Therapy for Anticipatory Grief
in Seattle, Washington State, Tacoma, Everett, Bellingham, Spokane, Vancouver.
Sometimes grief begins long before a death occurs.
Watching a parent, spouse, child, or loved one decline due to illness can be heartbreaking. You may find yourself grieving while also trying to stay strong, provide care, and navigate uncertainty about what comes next.
Many people feel guilty for grieving someone who is still alive. Others feel emotionally exhausted from living in a constant state of fear, sadness, and waiting.
You don't have to carry that burden alone.
What Is Anticipatory Grief?
Anticipatory grief refers to the grief that occurs before a loss happens.
It commonly occurs when a loved one is experiencing:
Cancer
Dementia
Alzheimer's disease
Parkinson's disease
Terminal illness
Hospice care
Progressive medical conditions
People often experience grief for:
The future they expected
The relationship they once had
Their loved one's changing abilities
The eventual death they know is coming
When it comes to the grief of someone who has not yet died, people often ask:
Why am I grieving someone before they’ve died?
Will my grief be worse after this person dies?
Am I a bad person for already grieving someone in hospice?
How do I cope with seeing someone’s health decline?
Why do I feel guilty for already grieving someone before they’ve died?
How do I prepare for someone who is about to die?
How do I tell my kids that their parent or grandparent will die soon?
Grief therapy for anticipatory grief teaches you how to:
Reduce emotional overwhelm
Manage anxiety about the future
Process complicated emotions
Develop coping strategies
Maintain connection with loved ones
Prepare emotionally for future changes
Why Work With Jordan Crosby, LMFT?
I've been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for over seven years and have spent my career helping people navigate difficult emotions, major life transitions, and periods of profound change.
I believe therapy should be both compassionate and practical. My style is warm, engaging, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based treatment. I enjoy helping people better understand themselves, strengthen their relationships, build emotional resilience, and create meaningful futures.
In addition to my work as a therapist, I am a Certified Career Coach and previously worked in higher education. For more than a decade, I have helped individuals navigate transitions involving identity, purpose, education, work, relationships, and personal growth.
I am committed to providing affirming, inclusive care for people of all genders, sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, religions, abilities, and backgrounds.
Schedule a Free Consultation
You don't have to carry this alone.
If you're looking for grief therapy in Seattle or anywhere in Washington State, I'd be honored to learn more about your story and discuss how therapy may help.