Howard Lunche, LCSW

Editor note: For more recommendations, see Therapists for Grief & Loss

April 2007

Re: Grief Counseling for loss of my Mother
Howard Lunche is an incredible grief counselor. He reallly helped me understand and manage my immense grief after my husband died. He also wrote a book about grief that I gave to the people around me so they could understand what was happening with me. I very highly reccomend him as a caring and compassionate therapist. his number is 841-2930 and his office is in berkeley.

July 2004

Re: Support for young mother who lost her husband
I'm so sorry for your friend's loss. My husband died suddenly last year when my daughter was 2 years old.... I would also suggest getting a good grief counselor. I used Howard Lunche (510-841-2930) and I recommend him highly.

Nov 2001

Re: Grief counselor needed for recent traumas
I don't have information about any of the names you posted, but I thought I'd recommend another therapist in case you're interested, because I found him so extremely helpful. I saw Howard Lunche (LCSW) for bereavement counseling after my brother died, and I can't say enough good things about him. He balanced his listening and talking very well, he remembered every single detail I ever told him about my brother, and he seemed to have perfect insight into how I was feeling and the development of my grief process. One last thing (and take it for what it's worth--I don't know if this describes your situation)... I noticed that all the people you listed were women... when I was looking for a grief counselor, I thought I would prefer a woman, but I decided I'd interview all 3 of the people I'd been referred to (including Howard). But even in that initial phone call, Howard was head and shoulders above the others. He's in the phone book... give him a call. Kristine

For the person requesting recommendations for grief counselors, although not on your list, I would like to recommend a therapist who helped me work through some extremely difficult issues around my father's death. His name is Howard Lunche, and he is an MSW in private practice specializing in grief. Howard worked with Hospice for many years, and he was recommended to me through my family doctor, who suggested that I take his Grief Education class. This class is held the third Saturday of each month at Alta Bates Herrick campus from 10 AM till 12 noon. If you are interested in attending, you just need to call him to let him know you would like to come. He only charges $10 for this class. He provides valuable information about what grief is all about (and it is different for everyone). He also gives out a wonderful no-nonsense booklet that he authored on the subject. To sign up for the class, call Howard at 841-2930.

I think grief is a very, very specific issue, and to be honest, I don't know how many therapists are really qualified to deal with it. My father's death and dying affected every facet of my life. My husband attended the class, and it gave him a better understanding of why I was feeling and behaving the way I was. I am forever indebted to Howard and I cannot say enough good things about him.

By the way, I was seeing another therapist while my father was dying as well as for awhile after he died. I wish I had met Howard sooner, as I am convinced it would have helped me to have a more meaningful experience. The other therapist was not equipped to help me, but what was unfortunate, is that she did not have the humanity nor the professionalism to admit this to me. I wasted precious time with my father that I can never retrieve.

I would also recommend Howard Lunche in Berkeley. He is gentle, compassionate, concerned, and really sees who you are. Leah