Grieving is a natural part of life after loss, but for some individuals, the process doesn’t follow the expected path of gradual healing. Instead, it becomes an all-consuming emotional state that affects every part of daily life. This condition is known as Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD)—sometimes referred to as complicated grief.
At Genesis Therapy Group, our experienced grief therapists on Long Island provide compassionate, evidence-based support to individuals experiencing prolonged or complicated grief. If you’re struggling to move forward after a loss, grief therapy can be a critical first step toward healing.
What is Prolonged Grief Disorder?
Prolonged Grief Disorder is a recognized mental health condition marked by intense, persistent grief that lasts well beyond the typical mourning period—usually over 12 months. Unlike normal grief, where pain gradually subsides, PGD causes long-lasting emotional distress that significantly impacts a person’s ability to function in everyday life.
Key Characteristics of Prolonged Grief Disorder
1. Intense and Unrelenting Emotional Pain
Individuals with PGD often experience overwhelming sadness, anger, guilt, or bitterness that remains as raw as the day of the loss, even months or years later.
2. Difficulty Accepting the Loss
Many find themselves unable to accept the reality of the loss. They may avoid reminders of the deceased or live in a constant state of disbelief.
3. Disruption of Daily Life
The condition can affect a person’s work, relationships, sleep, self-care, and ability to engage in previously enjoyed activities.
4. Clinical Diagnosis
According to the DSM-5-TR, PGD is diagnosed when symptoms persist for at least 12 months and involve severe yearning or preoccupation with the deceased, interfering with one’s ability to live a functional life.
5. Overlapping Conditions
PGD can co-exist with other disorders such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety, making the grieving process even more complex.
Common Symptoms of Prolonged Grief Disorder
- Persistent emotional pain (sadness, anger, guilt)
- Emotional numbness or detachment
- Intense loneliness or isolation
- Identity disruption or loss of self
- Difficulty accepting the death
- Avoidance of reminders of the deceased
- Preoccupation with thoughts or memories of the deceased
- Trouble resuming daily activities and relationships
- Feeling that life has lost meaning or purpose
Why Seek Help from a Grief Therapist?
If you or someone you love is showing signs of Prolonged Grief Disorder, working with a qualified grief therapist can provide the guidance and support needed to process the loss in a healthy way. Therapy can help reduce emotional pain, rebuild coping skills, and restore a sense of hope and meaning in life.
Compassionate Grief Therapy on Long Island
At Genesis Therapy Group, we understand the unique pain that comes with profound loss. Our team of licensed grief therapists specializes in treating PGD and other grief-related conditions. Through personalized and empathetic care, we help clients move from surviving to living again.
Whether your loss is recent or long past, it’s never too late to seek healing. Our grief therapy services on Long Island are available virtually for individuals, couples, and families.
Get the Support You Deserve
Grief doesn’t have a timeline—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to Genesis Therapy Group today. A qualified grief therapist on Long Island is here to walk beside you on your journey toward healing and peace.