy?: Yes
Duane offers both short- and long-term grief counseling for adults. He specializes in helping people navigate different types of loss, including professional transitions and health diagnoses, including cancer and chronic illness. Duane offers appointments Tuesday-Saturday, making his practice a good fit for those looking for weekend availability.
FAQs about grief therapy
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The short answer is yes, grief counseling works. While it won’t bring back what you lost or erase the pain you feel, it offers a safe, nonjudgmental space for you to process your experience. Therapy offers tools, support, and guidance to help you navigate this chapter and learn how to embrace the emotions that come with it without letting them weigh you down.
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I support clients through all forms of loss: death of loved ones, relationship endings, job loss, health changes, cultural displacement, and collective trauma. Grief isn't limited to death—any significant change or loss is worthy of acknowledgment and care. I also understand how systemic oppression contributes to and compounds grief for marginalized communities.
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There's no "right" timeline for seeking support. Whether your loss happened yesterday or years ago, your grief is valid now. The body remembers trauma regardless of time passed. Trust your instincts—if you’re struggling, it could be worth reaching out.
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I use trauma-informed modalities like EMDR, IFS, and somatic experiencing to help your body process grief holistically. We'll explore how loss affects you physically, emotionally, and within systemic contexts. I don't pathologize normal grief responses—instead, we'll honor your unique experience while building healthy coping tools and reconnecting with your inner wisdom.
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Therapy with me is a warm, nonjudgmental space where all emotions are welcome. We'll move at your pace, sometimes processing memories, sometimes focusing on present-moment body awareness. Grief isn't linear—some sessions may feel heavy, others lighter. Together, we'll develop tools to help you feel regulated in your day-to-day life without pushing feelings away.
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Contact me for a free clarity call where we'll discuss your needs and determine if we're a good fit. If we decide to move forward, we’ll get you set up with your first session, either in-person or online, depending on your preferences.
