Grief and Loss Counselling in Guelph, ON.

Life's journey can be quite challenging. Our close relationships are truly precious to us. When they come to an end, particularly on short notice or without any warning, it can be an incredibly painful experience. Grief can manifest in various forms, whether it be the loss of a loved one, a missed opportunity, or perhaps a significant change in our everyday life. Often in grief, there are things that are left unsaid. In our sessions I will create a non-judgmental and compassionate space for you to process your pain in a meaningful way. Remember, you don't have to face this alone.

Grief and loss are deeply personal experiences, and everyone’s journey through them is unique. In our sessions, I provide a compassionate and non-judgmental space to explore your feelings and memories. Whether you're dealing with the loss of a loved one, a significant life change, or another form of loss, we'll work together at a pace that feels right for you. My approach is to support you in finding your own path to healing while validating your individual experiences and emotions. Reach out to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to begin the process of understanding and coping with your grief.

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.

In my practice you will find a safe place to talk about and work through pain, and the feelings of sadness, confusion, guilt, shame and anger that often accompany the experience of grief and loss. Moving through grief and loss is your personal journey that takes time and is experienced uniquely from your own perspective. I provide therapy, counselling and and support for people who have lost a loved one such as a family member, friend or colleague whether through death or the ending of a relationship, those who have lost an important pet or animal companion or people who have experienced a loss that includes a loss of a job or personal identity.

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.

Disruption and change (personal or professional, expected or unexpected) can cause considerable psychological and emotional pain for many. Being able to successfully adapt to or handle change is a big part of life. Many us struggle with change because it creates a sense of loss. Many men going through life changes do not allow themselves the opportunity to feel emotions like sadness or grief - a natural part of processing change and loss. I help men to better cope with life's disruptions, increase their ability to process change and strengthen their resilience so they can successfully adapt to life's challenges and find happiness and joy again.

In the wake of death, divorce, or tragedy, it is normal to feel lost, cut adrift, and out-of-control. Grief therapy is a safe place to become grounded, where you can process your emotions without fear of being judged or shut down. While your friends and family might want you to move on fast - there are no "shoulds" or "musts" here. In our sessions, we'll work on processing grief on your own terms, in a way that honours you and the relationship you had with the person you lost. We'll work to help you get your bearings and - in time - to return back to life after your loss.

In my work with clients, I recognize that most therapy eventually touches on some form of grief—whether from loss, change, or unmet hopes. I offer a compassionate and grounded space to explore these experiences at a pace that feels right. Rather than rushing toward resolution, I help clients stay present with what has been lost and discover what remains meaningful. Through gentle exploration and attuned support, I aim to help individuals integrate their grief, honour their connections, and move toward a renewed sense of continuity and possibility.

Grief, loss, and bereavement, whether it is the passing of a loved one, the end of a career, or the falling-apart of a relationship are all similar: we are losing or have lost an important part of our lives. Understanding the emotions, feelings, and behaviours we have when we experience grief and bereavement is part of helping us accept what has occurred, why we feel the way that we are feeling, and what is next for us. In working with clients on grief, loss, and bereavement it is important to understand that the way we process these experiences is unique to each person, and the pillar of respect is paramount.

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.

Hope Centered Counselling understands first hand the pain associated with losing someone, losing a fur baby, and the loss when something changes in your life. A relationship changing, a change in career, or moving somewhere new can come with significant losses. We get it, and we want to help you walk through the experience, and hold space for the hard parts.

[I OFFER VIDEO SESSIONS THROUGHOUT ALBERTA AND ONTARIO]. You are hurting now, and I understand that. I have been a psychologist since 1986 with plenty of hard-earned wisdom. I too have experienced grief and loss many times in my life. I can help. Let us chat about the pain you are feeling now. Book with me right now by going to https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=14249112

I believe there are many forms of grief and loss. We may be grieving the loss of a loved one, our dream of what home is, grief of the pain of the planet, ecosystems and species, loss of an inner sense of balance. One activity I love to share with people who are grieving is to be present with a river. I invite them to pay attention as the water flows downstream and to tune into what they are letting go of. Then I invite them to notice how there is water flowing toward them and ask what newness might be emerging within? Often people are surprised to discover that our loss is creating space for something new to arise.

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.