Grief and Loss Counselling in Oakville, ON.

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.

Have you had a loss in your life? Are you feeling sad and angry at times, or just feeling that you need to talk further about this experience? Coming to counselling can help you work through your feelings. Often people feel that they are struggling with moving forward, and have difficulty picturing life with the loss they have experienced. I can help you work through the difficult and extreme emotions that often accompany grief. I am happy to support you.

My approach to assisting with loss and grieving is to normalize the experience...loss of someone or something we love creates grief. Helping people learn how to best withstand and manage the emotions, the way loss can stop you in your tracks, and how to begin moving again is vital work. The bottom line is that, as long as you love, you grieve. We CAN learn to manage.

Grief and loss comes in many different forms from the death of a loved one or pet, to the loss of a relationship, job or something else that was important to you. Every person experiences grief and loss differently but one thing that is common to all of us is the benefit of having a safe place to work through your thoughts and feelings to arrive at a place of more peace and acceptance.

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.

At some point in our lifetimes, everybody is faced with grief and loss, children and youth included. When counseling my young clients, it is evident that children and youth have many questions and feelings surrounding this issue. They often feel scared, sad and alone. Talking to a therapist is a good way for clients to face their feelings and make sense of the situation. I help children normalize these feelings so that they know it is okay to feel sad, it is okay to have questions, and they are not alone. The pain may never go away but releasing the emotions and gaining some perspective and understanding, makes it easier to move forward a day at a time.

Many people have ideas about how grief should look or feel based on expectations from family, society, or the media. There are so many experiences and events that deserve be mourned, whether society recognizes them or not, and your feelings about the loss are valid. Your experience of grief is unique to you and there is no correct way to process your loss, which is why I work collaboratively with clients to explore meaning in the thoughts and feelings that emerge as you begin your healing journey. Book a free consultation to learn more about my approach and explore if we are a good fit.