Loss or Grief therapists in Kensington-Chinatown, Ontario ON, Canada CA
Loss or Grief
LifeCycle Counselling
Registered Psychotherapist, MACP, MPE, RP
Grief is the process of reacting to a loss. This loss could be physical (death of a loved one), social (such as a divorce), or occupational (such as work-related). An individual experiencing grief may have conflicted feelings and may experience fluctuations in symptoms throughout their process. Often times, individuals might feel as though they have accepted the loss and have gotten closure. However, later on they may begin to experience grief again and that is okay. Closure is not a one-time thing, it can happen over the course of weeks, months, or even years. Sometimes we are able to gain closure on certain aspects of the loss, and other parts may take a bit longer. Individuals may find that their emotional reaction changes and fluctuates, and can entail different emotions and behaviors. Feelings of sadness can also begin to intensify as the individual begins to yearn to be with the loved one again.
Psychotherapy can be effective in helping an individual overcome grief by allowing the individual to come to terms with the loss, to help work through pain and grief, and help to learn how to move forward and adapt to a life without the loved one. Psychotherapy can also help you to find ways to maintain a connection with the loss. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy approaches have been successful in helping to treat grief and loss. Additionally, Relaxation Techniques and Mindfulness-based interventions, may also be helpful.
Book an appointment today! Overcoming grief and loss can feel overwhelming. It can impact various aspects of your overall well-being. It is important to seek help from a mental health professional in order to overcome grief. Grief and loss is just one of the areas that LifeCycle Counselling specializes in.
5 Years Experience
Loss or Grief
Caroline Boutefeu
Registered Psychotherapist, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Healing from grief and loss is a journey that's both deeply personal and universally human. It involves navigating through a sea of emotions, from sadness and anger to acceptance and, eventually, peace. It's important to remember that there's no right or wrong way to grieve, and the process isn't linear. Your feelings are a natural part of the process of grieving. In therapy, we can explore any existential concerns find new meaning and direction in the midst of loss. Additionally we can work towards finding tools that you need to cope, heal, and ultimately integrate the experience of loss into your life. You are not alone in this and I'm here to support you whenever you're ready.
10 Years Experience
Loss or Grief
New Moon Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, MACP, MSW, RSW, RP, RP(Q)
Grief is arguably the most painful experience we will ever experience. Yet within it's shadows there is a transformative power that can lead us to a place of healing and growth.
In our darkest moments, we discover the strength we never knew existed. We can learn to embrace vulnerability, to lean on others for support, and to find solace in the beauty of human connection.
Grief invites us to reflect on the preciousness of life and the fragility of our existence. It reminds us to cherish the moments we have and to cultivate gratitude for the love and connections we share. It compels us to reevaluate our priorities, to let go of what no longer serves us, and to embrace the opportunities for growth and transformation that arise from loss.
There are different forms of grief including:
- Loss of a loved one
- Anticipatory grief Eg. Loved ones experiencing chronic illness, Alzheimer's, etc.
- Ambiguous grief Eg. Disappearance of loved one, strained relationships, someone is physically present but emotionally absent
- Complicated grief Eg. Severe grief that persists or worsens over time
- Trauma related grief Eg. Grieving loss of safety or life that could have been
- Disenfranchised grief Eg. Grieving the loss of a socially unaccepted relationship/cause of death such as extramarital affair, ex-spouse, colleague, suicide loss, abuser, abortion, etc.
- Ecological grief Eg. Grief related to witnessing the destruction of ecosystems, the loss of biodiversity, or the impact of natural disasters.
- Collective grief Eg. Large scale loss such as natural disaster, a terrorist attack, or a pandemic.
Therapy provides a supportive and structured environment for individuals to navigate the intricate journey of grief. Here are several ways in which therapy can help people cope with grief:
Emotional Expression: Grief often brings a whirlwind of emotions, from sadness and anger to guilt and confusion. Therapy offers a safe space for individuals to express and process these emotions without judgment, fostering a sense of relief and understanding.
Validation and Normalization: Grief can make individuals feel isolated or as though their reactions are abnormal. Therapists help validate the complexity of grief, reassuring individuals that their feelings are a natural part of the process. This normalization can alleviate the burden of guilt or self-doubt.
Coping Strategies: Therapists can teach practical coping strategies to manage the intense emotions associated with grief. This may include mindfulness techniques, breathing exercises, or cognitive-behavioral strategies tailored to the individual's needs.
Understanding the Grieving Process: Grief is a unique and individual experience. Therapists educate individuals about the different stages of grief, helping them understand that healing is a gradual and non-linear process. This knowledge can provide a roadmap for the journey ahead.
Exploring Meaning and Purpose: Grief often prompts individuals to question the meaning of life and their own purpose. Therapists assist in exploring these existential concerns, helping individuals find new meaning and direction in the midst of loss.
Building Resilience: Therapy supports the development of resilience by helping individuals identify and strengthen their coping mechanisms. This process empowers individuals to adapt to the challenges of grief and ultimately move towards a place of greater emotional stability.
Navigating Life Transitions: Grief can bring significant life changes, and therapy provides a space to navigate these transitions. Whether it's adjusting to a new identity, redefining relationships, or making major life decisions, therapy can offer guidance and support.
Connection and Support: The therapeutic relationship itself can be a vital source of support. Having a compassionate and understanding professional to share the journey can mitigate feelings of loneliness and provide a secure foundation for healing.
In essence, therapy for grief is a personalized and holistic approach that addresses the emotional, psychological, and existential dimensions of loss. Through this process, individuals can find the support and tools they need to cope, heal, and ultimately integrate their experience of loss into their lives.
You don't have to carry this on your own. Our skilled therapists are here to help.
14 Years Experience
Loss or Grief
Andrea Rowell
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Disenfranchised grief or complicated grief are some of my specialities with grief. Disenfranchised grief is: "not openly acknowledged or publicly supported through mourning practices or rituals because the experience is not valued or counted [by others] as a loss". This grief can be very isolating, and complicated grief can also be isolating. I am glad to meet for a consultation to hear your story - you do not need to do this alone.
5 Years Experience
Loss or Grief
Honest Love: Fertility & Couples Counselling Services
Registered Social Worker, RSW
I work with individuals and couples who have experienced loss in their reproductive journey.
9 Years Experience
Loss or Grief
Shift Collab
Registered Social Worker
Compassionate support to navigate loss and grief, fostering healing and resilience.
8 Years Experience
Loss or Grief
Grounded Minds Therapy
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Montana Jaro is a therapist with Grounded Minds who specializes in grief support. Loss is incredibly difficult, and Montana believes that you don't have to cope with loss alone. Montana can support you in grieving a loved one or pet. Perhaps you're grieving the loss of a relationship or circumstance; Montana can support you through these transitions as well. Reach out to schedule a free consultation call.
6 Years Experience
Loss or Grief
Jess Erb
Registered Psychotherapist, DPsychotherapy
Loss can be at the core of many personal problems, and working through grief with a professional can be one of the biggest steps towards healing. I have worked with many clients facing loss and together we work towards exploring what has been loss and the complicated emotions that are often associated with this.
10 Years Experience
Loss or Grief
Bree Bonanno
Registered Psychotherapist, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Grief is a profound part of our emotional landscape, intricately woven into the fabric of our lives. It's a testament to our ability to connect with our deepest selves. When we allow ourselves to experience grief, it's an acknowledgment of the importance of what we've lost. It's a reminder of the depth of our love, the value of our connections, and the authenticity of our emotions. In therapy, we can explore this integral part of your journey, using it as a gateway to self-discovery and healing. In our sessions, we'll navigate the stages of grief - denial, anger, bargaining, sadness, and acceptance. I offer a compassionate, judgment-free space for you to process your emotions and find the strength to heal. You're not alone, and I'm here to guide you on your path to understanding and recovery.
3 Years Experience
Loss or Grief
Colleen Fava
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, Reiki Practitioner, BA
I offer support before, during and after the death of a loved one. My hope is to help through a difficult time of grief where intense feelings emerge. Everyone’s journey is very personal and I want to help you honour that.
8 Years Experience