A bouquet of red roses. This image reflects beauty and a way to remember a mother who you've lost. If you are grieving during Mother’s Day, you may benefit from seeing a grief therapist in New York.

Author: Natalie Greenberg, LCSW

Every year in May, Mother's Day reminders are everywhere you turn. For many people, this is a beautiful celebration of the strong mothers who brought us into this world and a day to honor them with flowers, brunch and love. However, for those who have lost their mothers, those who long to become mothers, or those with complicated relationships with their mothers, this day can be a painful reminder. If you find yourself dreading Mother’s Day, you are not alone.

Personally, this was a day I avoided for many years after losing my mother. The advertisements for brunch and the flood of promotional emails for Mother’s Day sales felt inescapable. Social media was filled with posts that often felt performative—a showcase of love that sometimes seemed more about appearance than genuine sentiment. Once I met my husband, I chose to celebrate my mother-in-law instead, finding comfort in honoring her. However, after losing both my mother and mother-in-law, and now becoming a mother myself, my relationship with this holiday has evolved tremendously.

Last year, as I celebrated my first Mother’s Day as a new mother, I wanted the day to take on a new meaning. I longed to feel celebrated while also honoring the grief I carried. I attended a yoga class alone in the morning, allowing myself space to reflect, and later had dinner with family who helped me feel seen and cherished. While I still noticed the commercialism and societal expectations surrounding the holiday, I sought to balance that awareness with a sense of personal meaning.

If Mother's Day is a challenging time for you, consider these gentle ways to take care of yourself:

1. Avoid Social Media

Although it may feel like this day is inescapable, remember that you are not alone in your experience. Many others are grieving, longing, or navigating complex emotions. Social media tends to highlight only the positive aspects of people’s lives, often amplifying feelings of isolation for those who are struggling. If scrolling through posts filled with seemingly perfect family moments feels painful, give yourself permission to take a break. True love and remembrance happen off-screen.

2. Make Alternative Plans

Since Mother’s Day is traditionally associated with restaurant outings and family gatherings, consider planning something different that aligns with your emotional needs. Whether it’s a quiet day at home, a hike in nature or engaging in a hobby that brings you comfort, choose an activity that feels right for you. There is no obligation to participate in traditional celebrations if they don’t serve your well-being.

3. Find a New Way to Honor Your Mother

A black background with 3 candles burning in the foreground. This image reflects a way to honor your mother on Mother's Day. If you've lost your mother, you may benefit from meeting with a grief therapist in New York.

Instead of focusing on the absence, consider creating a meaningful way to remember and celebrate your mother. Just as you might on her birthday or the anniversary of her passing, you can honor her in ways that feel personal. Some ideas include:

Cooking her favorite meal or dining at her favorite restaurant.
Lighting a candle in her memory.
Listening to her favorite music or watching a movie she loved.
Visiting her gravesite or a place that held special meaning for both of you.
Writing her a letter, expressing what you miss and what you wish you could share with her today.

4. Connect with Others

Grief can feel isolating, but sharing your emotions with others who understand can provide comfort. Reach out to close family members or friends who also feel the absence of your mother. If it helps, consider joining a support group or connecting with a therapist who specializes in grief. Sometimes, simply speaking your feelings aloud can lighten the burden you carry.

When grief feels especially heavy or complicated, specialized grief counseling can offer a safe, supportive space to process your emotions and find healthy ways to cope.

5. Allow the Meaning of the Day to Shift Over Time

Your relationship with Mother’s Day may change as your life evolves. If you become a parent, the holiday may take on new meaning. If you find new ways to remember and honor your mother, the pain may soften in different ways. Allow yourself the grace to experience the day however it feels right, without guilt or pressure to adhere to societal expectations.

Grief is a deeply personal journey, and there is no "right" way to navigate a day like Mother’s Day. What matters most is finding a way to acknowledge your emotions, honor your loved one in a way that feels meaningful to you, and practice self-compassion. Whether you choose to reflect in solitude, celebrate in your own way, or simply let the day pass quietly, know that your grief and love are valid. If you find that your grief feels overwhelming or especially tender this time of year, grief therapy can be a valuable tool to help you process and heal.

No matter where you are in your journey, be gentle with yourself. Your mother’s love remains with you, in memories, in the lessons she taught you, and in the ways you continue to carry her forward in your heart.

Explore Grief Counseling in NYC

Two women holding both hands together. This image reflects support during times of grief. If you are facing grief during Mother’s Day, you may benefit from scheduling with a grief therapist in New York.

Grieving the loss of your mother on Mother’s Day can bring a wave of emotions that are hard to hold alone. While the world celebrates, you may be feeling a mix of sadness, longing, and disconnection. As a grief therapist in NYC, I offer a space to honor your loss, explore your emotions, and find steady ground, especially during tender times like this.

You don’t have to move through this alone. If you’re ready for support, here’s how to begin:

Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to talk about what you're carrying and how grief counseling can help.
Book your first grief therapy session and start creating space to process and honor your relationship with your mother.
Feel supported as you navigate grief—on holidays, at work, and in everyday life—with care and compassion.

About the Author: A Grief Therapist in New York City

Natalie Greenberg, LCSW, is a compassionate grief therapist based in New York City who helps young adults work through the challenges of loss. Her path into this work was shaped by her own experience losing her mother to suicide at age 23. Through therapy and support groups, Natalie found the support she needed, and now she is committed to offering that same care to others on their grief journeys.

She earned her Master’s in Social Work from New York University and completed a post-master’s certificate in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. With over a decade of clinical experience, including work in Bellevue Hospital’s Psychiatric Emergency Room, leadership roles at Mount Sinai Hospital, and service at NYU’s Student Health Center, Natalie brings a rich blend of knowledge, warmth, and practical support to her clients. She currently provides virtual therapy throughout New York, making grief support more accessible to those who need it.

How Do You Honor a Mother You’ve Lost? A Grief Therapist in New York Shares Gentle Ways to Remember