Grief and Loss Counselling in Winnipeg, MB.

No two people's grief is the same. Everyone deserves the respect to journey through the valley of grief in a way that is suiting to their needs. Family, friends and neighbors often do well at soothing and comforting the one stricken by grief, but sometimes they are not enough or they seem awkward or even make blunders. It's not unusual to need professional help. We offer a calming presence, guidance through the tasks involved in living with loss and sadness, and the hopeful discovery of meaning and purpose in your life.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Loss can come in many forms. We often think of loss as the death of a loved one. It can also refer to the loss of a sense of safety/security (common with trauma), physical ability, relationship, or previously held beliefs. Loss may be further complicated depending on the way in which it was experienced. Within an emotionally-safe atmosphere without judgement, you can expect to feel heard by someone who is fully present for you and able to offer education and support about your experience as well as guidance with day-to-day activities during times when motivation is scarce and avoidance is high. By learning to share your narrative you will be able to hold your memories without suffering.

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.

Grief is a very personal journey and can often times become complicated as many of the distressing symptoms present as anxiety, depression or PTSD. My approach to grief and loss incorporates a holistic healing utilizing strength based, reflective listening and supportive counselling. It is important to remember that there are no rules to the way in which one grieves and that this journey is unique to every individual.

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.

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.

There are many losses that we encounter in life, and unless we fully complete our grieving process, these losses can show up in other areas of our life. Incomplete grief can affect our intimate relationships, our friendships, our job performance, and how we relate to ourselves. If you are struggling to come to terms with a loss that you've experienced, therapy can help you. Free yourself from unprocessed grief by working with a skilled professional who can help you uncover what is keeping you stuck. It's normal to be deeply affected by loss, and to grieve is a normal part of live, but if you are not able to come to terms with the loss, reach out for help and find relief.

Grief is a funny thing it can hit you at any moment. Sometimes grief doesn't necessarily have to do with losing a loved one it can be feeling like you've lost yourself, missed opportunities, potential not explored etc. I am here to help you reflect on whatever it is you may be grieving. Losing someone, ourselves, and opportunities can be tough I am here for to help you reframe things through a healthier lens.

Are you using alcohol, substances, or addictive behaviors to cope with grief and loss? Although they provide relief in the short term, their long-term effects on your relationships and health can make it even more difficult to cope. Through a compassionate non-judgmental approach, I help clients explore their relationship to grief and loss so that they can overcome addictive coping strategies. If you're looking for another way forward, feel free to reach out and we can set up a free consultation to discuss further.

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.

Losing a loved one through death, illness or estrangement, or experiencing a major life event or change can have debilitating affects related to loss. If you feel numb, events seem surreal, or anger, sadness or fear wash over you when least expected, you are normal. I will support you as you identify the affect of loss on your life, and offer tools to sort out the chaos of emotions to restore some joy in life.

Wise, compassionate therapeutic support for individuals, couples and families dealing with grief and loss. As an experienced trauma and relationship therapist, I provide a gentle, supportive environment for clients of all ages to tell their story and to connect with and express their feelings. Grief is a natural process, but it can sometimes feel overwhelming, and it can be a great comfort to be able to experience that grief within a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship.

Unfortunately, grief and loss are an inevitable and inescapable part of the human experience. Most of us will all lose a loved-one at some point in our life - for some even at many points - and the loss often hits us harder than anticipated. If this is your experience and you are struggling for a prolonged period of time, that may be a sign that you may need some professional help to get back on your feet. Each person is affected by loss and grief differently. In our work together we will explore ways you can grieve well, so that you can find meaning for life again. And, we will explore ways you can get back to the life YOU deserve. Call me today for a free 15 minute consultation.

We all experience loss in many areas of our lives. The loss of loved ones, loss of pets, transitions in our lives, health related issues, and changes beyond our control. It is challenging to navigate these losses and resulting grief on our own. Losing someone or something you love or care deeply about is very painful. You may experience all kinds of difficult emotions and it may feel like the pain and sadness you're experiencing will never leave. These are normal reactions to a significant loss. As a counselor therapist I will join you in your journey as you endeavour to bring balance and equilibrium back to your life.

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.