Grief and Loss Counselling in Whitby, ON.

When a person has experienced the loss of someone or something significant, it is not uncommon for them to experience overwhelming feelings of sadness, a sense of confusion or "being at a loss", as well as difficulty experiencing happiness and joy. At New Roots Therapy, we acknowledge that these feelings - as well as many others - may emerge for you as you move through your own experience of grief and loss. We believe that, in working with grief and loss, it is not just about "moving past" or "letting go". Rather, our hope is to honour the uniqueness of your experience and to help you connect your feelings of grief to the importance of the lost relationship on your life.

Grieving the loss of a loved one or something precious to you can be very difficult. Each person’s experience of grief is unique to them, and everyone grieves in their own way and in their own time. In therapy with me, you will be able to explore your experience of grief in a safe space, consider the different emotions and impacts the loss might be having on your life, and develop a new relationship or story about the loss you experienced. Schedule a free consultation with me to see if we are a good fit.

In my work helping clients process grief and loss, I strive to go at a pace that feels right for you. It can be hard to know how to get through a loss of a loved one, a relationship, or a meaningful opportunity. We can figure out what works best for you, whatever stage of grief you might be in. I welcome the opportunity to sit with you as you process this deeply unique experience. Book a free consultation to explore if we are a good fit.

Often the loss of a loved one, pet, item, or aspect of a person can lead to intense feelings of grief. At times when the loss is surrounded by traumatic events this grief becomes complicated. Clients will often find that reprocessing these traumatic moments that led to the loss will help them be able to cope with any feelings that come up. They may find that their memories are no longer haunted by feelings of anxiety, extreme sadness, or loss of hope.

Drawing upon the work of Elizabeth Kubler-Ross ("On Death & Dying" and "On Grief and Grieving"), I support people in their grieving journey, assessing the challenges and also the strengths each person has to most effectively adjust to loss and develop effective coping strategies. Ultimately, finding ways to carry this loss and grief in the most graceful way possible is the goal to be attained. Courage and faith along with a growing spiritual understanding and openness contribute greatly to the success of this work.

The experience of loss may result from many life experiences including the passing of a human loved one or a beloved pet, the ending of a relationship, job loss, or changes to our physical or mental capabilities. Grief is one of the most challenging of human emotions. Together, we will navigate your unique grieving process to enable you to experience growth and empower you to create a life you can accept and enjoy despite your loss.

Individual therapy is focused on your unique needs and goals. Individual therapy includes learning about your history and life experiences then establishing goals to accomplish in counselling. Our histories are the roots that provide us with a foundation of strength and resilience. But, our histories can also hold the stories that cause pain, insecurity and doubt. It is our belief that the best therapy comes from helping to heal the roots that cause those stuck points. Through this we can create lasting change.

Contemporary approaches to coping with grief and loss have shown that the path of acceptance and healing is not linear, but a winding road and unique process for every individual. Psychotherapy can help you along your path by providing an outlet for those challenging emotions and providing you with tools to help you cope. With personal experience, I will lend a hand in helping you to cope and integrate the challenges presented by the loss of a loved one or a significant relationship as you find your new normal. Those we lose remain in our hearts, and by remembering them with gratitude we can begin to heal.