Michelle Bourgerie, AMFT

Compassionate Grief Therapy at our Carlsbad Office
You’re heartbroken and devastated by the loss of your loved one. Every corner of your life seems to hold a memory of them, from the familiar places you used to visit together, to what seems like the most mundane moments of daily life that now highlight your loved one’s absence. It feels impossible to focus, keep track of your day, or even remember simple things like where you placed your keys or how to make coffee. Your friends and acquaintances mean well, but their words often fall short, leaving you feeling isolated, misunderstood, and unsure how to move forward. In fact, moving forward doesn’t even seem possible.

Grief is so personal, and healing doesn’t follow a one-size-fits-all timeline. As a therapist with specialized experience in grief counseling, including experience supporting individuals and families through hospice care, I know how to help you process loss at your own pace. I also provide structure and direction, so that your grief feels less ambiguous and disorienting. Together, we’ll explore the complicated emotions you’re feeling—sadness, confusion, anger, and even guilt. With me, you’ll learn how to deal with sadness when you see a photo of your loved one, hear their favorite song, or smell something that reminds you of them. We’ll talk about what to do when your mind replays your last conversation with them or the nagging questions about their life or death. We’ll anticipate milestone dates so that you can put support in place to make things easier on yourself.

I’ll help you navigate difficult moments, including the ones that catch you by surprise. Through our sessions, you’ll start to get out from under the all-too heavy weighted blanket of grief. You’ll carry forward memories of your loved one in a way that brings comfort. You’ll begin to accept your loved one’s passing, talk about memories you have with them without breaking down, and learn to exist in the world without them in a way that is fulfilling to you. Grief may never fully leave, but it is possible to honor and remember your loved one and experience joy again.

I also offer support for life transitions, burnout, individual relationship difficulties, and couples. My clinical education and training, combined with 20 years of experience in Human Resources supporting leaders, helps me understand how difficult it can be to manage the pressures of life and a high stress career or circumstances and equip me to support and guide you to achieve your goals for therapy.

Education & Training:

MA in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy

Elizabeth Hospice - Clinical Counseling Internship