Grief and Loss Counselling in Russell, ON.

The people who have touched our lives, family members, and special friends (pets) we love are important to us. When anything risks those we love, we also feel distressed. Our deep connection to them means we experience this incredible emptiness when they die. Though we know that death is normal, natural, and inevitable, this knowledge does not eliminate the emotional pain of our loss. Through my losses and the losses of others, I have learned that life is over, but it is never finished. If you are experiencing a recent loss of a family member, friend, or special friend, I am available to journey with you through this loss. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit.

Grief, loss, and bereavement, whether it is the passing of a loved one, the end of a career, or the falling-apart of a relationship are all similar: we are losing or have lost an important part of our lives. Understanding the emotions, feelings, and behaviours we have when we experience grief and bereavement is part of helping us accept what has occurred, why we feel the way that we are feeling, and what is next for us. In working with clients on grief, loss, and bereavement it is important to understand that the way we process these experiences is unique to each person, and the pillar of respect is paramount.

As loss may be best described as the absence of something valuable, grief is the reaction to this absence. It permeates every area of our lives. The way we experience grief is personal and changes as we adapt to the loss. Feelings of guilt, disbelief, anger, yearning, and sorrow are often present. Going through the stages of grief is difficult. Together, we will explore the healing journey ensuring you are self-companionate while honouring the one’s you have lost and to explore and understand your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that are integrated into your bereavement process. Schedule a free consultation to see if we are a good fit.

My approach to grief and loss is rooted in empathy and understanding. I provide a supportive space for you to process your feelings and navigate the complex journey of healing. If you're seeking support during this challenging time, I invite you to reach out and book a free consultation. Together, we'll honor your experiences and find ways to move forward. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit.

Whether you're grieving a loved one, a role, or a version of yourself, grief changes you—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Loss can leave us feeling torn between memories, guilt, relief, or even numbness. With empathy shaped by many years of accompanying individuals and families through change, I offer a nurturing, non-judgmental space to honour every part of your experience. My goal is to help you find meaning in the midst of sorrow, cultivate resilience, and rediscover moments of peace, gently untangling emotions with practical tools from CBT, ACT, and mindfulness. Together, we make space for what was, tend gently to what is, and build meaning for what comes next.

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.

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.

Often grief and loss is often about honoring the past and transitioningredients to what's next. What'services next isnt always staright forward It is easy to lose sight of who we are and what we want out of life. While theretaining is opportunity for growth, it is often shrouded in pain and suffering and the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel just doesn't seem to be there. However therapy can help. Together we can see how we can honour the past and redefine your future.

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.

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.

Grief and loss are complex emotions that at times can feel as though one is on an emotional rollercoaster. It can result in being angry, sad, resentful, relieved, and tired. An important aspect of grief is social support and self-care. Through counselling, it becomes about not getting rid of the emotion of grief and loss but rather living with them and accepting what life now looks like with friend.

Grief and loss are weaved into our lives in an intimate way. Grief is natural, normal, unique and universal. Grief touches us all at one point or another and is an inevitable part of being human. The experience of grief may be associated with a range of emotions, thoughts and behaviours. It’s important to remember that the journey of grief is not linear and there is no right way to feel. Therapy is a safe space where you can explore your grief. We will move at a pace that feels comfortable to you and I will check in to ensure that you feel safe and supported. Please contact me to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit.

Losing someone that you love can be totally life altering. It is a uniquely painful experience that brings so many emotions, and yet at times, can leave you feeling totally empty and numb on the inside. I understand that grief can be very messy and that it looks different for every person. My desire is to support you and help you journey through your loss in a way that fits for you. I will also seek to gently guide you through the necessary steps of grief in order for you to experience relief, peace and emotional well being. There's a quote, I'm not sure who said it but it applies well, "I will help you keep on living until you feel alive again!"