Evidence-based grief counseling and Prolonged Grief Treatment (PGT) serving Silicon Valley and the South Bay.
You don't have to walk this path alone.
What is Grief and How Does It Affect You?
Grief is a natural human response to loss, but it’s far more complex than most people realize. Research shows that grief affects not only our emotions but also our physical health, brain function, and overall well-being. Whether you’re in Los Gatos, Campbell, Saratoga, or anywhere in Silicon Valley, there is no “right way” to grieve—and professional support can make a profound difference in your healing journey.
Loss increases cardiovascular risk by 41% in the first year. Your emotional pain has biological consequences—understanding this helps validate what you’re experiencing.
Brain imaging shows grief activates the same pain pathways as physical injury. Your brain is literally processing loss as a wound that needs healing.
Research shows optimism is associated with 11-15% longer lifespan. With evidence-based support, 70% of people with prolonged grief show significant improvement.
What Are the Different Types of Grief?
Grief is not one thing. Each loss is unique, and understanding the type of grief you’re experiencing is the first step toward healing.
Dr. Estupinian treats all forms of grief in her Los Gatos practice.
When grief remains intense and pervasive beyond the expected timeframe, it can make it difficult to engage in daily life. Affects about 10% of bereaved individuals. Evidence-based treatment (PGT) shows a 70% improvement rate.
Grieving before a loss occurs—common with terminal illness or dementia progression. This type of grief allows for preparation but brings its own unique challenges and emotional complexity.
Grieving someone who is still living but fundamentally changed (dementia, addiction, estrangement). You’re torn between hope for return and acceptance of permanent change.
Loss not validated by society—pet loss, miscarriage, ex-partner, stigmatized relationships. Your grief is real, even when others don’t acknowledge it.
Grieving loss of health, job, identity, independence, or relationships. These losses create a ‘before and after’ dividing line in your life story.
Multiple losses in quick succession before you’ve had time to process the first. Common for older adults to lose multiple peers, but it can happen at any age.
The ripple effects from a primary loss financial security, social connections, daily routines, future plans, sense of identity. One loss creates many losses.
How Do I Know If I Need Grief Therapy?
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Like treating a physical injury, some grief requires professional support.
If you’re in the Silicon Valley area and experiencing any of these signs, grief therapy can help.
- •Intense grief lasting more than a year
- •Difficulty believing your loved one is gone
- •Persistent yearning and longing
- •Avoidance of reminders of the loss
- •Feeling life has no meaning
- •Confusion about identity without a loved one
- •Isolation and withdrawal from others
- •Thoughts of self-harm
How Dr. Estupinian Can Help
Evidence-based treatment grounded in the latest clinical research, tailored to your unique grief experience
“My goal is to provide evidence-based, personalized care that honors your unique grief journey while offering practical tools for healing and growth.”
— Dr. Ginny Estupinian
Prolonged Grief Treatment (PGT)
PGT is a 16-week evidence-based protocol that addresses “stuck” points and fosters adaptation to loss. This structured approach has helped hundreds of people move forward while honoring their loved ones.
- Understanding and managing grief emotions
- Building hope for a meaningful future
- Strengthening relationships with others
- Narrating your loss story
- Living with reminders of the loss
- Connecting with cherished memories
Individualized Therapy Approaches
For other types of grief, Dr. Estupinian uses evidence-based approaches tailored to your specific situation:
- •Cognitive-behavioral strategies for managing grief reactions
- •Meaning-making and narrative therapy
- •Support for anticipatory grief and caregivers
- •Integration of neuroscience understanding of grief
- •Addressing ambiguous and disenfranchised loss
Neuropsychological Assessment
Comprehensive evaluation for cognitive concerns related to grief, memory, and cognitive function. Helpful for distinguishing grief-related “brain fog” from other conditions and providing clarity about cognitive health.
About Dr. Ginny Estupinian
Board Certified Clinical Psychologist (ABPP) specializing in clinical psychology and grief treatment
Credentials & Expertise
- Board Certified in Clinical Psychology (ABPP)—only 4-5% of qualified psychologists achieve this elite certification
- Specialized in geriatric psychology with over a decade of experience
- Expert in neuropsychological assessments for cognitive impairment and memory concerns
- Extensive experience as staff psychologist at Santa Clara Valley Health and Hospital System
- Trauma and grief specialist with advanced training
- Trained in Prolonged Grief Treatment (PGT)
Philosophy & Approach
Dr. Estupinian’s core mission is to bring the latest scientific and clinical research in psychology to the general public so that they can be better informed and make better decisions for their lives.
Her approach is both compassionate and practical, recognizing that grief in later life often involves multiple layers—the loss of loved ones, changes in health and independence, and the many transitions that come with aging.
She brings not only deep professional expertise but also a profound respect for the wisdom and life experience that each person carries.
FAQ
How do I know if I need grief therapy?
Consider seeking grief therapy if you’re experiencing intense grief lasting more than a year, difficulty accepting the loss, persistent yearning, avoidance of reminders, feeling life has no meaning, or thoughts of self-harm. If grief is interfering with daily functioning, relationships, or work, professional support can help. Remember: seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
What is Prolonged Grief Treatment (PGT)?
PGT is an evidence-based 16-week therapy protocol specifically designed for complicated grief. Developed and tested through clinical trials funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, PGT has a 70% improvement rate—twice as effective as standard depression treatment for grief symptoms. The treatment addresses ‘stuck’ points in grief and helps you adapt to loss while honoring your loved one.
How long does grief therapy take?
The duration varies based on your needs and type of grief. Prolonged Grief Treatment (PGT) is a structured 16-week program. For other types of grief, therapy may be shorter or longer depending on your goals and progress. Many people notice meaningful improvement within 8-12 sessions, though some benefit from longer-term support.
What's the difference between grief and depression?
While grief and depression can share symptoms like sadness and sleep changes, they’re distinct. Grief is focused on the loss—you miss the person and yearn for their return. Depression involves pervasive feelings of worthlessness and inability to experience pleasure. In grief, positive emotions can coexist with pain; in depression, everything feels flat. Complicated grief can occur alongside depression, and both are treatable.
Can therapy help with pet loss or other 'disenfranchised' grief?
Absolutely. Disenfranchised grief—loss that society doesn’t validate, like pet loss, miscarriage, or loss of independence—is real grief that deserves support. Research shows 93% of people report significant life disruption after pet loss. Your grief is valid even when others don’t acknowledge it, and therapy can provide the validation and tools you need to heal.
What should I expect in the first grief therapy session?
The first session focuses on understanding your unique grief experience. We’ll discuss your loss, how it’s affecting you, your support system, and what you hope to gain from therapy. There’s no pressure to share more than you’re comfortable with. Together, we’ll develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs, whether that’s Prolonged Grief Treatment (PGT) or another evidence-based approach.
Is grief therapy only for death of a loved one?
No. Grief therapy addresses all types of loss, including non-death losses like divorce, job loss, loss of health or independence, dementia in a loved one (anticipatory grief), and major life transitions. Any loss that creates a ‘before and after’ in your life story can benefit from therapeutic support.
Do you offer virtual/telehealth sessions?
Yes. Please call our office at 844-802-6512 to inquire about current telehealth availability. We’re committed to providing accessible care in the format that works best for you.
Additional Resources
Recommended Reading
The Other Side of Sadness" by George Bonanno
It's OK That You're Not OK" by Megan Devine
Bearing the Unbearable" by Joanne Cacciatore
The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Didion
Online Resources
What's Your Grief
Center for Prolonged Grief (Columbia)
The Dinner Party
Refuge in Grief