Grief and Loss Counselling in Kanata, ON.

Grief can be debilitating. It is one of those things that leaves us feeling out of control. Out of touch with ourselves and others, and even paralyzed. These feelings that we experience because of grief often push us to AVOID our grief. This is problematic in itself, however, as it only generates further emotional distress over time. Instead, finding comfortable and trustworthy support through the grieving process is a productive and healthy way to not only process the pain, but slowly find comfort and new ways of being and accepting.

Grief is varies in the ways it shows up for different people, and the different reasons why it shows up. Together, we can explore both death and/or non-death losses (job loss, relationship loss, loss of access to things that are important etc.) My approach aims to help you explore the pain from the absence/loss and make meaning of what's left. I use an integrative approach that draws from narrative therapy, schema therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy.

Are you struggling with the weight of grief and loss? You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. I’m Simona Ilieva, a Registered Psychotherapist, specializing in grief and loss therapy. Whether you’re mourning the loss of a loved one or experiencing another profound life change, I’m here to help you process your emotions, find meaning, and begin the healing process. Together, we’ll work through the pain and guide you toward a place of peace and acceptance. Grief is deeply personal, but with the right support, healing is possible. Let’s take this step toward healing together. Book a free consultation today.

Grief and loss are complex emotions that at times can feel as though one is on an emotional rollercoaster. It can result in being angry, sad, resentful, relieved, and tired. An important aspect of grief is social support and self-care. Through counselling, it becomes about not getting rid of the emotion of grief and loss but rather living with them and accepting what life now looks like with friend.

Grief and loss can feel overwhelming. It is often not just the loss of what has happened, but also the loss of an envisioned future that needs to be grieved. I have worked with many clients grieving the loss of family members, relationships or their own physical abilities. My experience has made me adept at being able to help you by sitting with you in your grief and slowly helping you process it, so you can reintegrate your loss into your life in a more manageable way. Call today and book a free consultation.

I utilize the model adapted from John. W. James and Russell Friedman. It is an 8 stage model to assist with creating a loss history graph, choosing a loss you wish to focus on, and identifying significant emotional statements, forgiveness and amendments statements. This culminates into the creation of a letter to express in a meaningful way. Addressing acute grief bursts in the future is one of the final steps.

Grief, loss, and bereavement, whether it is the passing of a loved one, the end of a career, or the falling-apart of a relationship are all similar: we are losing or have lost an important part of our lives. Understanding the emotions, feelings, and behaviours we have when we experience grief and bereavement is part of helping us accept what has occurred, why we feel the way that we are feeling, and what is next for us. In working with clients on grief, loss, and bereavement it is important to understand that the way we process these experiences is unique to each person, and the pillar of respect is paramount.

Grief can be deeply disorienting, changing how you see yourself and the world around you. My approach focuses on creating space for understanding and integrating your loss, rather than trying to “move on.” Together, we’ll make sense of the shifts that come with grief, explore what this loss means for you, and begin rebuilding a sense of stability, connection, and meaning as you move forward in your own way.

Grief is a heavy, deeply physical experience that can leave you feeling completely disoriented, weighed down, and unsure of your footing. In our sessions, we move far beyond just talking about your thoughts. Instead, I hold a warm, unhurried space for the actual physical ache of your loss. Whether you are mourning the passing of a loved one, navigating a major life transition, or processing the painful ending of a relationship, we will work entirely at your own pace. Together, we blend gentle Western therapies with Eastern mindfulness practices to honor what was lost, soothe the raw pain left in your body, and help you safely find your grounding and sense of belonging again.

Losing a loved one is one of the most painful experiences we can have in life. There is grief at the loss when it happens, and also anticipatory grief, which starts the minute one learns about a change that will lead to the likelihood of loss. Loss and related grieving can also happen with respect to a change in your role, relationships, a job, or the way that you were living your life. I operate on the approach that you need a compassionate witness and an emotionally safe space to express, process and honour your feelings, and what or who you hold dear, on this sacred, deeper journey towards acceptance.

Grief isn’t something to “get over”—it’s something we learn to carry, and my approach honours the pace and shape of your experience. I see grief as a natural response to losing someone or something that mattered, and I help you understand how your nervous system is trying to protect you through waves of emotion, numbness, or overwhelm. Together, we create space for your story without rushing, exploring what feels too heavy to hold alone and what may need grounding or gentle witnessing. Whether your loss is recent or long‑ago, clear or complicated, we move at a pace that feels safe, helping you stay connected to yourself while making room for meaning, memory, and a sense of steadiness again.

It's easy to feel stuck, feeling too little, feeling too much. We can work together through your grief, no matter how complex to find a way to move forward. I've seen loss, it's never easy, and there isn't a lot of room to talk through some of the darker sides of it with friends and family. So many of us don't want to be a burden or are ashamed of our own feelings.

Grieving and Loss are life and living issues that are part of the normal challenges we face in our lifetime. The often irrational and overwhelming thoughts, feelings and behaviors associated with them can sometimes frighten and even paralyze us when they occur. In a supportive and empathic environment I help people demystify and understand these challenges and events so they can cope again.

I offer a gentle and compassionate space for individuals navigating grief and loss. Whether you are mourning the death of a loved one, the end of a significant relationship, or any other profound loss, I support you in processing your emotions at your own pace. Using a mindful and integrative approach that includes Inner Child work and relational therapy, I help clients honour their grief while gradually finding renewed meaning, strength, and hope for the future.

Whether you're grieving a loved one, a role, or a version of yourself, grief changes you—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Loss can leave us feeling torn between memories, guilt, relief, or even numbness. With empathy shaped by many years of accompanying individuals and families through change, I offer a nurturing, non-judgmental space to honour every part of your experience. My goal is to help you find meaning in the midst of sorrow, cultivate resilience, and rediscover moments of peace, gently untangling emotions with practical tools from CBT, ACT, and mindfulness. Together, we make space for what was, tend gently to what is, and build meaning for what comes next.

In the depths of grief, finding solace can feel like an impossible journey. You're not alone, and your pain is valid. I'm here to provide a compassionate and understanding space where you can navigate your own path to healing. No judgment, no expectations—just support tailored to your needs. Together, we'll honor your journey and explore ways to find peace amidst the pain. Reach out today to start your healing process. Your first consultation is free, and I'm here to support you.

As loss may be best described as the absence of something valuable, grief is the reaction to this absence. It permeates every area of our lives. The way we experience grief is personal and changes as we adapt to the loss. Feelings of guilt, disbelief, anger, yearning, and sorrow are often present. Going through the stages of grief is difficult. Together, we will explore the healing journey ensuring you are self-companionate while honouring the one’s you have lost and to explore and understand your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that are integrated into your bereavement process. Schedule a free consultation to see if we are a good fit.

Losing someone that you love can be totally life altering. It is a uniquely painful experience that brings so many emotions, and yet at times, can leave you feeling totally empty and numb on the inside. I understand that grief can be very messy and that it looks different for every person. My desire is to support you and help you journey through your loss in a way that fits for you. I will also seek to gently guide you through the necessary steps of grief in order for you to experience relief, peace and emotional well being. There's a quote, I'm not sure who said it but it applies well, "I will help you keep on living until you feel alive again!"

The people who have touched our lives, family members, and special friends (pets) we love are important to us. When anything risks those we love, we also feel distressed. Our deep connection to them means we experience this incredible emptiness when they die. Though we know that death is normal, natural, and inevitable, this knowledge does not eliminate the emotional pain of our loss. Through my losses and the losses of others, I have learned that life is over, but it is never finished. If you are experiencing a recent loss of a family member, friend, or special friend, I am available to journey with you through this loss. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit.

Being alive means experiencing inevitable loss, which is normally followed by grief and recovery. The loss can be the loss of a person, image, ideal, or even a hope. However, the grief and recovery can sometimes be complicated. Every person follows a unique pattern of grief processing. The key for a healthy recovery lies in understanding this pattern in a supported environment. The therapy is about helping the client to get to this insight. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit.

Whether through a death or a break up, loss and the grieving process is extremely difficult. I’m sure you’ve heard of the stages of grieving (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance). But, they don’t always go in that order, and they often jump around in your time line. Your grieving process has no time limits, and every journey is unique. I will walk with you through that, at your pace. No matter which stage of grieving you’re in, reach out to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit.

Helping clients go through the stages of grief and loss by validating their experience and educating them on what these stages consist of and strategies to help them cope with the variety of emotions that they will be processing through this difficult time. Also helping clients recognize that grief and loss are a part of any type of loss that we may encounter, whether it be the loss of a relationship, loss of a job, loss of a loved one, etc.

Grief is a complex experience that may be accompanied by a diversity of difficult emotions that are challenging to work around. However, you are not alone. Each of us have a unique relationship with grief, and I am here to support you in discovering what that relationship looks like for you. You don’t have to know where to start or where you are going in your pathway to healing. There is no correct way to grieve. Contact me to book a free consultation to see if we would be a good fit.

Clients experiencing grief and loss can often benefit from a supportive therapeutic process. It can allow a space to explore feelings without having to take care of anyone else-it is just for them. Clients can also explore blocks or complications to grieving that might be contributing to their struggle, for instance older traumas, difficulty with feeling or expressing their emotions.

My approach to grief and loss is rooted in empathy and understanding. I provide a supportive space for you to process your feelings and navigate the complex journey of healing. If you're seeking support during this challenging time, I invite you to reach out and book a free consultation. Together, we'll honor your experiences and find ways to move forward. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit.