Grief and Loss Counselling in Stonewall, MB.

Grief is a process we will all encounter at one point in our lives-whether it be the loss of a loved one through death, the end of a relationship, the loss of a livelihood or a dream, the deterioration of health, or any such experience that leaves us feeling raw pain and anguish in our body. There is a common misconception that if we just charge through suffering-efficiently sidestepping the pain-we will move beyond in a timely manner. Believing 'what we resist, persists', I work with clients to create space and capacity to process the grief-both honoring and containing the pain, mobilizing strengths and resources, and enlisting self compassion.

The pain of loss can come as a shock to us. Grief is a part of the life journey, and yet we often don't know how to navigate it when it comes to us. I can provide a compassionate space for you to release and share your grief and losses, to find your bearing in your life's changes, and to facilitate your exploration of the complex feelings that sometimes accompany loss. You will get through this.

Grief is a deeply personal and non-linear experience that rarely follows a predictable path, regardless of the nature of the loss. It is a natural response to the ending of a significant connection, encompassing a wide spectrum of emotions that can range from profound longing and sadness to confusion and exhaustion. Whether you're navigating the death of a loved one, the ending of a relationship, or a major life transition, there is no "right" way to grieve and no set timeline for healing. Acknowledging the weight of your experience is the first step toward processing it, as every loss is valid and deserves the space to be felt and honored without judgment.

A divorce or death of a loved one is a crisis that changes and challenges the meaning of your life and sense of self. This can result in deep sadness, confusion, disorientation and disbelief. Therapy offers you the opportunity to move through your grief more quickly. You can experience a sense of peace and hope for the future. You can learn to cherish and find comfort in his/her memory. Therapy can help you redefine your place in the world and learn to be without him/her.

Life can be very unfair at times. We all have losses that occur at various times. They may really throw us. Our perspectives and coping can be really stretched. My belief is that an unbiased professional can help give that perspective. I can help walk alongside when the pain is so deep. I can help educate and help clients walk through the stages of grief, normalizing feelings and helping them cope. I believe that each person grieves differently. Some seem to get on with life quickly, while others seem to struggle longer. Both are "right." I can help make the transition slightly less painful and possibly a bit less lengthy.

So many of the losses we experience come suddenly; our life changes in an instant from what it used to be. All of us experience this at times; sometimes in waves and torrents it seems will sink us. We have all either had, or will have, our sufferings. I endeavor to help by finding resiliency, coming to terms with what is, and discovering renewed purpose beyond the depth of real loss.

We experience loss throughout our lifetime in various ways. When we mourn we allow ourselves to heal. In group settings and individual sessions I have helped those who need to process their loss to experience comfort and lasting peace. If you are struggling with loss you can journey through it confident that you will not be alone in it and that you will have someone caring for you throughout it.

Death is something that seems far from us. However, sometimes, it could happen so suddenly and so close to us. To help my clients process their grief and loss, I encourage them to talk about how it felt and looked like in their relationship and talk about their rememberable stories. At the same time, it could be a chance for my client to reflect on the meaning of life and death and what they believe about “after death” spiritually. Empty chair, secret letter, and personal ceremony are the interventions I may use in grief and loss therapy.

Dr. Russell can walk beside you on the journey back to wholeness after a loss. He understands the road of healing and wholeness. His approach is a gentle guide to bring back the peace, orientation and wholeness of life. Often Dr. Russell helps people experience that loss is a doorway to greater life, freedom and appreciation for the gift of each day.

After significant loss, you may experience difficult and surprising emotions, such as anger, shock and guilt. It may feel like the sadness will never go away. I know personally what this feels like and I support many people who are trying to find ways to cope and find their reason to continue. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. There are however many healthy ways to cope with the pain. You can get through it! I can help you.

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 & Loss therapy helps individuals and families cope with death and/or areas of major life transitions (such as divorce, children leaving the home, career loss, etc.). Individuals experience the emotions, feelings, and thoughts of grief and loss differently. Working together in a safe, supportive, caring environment, clients share their stories. Together, we think creatively about the challenges of coping with loss & grief. We explore feelings of being disorganized, tired, confused, poor sleep, loss, hurt, anger, and/or sadness. The process involves helping clients move through the grief using healthy, positive coping strategies.

When we are facing grief and loss, there is often a complex web of emotions and many layers of meaning-making to encounter in our healing process. The path is never linear. The timeline requires sensitivity and nuance. Compassion, patience and the ability to hold seemingly contradictory feelings are paramount. With gentle presence, we can hold the magnitude and the subtleties of this experience moving step by step towards healing.