
Grief Counseling
Grief is heavy. But you don’t have to carry it alone.
Whether you’re grieving the death of a loved one, the loss of a relationship, or a life you expected to have—your pain is valid. And while no one can take it away, you can find support as you move through it.
Marilee Sonnen, LPC is a licensed therapist who specializes in grief, trauma, and life transitions. She offers compassionate virtual therapy for teens and adults across Virginia.
No pressure — just a chance to see if support with Marilee feels like a good fit.
Most People Experience Grief at Some Point in Their Lives
It’s essential to know that grief is a natural response to loss. Most people encounter some form of grief throughout their lives, and it’s completely normal to feel the intense emotions that accompany it. According to the American Psychological Association, 10% of those who experience the death of a loved one will develop complicated grief, which may require professional support.
Grief is not linear; it can ebb and flow, presenting itself in waves. You might find yourself feeling okay one day and then overwhelmed the next. This unpredictability is common and can leave you feeling isolated. Understanding that you are not alone in your struggle can be reassuring. Many individuals face similar challenges when navigating their grief journeys.
The good news, however, is that with the help of a compassionate, experienced therapist, you can learn to navigate the complexities of grief and rediscover a sense of peace and fulfillment in your life.
How Therapy Can Help You Heal
At our practice, we offer a warm, supportive space where you can safely explore your feelings, share your story, and begin to process your grief. Therapy with Marilee Sonnen, LPC is centered on compassion, nervous system awareness, and honoring the uniqueness of your loss. You don’t have to hide your emotions or “be strong”—here, you can simply be human.
Understanding Our Grief Journey
Grief looks different for everyone. In your sessions, you and Marilee will gently explore your story, your emotional responses, and the specific factors that make your grief unique. Understanding the context of your loss can help you make sense of what you're feeling—and begin to heal in a way that’s true to you.
Therapy Approaches That Can Help:
Marilee uses a blend of traditional and holistic approaches to support your healing:
Person-Centered Therapy – A collaborative, client-led approach where your values, needs, and voice shape the therapeutic journey
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helps you identify and challenge painful thought patterns and reduce internal self-blame
Complicated Grief Therapy – Supports people experiencing prolonged or stuck grief, and helps make space for mourning and movement
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – Encourages acceptance of hard emotions while guiding you to reconnect with your values and purpose
Somatic-informed therapy – Helps you become more attuned to your body’s signals, regulate your nervous system, and access groundedness and safety from within
What to Expect in Grief Therapy
Grief is personal, and healing takes time. In your sessions, you’ll be invited to share your story at your own pace. This is a space to explore the wide range of emotions that grief can bring—whether it’s sadness, anger, guilt, numbness, or even unexpected moments of joy.
Marilee will work with you to identify coping strategies and emotional tools that truly resonate with you—so you can feel more grounded in daily life while still honoring your grief.
Together, you may also create meaningful rituals or practices that help you stay connected to your loved one’s memory. These can foster a sense of comfort, continued connection, and healing as you move forward.
With years of experience walking alongside people in pain, Marilee Sonnen, LPC brings a calm, grounded presence to the therapeutic process. She has helped clients transform their grief into growth and rediscover meaning and purpose after profound loss.
Common Questions About Therapy for Grief
What if I feel uncomfortable opening up about my grief?
It’s completely normal to feel hesitant when sharing something so personal. You’ll never be rushed. This is a safe, non-judgmental space to go at your own pace.
How long will it take for me to feel better?
Grief is a personal journey—there’s no set timeline. Together, we’ll move at a pace that feels right for you, focusing on self-compassion and emotional support.
What if I worry that I will never feel happy again?
That’s a common and valid fear. Over time, therapy can help you process pain while slowly allowing space for joy, connection, and meaning to re-enter your life.
Real Stories of Healing
While therapy can’t erase the pain of grief, we’ve witnessed clients begin to feel lighter, more grounded, and more connected to life again. Many find that with the right support, they’re able to carry their loss with more ease, and move forward in ways that once felt impossible.
Our Unique Approach to Grief Therapy
What sets us apart is our integrative, person-centered approach—led by grief therapist Marilee Sonnen, LPC. Therapy sessions blend traditional talk therapy with somatic awareness and trauma-informed support, helping you process grief not just through words, but through body and nervous system connection.
This approach helps you feel safe, present, and empowered to navigate grief in a way that feels authentic and sustainable. It’s not about “getting over it”—it’s about finding a new rhythm while staying connected to what you’ve lost.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
You don’t have to face this alone.
If you’re ready to explore grief therapy, we invite you to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. This is a no-pressure opportunity to ask questions, talk with Marilee, and see if working together feels right for you.
Prefer to ask a question first? Contact us below:
Grief Specialist
Marilee Sonnen, LPC
Grief Therapy in Ashburn, VA
44075 Pipeline Plaza, #300
Ashburn, VA 20147