TREATMENT FOR GRIEF

Complicated Grief

If you are grieving, it means you have lost something that was deeply connected to who you are. Grief comes in many forms. You might grieve the loss of a loved one, but you may also grieve the loss of a place, a job, a role, or even a sense of identity. Loss disrupts the way we see ourselves and our world. It can shake the ground beneath us and leave us questioning who we are.

Most people only know that grief hurts. Some may think of the “five stages of grief” as the map of the process. While stages can be part of the story, grief is far more complex than that. There is what we might call “normal grief,” meaning the natural pain and sadness we expect after a loss. Then there is complicated grief, which is when the process of grieving becomes stuck, prolonged, or overwhelming.

MEET OUR TEAM

At Hightide Mental Health, we are your trusted partner in Orange County for comprehensive mental health treatment. Our team, composed of seasoned behavioral health professionals, brings years of experience and a wealth of knowledge to our practice. We are dedicated to delivering ethical, innovative, and top-notch care. Our mission is to transform lives by addressing a wide range of mental health challenges. As one of the leading mental health facilities in California, we are committed to fostering personal development and promoting healthier, happier lives. Our well-seasoned staff's expertise in the field of mental health, combined with our unwavering commitment to our clients, makes us a preferred choice for mental health treatment in Orange County.

What Is Complicated Grief?

Complicated grief, sometimes called prolonged grief disorder, goes beyond the expected grieving process. It may last much longer, feel more intense, or interfere with everyday life in ways that make healing difficult. Signs include persistent longing for the lost person or thing, difficulty accepting the loss, intense emotional pain that does not lessen over time, or avoidance of reminders of the loss. Complicated grief can make it feel impossible to move forward, even months or years after the loss.

Grief vs Depression (and Grief vs Trauma)

Grief and depression are different, though they may look alike from the outside. Depression often includes feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and loss of pleasure in all areas of life. Grief, even when painful, still allows moments of positive emotion—memories that bring warmth, or small glimpses of connection. Complicated grief, however, can blur this line, looking very similar to depression.

Grief can also overlap with trauma. Losing someone suddenly or in a traumatic way can create symptoms of post-traumatic stress alongside grief. At HighTide Mental Health, we are certified trauma providers, which means we can recognize when grief is traumatic and treat it with the appropriate evidence-based methods.

How to Identify if Someone May Be Experiencing Complicated Grief

People experiencing complicated grief often show patterns in what they say and how they act. They may repeatedly talk about the loss as if it happened yesterday, even when it has been months or longer. They may isolate themselves, stop participating in daily activities, or avoid people and places that remind them of their loss. Their body language may seem heavy: shoulders hunched, eyes down, or appearing disconnected from their surroundings.

You might hear them say things like:

“I’ll never feel okay again.”
“I can’t move on without them.”
“Everything ended when I lost this.”

These statements reveal how grief has become overwhelming, shifting from a painful process into a condition that needs care and support.

Treatment for Complicated Grief

At HighTide Mental Health, all of our clinicians are trained in Complicated Grief Therapy (CGT), a specialized treatment developed specifically for this condition. CGT combines elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, attachment theory, and trauma work to help clients process their grief and re-engage in life. Our dual expertise in trauma treatment and personality disorder treatment allows us to address complicated grief with nuance and precision.

A Small Practice to Help with Grief`

If you are experiencing complicated grief, one small step you can take is to create a “continuing bond” ritual. This might mean setting aside five minutes a day to write a short letter to the person or role you’ve lost, or lighting a candle while remembering a positive moment. These practices can help shift the grief from being something that controls you into something you can honor while also moving forward.

CHIEF CLINICAL OFFICER

Dr. Courtney Tracy, LCSW, PsyD, CCTP, C-PD, C-DBT

_{Courtney specializes in the clinical treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder and co-occurring mental health issues. She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and a Certified Personality Disorder Treatment Provider, with a forthcoming certification in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Holding a CA-state license as a Clinical Social Worker and currently registered as a Psychological Associate, Courtney brings 12 years of dedicated experience to her practice. Her entire career has been devoted to helping individuals struggling with co-occurring mental health problems, demonstrating her commitment to this field.}

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Anthony Fletcher

Anthony is our dynamic CEO at Hightide Mental Health. With a background in clinical studies and a decade of experience working with both adults and adolescents in the mental health industry, Anthony brings a unique perspective to our team. His personal journey with ADHD and trauma has fueled a deep-seated drive to help others. Over the years, Anthony has dedicated his time to developing innovative programs designed to support those struggling with mental health. His commitment extends beyond our organization, as he is a respected figure in Orange County's mental health community. From motivational speaking to participating in local mental health awareness events, Anthony's influence is far-reaching. At Hightide Mental Health, Anthony's vision is to empower individuals to overcome their struggles and embrace their full potential.

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

Jessica Flores, BA, CATC III

Meet Jessica, our Chief Operating Officer at Hightide Mental Health. With a decade of experience in the mental health field, Jessica brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team. She holds a BA in Community Advocacy and Social Policy and is a certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor. But what truly sets Jessica apart is her personal journey. As someone who has successfully navigated her own recovery from substance abuse and mental health challenges, she understands firsthand the struggles our clients face. This personal experience fuels her passion for giving back and helping others on their journey to wellness. At Hightide Mental Health, Jessica is committed to creating a supportive environment where individuals can grow, heal, and thrive.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Amber Shaw, SUDRC

Meet Amber, our dedicated Program Director at Hightide Mental Health. Amber holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and is a certified Substance Use Recovery Coach. She is on the cusp of completing her CDAC III certification, further solidifying her commitment to the field. With seven years of experience in the substance abuse and mental health field, Amber brings a deep level of care and empathy to our team. Her decision to work in this field was very personal. After receiving compassionate and understanding treatment during her own recovery journey, she felt a calling to provide the same level of care to others.

Kat Day, ACSW

Kat is a dedicated and experienced Associate Clinical Social Worker, licensed in the state of California. They are currently on a journey towards becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, while also pursuing certification in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). With a rich experience of six years, Kat has provided their expertise in various psychiatric settings and treatment centers. Their focus is on supporting individuals grappling with co-occurring mental health disorders. Kats commitment to their profession is evident in their continuous pursuit of knowledge and skills to better serve their clients.

GROUP FACILITATOR

Steven Shaw

Meet Steven! With seven years of experience in the industry, Steven brings a wealth of knowledge, empathy, and positivity to our team. His approach to group facilitation prioritizes love and connection, creating an environment where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued. Steven believes that people thrive when they are able to connect authentically with others, and he is committed to fostering these connections in his group sessions. His positive influence has been instrumental in shaping the experiences of our clients, guiding them towards the light in their lives and helping them focus on positivity.