Grief is a natural response that we have when we lose someone that we love. However, for some people, the grief can become stuck or persist over time, which is when we use the term 'prolonged grief disorder'. 

What does prolonged grief disorder therapy look like?

Prolonged grief disorder therapy (PGDT) targets specific symptoms of grief to help the person experiencing prolonged grief to adapt to the loss. 

PGDT typically lasts for around 16 sessions, although some people won't need the full course of therapy. The sessions usually take place once a week and last around an hour. The therapy can be delivered face-to-face (in one of our bases across Devon) or remotely by video call.

The course of treatment covers the following areas:

  • What grief is and how we grieve in different ways
  • Managing the emotional pain of grief
  • Learning how to adapt and integrate grief into everyday life
  • Focusing on the loss and how to live with the loss
  • Getting in touch with memories of loved one and developing continued bonds with the person you have lost

How can I access prolonged grief disorder therapy?

PGDT is available free of charge through TALKWORKS for adults, age 18+, who are living in Devon (outside Plymouth). 

The first step to accessing therapy is by making a self-referral to TALKWORKS. Once you've made a referral, you will have an initial appointment with one of our therapists to discuss how you are feeling and the difficulties you are experiencing. If your therapist feels you may benefit from prolonged grief disorder therapy, you will have another appointment with one of our grief therapists and then start treatment.