Grief and Loss Counselling in Rocky View County, AB.

Grief is a process that is unique to the individual experiencing it. It has a cyclical cycle, rather than linear, and part of getting through it is working on the skills of accepting and releasing as well as identifying personal needs. Learning to identify emotions and knowing how to express them is extremely helpful in building self-awareness and empathy for yourself, as well as others which in turns increases resiliency.

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.

When it all comes crashing down, everyone needs a safe place to be heard. It should be easier for Christians - but often it is far more difficult. It's hard to find a safe place to ask the really hard questions. It's even harder to receive subtle messages to, "Contain your sorrow," from others. So, if you're tired of putting on a brave face, come and experience a place where you can be really understood and real help with navigating through that surreal fog and haze. Life's losses are never a place for pat answers or bandaid solutions.

Losing someone you care about can be a very challenging experience filled with a range of emotions such as: sadness, guilt, anger, and regret. Although grieving is a natural process and is often resolved over time, on occasion people find that their feelings of loss are debilitating and are not diminishing over time. Others struggle to accept the loss and are inhibited from resuming their life without the presence of their loved one. In these circumstances, grief and loss counselling can be beneficial. If you are struggling, I will strive to accompany you as you work to integrate your loss so that you are able to reach a place of acceptance and reclaim a sense of peace and well-being.

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.

Too often our society avoids grieving a loss, and much too often emotions are unnecessarily dulled by the use of tranquilizers. Dr Mervin (Paraklesis Counselling) can come alongside you with a hope-focused approach that is directed at the tasks of bereavement (rather than the phases of bereavement) that will help you make meaning of the loss. In addition, he will assist you with your medication-related counselling needs, especially where abnormal grief has set in and the depression needs to be treated.

Feeling lost and alone? Wish others understood, or knew what to say? I journey with people touched by loss in their life, big or small (in fact, in my mind, no loss is really 'small,' because it's significant to YOU). What we do with our disappointments and losses will define who we are (Dan Allender). Whether you're stuck with grief from the past, or coping with life changes today, having friends along the journey who can be with you in your pain are what you need. Together you and I can help you move through this difficult phase of your journey, resulting in renewed hope and yes, joy, that comes from a healed heart.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by loss, struggling to cope with the pain, and finding it hard to move forward? Grief can be isolating and exhausting, leaving you feeling stuck in sadness and longing for peace. As a clinical counsellor, I understand how difficult this journey can be. But I also know that healing is possible. Imagine having someone by your side who truly understands what you're going through, who offers compassionate support and effective strategies to help you heal. Together, we can navigate this difficult time and find a way to honour your loss, rebuild your strength, and rediscover hope. Let's start this journey together. Book a free 15-minute phone consultation today.

Grief counselling 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 emotional pain.

While grief and transition are a natural part of life, we are still often overwhelmed by sadness, anger and all the confusing emotions that come with loss. There is no right or wrong way to grieve—just your body and mind doing what it can to process the pain of major life change and the loss of how things were. Working with me means compassionate care that helps you to approach and feel your feelings in a safe way, taking things one step at a time. I promise you that all grief can be transformed into a gentle honouring of who or what was lost. I would be happy to team up with you in your journey towards peace and acceptance.

Grief and loss therapy offers numerous benefits for individuals navigating the complex emotions associated with death and loss experiences. By providing a safe and supportive space, I can help individuals process their grief, understand the stages of mourning, and develop coping strategies. I strive to create space for emotional healing, enhance self-awareness and foster resilience throughout the grieving process. I will work with you to gently and holistically move through the pain, find meaning in your loss and rebuild a fulfilling life.

Grief and loss can leave us feeling disoriented, isolated, and unsure of how to move forward. In my work with clients, I offer a compassionate, non-judgmental space where you can safely express your emotions, explore the impact of your loss, and begin to make sense of your new reality. Drawing on trauma-informed, somatic, and creative approaches, I help you process difficult feelings at your own pace while gently rebuilding hope and meaning. Together, we work toward honouring your loss while rediscovering your capacity for resilience and connection.

Experiencing grief and loss can feel like navigating through a fog of pain and confusion. This intense emotional journey often brings feelings of deep sadness, loneliness, and disconnection from daily life. My approach provides a compassionate, understanding space where you can openly express and process your grief. Together, we'll explore healing paths, helping you to gradually find closure and peace. As we work, you'll begin to rediscover joy and meaning in life, transforming grief into a respectful memory that honors your loss while allowing you to embrace the present and future.