Understanding Prolonged Grief Disorder—and How to Heal

By Sandra I. Beekmann, MS, NCC, LCMHC-QS, CCTP

Grief is a natural, human response to loss. Over time, most people begin to find a new sense of normal. But for some, grief remains intense and unrelenting—interfering with their daily life, relationships, and ability to move forward. This condition is known as Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD).

What Is Prolonged Grief Disorder?

Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) is now recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR). It’s characterized by a deep, persistent grief that continues well beyond what’s considered typical—more than 12 months after a loss for adults, or more than 6 months for children and teens.

Those experiencing PGD often feel emotionally stuck, disconnected, and overwhelmed by the loss.

Common Symptoms of PGD

• Intense longing or yearning for the deceased

• Preoccupation with the person who died

• Difficulty accepting the death

• Avoidance of reminders of the loss

• Persistent emotional numbness or detachment

• Feeling that life is meaningless without the person

• Trouble engaging in personal, social, or professional activities

Who Is at Risk?

While anyone can experience prolonged grief, certain factors increase vulnerability, including:

• Sudden or unexpected loss

• The death of a child or romantic partner

• A lack of emotional or social support

• Previous mental health conditions (such as depression or PTSD)

• A history of multiple or unresolved losses

How We Treat Prolonged Grief Disorder at SMC Tampa

At SMC Tampa, we offer personalized, evidence-based support to help individuals heal and regain a sense of peace, purpose, and connection.

1. Grief-Focused Therapy

We work closely with clients to process emotions, build healthy coping skills, and create a meaningful path forward. Our approaches may include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Meaning Reconstruction and Narrative Therapy

• Emotion-Focused Techniques

2. Trauma-Informed Approaches

For those who experienced a traumatic loss, our therapists may incorporate methods like EMDR or somatic therapies to address both trauma and grief together.

3. Mindfulness and Holistic Techniques

We often integrate grounding strategies, mindfulness, and wellness practices to support emotional regulation and mind-body connection.

4. Group Therapy and Peer Support

Grief groups provide a powerful opportunity to share, connect, and heal with others who understand the journey of loss.

You Don’t Have to Walk This Road Alone

Grieving is not about “getting over” a loss—it’s about learning how to live with it in a way that honors both your love and your life. If you or someone you care about may be experiencing Prolonged Grief Disorder, we’re here to help.

📞 Contact us today to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment with a licensed therapist.

Learning the Difference: Mental Health Providers

By Jade Caswell, MA, LMHC

Deciding to seek mental health support can be a huge step towards prioritizing your well-being. After making this decision, it may be confusing to understand the difference between professionals within the field of mental health, and you may not know where to begin. Here at SMC, we decided to clear things up, and provide information on the roles of different professionals. Each professional is trained to provide support and help you make the best choices for your mental health, however, they each have different roles and often work in tandem to provide the best care! Read below for more information.

1. Mental health counselor:

A mental health counselor (or 'therapist') is a trained professional who helps people cope with emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges through talk therapy. Counselors hold a master’s degree and must fulfill academic and training requirements. They may also be specialized in a particular therapeutic approach, such as CBT, DBT, EFT. Counselors do NOT prescribe medication. 

2. Psychologist:

A psychologist is a professional who studies the mind and behavior and helps people understand and manage mental health and behavioral challenges. Psychologists hold a doctoral degree and may provide talk therapy and in-depth assessments. Additionally, they often have a background in research, testing and assessment. Psychologists do NOT prescribe medication in the state of Florida.

3. Psychiatrist:

A psychiatrist is a medical Doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of mental health disorders. A psychiatrist holds a medical degree with advanced training and may prescribe medication. A psychiatrist is trained in the biological aspects of mental illness and may work closely with other members of a patient's care team, such a counselor, social worker or primary care physician.

4. Neurologist:

A neurologist is a medical Doctor who treats disorders of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord and nerves. A neurologist holds a medical degree with advanced training and may prescribe medication and interpret tests like MRI, CT, EEG etc. Neurologists do not provide talk therapy.

Each mental health professional plays an important role in aiding patient wellbeing. Here at SMC, we aim to provide holistic counseling services with a wrap-around approach, incorporating a specialized care team for improved results. Need more information? Call us today at 813-335-9794! 

Anxiety: Effective Therapy for GAD That Can Help You Reclaim Control

By Sandra I. Beekmann, MS, NCC, LCMHC

Feeling anxious from time to time is a natural part of life. But if worry and fear are a constant presence—disrupting your sleep, relationships, or ability to focus—you might be experiencing Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The good news? You don’t have to live in a constant state of tension. Effective therapy for GAD is available and can help you feel more grounded, present, and in control of your life again.

What Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

GAD is more than occasional nervousness. It’s characterized by persistent, excessive worry about a wide range of everyday issues—health, finances, work, relationships—often without a clear or logical cause. People with GAD often describe feeling "on edge," experiencing muscle tension, restlessness, fatigue, irritability, and trouble concentrating or sleeping.

Living with GAD can feel like carrying around a constant weight, but therapy can offer practical tools and real relief.

How Therapy Helps

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating GAD, but therapy offers a safe, supportive space to explore your anxiety and learn strategies to manage it. Here are some of the most effective evidence-based approaches:

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is considered the gold standard in treating GAD. It helps you identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns and replace them with more balanced, realistic thinking. Through CBT, you can learn to break the cycle of worry and develop healthier ways of responding to stress.

Key tools in CBT include:

• Thought records

• Exposure techniques

• Relaxation training

• Problem-solving skills

2. Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Mindfulness helps you shift out of anxious thinking by anchoring you in the present moment. Practices like meditation, deep breathing, and body scans can reduce physiological symptoms of anxiety and train your brain to be less reactive to stress.

Mindfulness doesn’t mean ignoring your worries—it means learning to respond to them in a calmer, more intentional way.

3. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Rather than trying to eliminate anxiety, ACT helps you change your relationship with it. Through ACT, you learn to accept anxious thoughts and feelings without letting them dictate your actions. This approach encourages you to live in alignment with your values—even when anxiety shows up.

4. Integrative and Holistic Therapies

Some individuals find additional relief through complementary approaches like yoga, nutrition counseling, breathwork, or trauma-informed body-based therapies. When used alongside traditional therapy, these tools can enhance overall emotional regulation and wellbeing.

What to Expect in Therapy for GAD

At the heart of effective therapy is a collaborative relationship. A skilled therapist will work with you to understand your unique experiences with anxiety and tailor a plan that meets your specific needs. Over time, you’ll learn how to:

• Notice early signs of anxiety before it escalates

• Respond to stress in more empowering ways

• Let go of the need for constant control

• Create space for peace, clarity, and confidence

Reclaiming Control Is Possible

Living with GAD can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, healing is not only possible—it’s within reach. Therapy can help you reconnect with your inner strength and move through life with more ease and freedom.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward a calmer, more centered you, we’re here to help.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey toward reclaiming control from anxiety.