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Loss & Grief Therapy
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4.9 Google | Excellent

Loss & Grief Therapy in Ireland

The loss of a close loved one or valued relationship can be a major shock to our nervous systems. These wounds take time to heal, but therapy can help.

No GP Referral needed
Appointments Available within 24 Hrs
80 Plus All IACP Accredited
24 Hours Average Wait Time
10,000+ Patients Helped
EXCELLENT
4.9
Google
Andrew Byrne
Andrew Byrne
Google
"Fettle has been amazing to work with. Professional, supportive, and genuinely focused on helping people. The team is responsive, caring and consistently goes above and beyond. Highly recommended."
Keith Dooley
Keith Dooley
Google
"I found the whole booking process really quick and straightforward, and the platform itself is very easy to use. Any questions I had were answered quickly, and everyone I dealt with was genuinely helpful. The therapists have all been excellent."
kieran hughes
kieran hughes
Google
"Quick to book, easy to use, and really good therapists. Everything about this platform feels well-run and supportive. Love that it's all Irish-based and focuses on proper accredited therapy. Five stars."
Keith O Mahony
Keith O Mahony
Google
"I can't say enough good things about my experience with Fettle. From the very first session, I felt supported and heard. The platform is user-friendly, and my therapist has been wonderful — empathetic, skilled, and genuinely invested in my progress."
John Perry
John Perry
Google
"Without fettle I'd have never had access to the therapist I meet with due to our locations... I was matched with Rebecca Lock. She is an incredible therapist who has helped me time and time again."
L Morley
L Morley
Google
"Very positive experience. Was very handy to be able to do from home."

Understanding Grief Therapy

Learn how online therapy can help you navigate loss and grief with the support of experienced, compassionate counsellors.

Step 1

What is grief therapy?

Grief therapy is a compassionate, collaborative process where you work with a qualified counsellor to process your loss, understand your grief, and develop healthy coping strategies. Our therapists use evidence-based approaches like CBT, psychodynamic therapy, and bereavement counselling to help you navigate this difficult time at your own pace.


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Step 2

What can you expect?

In your sessions, you'll explore your feelings of loss in a safe, non-judgmental space. Your therapist will help you understand the grief process, work through difficult emotions, and develop practical strategies for coping day to day. The grief process can't be rushed — your counsellor will guide you through it at your own pace.


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Step 3

Finding your grief counsellor

Our matching process connects you with a counsellor who specialises in bereavement and loss and understands your unique situation. You can let us match you based on your needs, preferences, and goals, or browse therapist profiles to find someone who resonates with you. All our therapists are fully accredited and experienced in supporting people through grief.


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Step 4

Unlocking online grief support

Online therapy removes the barriers to getting support when you need it most. No commuting, no waiting rooms — connect from the comfort of your home. Research shows online therapy is just as effective as in-person sessions for grief counselling. Many clients find it easier to open up about their loss in a familiar, safe environment.


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Start Your Grief Therapy Journey

Take the first step towards healing. Book a free consultation or get matched with a counsellor who specialises in loss and grief.

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Free 20 minutes

Not sure where to start? Talk to us about what you're going through, no pressure.

  • 20 min discovery call
  • Discuss what you're going through
  • Learn about treatment options
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Match with Grief Specialist

Only €85 /session

Get matched with a counsellor who specialises in loss and grief support.

  • Grief & loss specialists only
  • 95% match success rate
  • Evidence-based treatment
  • Flexible online sessions
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Browse Grief Counsellors

Only €85 /session

Browse counsellors who specialise in loss and grief and choose your own.

  • Filter by grief expertise
  • Read full profiles
  • View qualifications
  • Book directly
Browse Grief Counsellors

You don't have to grieve alone. Take the first step.

Book Your First Session

What can grief therapy help with?

Our experienced counsellors can help you navigate loss and grief through compassionate, evidence-based approaches.

You
I lost my partner three months ago and I can't stop crying. I don't know how to get through this.
Therapist
I'm so sorry for your loss. Let's work through this together — there's no right or wrong way to grieve.

Bereavement Support

Bereavement is the loss of someone immediately close — a partner, child, parent, or someone who holds a significant role in your life. Without proper support, grief can become overwhelming and lead to serious mental health conditions such as PTSD or complicated grief. A qualified counsellor can help you process your loss in a safe, supportive environment.

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You
Some days I feel angry, other days completely numb. Is this normal?
Therapist
What you're experiencing is a natural part of grief. Let's talk about where you are right now and help you understand your journey.

Understanding the Stages of Grief

The five stages of grief — denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance — were developed by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. Two additional stages, shock and guilt, were later added. The stages can occur in any order and last for any amount of time. Some people may not experience all stages. Understanding where you are can help you navigate your grief.

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You
I feel silly being this upset about losing my dog. People say it's just a pet.
Therapist
Your feelings are completely valid. The bond with a pet is real and deep, and your grief deserves to be acknowledged and supported.

General Loss & Grief

General loss and grief can present similarly to bereavement and can be treated with similar methods such as CBT. Examples include grieving a pet, experiencing grief after a breakup, losing a job, or the loss of a sentimental item such as a family heirloom. Whatever your loss, your feelings are valid and deserve support.

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You
I don't know how to get through the day. Everything reminds me of them.
Therapist
Let's build a toolkit together. I'll help you develop strategies for those difficult moments while honouring your loss.

Build Coping Skills

Moving through the grief cycle is best when guided, because the stages of grief vary in order and duration from person to person. Your counsellor will help you develop practical coping strategies, process difficult emotions, and build resilience — at a pace that feels right for you.

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You
It's been over a year and I still can't move on. My friends think I should be over it by now.
Therapist
Grief doesn't follow a timeline. What matters is that you're here and ready to work through this. Let's make sure you have the support you need.

Restore Energy & Interest

Without professional support, grief can become overwhelming or numbing and may lead to serious conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or complicated grief. Early intervention with a qualified counsellor helps prevent these complications and supports your long-term wellbeing.

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Therapist
You've shown incredible strength through this journey. How are you feeling about the progress we've made together?
You
I still miss them every day, but I'm learning to carry the grief differently. Thank you.

Get Ongoing Support

Healing from loss is a journey, not a destination. Your counsellor will provide ongoing support, help you navigate difficult dates and anniversaries, and walk alongside you as you find a new way forward. Grief therapy creates lasting change that helps you carry your loss with resilience and hope.

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Signs you may need grief support

Grief affects everyone differently. If you recognise some of these experiences, speaking to a counsellor could help.

Numbness & Disbelief
Overwhelming Sadness
Anger & Guilt
Social Withdrawal
Appetite & Sleep Changes
Difficulty Concentrating
Intense Yearning
Physical Symptoms

Recognise these experiences? Support is available.

Talk to a Therapist

Therapy Approaches for Loss & Grief

Different approaches work better for different people. Your counsellor will help find what works for you.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

CBT helps identify and change negative thought patterns that may arise during grief. It's one of the most effective approaches for processing loss and managing the difficult emotions that accompany bereavement.

Bereavement Counselling

Bereavement counselling provides a dedicated, safe space to process your loss with a trained professional. It helps you work through the stages of grief and develop healthy coping strategies for life after loss.

Psychodynamic Therapy

This approach explores how past experiences and attachment patterns influence your grief response, helping you gain deeper understanding of your loss and find meaning through the healing process.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Mindfulness-based approaches help you stay present with your grief rather than becoming overwhelmed by it. These techniques can reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and help you develop a gentler relationship with difficult emotions.

Find the right approach for your grief. We'll guide you.

Get Matched with a Therapist

Tips to Support Your Grief Journey

While therapy is essential, these daily practices can help support your healing during a time of loss.

1

Allow yourself to grieve. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Give yourself permission to feel whatever comes.

2

Don't rush the process. Grief has no timeline. Be patient with yourself and resist pressure to "move on."

3

Talk about your loss. Share your true feelings with your counsellor, friends, or family — even when it's difficult.

4

Maintain a basic routine. Regular sleep, meals, and gentle activities help provide stability during uncertain times.

5

Move your body gently. Even a short walk outdoors can help ease some of the heaviness you may be carrying.

6

Accept support from others. Let people help you — whether that's a meal, a phone call, or simply sitting with you.

7

Write about your feelings. Keeping a grief journal can help you process emotions and notice patterns over time.

8

Honour your loved one. Find meaningful ways to remember and celebrate the person or thing you've lost.

9

Be compassionate with yourself. Treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a grieving friend.

Meet Our Grief Counsellors

Click through to read a therapist's bio or to book a session with them directly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about grief and loss therapy

Grief is a deeply personal experience, and there is no single "right" way to deal with it. Some helpful approaches include talking to a grief counsellor, maintaining a routine, allowing yourself to feel your emotions without judgment, staying connected with supportive people, and being patient with the process. Talk to a grief counsellor now.

There is no set timeline for grief. The duration varies greatly from person to person and depends on the nature of the loss, your relationship with the person or thing lost, your support system, and your own coping style. Some people begin to feel better within months, while others may grieve for years. What matters is that you have the right support alongside you.

Grief can have significant physical effects including fatigue, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, weakened immunity, headaches, chest tightness, and muscle aches. These physical symptoms are a natural response to the stress of loss and should not be ignored. If physical symptoms persist, consult with both a medical professional and a grief counsellor.

There is no set rule for when to start bereavement counselling. Some people benefit from speaking with a counsellor within the first few weeks, while others may seek support months or even years after a loss. If you feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unable to cope with daily life, it may be time to reach out. There is no "too soon" or "too late" for grief support.

Yes, the Widowed or Surviving Civil Partner Grant (previously known as the Bereavement Grant) is available through the Department of Social Protection in Ireland. This is a once-off payment to help with costs following the death of a spouse or civil partner. Eligibility and payment amounts are subject to change, so it is best to check directly with the Department of Social Protection or Citizens Information for the most current details.

Normal grief gradually eases over time, even though the loss is never forgotten. Complicated grief (also called prolonged grief disorder) occurs when intense grief persists for an extended period and significantly interferes with daily functioning. Symptoms may include an inability to accept the loss, intense longing, emotional numbness, or feeling life has no meaning. If you think you may be experiencing complicated grief, professional counselling is strongly recommended.

What is bereavement?

In psychology, bereavement is defined as the loss of someone immediately close — such as a husband, wife, civil partner, child, parent, or someone who holds a significant role in your life.

Bereavement is a major shock to our nervous systems. Without proper support, grief can become overwhelming or numbing and may lead to serious mental health conditions.

The grief that follows bereavement is a natural response, but it can become complicated without proper support. Everyone grieves differently, and there is no "correct" way to experience loss.

If you are struggling with bereavement, a qualified grief counsellor can provide the safe, supportive space you need to process your loss. Find a grief counsellor now.

The Stages of Grief

The five stages of grief were first developed by Swiss psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross after extensive research with the terminally ill and their families:

  • Denial
  • Anger
  • Bargaining
  • Depression
  • Acceptance

Kübler-Ross later added two more stages: Shock and Guilt.

The grief stages can occur in any order and last for any amount of time. Some people may not experience all stages. There is no "normal" way to grieve — your experience is valid whatever form it takes.

Types of Loss and Grief

Loss and grief can take many forms beyond the death of a loved one. The feelings of grief are valid regardless of the type of loss you have experienced.

Examples of general loss include: loss of a pet, grief after a breakup or divorce, loss of a job or career, loss of health or independence, miscarriage or fertility loss, or the loss of a sentimental item such as a family heirloom.

General loss and grief can present similarly to bereavement symptoms and can be treated with similar methods such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Whatever your loss, you deserve professional support.

When to Seek Grief Counselling

You may benefit from grief counselling if you experience any of the following:

  • Your grief feels overwhelming or unmanageable
  • You feel numb or disconnected for an extended period
  • You're struggling to carry out daily activities
  • You're using alcohol or substances to cope
  • You're experiencing intense guilt or anger
  • You feel unable to move forward after many months
  • Friends and family don't understand what you're going through
  • You're having thoughts of self-harm
Don't let the amount of time you take for bereavement leave be a hurried decision. Talk to a grief counsellor before making major life decisions during this time. Moving through the grief cycle is best when guided.

Not sure where to start?

Fill out our quick questionnaire and we'll match you with the most appropriate grief counsellor for your needs.

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Get in Touch

Have questions about our therapy services? We are here to help. Send us a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

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