Grief Counseling for Clients in the Legal System
Supporting emotional stability, clarity, and resilience
Clients involved in the criminal justice or family court systems often carry deep grief and trauma. Loss of liberty, relationships, identity, and community can lead to emotional overwhelm that affects their ability to engage effectively in their legal process.
Grief counseling offers a confidential, structured space to process emotions, regain stability, and support clear, constructive decision-making.
Purpose:
- Not legal advice
- Focus on emotional regulation, grounding, and resilience
- Supports clients in functioning more effectively within the legal process
Focus Areas:
Trauma-informed, evidence-based grief support addressing:
- Emotional stabilization under high stress
- Shame, stigma, and loss of identity
- Moral injury and complex guilt
- Adjustment to incarceration or supervision
Why It Matters in Legal Practice
Unaddressed grief can impair judgment, increase reactivity, and disrupt communication with counsel. Supportive intervention enhances stability, credibility, and client engagement.
Key Benefits
- Improved emotional regulation: Calmer, more grounded courtroom presence
- Better decision-making: Clearer understanding of plea options and legal strategies.
- Genuine remorse & insight: Helps process guilt, shame, and accountability.
- Stronger lawyer–client collaboration: More consistent communication and cooperation.
- Reduced Family Stress: Support for loved ones impacted by the case.
Professional Boundaries & Collaboration
Sessions are confidential and separate from legal strategy.
Focus is emotional well-being only.
With client consent, limited updates can be provided to counsel (e.g. improved stability and engagement).
Demonstrates commitment to rehabilitation, helpful in mitigation and sentencing.
Grief counseling helps clients manage the emotional weight of legal proceedings, supporting clearer thinking, responsible choices, and stronger courtroom presence. This ultimately strengthens both the client’s resilience and the overall defense process.
Services & Associated Fees
First Steps:
The first step is to get to know one another. I offer new clients a complimentary 30-minute phone consultation. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions, express concerns and wishes, and for me to understand your unique situation and needs. We can discuss and determine how I can best support you. I will follow up after our initial conversation within a few days.
Fees:
I offer session packages to support continuity of care: 5 sessions for $500, 8 sessions for $730, or 10 sessions for $870. Session packages are prepaid and intended to support consistency and continuity of care. Packages may be used at a flexible pace unless otherwise specified. Fees are due prior to the first scheduled session.
Please note that services are therapeutic in nature and not intended for forensic evaluation, legal testimony, or court-mandated assessments.
Payments & Cancellations:
Fees are due at the start of our services, and can be paid via e-transfer or cash before we begin working together. Clients will receive receipts for all services provided.
I kindly request 48 hours notice for cancellations. If less than 48 hours notice is given, clients will be charged the full fee, except in emergencies.
Who I Work With:
I work with individuals from all walks of life who are experiencing grief, loss, and major life transitions. This includes people impacted by death, family separation, divorce, custody issues, and other forms of complex or traumatic loss. I also support individuals involved in the justice system, as well as their families, in navigating grief related to criminal or family court matters.
Where I Work:
I meet people where they feel safest and most comfortable. Sessions may take place remotely, in an office setting, or in an agreed-upon public space. My goal is to create a supportive environment that respects each individual’s needs and circumstances.
