Support After Loss: Grief Therapy, Peer Groups, or Both?

When you’re grieving, it can be hard to know where to turn. Some people feel drawn to therapy. Others want to join a peer support group with people who "get it.” Many aren’t sure what the difference is or whether one option is better than the other.

At Common Ground Grief, we offer in-person clinical grief therapy and peer-based grief support in Long Beach, California and Orange County, California, clinical grief therapy online for residents of California, and online peer support nationwide. Both can be deeply healing, but they serve different purposes and meet different needs.

This guide breaks down the differences in clear, simple terms so you can make the choice that feels right for you or your family.

What Is Grief Therapy?

Grief therapy is a clinical mental health service provided by a licensed therapist. It focuses on helping people understand their grief, navigate emotional challenges, and build coping strategies in a structured, individualized way.

Grief therapy may be right for you if you’re looking for:

• A private, one-on-one space to explore your emotions

• Support for trauma, depression, anxiety, or complicated grief

• Help managing overwhelming or disruptive symptoms

• A long-term therapeutic relationship

• Guidance from a licensed clinician trained in mental health treatment

  
  

Therapists use evidence-based approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or narrative therapy, to help you process your loss and strengthen your emotional wellbeing.

What Is Peer Grief Support?

Peer support brings together people who have experienced similar losses to share stories, connect, and learn from one another.

At Common Ground Grief, our groups are facilitated by trained staff and volunteers, but the healing comes from the shared experience: the nods of recognition, the “same here” moments, the relief of not having to explain why grief still hurts months or years later.

Peer support may be right for you if you’re looking for:

• A sense of community and connection

• Validation from people who truly understand

• A safe space to talk, listen, and learn together

• Activities that help externalize grief such as art, writing, and rituals

• Support that feels less clinical and more relational

Peer support is not therapy, and that’s part of its strength. It offers a different kind of healing rooted in belonging, shared humanity, and mutual support.

Which Option Is Best for You?

Consider these questions:

• Do you want a private space to explore complex emotions? → Grief therapy may be a good fit.

• Do you want connection with people who understand your loss? → Peer support may be more helpful.

• Are you navigating trauma, depression, or intense distress? → Grief therapy may be more beneficial.

• Do you feel isolated or misunderstood in your grief? → Peer support can help you reconnect.

Many people start with one and add the other later, or some people do both at the same time. Your needs may change over time and that’s normal.

If You’re Experiencing This, Here Are Some Things You Can Do

• Join a grief support group to connect with others who understand

• Explore individual grief therapy if you want deeper one-on-one support

• Try journaling or letter writing to externalize your feelings

• Reach out for an intake if you’re unsure where to begin — we can help you decide

How Common Ground Grief Can Support You

We offer loss-specific peer support groups for children and adults, including groups for suicide loss, substance use loss, child loss, and other unique grief experiences. We also provide clinical grief therapy for individuals who need more structured, one-on-one support.

Whether you’re seeking community, individualized support, or both, our goal is simple: to ensure no one grieves alone. If you’re navigating loss and looking for connection or guidance, we’re here.