Grief Therapy New York
Grief Therapy
in New York
Virtual sessions across NY and in-person in Clinton. You don't have to navigate loss alone.
About the work
Grief Deserves
More Than
Just Time
At Valerie Lighthall LCSW Counseling Services, grief therapy is a space to process loss at your own pace, without pressure to move on or feel a certain way. With over 15 years of experience, Valerie works with teens and adults who are navigating grief and loss and are ready for a little more support, even if they are not sure where to start.
The goal is to make getting support feel simple, not like something else on your to-do list.
Get StartedRecognizing the signs
Grief Doesn't
Always Look the
Way You Expect
Grief is not just about death. It can show up after losing a relationship, a job, a version of your life you expected, or someone who is still here but no longer the same. There is no right way to grieve, and there is no timeline you are supposed to be following. You may notice:
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An overwhelming sadness that comes in waves, even when things seem okay on the surface
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Guilt, anger, or confusion about how you are handling the loss
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Feeling stuck, numb, or disconnected from the people and things you used to enjoy
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Difficulty concentrating, sleeping, or getting through everyday tasks
You do not need to be at rock bottom to reach out. Grief therapy can help you make sense of what you are feeling and give you a space where you don't have to hold it all together.
Learn MoreYou don't have to be at rock bottom to deserve support.
Valerie Lighthall, LCSWThe approach
A Gentle,
Collaborative Approach
to Grief
Grief therapy here is not about rushing you through stages or telling you how you should feel. It is a collaborative process where you set the pace, and your experience is never minimized.
Sessions won't dance around what needs to be said. Expect honest, direct feedback, even when it's hard to hear, because that's often where real movement starts.
This isn't just a space to sit in sadness without direction. Support and gentle accountability work together here, so you can move through grief instead of just carrying it.
You won't get a rehearsed script. Valerie brings genuine presence and reacts honestly in sessions — the same way she'd want support to feel if she were in your seat.
You do not need all the answers.
You just need a place to start.
Logistics
Flexible Support,
Without the Extra Hassle
Starting therapy should not feel complicated. From online scheduling to a simple client portal, everything is designed to be straightforward so you can focus on your well-being.
- Available virtually across all of New York State
- Daytime appointments available
- Simple, secure video platform — no downloads required
- Consistent weekly scheduling so it becomes part of your routine
- In-person sessions held in Clinton, NY
- Daytime availability — adding to your schedule, not disrupting it
- A warm, private office space designed for comfort
- Easy to add to your schedule without adding stress to your day
- Glens Falls, NY — $175/session
- Virtual, NY — $165/session
- Sliding scale available — reach out to discuss
- Payment due at time of session — credit card, HSA/FSA accepted
Choosing not to work with insurance companies is a deliberate decision — one that protects you as much as it protects the quality of our work together.
- You don't have to receive a mental health diagnosis to begin therapy.
- Session notes stay between us — they won't be shared with your insurance company.
- No outside party gets to decide how often we meet, how long we work together, or whether your reasons for coming are valid enough.
- A smaller caseload means more attention, more flexibility, and more personalized care — not a number in a system.
- Insurance reimbursement rates for private practice therapists are low and don't reflect experience or training — private pay keeps this work sustainable and focused on you.
The first step
Getting Started Is Simple
Reach Out
Fill out the contact form or send a message — no pressure, just a starting point.
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Quick Consultation
A short call to talk about what's going on and see if it feels like a good fit.
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Begin Sessions
Schedule your first appointment — virtual or in-person in Clinton, NY.
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Common questions
Getting Started
Is Simple
Send a message describing what brings you in. Valerie will follow up to schedule a free consultation call.
This is a private pay practice. A receipt can be provided for you to submit to your insurance for possible out-of-network reimbursement, depending on your plan.
Both. Virtual sessions are available anywhere in New York State, and in-person sessions are held in Clinton, NY.
Teens and adults navigating grief and loss, at any stage of the process.