Grief and Loss Counselling in St Catharines, ON.

Holding onto grief and loss alone can feel very lonely, exhausting and can feel like a rollercoaster at times. I create a space where together we be with any feelings that you may have, listen as long as these feelings needs and provide support with whatever step in the grieving process you are in. Grieving takes times and we will hold that space as long as it needs.

My approach to grief examines how we can come to a place of acceptance without the secondary grief we often experience when we feel forced to 'let go'. I'm interested in how we can honour the loss, allowing it to move forward with you, building a new relationship between the past and present. In my work with you we will explore your unique experience of grief.

In my practice, I offer compassionate support to individuals navigating the complex and often overwhelming emotions associated with grief and loss. Grief is a universal experience, yet it is uniquely personal. Whether someone is mourning the loss of a loved one, facing the end of a relationship, or coping with a significant life change, the journey through grief can be challenging. My approach is rooted in creating a safe and empathetic space for clients to express their emotions, memories, and concerns without judgment. Through a combination of grief-focused counseling, narrative therapy, and mindfulness techniques, I work collaboratively with clients to honor their unique grieving process.

Everyone experiences grief and loss differently. And everyone, at some point or another experiences the loss of an important person, animal, place or thing in their life. If you have come to a decision where you feel you are ready to express the feelings and thoughts that you have been going through, I am here to listen. My goal is to guide you through your unique process so that the pain is no longer unbearable. I wish to help you understand your relationship to the person, animal, job, etc. that you lost and work through any feelings that may be inhibiting your overall health and well-being.

In my approach to grief and loss therapy, I provide a compassionate and empathetic space where clients can explore and process their feelings of loss in a supportive environment. By utilizing a combination of narrative therapy, mindfulness techniques, and grief-specific interventions, I work collaboratively with clients to navigate the complex emotions and challenges associated with their grief journey. Through this process, clients gain insight into their grief reactions, develop coping strategies, and find meaning and healing amidst their loss. By honoring their unique experiences and fostering a sense of connection, clients can gradually integrate their loss into their lives, find hope for the future, and ultimately experience a renewed sense of purpose and resilience.

Most people will go through a period of loss in their lives. A response to any kind of loss is grief. Grieving over the loss of a loved one is known as bereavement. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Some people are highly emotional and delve deeply into their emotions, while others are resistant and could look for ways to divert their attention from an unchangeable aspect of life. Each person has unique needs when coping with loss. Grief and loss counselling can help you to manage your emotions and help you heal.

Grief affects individuals at all levels, physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. The circumstances behind grief can profoundly affect one’s life. Everyone has unique ways of coping with grief and loss. Mastora recognizes this and tailors specific strategies and techniques to suit a person’s unique circumstances. She aides the individual through normal grief to healthy resolutions and helps them move forward in their journey.

With Gestalt therapy the five tasks of mourning, are supported: (1) To accept the reality of the loss, (2) To experience the pain of grief, (3) To adjust to the environment in which the deceased is missing, (4) To withdraw (some) emotional energy and reinvest it in another relationship, and (5) To find a place for and maintain a continuing bond with what we lose, however not in any specific order. A gestalt therapist supports the bereaved with an emphasis on a "loving authentic presence and communication that allows expression of EACH other’s personhood" so that feelings are honored and explored at the clients own pace. The here and now is emphasized and that is what leads to support/change

We all grieve differently; there is no right or wrong way to grieve. It is a uniquely personal experience. My therapeutic approach is to meet my clients where they are and address their current needs. That may be sitting in a safe space and expressing your emotions, talking about how life will be different after the loss or focusing on self-care. I will provide guidance, validation, and support but this journey is yours so I will check in with you regularly to ensure that your needs are being met. Please contact me if you would like to book a free consultation.

Grief and loss are universal experiences for all people and they are perhaps some of the most painful events experienced. So painful, in fact, that many people try to avoid the feelings at all costs. I believe that the only way to learn to live with grief is to be willing to experience the feelings and I provide a safe and supported relationship in which to work through these feelings.

At 3 Chords, we believe that there is no right way to grieve but that it must be an individual approach for each client. We believe that grief and loss extends much further than just the loss of human or pet in our lives. We do not push time limits for "moving on" but rather work with our clients to process through the emotions that they are facing and look for positive ways to re-engage in their lives to move forward.