Grief and Loss Counselling in French River, ON.

Whether you're grieving a loved one, a role, or a version of yourself, grief changes you—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Loss can leave us feeling torn between memories, guilt, relief, or even numbness. With empathy shaped by many years of accompanying individuals and families through change, I offer a nurturing, non-judgmental space to honour every part of your experience. My goal is to help you find meaning in the midst of sorrow, cultivate resilience, and rediscover moments of peace, gently untangling emotions with practical tools from CBT, ACT, and mindfulness. Together, we make space for what was, tend gently to what is, and build meaning for what comes next.

Are you struggling with the weight of grief and loss? You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. I’m Simona Ilieva, a Registered Psychotherapist, specializing in grief and loss therapy. Whether you’re mourning the loss of a loved one or experiencing another profound life change, I’m here to help you process your emotions, find meaning, and begin the healing process. Together, we’ll work through the pain and guide you toward a place of peace and acceptance. Grief is deeply personal, but with the right support, healing is possible. Let’s take this step toward healing together. Book a free consultation today.

Over the course of our lives, we experience various losses and we grieve in many different ways. It can be difficult to know how to begin working through grief and you do not have to be alone in this process. I believe that grieving is a journey and I welcome the opportunity to support you in your path to healing. Within therapy, we can explore some of the emotions you are experiencing, unpack expectations about what grieving looks like, discuss possibilities for connection with what’s most important within your life, and consider possible ways to honour the loss(es) you have experienced. Contact me or book a free consultation if you wish to learn more.

Bettina Kealy, B.A., M.A., R.P. provides counselling and psychotherapy services to individuals suffering from various life losses. Many individuals struggle with feelings of depression, anxiety and guilt when faced with the loss of a loved one and other life losses including separation and divorce, loss due to disability and other life difficulties. Existential, mindfulness and cognitive-behavioural strategies are used in treatment to address the emotional impact of the specific loss and assist the person in accepting the loss and rebuilding their life.

The experience of loss may result from many life experiences including the passing of a human loved one or a beloved pet, the ending of a relationship, job loss, or changes to our physical or mental capabilities. Grief is one of the most challenging of human emotions. Together, we will navigate your unique grieving process to enable you to experience growth and empower you to create a life you can accept and enjoy despite your loss.

Processing loss is painful, confusing and often isolating. This is not something that is as simple as progressing through "stages" in order and typically involves emotions that we have been taught to avoid or suppress. Working with a therapist to unpack and go through grief and loss can offer some space and perspective that is not there when we talk with friends and family. Here you can have a non-judgmental space to take the time to work this out in the way that you need. This is not always easy, but we can navigate this together.

Are you experiencing a loss of sense of self, job loss, separation/divorce, unexpected transitions, death/loss of a loved one (pets included), challenging life transitions, retirement, or unexpected change. Grief comes in all forms. Together we can improve quality of life by learning how to cope with change and bring back joy & humour in difficult times.