Grief and Loss Counselling in Southgate, ON.

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.

There is intangible and tangible loss both of which are important to acknowledge and allow the individual to grieve in their manner. Having patience and understanding of where the individual is at with their grief is important to help them cope and build strategies to move on with their life. It is important to understand the stages of grief and loss and to acknowledge the stages don't always happen in order, in a timely way, or that all stages are even reached. Grieving for each indivudal is different, it is important for a therapist to recognize and validate for the indivudal seeking counseling that what they are feeling is normal.

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.

The connections we make with people, animals or things are rarely simple or one-dimensional. So when these connections are lost or changed, they can have a significant impact on our lives. Each individual and connection is unique, so our work together will explore and process the myriad of conflicting or uncomfortable thoughts, feelings and sensation you may be experiencing. Adapting to new roles, developing new ways of connecting with family and friends and managing changes will be the additional ways we can honour the past relationship and navigate a new path.

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.

Grief and loss are deeply personal experiences that can affect every part of life. My approach focuses on creating a compassionate, non-judgmental space where you can safely explore your emotions and experiences at your own pace. Together, we honour your loss while also supporting your capacity to heal and reconnect with meaning. Drawing from mindfulness, parts work, and trauma-informed care, I help individuals navigate waves of grief, foster self-compassion, and gently move toward integration, resilience, and renewed hope.

Coping with loss and adjusting to life without a loved one is overwhelming. It is unsettling and painful to watch the world keep turning when it feels like yours has stopped. Adequate emotional support is critical during these times. Therapy will not only provide appropriate coping skills but also offer a safe space to feel and process your loss. Reach out for a free consultation; we can talk and see if I am the right fit to walk with you through this adjustment.

Any life will, at times, include pain. So it is understandable that at some time any of us will have to struggle to deal with loss. You can find a strength within you to pull you through this. As your therapist my commitment is to honor that wisdom and help you find even more. Yes, loneliness and isolation can come as we go through life. My experience has been that as any of us are heard in depth, we can listen beyond the pain for the inspiration we seek to move on. In contrast to how it may seem, we can actually grow through grief and loss. Similar to exercise, one’s personal balance and overall perspective on life is like a muscle - one that we can train to help us more as we progress.

I believe that while death and other losses are a natural part of life, sometimes it can trigger a complex response or maybe it just feels too big to handle on your own. A therapist can help you make sense of what has happened and understand your emotional responses to the loss. I will help you care for yourself and your loved ones through the process and help you access your support system.

The trauma of loosing a someone special in your life can bring up mixed emotions. Grief is never predictable and can leave you feeling crazy and overwhelmed. Grief is a unique experience that often leaves you feeling alone and isolated. The emotions come in waves of intensity which can be unpredictable. I offer a safe place to debrief about your feelings without being judged or dismissed.

I, like many of us, am no stranger to the feelings of grief and loss and I am aware of how deeply unique and personal these experiences can be. The way that I imagine being part of your journey through these moments is by holding your hand and walking through this unknown path together, while discovering new aspects and meanings of the self along the way. I will check in with you to ensure that we are walking this path on a pace that is most suitable for you, for there is no need to rush during this time. Contact me to schedule a free consultation to ensure we are a good fit.

Unfortunately, we will all face grief and loss some time in our lives. Fortunately, it is possible to recover and move forward in life. Through counselling, I can help you: understand the impact of the loss (e.g., on your mood, functioning, behaviour and general well-being); how to grieve the loss in a healthy way; and how to move forward with hope, confidence and success.

Grief and Loss counselling is helpful to break out of isolation and resume contact with oneself and the world around you. Understanding the grief process makes it more manageable and less overwhelming. Counselling helps you to make sense of what is happening in your life and can be a ray of hope while in a dark and lonely place. You cannot "fast-forward" the grief process...however, you can find constructive ways to move through it instead of getting stuck in it!