Grief and Loss Counselling in Saint George, ON.

There are many kinds of loss. Loss of a loved one, loss of job, loss of mobility, financial loss and so many other types of losses. There are many stages to loss and some losses are more difficult than others. During your loss you may experience grief and everyone manages this in their own personal way. At Hearts Transformed counselling we help you every step of the way.

In the wake of death, divorce, or tragedy, it is normal to feel lost, cut adrift, and out-of-control. Grief therapy is a safe place to become grounded, where you can process your emotions without fear of being judged or shut down. While your friends and family might want you to move on fast - there are no "shoulds" or "musts" here. In our sessions, we'll work on processing grief on your own terms, in a way that honours you and the relationship you had with the person you lost. We'll work to help you get your bearings and - in time - to return back to life after your loss.

Grief counseling helps people cope with grief and mourning following the loss of a loved one or due to major life changes that trigger feelings of grief (i.e. job loss or divorce). It provides a space for individuals to work through and process the complex emotions surrounding loss. Healthy grieving results in remembering the loss with a newfound sense of peace, rather than searing pain.

I Guide my clients through therapeutic art-making combined with talking therapy to tackle grief & loss in their lives. I may or may not direct my clients on what pieces of art to make to help them through their grieving process. The benefits of an Art Therapy approach to grief & loss is that it gives my clients another outlet for expressing difficult feelings, helps them find healthy ways of coping, and allows them to create meaningful pieces of art to commemorate their memories of their loved ones. I allow my clients to be the experts on their feelings, and allow the art sessions to flow naturally based on where they are in their grieving process.

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.

Grief counseling helps people cope with grief and mourning following the loss of a loved one or due to major life changes that trigger feelings of grief (i.e. job loss or divorce). It provides a space for individuals to work through and process the complex emotions surrounding loss. Healthy grieving results in remembering the loss with a newfound sense of peace, rather than searing pain.

Loss has many faces, coming from many different places. Even small losses can add up and sneak up on us, leaving us empty. While loss is a common part of life, we are not always given the tools or the opportunity to do the emotional work to complete the natural process of grief so we can be free to move on. In our work together, we will explore what is keeping you stuck, and identify the resources you need to move on, while honoring your loss. I can be your companion and share many tools with you on this often lonely journey. As a certified EMDR therapist, I can also help you more easily navigate the hardest parts of the journey using the resources of your own mind.

Grief and loss can be described as a roller coaster ride. When we are giving we experience so many emotions such as sadness, depression, anger, confusion and more. Working through grief is hard work and it's important to be reminded that this is normal. Helpful coping strategies and identifying self care strategies is a focus of grief therapy I do.

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.

I believe we all need the space to share our pain and loss in a warm and caring environment in which we can make meaning of life’s most difficult transitions and events. I also believe that it’s important that you as a client are allowed to work at your own pace and set your own goals, because the process of grieving isn’t something you can put a timeline on. Instead, through an empathetic relationship I facilitate your growth and help you adapt to life’s pain and challenges.

We all grieve differently; there is no right or wrong way to grieve. It is a uniquely personal experience. My therapeutic approach is to meet my clients where they are and address their current needs. That may be sitting in a safe space and expressing your emotions, talking about how life will be different after the loss or focusing on self-care. I will provide guidance, validation, and support but this journey is yours so I will check in with you regularly to ensure that your needs are being met. Please contact me if you would like to book a free consultation.

Grief and loss can be a very challenging season of life, and having someone that not only understands from a professional perspective, but also a personal perspective enables you to heal and grow from your own experience. My warm personality, professional education and understanding of what you are going through, provides you with the space to grieve and move through the challenges you are experiencing at this time.

Your experiences of grief and loss are unique. Therapy can provide a safe space to learn about grief and what to expect during this process. It may be helpful to explore some of the emotions you are experiencing, while understanding how to stay connected to others and develop a new relationship to and understanding of the loss you have endured. Book a free consultation to explore if we are a good fit.