- Online & In-Person Sessions Available in Newhall-Santa Clarita, Los Angeles & Studio City
Grief Therapist in Newhall-Santa Clarita, CA
Supporting You Through Life's Toughest Losses
Welcome, I'm Julia.
I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (#104811) with over fifteen years of experience supporting individuals from marginalized communities through an intersectional lens. I’m passionate about helping clients understand how their history impacts their present, and empowering them to move forward with clarity, strength, and intention.
I offer both online and in-person sessions in Los Angeles, Newhall-Santa Clarita, and Studio City.
Office Locations
Newhall-Santa Clarita Office
24509 Walnut St Ste. 201,
Newhall, CA 91321
(818) 646-7921
Los Angeles Office
566 S. San Vicente Blvd STE 101
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 483-4225
Studio City Office
11712 Moorpark St suite 101
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 646-7921
Have questions?Call or Schedule a Consultation
What Is Grief Counseling?
Everyone will experience grief and loss at some point in life. When someone you’ve felt connected to dies, the bereavement that follows is incredibly painful. Although we often associate grief with the loss of a loved one or a pet, grief can also follow various types of life transitions, such as job losses or breakups.
The grief process can often be confusing and overwhelming. Grief therapy can provide a compassionate space for you to learn to manage difficult emotions during your grief journey. By learning coping strategies to move through your grief and loss, you can make your life more manageable while still honoring the memory of your loved one. You do not need to grieve alone.
“Why do we avoid grief? Grief is painful. The problem is that pain when ignored gets worse. – Anonymous
Death Grief Counseling
The loss of a loved one can be a devastating experience. You may experience a loss of appetite or feel, down, angry, or anxious, which can interfere with your day-to-day functioning. In therapy for grief, we process your emotions related to the loss and help you move through the healing process.
Relationship Grief Counseling
Divorces and breakups can be intense sources of grief. Regardless of the reason, the lingering feelings of loss and heartbreak can feel devastating. Therapy provides a safe space to express and work through these emotions, increase self-compassion, and have a better understanding of the relationship. With time, you'll be able to open yourself to new experiences.
Anticipatory Grief/Mourning
Anticipatory grief happens when we know that someone we are close to will die, but it has not occurred yet. This often happens when someone important to us has a terminal illness and a limited amount of time. A thought that may come up during anticipatory grief is, “What will my life be like without this person?” While the circumstances are different, the emotions are often similar to the grief we experience after the death of a loved one.
Pet Grief Counseling
Having an animal can be a huge part of emotional support and connection. The loss of a pet can be as equally impactful as the loss of a person. When an animal dies, it's normal to feel overwhelmed by sadness and pain. Even though others may not understand your loss, the loss of an animal is significant and it's okay to seek help.
In-Person and Online Grief and Loss Counseling in Santa Clarita
Common emotions associated with loss and the grieving process are anger, shock, denial, guilt, despair, and numbness. Navigating through the stages of grief can feel incredibly overwhelming and isolating. The stages are not linear, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve. What matters most is acknowledging what you feel in the moment, without judgment or pressure to be anywhere other than where you are.
Everybody needs support, understanding, and space to move through grief.
As a grief therapist in Los Angeles, CA, I can help individuals address the intense emotions of grief while also moving through the healing process. My holistic approach to grief counseling focuses on exploring what’s coming up for you emotionally, building coping strategies, and deepening your understanding of the grief journey. With time, you can begin re-engaging with your life in a way that feels grounded, gentle, and possible again.
“A beautiful colorful rainbow could not exist if it were not for the rain of a grey day – it was born from the very droplets of it.” – Unknown
Work with Me
Starting therapy is a big step—and you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re brand new to therapy or returning after some time away, I’m here to meet you exactly where you are. My goal is to help you feel supported, understood, and empowered to grow in ways that feel real and sustainable.
Here’s what our work together usually looks like:
Free Consultation
We’ll start with a free 20-minute phone call. This is your space to share what’s been coming up for you, ask any questions, and get a feel for how I work—no pressure, no commitment. Some people decide to move forward right away, while others take some time to think about it. Either way is welcome.
Weekly Sessions
We’ll meet regularly (typically once a week) in a supportive, non-judgmental space. Our sessions will focus on processing your experiences, building practical tools, and gently shifting patterns that no longer serve you—all at a pace that feels right for you.
Tailored Plan
If you decide to move forward, we’ll schedule your first full session and begin shaping a plan that fits your goals, identity, and lived experience. This is where we begin exploring what’s getting in the way and how therapy can support the changes you want to make.
Ongoing Grief Recovery Support
Therapy isn’t just about easing the pain of grief; it’s also about helping you stay connected to yourself as you heal. As you move through your grief journey, we’ll adjust the work to meet your shifting needs, offering steady support, grounding tools, and space for whatever arises. Over time, you’ll feel more clarity, stability, and compassion for yourself as you navigate each stage of healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Grief counseling focuses specifically on processing grief and understanding the emotional impact of loss. As a therapist trained in grief counseling, I offer a compassionate space that addresses relationship issues, explores your life changes, and honors the unique experience you’re carrying. With my background in grief therapy, I use an integrative approach to support a personalized healing journey that meets you exactly where you are.
The grief journey looks different for everyone. Some may find relief after a few sessions, while others may need more time to process their feelings. I take a patient-centered approach that adapts to your pace and personal experiences with grief. Remember, healing isn’t linear, and it’s okay to take the time you need.
Grief counseling isn't only for coping with death. Many life changes—such as losing a job, navigating chronic illness, or relationship conflict—can trigger grief. I can help you understand the grief process, offering the guidance and support you need to navigate intense emotions and regain a sense of balance.
During your first session, I will take the time to understand your grief experience and any other factors shaping your emotions. This initial meeting helps create a safe and grounded space where you can share your feelings openly and receive the support you need throughout your grief journey.
At this time, I am not in-network with any insurance companies. However, many insurance companies have an “out-of-network mental health coverage policy.” If your insurance company offers this, I can provide you with a monthly “superbill” to submit for possible reimbursement.
Julia Schwab Therapy offers both online and in-person sessions. In-person appointments are available in Los Angeles, Studio City, and the Newhall–Santa Clarita area.
Related Services
Get in touch now
In most cases planning for a loss is impossible. If you need help quickly, I provide online grief counseling sessions. Allow me to help you through your difficult time. Don’t hesitate to contact me.