EMDR Therapy for Grief & Loss

Many individuals struggling with grief and loss often don't realize that their overwhelming sorrow and difficulty moving forward are deeply connected to unresolved trauma. This can stem from the death of a loved one, the end of a significant relationship or divorce, or even non-death losses such as job loss or betrayal. The profound impact of losing someone or something vital can shatter your sense of safety and identity, creating persistent cycles of despair and self-doubt that leave you feeling isolated and unworthy. Whether it is a single catastrophic loss or cumulative grief from multiple events, this unrecognized trauma can subtly dictate your behavior and hinder your ability to assert your needs.

EMDR therapy offers a transformative pathway to break free from these destructive cycles by directly addressing the hidden wounds of loss. By reprocessing the painful memories and negative beliefs that form in the wake of such significant losses, EMDR helps you uncover how trauma has shaped your current emotional responses and behaviors. This process not only enables you to develop a more balanced self-view but also empowers you to set healthy boundaries, reclaim your autonomy, and ultimately live a life where your needs and achievements are truly recognized and validated.

Irada Yunusova, Psy.D
Clinical Psychologist
Expertises
Death of a family member & abandonment grief
Approach
EMDR, DBT & EFT
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Leora Citrin, Psy.D
Clinical Psychologist
Expertises
Death of a parent, betrayal & job loss
Approach
EMDR, CBT & ACT
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Ami Zala, Psy.D
Clinical Psychologist
Expertises
Death of a partner, divorce & partner betrayal
Approach
EMDR, attachment-focused & childhood-focused
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How We Work with Grief, Bereavement & Loss

We are Clinical Psychologists specializing in EMDR, blending deep trauma work with validated techniques to help you break free from the overwhelming pain of grief, loss, and bereavement. We understand that unresolved loss—whether from the death of a loved one, a painful breakup, or cumulative bereavement—can trigger persistent cycles of sorrow, self-doubt, and isolation. With advanced training in Clinical Psychology, we use EMDR to reprocess painful memories and challenge the internalized beliefs that fuel the enduring agony of loss. Techniques like CBT, mindfulness, and relational therapy further empower you to reclaim your sense of self, establish healthy boundaries, and ultimately liberate yourself from the recurring cycle of emotional pain.

“Deep grief can fracture your inner world, leaving you overwhelmed and disconnected. We break these destructive patterns, empowering you to rebuild a balanced life and nurture relationships that honor your healing journey.”

Our Specialists in EMDR for Grief and Loss


Dr. Irada Yunusova

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Irada Yunusova is a Clinical Psychologist specializing in grief and loss, with a focus on the death of a family member and the deep wounds of abandonment. She understands that losing a loved one—whether suddenly or over time—can create an overwhelming void, often accompanied by feelings of guilt, loneliness, and a profound sense of disconnection. For those who have experienced abandonment, grief can be compounded by unresolved emotions of rejection, making it difficult to trust and feel secure in relationships.

Using EMDR, DBT, and EFT, Dr. Yunusova helps clients reprocess painful memories and work through the intense emotions of loss. Her integrative approach not only addresses the psychological pain of grief but also the ways it manifests in the body, helping individuals break free from cycles of emotional distress. With her compassionate guidance, clients learn to navigate their grief, find acceptance, and regain a sense of inner peace and stability in their lives.

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Dr. Leora Citrin

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Citrin is a Clinical Psychologist specializing in helping individuals process grief from the loss of a parent, the deep betrayal of broken trust, and the identity-shifting impact of job loss. She understands that grief is not just about mourning someone who has passed, but also the painful process of letting go of the life, stability, or relationships you once knew. Whether it’s the loss of a guiding parental figure, the shock of a personal betrayal, or the sudden disruption of a career, these experiences can shake your sense of self and make it difficult to move forward.

Utilizing EMDR, CBT, and ACT, Dr. Citrin helps clients reprocess the pain of grief while challenging the negative self-beliefs that often accompany loss. Her structured yet compassionate approach allows individuals to make sense of their emotions, develop resilience, and create meaning from their experiences. Through her support, clients are able to reclaim their confidence and rebuild their sense of purpose, even after life-altering losses.

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Dr. Ami Zala

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Ami Zala is a Clinical Psychologist specializing in grief and loss, with a focus on the death of a partner, divorce, and the pain of partner betrayal. She recognizes that these losses are not just about absence but about the shattering of deep emotional bonds. The loss of a life partner, whether through death or separation, can leave individuals feeling unmoored, questioning their identity and struggling with feelings of abandonment. The trauma of betrayal only deepens this wound, reinforcing fears of unworthiness and making it difficult to trust again.

Using an integrative approach that combines EMDR, attachment-focused therapy, and childhood-focused techniques, Dr. Zala helps clients process the grief of lost love and betrayal. She works to heal the wounds of abandonment and loss at their root, empowering individuals to rebuild their sense of self beyond their relationships. Through her compassionate and trauma-informed approach, clients learn to navigate grief while fostering deeper self-acceptance, emotional resilience, and the ability to form secure and fulfilling connections.

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How EMDR Helps with Grief & Loss of an Intimate Relationship

Losing an intimate relationship—whether through death, divorce, or betrayal—can be a deeply painful and life-altering experience. Grief following the loss of a partner is not just about missing someone; it can shake the very foundation of your identity, security, and future. Many people struggle with overwhelming sadness, regret, or self-blame, feeling stuck in cycles of longing, loneliness, and emotional distress. The end of a significant relationship can also resurface past wounds, leaving you questioning your self-worth and ability to move forward.

EMDR therapy offers a powerful path toward healing by helping you process the painful memories and negative beliefs that arise from grief and loss. By reprocessing these emotions, EMDR allows you to release feelings of guilt, abandonment, or unworthiness and develop a renewed sense of self. Many individuals find that after EMDR, they are able to let go of the pain that keeps them stuck, rebuild their confidence, and move toward relationships that foster genuine connection and emotional fulfillment.

FAQ About EMDR for Grief & Loss of an Intimate Relationship

How does EMDR work for grief and loss?

We integrate EMDR with evidence-based techniques to address the emotional triggers and unresolved pain tied to losing a loved one or partner. By reprocessing difficult memories and the emotions they carry, EMDR helps ease feelings of sorrow, regret, and self-blame, empowering you to heal and rebuild.

How are grief and trauma connected?

Loss can be traumatic, particularly when it is sudden, unexpected, or tied to deep emotional bonds. It can create overwhelming distress and a lasting impact on your ability to trust, connect, or feel safe in the world. Unresolved grief can also trigger old wounds, intensifying feelings of abandonment or rejection.

Is EMDR effective for grief and loss?

Yes, EMDR is highly effective in helping individuals process grief by addressing both the emotional pain and the cognitive distortions that can develop after a significant loss. Many people find EMDR transformative in helping them move forward while still honoring their past relationships.

Are there any risks or side effects?

EMDR is generally considered safe, though it may bring up intense emotions as you work through grief. A qualified therapist will support you throughout the process, ensuring that you move through your healing journey in a way that feels manageable and compassionate.

Ready to Heal and Rebuild After Loss?

You don’t have to stay stuck in grief. Let us help you process your loss, regain your emotional balance, and move forward with strength, resilience, and hope.