Grief and Bereavement

Grief is one of our most innate and visceral emotions. It can feel overwhelming and ferocious — like a powerful storm that threatens to take everything else down with it. Grief is unpredictable. It can show up in the aftermath of loss or hit out of nowhere many years down the road. Grief is multifaceted and often accompanied by other emotions like anger, denial, resentment and regret.

It’s common to think of grief in relation to death. But grief can apply to many types of loss including job loss, relationship loss and the loss of our younger self. There is no “right” way or right reason for people to grieve.

If you are struggling to cope with your grief, you are not alone. Using a combination of CBT and mindfulness techniques, I’ll offer a calm and non-judgmental space for you to move through the mourning process and help you identify coping strategies and support systems that may help. In time, we’ll work on setting goals to keep you moving forward at a comfortable pace. Together, we will honour your experience of loss and harness the solutions you need to live a full and meaningful life.

Areas of focus include:

• Death of a family member or friend

• Ambiguous loss

• Loss from chronic illness

• Perinatal loss

• Infertility

Grief Caused by Death of a Family Member or Friend

The death of a family member or close friend is one of life’s most difficult losses. Whether sudden or expected, it can feel overwhelming and impossible to say goodbye. In the aftermath of loss, individuals often internalize strong feelings of shame, guilt, anger and regret.  Grieving a loved one is something we’ll all experience at some point in our lives; it’s important to know that support is available.

Bereavement therapy can provide you with the space to grieve openly and without judgment. However complex and profound your feelings are in this moment, you’ll learn to process your loss and honour the memory of your loved one while discovering healthy coping strategies for carrying on.

Grief Caused by Ambiguous Loss

Grief is not always brought about by death. In some cases, people find themselves grieving because their loved one and their relationship has changed--, nothing feels the same.  Sometimes this happens due to illnesses such as cancer, alzheimer’s or dementia.  Other times, this type of loss can happen due to separation or divorce.  This type of loss is not as clear-cut or final as death but can feel devastating all the same. If you’re struggling to navigate your new reality due to a loved one’s health diagnosis, a change in your family dynamic or the dissolution of your relationship, I’m here to help. 

Grief therapy can help you process complex feelings of loss with empathy and compassion. Together, we will develop individualized coping strategies that reflect your values and meet your needs. You don’t have to go through this alone.

Grief Brought On By Perinatal Loss

Have you suffered a miscarriage or pregnancy loss? Does the weight of your sadness feel overwhelming? It’s possible you’re grappling with shame and guilt on top of your grief. I hear what you’re going through and want to help.

Bereavement counselling in the aftermath of a perinatal loss can give you the space you need to confide in your experience and grieve your pregnancy. With guidance and support, you’ll learn to hold yourself with compassion and discover a path forward through your loss.

Grief Stemming from Infertility

You and your partner are struggling to conceive and it's weighing heavily on your relationship. Maybe you’re carrying around resentment, frustration, guilt or shame. It’s possible you’re feeling hopeless about one day starting a family. You don’t have to walk this experience alone.

Speaking with a therapist about your grief can help you sort through the complex emotions that often accompany infertility. Whether alone or with your partner, therapy can identify coping strategies that reflect your values and meet your needs.