A loss or a relationship problem can raise questions about whether therapy or counseling is a place to talk. Quick Overview: Yes. The National Institute of Mental Health names the loss of a loved one and relationship or family problems as reasons someone might seek psychotherapy. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration states that therapy and counseling can focus on the loss of a loved one or a problem in a relationship. These are general educational descriptions. They do not determine whether a particular service, approach, or outcome will fit any individual.
What These Organizations Say About Therapy and Counseling
The National Institute of Mental Health defines psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, as a variety of treatments that aim to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. It lists the loss of a loved one and relationship or family problems among reasons someone might seek psychotherapy.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration states that therapy and counseling are usually focused on developing healthy skills to cope with concerns. Its examples include handling the loss of a loved one and a problem in a relationship. The organization also states that therapy and counseling can help a person better understand the core cause of thoughts and behaviors so they can change unhealthy patterns.
Together, these descriptions answer the question plainly: therapy and counseling can address the loss of a loved one or a relationship problem. They do not say that every loss or relationship concern involves the same service, treatment approach, goals, or experience.
Loss of a loved one as a therapy topic
The loss of a loved one appears in both organizations’ descriptions. That shared reference establishes that loss can be a topic in therapy or counseling. It does not define how a provider will discuss loss, what goals may be identified, or what a person’s experience will be.
A person exploring therapy after the loss of a loved one may want to ask whether a provider addresses this topic, how the provider describes their approach, and how treatment would proceed. The National Institute of Mental Health notes that a preliminary conversation can help a person understand how treatment will proceed and whether they feel comfortable with the therapist.
Relationship problems as a counseling topic
The National Institute of Mental Health includes relationship or family problems among reasons someone might seek psychotherapy. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration also identifies a problem in a relationship as a concern that therapy and counseling can focus on.
These sources do not compare individual therapy with couples therapy, group therapy, or other services for relationship concerns. They also do not identify one approach as appropriate for every relationship problem. A direct conversation with a provider can clarify what services they offer and how they describe their work.
Approaches and questions about fit
The National Institute of Mental Health states that therapists may use one primary approach or incorporate elements from multiple approaches. According to that organization, the approach a therapist uses depends on training and experience and on the disorder being treated. That statement does not establish which approach may be used for loss or relationship concerns.
The organization suggests questions about a provider’s specialty, approach, rationale, goals of therapy, treatment time frame, and how progress will be assessed. These questions can support a conversation about what a provider offers without assuming that a particular service will be a fit.
Reflection Questions for Considering Support
These questions are for reflection and do not determine whether therapy or counseling is right for a particular person.
| Reflection question | Question to bring forward |
|---|---|
| What feels most important to discuss about the loss or relationship problem? | Do you address this concern in your services? |
| What would I like to understand about therapy or counseling? | What approach do you use, and what is its rationale? |
| What goals would I want to discuss? | How are goals of therapy identified? |
| What would help me understand the process? | How would treatment proceed? |
| What information would help me consider fit? | How is progress assessed? |
Practice Information From Rooted Integrative Therapy
Services listed by the practice
Rooted Integrative Therapy lists individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and therapy intensives among its services. Alina Hovsoyan, LCSW, is listed by Rooted Integrative Therapy.
The available practice information does not establish which listed service fits a specific loss or relationship concern. A consultation can be a place to ask which services are available and how the practice describes them.
Access information listed by the practice
Rooted Integrative Therapy states that it offers in-person therapy near Orem and Provo, with virtual therapy across Utah. This is access information from the practice. It does not indicate which format may fit a particular concern or person.
Practice Note: Rooted Integrative Therapy’s FAQs describe scheduling a consultation call as the first step. The practice states that the call offers an opportunity to ask questions and consider fit.
Questions to Bring to a Consultation
- Do you address concerns related to the loss of a loved one or a relationship problem?
- Which of your listed services are available to discuss this concern?
- What approach do you use, and what is its rationale?
- How would treatment proceed?
- What goals might be discussed in this service?
- How is progress assessed?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can therapy address the loss of a loved one?
Yes. The National Institute of Mental Health names the loss of a loved one as a reason someone might seek psychotherapy. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration states that therapy and counseling can focus on handling the loss of a loved one. Neither statement determines personal fit or outcomes.
Can counseling address a relationship problem?
Yes. The National Institute of Mental Health includes relationship or family problems among reasons someone might seek psychotherapy. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration states that therapy and counseling can focus on a problem in a relationship.
What is psychotherapy?
The National Institute of Mental Health describes psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, as a variety of treatments that aim to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
What is the first step at Rooted Integrative Therapy?
The practice FAQs describe scheduling a consultation call as the first step. The practice states that this is an opportunity to ask questions and consider fit.
Does Rooted Integrative Therapy offer virtual therapy?
The practice states that it offers virtual therapy across Utah and in-person therapy near Orem and Provo.
Sources and Further Reading
Sources used for this article:
- National Institute of Mental Health: Psychotherapies
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Types Of Treatment
A Grounded Next Step
If you would like to contact Rooted Integrative Therapy, the Connect page invites inquiries and appointment requests through its contact details or form. The practice FAQs describe a consultation call as an opportunity to ask questions and consider fit.
Please do not include urgent or highly sensitive clinical information in a general inquiry.
This article is for general education only. It is not a diagnosis, treatment plan, or substitute for individualized mental-health care. A qualified mental-health professional can help you consider what fits your circumstances.