Grief and Loss Counselling in Ottawa, ON.

Helping clients go through the stages of grief and loss by validating their experience and educating them on what these stages consist of and strategies to help them cope with the variety of emotions that they will be processing through this difficult time. Also helping clients recognize that grief and loss are a part of any type of loss that we may encounter, whether it be the loss of a relationship, loss of a job, loss of a loved one, etc.

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.

Grief can be deeply disorienting, changing how you see yourself and the world around you. My approach focuses on creating space for understanding and integrating your loss, rather than trying to “move on.” Together, we’ll make sense of the shifts that come with grief, explore what this loss means for you, and begin rebuilding a sense of stability, connection, and meaning as you move forward in your own way.

I utilize the model adapted from John. W. James and Russell Friedman. It is an 8 stage model to assist with creating a loss history graph, choosing a loss you wish to focus on, and identifying significant emotional statements, forgiveness and amendments statements. This culminates into the creation of a letter to express in a meaningful way. Addressing acute grief bursts in the future is one of the final steps.

Grief looks different for everyone, but that doesn't mean you need to deal with it on your own. Grief comes in many forms, and extends far beyond the loss of loved ones. In grief counselling, your feelings will have a space to be heard and validated, and we will explore tools for managing challenging emotions, honouring what you've lost, and moving forward in whatever way feels best for you.

Grief is a complicated experience that leaves many feeling alone even in a room full of people. I work through the various stages of grief with you to process your emotions. Grief is like a heavy backpack you can't put down. I will support you in managing the overwhelm and exhaustion you feel as you return to daily tasks. Let's connect to get you back to feeling like yourself.

Whether through a death or a break up, loss and the grieving process is extremely difficult. I’m sure you’ve heard of the stages of grieving (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance). But, they don’t always go in that order, and they often jump around in your time line. Your grieving process has no time limits, and every journey is unique. I will walk with you through that, at your pace. No matter which stage of grieving you’re in, reach out to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit.

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.

You are hurting right now, and I understand that. Grief has a way of making even ordinary days feel heavy, and you do not have to carry it alone. I have lived through grief and loss many times myself, and in more than three decades of practice I have sat with many people in exactly this kind of pain. Let us talk about what you are feeling. I have been a psychologist since 1986, and I can help. I am based in Calgary and see clients across Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick by secure video. Book a session now: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=14249112

Grief can be debilitating. It is one of those things that leaves us feeling out of control. Out of touch with ourselves and others, and even paralyzed. These feelings that we experience because of grief often push us to AVOID our grief. This is problematic in itself, however, as it only generates further emotional distress over time. Instead, finding comfortable and trustworthy support through the grieving process is a productive and healthy way to not only process the pain, but slowly find comfort and new ways of being and accepting.

Grief is a heavy, deeply physical experience that can leave you feeling completely disoriented, weighed down, and unsure of your footing. In our sessions, we move far beyond just talking about your thoughts. Instead, I hold a warm, unhurried space for the actual physical ache of your loss. Whether you are mourning the passing of a loved one, navigating a major life transition, or processing the painful ending of a relationship, we will work entirely at your own pace. Together, we blend gentle Western therapies with Eastern mindfulness practices to honor what was lost, soothe the raw pain left in your body, and help you safely find your grounding and sense of belonging again.

I use a humanistic approach to supporting my clients through the unique pain that comes with loss and grief. Supported by education in Megan Devine's approach, I will meet you where you are, with compassion and patience, instead of pathologizing your grief. No matter the type of loss, grief can disrupt everything and how we deal with it varies for each person.

It's easy to feel stuck, feeling too little, feeling too much. We can work together through your grief, no matter how complex to find a way to move forward. I've seen loss, it's never easy, and there isn't a lot of room to talk through some of the darker sides of it with friends and family. So many of us don't want to be a burden or are ashamed of our own feelings.