Grief and Loss Counselling in Magrath, AB.

Grieving is healthy and involves a person experiencing loss acknowledging the loss and allowing some form of emotional connection to be experienced. If the loss was dramatically, or even traumatically significant to the person, the grieving process will likely be cyclical throughout the rest of that person’s life. All losses experienced will be grieved at some level, at various points in life following the loss. Grieving, even decades after a loss, does not mean a person is “broken” and in need of “fixing”. Stages of Grieving is more about “Tasks” that may happen repeatedly and at random placements rather than lineal stages.

As loss and grief are a part of daily life, clients will benefit from learning about and being supported through common grief reactions, different grieving styles,and various processes and aspects of the grief experience. Clients will be validated in their unique experience and encouraged to move forward as they successfully integrate their loss and grief experience in their life's journey.

Grief counseling helps people cope with grief and mourning following the loss of a loved one or due to major life changes that trigger feelings of grief (i.e. job loss or divorce). It provides a space for individuals to work through and process the complex emotions surrounding loss. Healthy grieving results in remembering the loss with a newfound sense of peace, rather than searing pain.

[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

Grief and loss can be an extremely difficult and traumatizing experience to go through. There are many types of losses (a loved one, a job, a relationship, a personal dream...) and there are many different ways of grieving. I never assume that we all grieve the same way as it is a very personal, unique and individual process. If you have experienced a loss I will work with you to identify your specific emotional, mental and physical symptoms and support you as you work towards processing and dealing with your loss. My approach is very gentle, allowing you to express your pain in a safe space, at your own pace and in a manner that honours your beliefs about grief and loss.

When things in life happen beyond your control, it can feel like there is no light at the end of the tunnel. I strive to provide a safe, caring, and compassionate environment where you can share your grief without worrying that you are burdening your friends or family with your concerns. As losses are often related to trauma and cause emotional disturbances, clients can benefit from EMDR to help reprocess the disturbing events without having to reveal or re-live every painful detail.

All people experience grief and loss in their lifetime. Greif and feelings of loss can result form losing a pet, job, transferring to new a community, or virtually anything that an individual has strong emotional connections to. Everyone copes with loss and grieves in very different ways. My goal is to help clients through the grieving process in a way that fits for them using therapeutic tools and strategies tailored to each unique client-experience.

Who can go through life without suffering grief and loss? It is part of the human journey. So rather than running away from it, medicating it, why not find a trusted companion to process it. This would mean acknowledging what the loss object has added to your life and its meaning, what you will miss, and how you will reconstitute your life now for growth and a different future. Working with a therapist, you can find symbols and design rituals to represent various pieces of your loss to help you integrate what you let go of and the new life that beckons you.

I recognize that the grief created by loss of a loved one, a relationship, a job, or any other life situation in which loss occurs is something that is unique to every individual. There is no set list of steps to follow and no timetable for when grief ends. I can help you navigate your path through grief to a renewed state of wellbeing. If you have ever worried that you will never be happy again, rest assured that this is achievable.

We all experience loss along our life path. Be it the loss of a loved one to death, or the loss of one’s physical ability, job, relationship, or dream, Lethbridge Family Services offers individual and group counselling to assist mourners through their grief journey. Clients are supported in opportunities to explore the grief process while developing and increasing coping techniques in a safe, supportive and caring environment.

In helping clients cope with grief and loss I begin by assessing their state and meeting them where they are at. Counselling of this nature is less about problem solving and more about holding my clients' experience for awhile, helping them process what has happened, and honoring whatever they bring to the room. Client's often feel lighter, like they can bare the weight of their loss, once they've shared their experience with a supportive, compassionate listener.

It is normal to feel a profound sense of grief when a loved one passes away, or even at the loss of a relationship, job, special item, or dream. I provide a safe, relaxed, and supportive atmosphere for you to explore and express all the varying, and sometimes confusing, emotions that come along with the grief process. As we begin to make sense of the loss and make meaning from it, you will uncover a new direction or renewed purpose in life, and the sad feelings will begin to subside. Rather than trying to forget the pain, you will be able to remember your loved one or your loss, with feelings of gratitude for the past and inspiration for the future as you move forward in life.

Losing someone or something that is close to us, can leave us feeling as though we have a gaping hole in our hearts. Grief and Loss counselling will help you feel less alone during this time of struggle and provide the support needed to find new ways to flourish. It's incredible what kind of growth and new meaning can come from allowing ourselves to be transformed for the better by our loss.