Grief and Loss Counselling in De Winton, AB.

I help clients with grief and loss using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), an approach in which I am certified. I encourage clients to set aside regular times to let themselves grieve. This makes it easier to focus on other matters during the rest of the day. I explore with clients ways of grieving which would be most helpful to them.

Dealing with grief and loss can be overwhelming and leave you feeling like there is no way forward. My job is to stand beside you with a view to the future and the tools to help you find your way forward with a safe place to resolve the sense of loss and adaptive coping skills. It is humbling and inspiring to witness clients move from fear and uncertainty toward knowing and strength.

If you have lost someone close to you through death, relocation or the end of a relationship, and feel isolated and lonely, it takes time and support to gently move forward in life. If you are shy or feel anxiety in social situations it can be hard to reach out for help and create the supportive relationships you need. I can help you move forward, gain a new sense of self worth, and begin to create meaningful nurturing social connections.

Facing grief and loss can be a painful and difficult journey. Fortunately, you do not have to do it alone. Working through grief and loss is a process and our emotions surrounding it are messy and tangled like a ball of yarn. Together we can untangle all the emotions . When healing from grief and loss it is important to remember, celebrate and be thankful for what you have lost. The counselling theories I use to address grief and loss are; emotion focused therapy and attachment theory.

When death occurs, family and friends are left behind to deal with the impact of the loss. Loss and grief are an integral part of our everyday existence, but an experience that is often misunderstood. However, as a death denying society, there is little understanding of the grief process and as a result people who grieve the loss of a loved one often do not receive the support and understanding that is conducive to a healthy grieving process. Consequently, some bereaved individuals often experience a sense of isolation and a feeling that “there is something wrong with me.” Loss and grief impact people of all ages and gender both in similar and unique ways. While grief is considered a normal response to the loss of a loved one, it can manifest itself as...(view profile to read more)

Grief is the pain we feel over loss. Most of us associate this feeling with death, and this certainly causes intense grief. But all significant losses can cause grief-- intimate relationships, health, employment, a close pet, financial stability, friendships, or even dreams. Dealing with grief means constructively identifying and giving meaning to your feelings, learning to take care of yourself, and planning ahead for upcoming grief triggers. I can help you do this. Counselling can make a difference. I look forward to helping you get back to where you want to be.

In each of our lives, there will be times of loss and grieving ... and sadness. That's a normal part of the human experience and, in our own way and in our own time, we each find our way through the grieving process. As we should. Sometimes, though, we can get stuck along the way, or it seems as if this loss and sadness is overwhelming us ... or we forget to do the work of grieving ... or begin to listen to some of those well-meaning but perhaps misguided exhortations to 'just get over it -- it's been xx months/years'. For some, it helps to talk about things and get another perspective. I offer that space for you to talk and to grieve ... a place to share the gift of tears.

Everyone grieves in their own way and in their own time. Each experience of grief is unique, complex, and personal, and our therapists will tailor treatment to meet the specific needs of each person. Four common tasks of grieving are accepting the reality of the loss, working through the pain of the loss, adjusting to a new reality, and maintaining a connection with the deceased (in the case of death of a loved one). Our therapists can help you to work through these tasks in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.

[NOTE: MY OFFICE IS IN CALGARY -- I DO VIDEO SESSIONS ELSEWHERE IN ALBERTA]. You are hurting now, and I understand that. As a psychologist with 31-years of experience and some hard-earned wisdom, I too have experienced grief and loss many times in my life. I can help. Let’s sit down over coffee and chat about the pain you are feeling now. Book with me right now by going to https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=14249112

Suffering loss and grief is universal and happens to everyone at some point in time, and the pain and suffering felt can leave us feeling overwhelmed, alone, and unable to move on. People respond in very individual ways in dealing with this difficult experience, and many question if their experience/response is normal and how to best cope. I offer counselling to help with all types of grieving, including normal, complicated, traumatic, or persistent/prolonged grieving. The goal is to process your loss so that you can ultimately move forward in a healthy manner. I would consider it a privilege to walk beside you and provide guidance and skills to help you cope during this difficult time.

Gerard has diverse experience as a psychologist and leader in social services, schools, university, workplaces, and his private practice. Using a theoretical foundation of social learning and cognitive-behavioural training, he is well-versed in various kinds of formal and informal assessment and solution-focussed approaches. He listens carefully to understand your needs and relies on his extensive experience to help you find solutions.

From the inside out. Creating a safe trust-filled, environment for the grieving person to pour out from within their memories, regrets, self blame, denial, anger. Opportunities for grievers to forgive themselves and others, resolve unfinished business, and allow their loved one to be released. Providing ways for the griever to express their love and honour their loved one. Dealing with shock for unexpected deaths. Discussing what death means for the client and creatively exploring different possible realities.

Clients can expect a client centered, supportive and informative understanding of what to expect regarding grief and loss issues as well as how to work through these issues through hands-on therapeutic techniques. I currently use some emotionally focused therapy techniques as well as models from three different grief cycles for grief issues which can include anything from death and loss of a loved one to giving up substances or breakup of a relationship.