Sunlight shining through a forest of bare pine tree trunks, symbolizing clarity and support during the journey through grief.

Close-up of textured tree bark, representing the layers of grief and the healing found in therapy.

Grief Counseling

GRIEF COUNSELING IN BATAVIA AND NAPERVILLE, IL AND ONLINE

Sound like you?

"I don’t know how to move forward. Every day feels heavy, and I can’t seem to find relief.”

“People keep telling me it’s time to let go, but I’m still overwhelmed with sadness.”

“I feel so alone in this. No one seems to understand the depth of my pain.”

“I can’t imagine ever feeling joy again. Will I ever get through this?"

It feels like grief is an overwhelming shadow that follows you everywhere. You’re struggling to accept the reality of your loss, and the tears seem endless. It’s as if the memory of your loved one’s death replays in your mind like a nightmare you can’t escape. Talking about it feels impossible, and thinking about the future seems out of reach. You might find yourself avoiding conversations or isolating, afraid that no one truly understands. The pain is so deep that happiness feels like something you no longer deserve. Every day feels like a struggle, and you wonder if the heaviness will ever lift. You are not alone. We can help.

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How Do I Know If I Need Grief Counseling?

Whatever the type of loss you are experiencing, you might be beginning to notice the impact of your grief in every facet of your life:

You don't feel connected to others

You are struggling to stay focused and be productive at work or school

You don't feel like taking care of yourself

You feel angry and resentful when you see others happy

You can't imagine a future where you belong or feel happy

Your emotions and thoughts are overwhelming

Meet Our Team of Grief Counselors

Our compassionate team of grief counselors at Creating Space Therapy specializes in supporting individuals navigating the complexities of loss. With extensive training and experience in grief counseling, our therapists provide a safe, empathetic space to explore your emotions and find meaningful ways to heal. Whether you're coping with the loss of a loved one, a significant life transition, or non-death losses, our grief counselors are here to help you feel seen, heard, and supported every step of the way.

Charlotte Shuber LCSW

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Kelly Huggins LCSW

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Thelma Razo LSW

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Tracy Teichman LSW

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It may feel impossible now, but you can experience happiness again. you can live a life that is rich in meaning and purpose. And we can help you get there.

GRIEF COUNSELING CAN HELP YOU-----

Come to terms and accept your loss

Together, we’ll gently explore your grief, allowing you to process and accept your loss at your own pace. Acceptance doesn’t mean forgetting—it means finding a way to live with the loss while honoring your loved one’s memory.

Learn skills and strategies that can help you to manage difficult feelings

We’ll help you develop coping mechanisms tailored to your needs, so you can navigate the waves of grief with greater resilience. These strategies will empower you to manage overwhelming emotions and regain a sense of control.

Find hope for your future so that you experience happiness in life with meaning and purpose

Through our work together, you’ll begin to see that a fulfilling future is possible, even after loss. We’ll explore ways to rebuild your life, finding new meaning and joy that coexist with your grief.

Reconnect with yourself and your values

Grief can sometimes make you feel lost or disconnected from who you are. We’ll work on helping you reconnect with your core values and sense of self, guiding you toward a life that feels authentic and true to your deepest beliefs.

Reclaim Your Life with Tailored Grief Counseling

At Creating Space Therapy, we know that grief can touch every aspect of your life. It can make you feel disconnected from others, sap your energy, and leave you questioning your future. Our grief counselors are here to walk with you through this process, helping you reconnect with yourself and those around you. Through our personalized approach, we’ll help you:

Understand and Process Your Loss

We offer a compassionate space where you can explore your grief, understand its impact on your life, and begin to accept your loss in a way that honors your loved one’s memory.

Build Resilience and Find Hope

Grief can make the future feel uncertain, but with our support, you can start to see a path forward. We’ll help you rebuild your sense of purpose and rediscover the joy and meaning that still exists in your life.

Develop Healthy Coping Strategies

Our grief therapists will equip you with the tools and strategies you need to manage difficult emotions, reduce feelings of overwhelm, and navigate the waves of grief with greater ease.

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Addressing Common Concerns About Grief Counseling

If you're feeling uncertain about reaching out for grief counseling, you're not alone. Many individuals hesitate before taking this step. However, seeking support can be a powerful way to navigate the complex emotions that come with loss. Below, we address some common concerns and misconceptions about grief counseling to help you feel more confident in taking this step.

Tree trunks wrapped in ivy, surrounded by a soft mist, symbolizing growth and renewal amidst the fog of grief..

I should be able to handle this on my own.

Grief is a deeply personal journey, but that doesn't mean you have to walk it alone. Grief therapy offers a compassionate space to explore your emotions with a grief counselor who understands the complexities of loss. Seeking support isn't a sign of weakness—it's a step toward healing. Just as you might seek professional help for a physical injury, working with a grief therapist ensures you receive the care and tools you need to process your pain in a healthy way.

Talking about it will make me feel worse.

It’s natural to worry that sharing your feelings may intensify your pain. However, grief counseling is designed to provide a safe, supportive space where you can express your emotions without fear of judgment. A skilled grief counselor will help you navigate those difficult moments and find relief through understanding and acceptance. Many clients discover that expressing their feelings actually lightens the emotional weight they’ve been carrying.

A birch tree with orange leaves stands in the foreground of a vibrant birch forest, symbolizing beauty and growth amid change.

A single green tree with sprawling branches frames a peaceful body of water, with an empty bench beneath, symbolizing reflection and healing.

Time will heal me—I just need to wait.

While time can ease some pain, unresolved grief may linger and impact your well-being in unexpected ways. Grief therapy offers more than just time—it provides guidance, coping strategies, and tools to help you move forward in a meaningful way. A grief therapist can help you honor your loss while finding ways to reclaim joy and resilience in your life.

No one will understand what I’m going through.

Every loss is unique, but grief counselors are trained to meet you where you are. They listen without judgment and tailor support to your individual experience. Grief therapy allows you to share your story and feel validated in your emotions, creating a space where your pain is understood and your healing is nurtured.

A single tree with sprawling branches and green leaves, sunlight streaming through, symbolizing hope and connection during healing.

A peaceful forest of tall trees, reflecting the grounding presence of grief counseling during times of loss.

LGBTQIA+ Affirming Grief Counseling

We provide compassionate and inclusive grief counseling that recognizes and affirms the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community in their grief journey.

We feel it is important to address the unique grief-related needs of the LGBTQIA+ community. While fundamentally, the grief experience is universal to all, individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ often experience a more complicated grief experience. This is often due to society's lack of compassion, empathy, and understanding of their grief experience of which results in the feeling that their grief is not recognized or validated.

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for LGBTQIA+ individuals to be invalidated by the cisgender, hetero-dominant culture. For example, often LGBTQIA+ relationships may not be recognized by healthcare institutions, employers, or family. When this happens, partners/spouses may not have control to make important decisions regarding healthcare, finances, or funeral arrangements, regardless of legal marital status.

Another example is for many LGBTQIA+ couples and families who are experiencing grief over a pregnancy loss may experience their grief as not validated as they are not of the cisgender hetero-dominant culture. It's oftentimes perceived that since they didn't conceive or were pregnant themselves the grief they feel over the loss of the pregnancy is discounted or ignored.

Our practice recognizes and affirms the unique grief experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community and imbeds affirming all grief experiences into our practice with the goal of being inclusive and supportive of LGBTQ+ grievers.

A peaceful pine forest, reflecting the grounding presence of grief counseling during times of loss.

Supportive Grief Counseling is Available

Grieving a loss can feel like an insurmountable burden, leaving you overwhelmed, isolated, and unsure of how to move forward. At Creating Space Therapy, we understand the profound impact grief can have on every aspect of your life, and we’re here to provide the compassionate support you need. Our grief counselors specialize in helping individuals process their emotions, honor their losses, and find ways to live a fulfilling life alongside their grief.

Grief counseling is not about “fixing” grief or forcing you to move on—it’s about creating space to fully experience and navigate the pain of loss at your own pace. Our grief therapists work collaboratively with you, offering personalized care that recognizes the unique nature of your grief. Together, we explore the emotions and challenges you’re facing, helping you find a sense of balance, connection, and hope.

Healing from grief takes time and patience, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Whether in-person at our Batavia or Naperville locations or through online services across Illinois, we are here to support you every step of the way. Supportive grief counseling is available, and we’re honored to walk this journey with you.

A rugged tree stump with bark intact, symbolizing resilience and the ability to heal after experiencing profound loss.

You deserve to feel your emotions fully and take the time you need to heal.

WE'RE HERE FOR YOU.

Grief isn’t something you can rush through or set aside. It demands to be felt, honored, and understood. At Creating Space Therapy, we believe that your emotions are valid and deserving of the space they need. Healing from loss is a deeply personal journey, and it’s okay to take the time you need to navigate it. We’re here to support you in embracing your feelings, no matter how overwhelming they may seem. Our experienced therapists will walk with you every step of the way, offering compassion, understanding, and the tools to help you heal at your own pace. You don’t have to go through this alone—your healing journey is important, and we’re here to ensure you feel supported and empowered throughout.

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QUESTIONS? WE'VE GOT ANSWERS.

Frequently asked questions-

Is Creating Space Therapy Better Than AI Therapy Chatbots?

While AI chatbots may be able to provide basic support, they can't replace the deep, human connection that's essential for true healing. At Creating Space Therapy, our certified therapists in Batavia and Naperville, as well as through online telehealth, offer personalized care tailored to your unique needs. We understand the complexities of human emotions and experiences, something that AI simply cannot replicate. Our therapists provide empathy, understanding, and adaptive care that evolves with you, ensuring that you receive the support you need at every step of your healing journey. With us, you're not just interacting with a program—you’re connecting with someone who genuinely cares about your well-being.
What types of therapy do you offer?

At Creating Space Therapy, we offer a wide range of therapeutic services, including grief counseling, trauma therapy, EMDR therapy, bibliotherapy, and specialized therapy for children and teens. Our certified therapists in Batavia, Naperville, and online are skilled in various modalities, ensuring that we can tailor our approach to meet your specific needs.
How do I know which therapist is right for me?

Choosing the right therapist is a personal decision, and we’re here to help you find the best fit. Our team of certified therapists brings a diverse set of skills and specialties. Whether you’re seeking help with grief, trauma, or other challenges, we’ll guide you to the therapist whose expertise aligns with your needs, whether in Batavia, Naperville, or online.
What should I expect during my first therapy session?

Your first therapy session at Creating Space Therapy is an opportunity to begin building a trusting relationship with your therapist. We’ll discuss your goals, concerns, and what you hope to achieve through therapy. Our aim is to create a comfortable, safe space where you feel heard and supported, whether you’re visiting our Batavia or Naperville offices or connecting through online telehealth.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Yes, online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy. At Creating Space Therapy, our online telehealth sessions are designed to provide the same level of care and connection as face-to-face meetings. Our certified therapists are experienced in delivering compassionate, high-quality therapy through secure video sessions, ensuring you receive the support you need, no matter where you are in Illinois.

Free Download!

Get our completely free eBook that teaches you concrete skills to cope with the big, heavy, deep emotions that come with grief and trauma. We hope to help ease your suffering by guiding you in developing healthy coping skills.