Grief and Loss Counselling in St Jacobs, ON.

Loss in life is inevitable. However, that doesn't make it less painful. And, while grief is a result of loss due to death, there are many kinds of loss including job loss, relationship loss, health loss; the list goes on and on. Whatever the cause, it can be painfill and if not properly grieved and mourned it can be become 'unresolved grief. Sherry provides a safe place to process the grief and becomes a companion to her client as they do so, whatever it may be.

In my practice you will find a safe place to talk about and work through pain, and the feelings of sadness, confusion, guilt, shame and anger that often accompany the experience of grief and loss. Moving through grief and loss is your personal journey that takes time and is experienced uniquely from your own perspective. I provide therapy, counselling and and support for people who have lost a loved one such as a family member, friend or colleague whether through death or the ending of a relationship, those who have lost an important pet or animal companion or people who have experienced a loss that includes a loss of a job or personal identity.

Loss has many faces, coming from many different places. Even small losses can add up and sneak up on us, leaving us empty. While loss is a common part of life, we are not always given the tools or the opportunity to do the emotional work to complete the natural process of grief so we can be free to move on. In our work together, we will explore what is keeping you stuck, and identify the resources you need to move on, while honoring your loss. I can be your companion and share many tools with you on this often lonely journey. As a certified EMDR therapist, I can also help you more easily navigate the hardest parts of the journey using the resources of your own mind.

Grief can occur in many shapes and forms. Perhaps you have just experienced the loss of a loved one, the ending of an important relationship, or a change in the life you had once envisioned for yourself. You may be experiencing sadness, anger, confusion, happiness, or it may be too early to know exactly just how you feel. Identifying and processing these emotions can be a helpful first step in navigating this loss and beginning your healing journey. Connect with me today for a free consultation today to see if we are a good fit.

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.

When we lose someone we love, our relationship with them doesn’t need to end. Your loved one is still very much a part of life. Grief counselling can give you a safe place to talk about your loved one, any regrets you are holding on to and resolve any guilt you may be feeling. Grief counseling can help you with “stuck points” and help you oscillate between sorrow and function.

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

Grief can feel overwhelming and confusing and it can be hard to know how to cope with these emotions and our sense of loss. In times like these it can be so helpful to have a person come alongside and walk this journey with you. In my work with individuals who have experienced grief, I support each person to discover their own unique path to healing from grief. Book a free consultation to explore if we are a good fit.

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.

Life's journey can be quite challenging. Our close relationships are truly precious to us. When they come to an end, particularly on short notice or without any warning, it can be an incredibly painful experience. Grief can manifest in various forms, whether it be the loss of a loved one, a missed opportunity, or perhaps a significant change in our everyday life. Often in grief, there are things that are left unsaid. In our sessions I will create a non-judgmental and compassionate space for you to process your pain in a meaningful way. Remember, you don't have to face this alone.

Losing someone close to us can be among the most painful of life experiences. An example of one of my approaches to working with grieving clients involves learning how to live with the pain and loss along with finding ways to honor the life and memory of the bereaved. However, grief is a largely personal process, with many different types of loss that each require their own unique approach and attentiveness depending on what feels best for clients during this most vulnerable time. Contact me to book a free consultation.

Grief can occur in many ways. Fundamentally it is a loss of something or someone important to our lives. The loss leaves a void behind. Moving through grief and healing from it is a process that occurs over time. Sometimes it helps to go through this with someone beside you. If you feel the need for a companion on this journey who may have some ideas that could help your grief process, please reach out.

Disruption and change (personal or professional, expected or unexpected) can cause considerable psychological and emotional pain for many. Being able to successfully adapt to or handle change is a big part of life. Many us struggle with change because it creates a sense of loss. Many men going through life changes do not allow themselves the opportunity to feel emotions like sadness or grief - a natural part of processing change and loss. I help men to better cope with life's disruptions, increase their ability to process change and strengthen their resilience so they can successfully adapt to life's challenges and find happiness and joy again.

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 can be described as a roller coaster ride. When we are giving we experience so many emotions such as sadness, depression, anger, confusion and more. Working through grief is hard work and it's important to be reminded that this is normal. Helpful coping strategies and identifying self care strategies is a focus of grief therapy I do.

Coping with loss and adjusting to life without a loved one is overwhelming. It is unsettling and painful to watch the world keep turning when it feels like yours has stopped. Adequate emotional support is critical during these times. Therapy will not only provide appropriate coping skills but also offer a safe space to feel and process your loss. Reach out for a free consultation; we can talk and see if I am the right fit to walk with you through this adjustment.

There is a natural process of grieving but sometimes, for various reasons we become 'stuck' and lost in the midst of the grief and losses we have experienced. Grief and loss occur not just when we have lost someone through death. There are so many losses: the loss of a marriage, the loss of a deep friendship, the loss of a job or even the loss of a long held dream or hope among so many others. It is possible to find hope and way to move forward in the midst of these losses. I will walk alongside you and help you to find new ways to move forward.

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.

I believe there are many forms of grief and loss. We may be grieving the loss of a loved one, our dream of what home is, grief of the pain of the planet, ecosystems and species, loss of an inner sense of balance. One activity I love to share with people who are grieving is to be present with a river. I invite them to pay attention as the water flows downstream and to tune into what they are letting go of. Then I invite them to notice how there is water flowing toward them and ask what newness might be emerging within? Often people are surprised to discover that our loss is creating space for something new to arise.

Your experiences of grief and loss are unique. Therapy can provide a safe space to learn about grief and what to expect during this process. It may be helpful to explore some of the emotions you are experiencing, while understanding how to stay connected to others and develop a new relationship to and understanding of the loss you have endured. Book a free consultation to explore if we are a good fit.

Grief can be experienced through a variety of losses, including losing a loved one through death or divorce, an unexpected job loss, changes in living conditions, loss of independence due to injury or physical health. Loss can trigger a range of emotional reactions, unique to each individual. I will work with you through care and compassion to sort through those feelings and work together to understand the stages of grief and how to cope.

Grief is the natural reaction to loss whether it is the death a loved one, or through divorce, or the ending of friendship, or through job loss, loss related to theft, or even loss of independence through disability. The emotions that come with grief can be intense and sometimes overwhelming. Counselling can help when the feelings of grief are too intense, or seem to last for too long and begin to impair your ability to function in daily life. If you are struggling to move on after a loss, please reach out for support.

When I was 14 I experienced my first death. My grandpa was my favorite person in the world at the time. He used to sit beside me and play with my earlobe while we would talk about our day. I couldn't make sense of all the emotional issues that it brought. I have also experienced loss in my life that doesn't involve death, yet profoundly affected my life in negative and confusing ways. Grief & Loss can be pretty tricky and complex! The benefits to working with me is that I go above for all of my clients! One of my clients suffering with grief had not been to the burial site since the funeral. I drove them 2 hours so that we could journey together through something they were finally ready for.

Many people have ideas about how grief should look or feel based on expectations from family, society, or the media. There are so many experiences and events that deserve be mourned, whether society recognizes them or not, and your feelings about the loss are valid. Your experience of grief is unique to you and there is no correct way to process your loss, which is why I work collaboratively with clients to explore meaning in the thoughts and feelings that emerge as you begin your healing journey. Book a free consultation to learn more about my approach and explore if we are a good fit.

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.