BROOKE POMERANTZ, LCSW | CALIFORNIA THERAPY & THERAPY IN OAKLAND
Grief Counseling in OaklandGrief is the process of experiencing and responding to a loss. In my Oakland office and through secure online sessions, I offer a safe, supportive, and neutral space to help you think about and move through your loss in a way that honors your unique experience.
What Does Grief Feel Like?
Everyone’s experience of grief is unique. It might involve feeling shock, numbness, sadness, anxiety, anger, guilt, agitation, and/or detachment. One can feel overwhelmed one day and numbness the next.
A common misconception is that grief should look the same for everyone, or follow a prescribed set of “stages” in a specific order. Another is that grief is something you ever fully “resolve.” The truth is, there’s no one right way—or timeline—to navigate grief.
Common Reasons People Seek Grief Counseling
Complex or Unfinished Relationships
– Grieving the parent, partner, or friend you never had
– Lack of closure or unresolved issues
Relationship Endings
– Divorce, breakups or relationship transitions
– Estrangement from a loved one
Non-Death Losses
– Loss of a role, identity, or stage of life
– Life transitions that close one chapter and open another
– Chronic illness or loss of physical ability
Death of a Loved One
– Loss of a partner, family member, friend, or pet
– Navigating different grief responses within the family
How Therapy Can Help You Through Loss
In grief counseling, I aim to be very present with you and to understand and contextualize the nature of your loss. We’ll make space for whatever arises—whether it’s sadness, anger, relief, or guilt, or another feeling—and explore it in a way that supports healing.
Make Meaning of the Loss:
We’ll explore the loss in the context of your life story.
Understand Stuckness:
When grief feels “stuck,” we’ll look at why—often it’s connected to the complexities of the relationship or situation that’s been lost. Working through those complexities can help loosen that stuckness.
Tools for Coping:
Some individuals can also findg support through journaling, books or films about grief, time with loved ones, nature, spiritual or religious practice, or personal rituals.
My Approach to Grief Counseling
I work relationally, at your pace, and without expecting grief to follow a certain model. Each loss is unique, and our work will honor that. We may:
1) Talk about your current experience of the loss
2) Explore the complexities of the relationship or role you’ve lost
3) Challenge the idea that grief should be “done” within a set time
4) Identify ways to stay connected without being consumed by pain
5) Practice self-compassion when grief feels overwhelming, messy and/or contradictory
What to Expect in Our First Sessions
Explore Your History
In our first four sessions, I’ll focus on understanding your story—what brought you here, what daily life feels like right now, and what’s been hardest.
Set Goals
By our fifth session, we’ll start identifying goals together, whether that’s finding stability, making meaning of the loss, or creating space for both grief and living.
Review & Iterate
This early work lays the foundation for supportive grief counseling.
As we move forward, we’ll continue to check in and adjust our approach.
About Me
I’m Brooke Pomerantz, a licensed therapist based in Oakland and working with clients across California, New York, and Indiana. My approach to grief counseling is grounded in empathy, curiosity, and respect for the individuality of your process. Whether you’re grieving the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or a profound life change, I’ll hold space for you to explore it in a way that honors your unique experience.
Brooke Pomerantz
Brooke Pomerantz is a compassionate and experienced licensed clinical social worker dedicated to providing supportive therapy services in Oakland and through teletherapy across California. With a focus on creating a safe and nurturing environment, Brooke helps clients navigate life’s challenges, fostering growth and healing through personalized therapeutic approaches.