Ayyappan Venkatraman
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19102
I am a general psychiatrist with a flexible approach to mental health that aims to combine the best of modern science and psychiatric medications (when needed) with talk therapy and spiritual healing. My aim as a clinician is to help people understand themselves better and feel more fulfilled, tailoring treatment to meet their unique history, circumstances and goals. I work with people 18 and older addressing a wide range of issues including mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, attention and learning issues, and addiction.
I am a general psychiatrist with a flexible approach to mental health that aims to combine the best of modern science and psychiatric medications (when needed) with talk therapy and spiritual healing. My aim as a clinician is to help people understand themselves better and feel more fulfilled, tailoring treatment to meet their unique history, circumstances and goals. I work with people 18 and older addressing a wide range of issues including mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, attention and learning issues, and addiction.
(215) 234-3966 View (215) 234-3966
Photo of Elena Del Busto, Psychiatrist in 19102, PA
Elena Del Busto
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19102
I am an ABPN Board certified psychiatrist and Clinical Associate at the University of Pennsylvania in the Department of Psychiatry. I have been honored as Top Doc in Philadelphia Magazine in May 2018 and Main Line Today in 2014. I offer an integrated, holistic approach to mental health treatment and believe in using psychotherapy and psychopharmacology when appropriate. I feel it is best to use evidence-based medicine and personalized treatment plans to help optimize outcomes and improve my patients' mental health.
I am an ABPN Board certified psychiatrist and Clinical Associate at the University of Pennsylvania in the Department of Psychiatry. I have been honored as Top Doc in Philadelphia Magazine in May 2018 and Main Line Today in 2014. I offer an integrated, holistic approach to mental health treatment and believe in using psychotherapy and psychopharmacology when appropriate. I feel it is best to use evidence-based medicine and personalized treatment plans to help optimize outcomes and improve my patients' mental health.
(610) 616-3633 View (610) 616-3633
Photo of Dr. Jessica Spellun, Psychiatrist in 19102, PA
Dr. Jessica Spellun
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Not accepting new clients
I specialize in working with individuals experiencing difficulties related to anxiety, depression, life stressors, relationship issues, intimacy, self-esteem issues, trauma, and grief/loss.
Life is complicated. Despite our best efforts, everyone struggles at times. I understand that making changes in your life can be overwhelming. I encourage you to gather courage, ask questions, and have hope that things can get better if you are willing to work for it. My goal is to create a safe, caring, and nonjudgmental space for clients to be heard and understood. My approach prioritizes individuality and a holistic view of emotional wellbeing. Communicating feelings in a safe environment promotes healing through expression, leads to new insights about yourself, and can help you form more meaningful connections with others.
I specialize in working with individuals experiencing difficulties related to anxiety, depression, life stressors, relationship issues, intimacy, self-esteem issues, trauma, and grief/loss.
Life is complicated. Despite our best efforts, everyone struggles at times. I understand that making changes in your life can be overwhelming. I encourage you to gather courage, ask questions, and have hope that things can get better if you are willing to work for it. My goal is to create a safe, caring, and nonjudgmental space for clients to be heard and understood. My approach prioritizes individuality and a holistic view of emotional wellbeing. Communicating feelings in a safe environment promotes healing through expression, leads to new insights about yourself, and can help you form more meaningful connections with others.
(267) 848-9216 View (267) 848-9216
Grief Psychiatrists

How long does therapy take for grief?

There is no exact timeline for grief counseling. Some people may start to feel better after just a few sessions, while others may take months or longer to feel relief. Some specific approaches, including some types of CBT, may involve a set number of sessions, or therapy may be open-ended until the patient determines they are ready to wrap up. Just as there is no right or wrong way to grieve, there is no right or wrong way to seek therapy for grief.

When should you seek therapy for grief?

Many people mistakenly believe that their grief needs to be debilitating or all-encompassing to warrant therapy. This is not the case. While people who experience severe, prolonged grief—particularly those who are considering self-harm or engaging in unhealthy substance use—are especially likely to benefit from therapy, so too are people whose grief is less intense but still interfering with well-being or daily functioning. In practice, almost anyone struggling to process a loss could benefit from grief counseling.

Can grief be managed without therapy?

Oftentimes, yes. Grief is a near-universal part of being human, and many find that their grief, while profound, does not stop them from participating in day-to-day life and steadily eases over time without outside help. For others, however, the harsh pain of early grief persists for months or years or leaves them unable to function. This group is especially likely to benefit from seeing a therapist, who can guide them through their grief and help them reconnect with the world.

What happens if grief is left untreated?

Because grief does not in itself necessitate therapy, untreated grief will often resolve on its own. However, for some people—particularly those who would qualify for a diagnosis of prolonged grief disorder—untreated grief can be a source of seemingly endless pain or lead them to withdraw from the world. In such cases, treatment can be indispensable, as it can help an individual adapt to the loss and start living again.