Grief Therapy in Manchester
Grief affects everyone differently. Whether your loss was recent or some time ago, it may still feel raw, confusing or difficult to put into words. You might be feeling sadness, anger, guilt or even numbness. There is no right way to grieve, and no set timeline for when things should feel easier.
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As a BACP-registered therapist, I offer one-to-one grief counselling in Manchester. Our sessions are a space to talk openly about your loss and to explore how you are coping, without pressure to move on or make sense of everything straight away. Together, we’ll take things at your pace.
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If you are struggling with grief and want support, I’m here to talk whenever you are ready.
Understanding Grief
Grief is often associated with the loss of a loved one, but it can also follow other kinds of loss: the end of a relationship, the loss of health, identity, or the life you thought you would have. However it shows up, grief can feel heavy, confusing and unpredictable.
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You might feel deep sadness, numbness, guilt or even relief. Some days may feel bearable, others overwhelming. You might find it hard to concentrate, connect with others or carry on as you used to. For some, grief brings anger or regret. For others, it brings a sense of emptiness that’s hard to explain.
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There’s no right way to grieve, and no timeline for how long it should take. But you don’t have to carry it alone.
How Therapy Can Help With Greif
Therapy offers a safe, steady space to talk about your loss without judgement or pressure. It’s not about finding closure or “moving on.” It’s about understanding how grief is showing up for you, and allowing it to take the shape it needs to.
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Together, we might explore:
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The emotional impact of your loss, including sadness, guilt or confusion
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How grief has affected your sense of identity, routine or relationships
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Difficult or mixed feelings that feel hard to share with others
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What it means to live with the loss, and not lose yourself in it
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Ways to carry your memories forward while rebuilding a sense of connection and meaning
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You don’t need to have the right words. You don’t need to make sense of everything right away. Therapy is a space to begin - wherever you are in the process.
My Approach
Grief is different for everyone. Some people want to talk about the person they’ve lost. Others don’t know what to say or where to begin. However your grief looks or feels, we’ll work with that.
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My approach is person-centred, which means our sessions will be guided by your experience, your pace and your needs. I won’t offer a fixed path or ask you to explain things before you're ready. We’ll go gently and steadily, with care for whatever’s coming up for you.
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When helpful, I may draw on elements of Transactional Analysis (TA) or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), especially when grief is complicated by trauma, unresolved emotions or patterns that are difficult to shift. But our work will always start with you — and what your loss means for your life now.
Why work with me
I’m a Level-4 certified BACP-registered therapist (you can see my credentials here) with experience supporting people through many forms of grief, including bereavement, ambiguous loss and long-term unresolved mourning.
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You won’t be rushed or expected to follow a set process. I offer a calm, compassionate space where you can bring whatever you’re feeling, even if it doesn’t make sense yet.
Together, we can begin to understand what this loss means for you and how you might live alongside it.
Ready to begin?
If you’re grieving and need support, I offer a free 15-minute telephone consultation. You’re welcome to ask questions, share a little about your experience or simply see how it feels to connect.
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There’s no pressure, just the chance to start from where you are.
Based in North Manchester, here to support you
I’m based in North Manchester and work with clients from all across the surrounding areas, including Whitefield, Prestwich, Bury, Radcliffe, Crumpsall, Blackley, Middleton, Salford, and many more local communities. Wherever you're from, if you're looking for support with your mental health, you're welcome here.​
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Finding me
I offer in-person counselling sessions at my therapy room in Whitefield, North Manchester. It’s a calm, private space that’s easy to reach from across the city and surrounding areas.
Address: 229 Bury New Rd, Whitefield, Manchester M45 8GW. Find me with W3W or via Google
Getting here:
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By car: Free on-street parking is usually available nearby.
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By tram: About a 30-second walk from the Whitefield Metrolink stop.
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By bus: Local buses stop just a short walk away.
If you’re unsure about directions or access, feel free to get in touch - I’m happy to help you plan your visit.
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Not local?
If you're not based near North Manchester - or simply prefer not to travel - I also offer counselling sessions by telephone or secure video call. This can be a helpful option if you're juggling a busy schedule, live further away, or feel more comfortable accessing support from home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Grief Counselling
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How do I know if I need grief therapy?
Grief is a natural response to loss, but if your grief symptoms are significantly affecting your daily life, relationships, or overall well-being, it may be helpful to seek professional support. Grief therapy can provide a safe and supportive space for you to process your emotions and develop coping strategies to navigate your healing journey.
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How long does grief therapy typically last?
The duration of grief therapy varies depending on each individual's unique circumstances, progress, and therapeutic goals. While some people may benefit from short-term therapy, others may require more extended support. As your therapist, I will work closely with you to assess your needs and adjust the therapy duration accordingly, ensuring you receive the most appropriate care.
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How can you help me with my grief?
As an experienced therapist specialising in grief, I am committed to providing compassionate, personalised care to support your healing journey. By utilising a range of evidence-based therapeutic frameworks and tailoring the approach to your specific needs, I aim to help you process your loss, develop effective coping strategies, and build resilience for lasting recovery.
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Can grief therapy be provided online or over the phone?
Yes, I offer various modes of interaction to accommodate your needs and preferences. In addition to face-to-face sessions, I provide therapy via Zoom/Video call, telephone, and walking therapy. This flexibility allows you to access the support you need in a manner that is most comfortable and convenient for you.
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What if I am not comfortable discussing my loss?
Your comfort and safety are of utmost importance to me. As your therapist, I will never pressure you to disclose information that you are not ready to share. The therapeutic process is a collaborative effort, and we will work at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Our goal is to build trust and establish a safe space for you to explore your experiences and emotions when you feel ready.
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Can you help family members or friends of someone experiencing grief?
Absolutely. Supporting a loved one who is grieving can be challenging, and it is essential to care for your own well-being as well. I can provide guidance and support to help you understand your loved one's experience and develop strategies for providing compassionate care while maintaining your own mental and emotional health.
If you have any further questions or concerns about grief therapy, please don't hesitate to contact me. I am here to provide warm, professional support to help you navigate your recovery journey with confidence and compassion.
Related Therapies
​We understand that every individual's journey with grief is unique and may require different approaches to address their specific challenges. That's why we offer a range of related therapies tailored to your needs, all delivered with warmth, compassion, and understanding. If you haven't found what you're looking for here, these therapies may also help.
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Useful Resources
At Jodie James Counselling Services, we understand that taking the first step towards seeking help for grief can be incredibly challenging. We want you to know that you're not alone, and there are many resources available to support you on your journey towards healing. If you're not quite ready to get in touch with us, we encourage you to explore these external resources that may provide valuable insights, coping strategies, and comfort during this time:
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Grief Help, Support & Guidance
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