Grief and Loss Counselling in Ottawa, ON.

I work extensively with clients dealing with grief and loss. Co-existing with loss in our lives can feel like an overwhelmingly difficult task. Losses can profoundly affect not only our daily functioning, but also our relationships, our work life, and our health. Therapeutic work with clients focuses on acknowledging the impact of loss, exploring choices around how to live through the experience of loss, developing healthy ways to cope, and honoring that journey. I work creatively with clients to help them find their own personal ways of living that process.

Grey Matters International and the work of Kevin J. Fleming, Ph.D approaches issues of grief & loss through the lens of innovation----instead of growing the same neural networks responsible for the pain in weekly therapy sessions, we reset the brain to move forward quicker and efficiently by working on the stuck limbic system so as to empower the person with more success and traction. For no one wants to stay in a grief mode for too long; but when you don’t include the brain in your work with someone, you risk describing the water to them while they drown and calling it success. Contact Grey Matters International, Inc now at kevin@kevinflemingphd.com or 877-606-6161.

Clients experiencing grief and loss can often benefit from a supportive therapeutic process. It can allow a space to explore feelings without having to take care of anyone else-it is just for them. Clients can also explore blocks or complications to grieving that might be contributing to their struggle, for instance older traumas, difficulty with feeling or expressing their emotions.

Grief and loss can throw one into a tail spin. There are five basic stages to grief: denial, anger, bargaining, sadness/depression, acceptance. Once the stage of acceptance for the loss is reached readjustment to the new situation occurs. This does not mean one will stay in this acceptance stage, such that an individual can re-experience anger or sadness again.

Grief and loss affect us differently; sometimes it seems never to end and one finds it difficult to continue living life as normal. I am able to support you during this period to help you understand the different stages of grief and to see to it that you are able to recover your strength and your coping mechanism. Grief is a part of living. However, it becomes overwhelming when there is no support in place while we are grieving. I am available to support you during this period and to identify areas that are not functioning well and help you regain normalcy, regain your problem-solving skills and your resiliency!

Grief and Loss is a challenging area for many people because it is so unique to each person. I believe that the work centers around self-compassion where individuals learn to be kinder to themselves. Furthermore, I will collaborate with you to build an Activity Plan to ensure you continue to find purpose in your daily life. I will also teach you strategies that will help you improve your ability to focus on the present moment. Together we will find the best support plan to allow you to grieve while continuing to live a meaningful life!

Grieving and Loss are life and living issues that are part of the normal challenges we face in our lifetime. The often irrational and overwhelming thoughts, feelings and behaviors associated with them can sometimes frighten and even paralyze us when they occur. In a supportive and empathic environment I help people demystify and understand these challenges and events so they can cope again.

Rather than drive our grief and loss underground or deep into our unconscious, therapy allows us to focus on the pain of our loss with all its multiple layers. Processing our thoughts with the spoken word rather than keeping them as mere mental reflections permits us to actively embrace our pain. We experience clarity and eventually direction to our grieving process. We can in time come to a place of sorrowful acceptance. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross gives us understanding of the grief and loss process in her Five Stages of Grief. However, it is important to note that these stages are not linear in their progression and are somewhat unique to each individual.

The death of a loved one, or any other great loss, is possibly the most stressful event anyone experiences. Grief is the normal, healthy response to this loss. It is important to allow yourself the time and space to fully grieve the loss. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to grieve – it is a very personal healing process of adjusting and coming to terms with the loss. In therapy, I accompany you on this painful journey and help you to understand and make sense of the overwhelming emotions that affect your mind, body and spirit. I offer support as we create a special place in your heart and mind for your memories.

Losses are a part of life, whether of a loved one or a lost job or missed opportunity, and yet can be very difficult to navigate through and find our way back to ourselves and our “new normal.” Having a compassionate and skilled professional to journey with you can be very helpful in processing losses, remembering loved ones or lost dreams, and understanding the meanings this loss holds for you. I am experienced with supporting individuals and families in a caring manner as they determine how to journey through grieving in a way that meets each one's unique needs and experiences, including possible spiritual concerns. Please see my profile in the Ottawa Bereavement Directory. Serving Ottawa

How individuals and families cope with dying, death, grief, loss, and bereavement is unique to each individual. Those who are bereaved experience grief, or a person's response or reaction to loss, which encompasses physical, psychological, social, and spiritual components. Historically, many grief counselors and grief therapists have chosen to follow the popular "grief counseling theory of the time." However, in the twenty-first century there are constantly changing theories regarding grief and loss, and new challenges and questions raised by researchers, clinicians, and the bereaved themselves regarding what is or is not helpful during the bereavement process.

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.

Have you lost a partner, someone important in your life or ended an important relationship. While loss can be painful, you should not feel an endless sense of despair. Grief and loss of a loved one is a journey that can be overwhelming. Allow yourself time to grieve but ensure that you are taking care of yourself. Counselling may be a way to care for yourself as you adjust to this new reality. Together we can help you adapt to these losses and help you to move forward while honouring your loss.