Grief is a deeply personal and often overwhelming experience. Whether you’re mourning the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or a major life change, one of the most common questions people ask is:
“How long will grief last?”
At Authentic Living London, we hear this question often. And while there’s no simple answer, this blog will help you understand what to expect from the grieving process and how therapy for grief can support you.
Grief Doesn’t Follow a Timeline
There is no set schedule for grief. Some people feel intense pain for weeks or months. Others may grieve in waves that come and go over years. What’s important to know is this: your grief is valid, no matter how long it lasts.
You may have heard of the five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—but grief is rarely a straight line. You might revisit certain emotions, skip others, or feel everything at once.
Grief Is Not Something You “Get Over”
Instead of thinking about “getting over” grief, consider this: you grow around your grief. Over time, you may find new ways to live with your loss and still find moments of joy, peace, and connection.
Factors That Influence the Length of Grief
Grief is as individual as a fingerprint. The length and intensity of your grief may be affected by:
The type of loss (e.g., death of a spouse vs. loss of a job)
Your relationship with the person or situation
Your mental health history
Your support system
Cultural and spiritual beliefs
Access to grief therapy or psychotherapy for grief
What Grief Might Look Like Over Time
Here’s a general sense of how grief can unfold—though your experience may be different, and that’s okay.
In the First Few Weeks or Months
You may feel numb, shocked, overwhelmed, or emotionally flooded. Sleep and appetite may be disrupted. You might cry often, or not at all. These early days are about surviving each moment.
In the First Year
Anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays can bring renewed waves of pain. You may start to make sense of your loss, reflect on what it means, and slowly rebuild parts of your life. Some people seek therapy for grief during this time to help process their emotions.
In the Years That Follow
For many people, grief softens over time. The sharp edges of pain may dull. You might find meaning, connection, and even growth through your loss. But reminders of your loss can still bring strong feelings—and that’s part of being human.
Complicated or Prolonged Grief
If grief continues to feel just as raw after many months or years—and if it’s interfering with your ability to function—it may be complicated grief or prolonged grief disorder.
This doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. It simply means you may need additional support.
At Authentic Living London, we specialize in psychotherapy for grief, including support for complicated grief. Our trained therapists understand how layered and painful this process can be.
How Therapy Can Help
Grief can feel lonely, even when others are around. You may wonder if you’re doing it “right.” You’re not alone in feeling this way.
Grief therapy offers a safe space to:
Tell your story without judgment
Learn how to cope with overwhelming feelings
Understand how grief is showing up in your life
Feel seen, heard, and supported
Whether you’re in the early days of loss or navigating grief years later, our team at Authentic Living London is here to walk alongside you.
We believe grief is not something to be cured—but something to be supported.
Therapy for Grief in London, Ontario
If you’re wondering how long grief will last, you’re already doing something brave—seeking understanding and support.
At Authentic Living London, we offer both in-person and virtual grief therapy sessions with therapists who are trained in grief and have lived experience themselves.
Let us support you in your healing.
Contact us today to book a session or learn more about therapy for grief in London, Ontario.
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