Grief and Loss Counselling in Oak Ridges, ON.

I bring a great deal of compassion and empathy to work involving grief, whether that grief is from the death of a loved one or the loss of a dream or idea. I incorporate elements from narrative therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and internal family systems therapy into my work surrounding grief. In a safe, confidential space, we'll discuss ways to help you cope with your loss.

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.

I have personally suffered a great loss in my life, as a result, I feel that I am uniquely qualified to work with clients who have also suffered similar tragedies. Textbook grief therapy is not enough. My experience has helped me formulate a deep understanding of the particular fears, sadness, and problems one faces while dealing with a profound loss.

I support people in navigating their grief through a compassionate, empowering, and no-fault lens to allow them to move through their grief and back towards living a full life. In therapy, we process the pain associated with loss and grief in a kind and caring way, maintaining a strong sense of safety and self-care. With a background in suicide and crisis intervention, I have supported the parents, colleagues, and friends of folks who have died by suicide. I have also supported people through famliy death, breakups, loss of community following a move or significant life transition, and pet loss.

Grief can be overwhelming and deeply personal. I offer a compassionate space where you can explore your loss without pressure or judgment. Together, we’ll honour your unique experience, make space for your emotions, and support your healing process. Using gentle approaches, we’ll work at your pace to help you find meaning, connection, and a path forward—without rushing or forcing closure.

The treatment plan would focus on supporting you, the client, through the natural grieving process while promoting emotional healing and adjustment. I would integrate person-centered support with elements of grief counseling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to address any unhelpful thoughts, and mindfulness-based strategies to build emotional resilience. As therapy progresses, focus would shift to helping the client find meaning, rebuild a sense of purpose, and adapt to life without the deceased or what was lost.

I use a very holistic approach to loss and grief. We bring many aspects into the work including talk therapy, meditation, body centered relaxation, spirituality, letter writing, Emotional Freedom Technique, New Decision Therapy, Polarity Therapy, Cranosacral, Reiki, visualization, forgiveness work and acceptance work. We touch on how loss Can be a catalyst for growth and transformation.

My gentle, compassionate approach centres on offering practical and spiritual support to clients going through a grieving process, depending on the client’s particular needs and preferences. I find it is helpful and empowering for clients to understand the origins of the grief response so they’re better able to recognize and normalize it and support themselves as it arises, thus facilitating the healing process. In grief counselling, I draw from Nancy Reeves’ Energy Model as well as literature by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross.

The loss of someone close or a comforting presence in your life is amongst the most difficult emotional experiences to go through alone. Sometimes it can feel like grief is never ending, particularly when you have become stuck or are afraid to fully engage with your feelings. This is no time to be alone or surrounded by people that don't understand the gravity of your loss. You can trust men to help you work through the process of grieving at your own pace and in your own way, by being there for you each step of the way.

Grief and loss affect everyone but you are not alone. We are experienced therapists who want to help during this challenging time. In addition to traditional talk therapy, art therapy is lets clients use creativity to find purpose and meaning after a significant loss. We will work with you to determine what you want therapy to look like. Get in touch to find out more.

Life can be difficult. Working through grief and loss can also be very challenging. It is very commom to get “stuck” in this very painful process. Grief and loss can take on many forms whether it be through death, separation, divorce or other forms of loss. My approach is direct and “hands on”. Through a variety of exercises, reflections and strategies, I help the client through his/her own cycle of grief and loss. This process allows the client to explore “deep rooted” feelings. Through Cognitive Behavior Therapy exercises, the client regains some confidence and skill in being able to cope with their day to day life situations and ongoing life challenges.

We all must deal with grief sometime in our lives. However, there are times we lose someone dear to us and it feels as if we will never see the sun again. Processing our loss through therapy helps to make that dark journey less difficult and in time blur the sharp painful edges of pain. During therspy we will look at and restructure negative debilitating thoughts and replacing them with more constructive and positive ones. We never fully get over the loss, but we learn how to celebrate and cherish our missed loved ones.

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.