Complicated Grief
Our complicated grief treatment program in Wilmington provides compassionate support and practical skills to help you move forward. Call us today or visit our admissions page to begin.
We believe that recovery from mental illness is not only attainable, but sustainable.
Experiencing the loss of someone you love can change every part of your life. Most people move through grief in their own time, but some find themselves feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unable to move forward. When these emotions remain intense for months or years, it may be a sign of complicated grief, also known as prolonged grief disorder. This condition can make healing feel out of reach without the right support.
We provide specialized complicated grief treatment at our outpatient mental health treatment center. In our Grief and Loss track, The Brandywine Center helps people process deep, persistent grief and rebuild a sense of stability. Our outpatient programs offer evidence based grief therapy, emotional support, and guidance that helps you understand your loss and move toward healing at a pace that feels safe.
What is Complicated Grief, Exactly?
Complicated grief is a condition that develops when the natural grieving process becomes prolonged or overwhelming. After the loss of someone important, most people move through grief in their own time. They may feel sadness, anger, confusion, or longing, but these emotions gradually soften. For some, though, the pain remains intense for months or even years. When grief feels unrelenting and makes daily life difficult, it may be a sign of complicated grief, also known as prolonged grief disorder.
People living with complicated grief often feel stuck between sorrow and longing. They may struggle to focus at work, maintain relationships, or engage in activities that once felt meaningful. The loss continues to shape their thoughts and emotions in a way that makes healing feel out of reach.
Specialized grief treatment can help. With the right support, individuals can understand their grief, process the pain, and begin to rebuild a sense of stability.
At The Brandywine Center in Wilmington, we offer evidence based complicated grief treatment through our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and outpatient mental health rehab. Our team provides personalized care that helps people navigate their grief, strengthen coping skills, and move toward healing at a pace that feels safe.
How Complicated Grief Treatment Works
Complicated grief treatment helps individuals move through persistent grief by offering structured, therapeutic support. Most people make the most progress when they engage in different types of therapy that allow them to express their emotions, understand their loss, and build healthier coping skills. Individual therapy provides a private space to talk openly about the loss and explore how it continues to affect daily life.
Many people also benefit from bereavement‑focused counseling. This type of therapy helps individuals recognize the depth of their pain while learning strategies that reduce emotional overwhelm. As a person begins to process their loss in a healthier way, they often find that healing becomes more accessible and that life starts to feel more manageable again.
Signs and Symptoms of Complicated Grief
Complicated grief can be difficult to recognize, especially when someone feels lost in the grieving process.
Common signs that professional grief counseling may be helpful include:
• Persistent or overwhelming sorrow
• Feeling stuck in one stage of grief
• Difficulty accepting the loss
• Intense focus on reminders of the person who died
• Avoiding reminders of the loss
• Emotional numbness or detachment
• Loss of interest in daily responsibilities
• Preoccupation with the circumstances of the death
• Thoughts of self‑harm or hopelessness
Begin Healing from Complicated Grief
If you or someone you love is struggling with the weight of prolonged grief, our team is here to help. The Brandywine Center provides compassionate, evidence based mental health treatment that helps individuals process loss and regain a sense of stability. Reach out today or verify your insurance to learn more about our programs and take the first step toward healing.
How Complicated Grief Is Diagnosed
If you’re worried that you or someone you love may be experiencing complicated grief, reaching out for support can be an important first step. A mental health professional can provide a sensitive, compassionate assessment that helps you understand what you’re going through. During this evaluation, the clinician may ask about your emotions, daily functioning, and how long the grief has felt overwhelming or difficult to manage. They’ll also explore how the loss has affected your relationships, routines, and overall wellbeing.
This process is never rushed or judgmental. It’s simply a way to understand your experience and determine whether the symptoms align with complicated grief or prolonged grief disorder. If treatment would be helpful, the clinician will walk you through your options and help you take the next step. You can always call The Brandywine Center to speak with someone who understands and can guide you with care.
How Do I Know I Need Grief Treatment?
It’s common for people to struggle with grief longer than they expect, and it can be hard to recognize when support is needed. If intense sorrow, longing, or emotional numbness has continued for a year or more, or if grief is making it difficult to function day‑to‑day, professional help may be beneficial. A therapist or counselor can help you understand whether what you’re experiencing is part of the natural grieving process or a sign of complicated grief.
If you’re unsure, reaching out for a conversation can bring clarity. Many people find relief simply by talking with a professional who can help them sort through their emotions and determine whether specialized treatment could help them move forward.
How Long Does Grief Treatment Last?
The length of complicated grief treatment varies from person to person. Most individuals begin with at least 30 days of outpatient care, though some benefit from a longer period of support as they continue to make progress. Your treatment team will complete an initial evaluation to understand your needs and recommend a timeline that feels realistic and supportive.
Healing from prolonged grief takes time, but with consistent care and the right therapeutic approach, many people begin to feel more grounded and hopeful as treatment continues.
Begin Treatment for Complicated Grief Today
If grief has felt overwhelming for far too long, you do not have to face it alone. Our team offers compassionate, evidence based support that helps you understand your loss and begin to heal at a pace that feels safe. We match each person with the therapies that fit their needs and provide steady guidance throughout the process.
Call us or verify your insurance to get started. We can answer your questions and help you take the first step toward feeling more grounded and supported.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Recover From Grief?
Yes, with the right structured program with grief experts, everyone can recover from complicated grief.
Are Medications Prescribed?
A discussion will take place with the individual to determine if they can benefit from any prescription medications that will help alleviate their symptoms of grief.