Grief and Loss Counselling in Burlington, ON.

Grief is the emotional suffering we feel when we lose something or someone important to us. This can include the loss of friend, partner, or family member, a change in life circumstances, death of a pet, getting fired, loss of health, safety, a dream... anything that we once had and now do not. The intensity and process can be unique for each person, but like all other emotions that impact the quality of our life, ignoring it or suppressing it does not work. Seeking support as we move through the various stages of grief is very helpful. Planning for our healing is crucial so that we do not become 'stuck' in the pain. A skilled therapist can assist us during this vulnerable time.

While I do not offer support for grief, at Psychotherapy Collective, our clinic, we have several therapists properly positioned to support you. The pain associated with grief is a natural yet often destabilizing part of the human experience. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with one of our grief therapists to allow you to explore your individual experience with grief https://www.psychotherapycollective.ca/areas-of-focus/grief

Being alive means experiencing inevitable loss, which is normally followed by grief and recovery. The loss can be the loss of a person, image, ideal, or even a hope. However, the grief and recovery can sometimes be complicated. Every person follows a unique pattern of grief processing. The key for a healthy recovery lies in understanding this pattern in a supported environment. The therapy is about helping the client to get to this insight. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit.

Grief and loss are weaved into our lives in an intimate way. Grief is natural, normal, unique and universal. Grief touches us all at one point or another and is an inevitable part of being human. The experience of grief may be associated with a range of emotions, thoughts and behaviours. It’s important to remember that the journey of grief is not linear and there is no right way to feel. Therapy is a safe space where you can explore your grief. We will move at a pace that feels comfortable to you and I will check in to ensure that you feel safe and supported. Please contact me to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit.

Loss of a loved one is often one of those most challenging hard ships that we face. Although many try to prepare for loss, we are often faced with more than sadness and emptiness, but with feelings of guilt, anger, disappointment. Therapy can help an individual come to terms with their loss and learn to rebuild life. Although we will not ever forget those who have been close to us, the memories associated with their lives will feel less painful with time.

When it comes to grief and loss, I choose to use a client-centered approach to therapy. During our sessions, I will work with you, with unconditional positive regard for your situation and emotions, to recognize personal strengths and discover answers within your personal values and beliefs. I believe we are all equipped to make it through various degrees of grief and loss. Using this approach builds upon the individual strength you possess and provides a safe place to explore the emotions and questions you may be encountering.

Grief can feel overwhelming, isolating, and all-consuming. I provide a compassionate space to fully share your pain, remember and stay connected to those you’ve lost, and explore ways to integrate their presence into your life. Clients gain relief, emotional clarity, and the strength to carry love forward while gradually discovering peace, hope, resilience, and renewed purpose in their daily lives.

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.

Loses happen in our life. The most common response to the significant loss is grief. We all have been there and not just once. Unfortunately, many of us were not prepared for the stress and sadness of loss and did ‘not know how to go through grieving, and what to do to cope with it. At the same time, the science of Psychology developed coping methods and tools that can provide relief and help you get back on your feet. It is not necessary to experience this alone, take the opportunity to come and learn the arsenal of tools under my guidance and support to begin the journey of recovery. We cannot eliminate loses from our life, but we can reduce its negative impact and promote healing.

Loss has many faces, coming from many different places. Even small losses can add up and sneak up on us, leaving us empty. While loss is a common part of life, we are not always given the tools or the opportunity to do the emotional work to complete the natural process of grief so we can be free to move on. In our work together, we will explore what is keeping you stuck, and identify the resources you need to move on, while honoring your loss. I can be your companion and share many tools with you on this often lonely journey. As a certified EMDR therapist, I can also help you more easily navigate the hardest parts of the journey using the resources of your own mind.

With Gestalt therapy the five tasks of mourning, are supported: (1) To accept the reality of the loss, (2) To experience the pain of grief, (3) To adjust to the environment in which the deceased is missing, (4) To withdraw (some) emotional energy and reinvest it in another relationship, and (5) To find a place for and maintain a continuing bond with what we lose, however not in any specific order. A gestalt therapist supports the bereaved with an emphasis on a "loving authentic presence and communication that allows expression of EACH other’s personhood" so that feelings are honored and explored at the clients own pace. The here and now is emphasized and that is what leads to support/change