Grief and Loss Counselling in Toronto, ON.

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

Grief affects individuals at all levels, physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. The circumstances behind grief can profoundly affect one’s life. Everyone has unique ways of coping with grief and loss. Mastora recognizes this and tailors specific strategies and techniques to suit a person’s unique circumstances. She aides the individual through normal grief to healthy resolutions and helps them move forward in their journey.

Every person's grief and loss is unique. I will work with you to process that unique experience through discussion in sessions, and exercises that I will give you to process your thoughts and feelings. These exercises wll be specific to your loss. We will also embrace the healing power of time, and the notion of radical acceptance of what cannot be changed.

The experience of loss may result from many life experiences including the passing of a human loved one or a beloved pet, the ending of a relationship, job loss, or changes to our physical or mental capabilities. Grief is one of the most challenging of human emotions. Together, we will navigate your unique grieving process to enable you to experience growth and empower you to create a life you can accept and enjoy despite your loss.

Many people have ideas about how grief should look or feel based on expectations from family, society, or the media. There are so many experiences and events that deserve be mourned, whether society recognizes them or not, and your feelings about the loss are valid. Your experience of grief is unique to you and there is no correct way to process your loss, which is why I work collaboratively with clients to explore meaning in the thoughts and feelings that emerge as you begin your healing journey. Book a free consultation to learn more about my approach and explore if we are a good fit.

Individuals often come to see me for therapy in my practice in the downtown area of Toronto in order to help them cope with grief, bereavement, and difficulty adjusting to painful loss. For some clients this includes the loss of a close family member, for others this includes the loss of an intimate relationship. In either case, the opportunity to discuss such losses and to understand their impact is an important part of the psychotherapy process.

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.

The treatment plan would focus on supporting you, the client, through the natural grieving process while promoting emotional healing and adjustment. I would integrate person-centered support with elements of grief counseling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to address any unhelpful thoughts, and mindfulness-based strategies to build emotional resilience. As therapy progresses, focus would shift to helping the client find meaning, rebuild a sense of purpose, and adapt to life without the deceased or what was lost.

My gentle, compassionate approach centres on offering practical and spiritual support to clients going through a grieving process, depending on the client’s particular needs and preferences. I find it is helpful and empowering for clients to understand the origins of the grief response so they’re better able to recognize and normalize it and support themselves as it arises, thus facilitating the healing process. In grief counselling, I draw from Nancy Reeves’ Energy Model as well as literature by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross.

Grief can be overwhelming and deeply personal. I offer a compassionate space where you can explore your loss without pressure or judgment. Together, we’ll honour your unique experience, make space for your emotions, and support your healing process. Using gentle approaches, we’ll work at your pace to help you find meaning, connection, and a path forward—without rushing or forcing closure.

Loss can be experienced in many different ways, for example, the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, the loss of a job, losing abilities that one would normally have, etc. Grief is a very personal journey, and there is no set time line for how long you are to grieve. You will experience a range of emotions, including: denial, anger, sadness, depression, hoplessness, and you may even try to bargain with yourself or God. If you are experiencing any of these feelings, I assure you, my office is a safe place to process your grief. I will walk beside you and help you process your journey.

In grief and loss therapy, I approach each client with compassion and empathy as they navigate through the difficult and often overwhelming emotions associated with losing a loved one. My goal is to create a safe and supportive space for clients to express their feelings, explore their grief, and develop coping strategies to move towards healing. I believe that grief is a unique and personal process that varies for each individual, and I tailor my approach to fit each client's needs. Through therapy, clients can expect to gain a deeper understanding of their emotions, develop healthy ways to cope with their grief, and work towards finding a new sense of meaning and purpose in their lives.

Grief, another powerful emotion we experience when dealing with loss, is a conditioning that affects all human beings. In our society there is often a notion that we should hurry up and get over our grief but maybe we should grieve as long as we need to. One way to see loss is to see loss as change and then to let change in. By developing a practice of loving kindness towards ourselves and others we can take a gentler approach toward loss and pain.