Grief and Loss Counselling in Thunder Bay, ON.

I work with men going through loss, whether it be a relationship break-up, retirement, or job loss. And yes, all of these are losses. It's difficult to think you wanted this relationship forever and now you don't have it. Or you've made your career a critical part of your existence. What will your life look like now? Will thinking about it ever go away? There's anger there too. Therapy is a way to get this out. Running away from the loss is a short-term solution. Therapy helps you make sense of feel your feelings in order to feel better in the long-term.

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

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.

We are all touched by grief and loss at some time in our lives, and often the support of family or friends is enough. There are also times when we could benefit from talking to a counsellor. I provide a safe place to express your experience, to help you find ways to honour the past and also move into the future. Taking care of yourself in the face of loss can make a difference.

Grief can feel overwhelming and confusing and it can be hard to know how to cope with these emotions and our sense of loss. In times like these it can be so helpful to have a person come alongside and walk this journey with you. In my work with individuals who have experienced grief, I support each person to discover their own unique path to healing from grief. Book a free consultation to explore if we are a good fit.

Learning that grief and love are the same thing can help, as can realizing we are all hardwired to contend with the pain of grief. Many of my clients say they would not trade their pain away now if it mean having not loved that person/animal/job/house. I support clients to find a place in them to house grief, and handle it carefully, gently and with love and compassion. Strength from struggle......

Over the course of our lives, we experience various losses and we grieve in many different ways. It can be difficult to know how to begin working through grief and you do not have to be alone in this process. I believe that grieving is a journey and I welcome the opportunity to support you in your path to healing. Within therapy, we can explore some of the emotions you are experiencing, unpack expectations about what grieving looks like, discuss possibilities for connection with what’s most important within your life, and consider possible ways to honour the loss(es) you have experienced. Contact me or book a free consultation if you wish to learn more.

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.