Grief and Loss Counselling in Richmond Hill, ON.

Grief and loss are significant life experiences that can be difficult to manage. I have heard from many that sometimes it seems like the extreme sadness will not leave them. I work with such clients to try and make space in their life to experience positive emotions along with the sadness. Grief is very individual and some clients desire help to "move past the grief", while others do not agree with this. I work to meet clients where they are, to optimize their day to day life experiences according to their own individual hopes. In addition, I help clients to find meaning in their experience of grief and loss, honour the life of their lost loved one, and manage the related difficult emotions.

With Gestalt therapy the five tasks of mourning, are supported: (1) To accept the reality of the loss, (2) To experience the pain of grief, (3) To adjust to the environment in which the deceased is missing, (4) To withdraw (some) emotional energy and reinvest it in another relationship, and (5) To find a place for and maintain a continuing bond with what we lose, however not in any specific order. A gestalt therapist supports the bereaved with an emphasis on a "loving authentic presence and communication that allows expression of EACH other’s personhood" so that feelings are honored and explored at the clients own pace. The here and now is emphasized and that is what leads to support/change

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.

I walk with my clients in their journey of grieving, through their difficult time as they try to understand their loss and their feelings. I offer them a safe space and time to understand their feelings for their losses. There are many other kinds of losses in our lives. We may lose our loved ones, our health, our physical mobility, our relationships with others, our dreams or our jobs. These are losses which we may not realize that we need to grieve. We may feel that something is not quite right.

There are many forms of loss we encounter in life - relationships, places, work, meaningful engagements, roles at work or at home, etc. The deeper any of these mean to us, the harder it can be to process the loss. I offer a place to sit with loss, to explore what's going on with it, to learn what's normal & what to expect in this type of journey. Grief has it's own schedule, it's important to honour this, and to grieve well.

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.

Grief can feel overwhelming, isolating, and confusing. Whether you’re coping with the death of a loved one, the loss of a relationship, or other life transitions, I offer a space to process these painful emotions at your own pace. Together, we can explore how grief affects your identity, relationships, and daily functioning, and gently work toward finding meaning, connection, and healing.

As someone who has experienced loss and studied loss, I understand how unique and different everyone's experience with it is. Grief can be one of the most complex and complicated of human experiences and can occur with or without a tangible loss. Using a person centered and strengths based foundation, I will hold space with you and aid you in navigating these complex feelings at your own pace.

If you are dealing with the loss of a loved one, whether it be from death, divorce, or other circumstances, you are on a very painful journey, one that takes some time to traverse and is not easy. It can be helpful to have someone like myself walk with you on that journey and honour your feelings of loss and sadness and, when you are ready, to help pick up the pieces and continue to live a productive and satisfying life. That does not mean you leave the past behind but that you find a way of integrating a new life with the old. Reaching out is a sign of courage and strength.

Grief can feel overwhelming, whether you're coping with the loss of a loved one, a relationship, or a future you imagined. It can bring waves of sadness, guilt, anger, or numbness, often all at once. In therapy, we create space to process your grief without pressure or judgment. Together, we’ll explore what your loss means to you, make room for your emotions, and support your healing in a way that feels right for you. You don’t have to go through this alone.

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.