Grief and Loss Counselling in Essex, ON.

Assisting people through the natural process of grief after a significant loss has been an important part of the work I do for over 15 years. Loss comes in many forms: death of a loved one, sickness and health challenges resulting in a deeply experienced loss of self, loss of relationships through divorce, familial conflict, retirement and even through loss of employment. Each of us will experience loss in our lives and each of us needs to know that we do not have to go through it alone. Therapy can help support you through this difficult time.

Grief is a complex experience that may be accompanied by a diversity of difficult emotions that are challenging to work around. However, you are not alone. Each of us have a unique relationship with grief, and I am here to support you in discovering what that relationship looks like for you. You don’t have to know where to start or where you are going in your pathway to healing. There is no correct way to grieve. Contact me to book a free consultation to see if we would be a good fit.

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

Any loss can cause a person to feel grief; whether it is the loss of a job, a relationship, the death of a loved one, or the loss of a cherished dream etc. I find that my clients find it helpful to use Narrative techniques, such as writing personnel journals. However, the use of Somatic Experiencing which is a form of therapy aimed at relieving and resolving the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental and physical trauma-related health problems. Regardless, a person needs to re-connect and make sense to painful emotions and past events in order to effectively deal with a loss or a post traumatic event, such as a motor vehicle accident, rape, sexual attack, childhood trau....

Coping with grief is an inevitable and challenging aspect of life. At Atlas Therapy, our commitment is to assist you in navigating this journey, offering support and empathy as you confront various types of loss. We strive to aid clients in comprehending the grieving process, devising personalized coping strategies, addressing feelings of guilt or anger, fostering social connections, building resilience, and engaging in cognitive restructuring. The skilled therapists at Atlas recognize that grief elicits a spectrum of intense emotions, and we provide a secure, non-judgmental space for you to express and process these feelings. Take the first step towards healing by reaching out today.

Unfortunately we all will encounter grief and loss at times during our lives. There is no set time frame for working through the waves of emotions. However, sometimes we may feel stuck in our grieving process and it is comforting to find support along this journey. I use various techniques dependent on a collaborative treatment design. Therapeutic modalities include Narrative Therapy, Expressive Art Therapy and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing).

Grief and loss is an unfortunate part of being human. It is inevitable that we will, at some point, lose people we love and have to process and grief the loss. Loss is a broad term that typically refers to losing someone through death. However, other losses include loss of a relationship (break-ups or conflicts), as well as a person's treasured identity (i.e. work-identity, or being a parent when their children have moved out). Loss can be understood as a painful reaction to change - to losing someone or some parts of ourselves. People grieve in different ways, there is no "right" path which can be frustrating. Let me help guide you through your grieving process.

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.

Are you using alcohol, substances, or addictive behaviors to cope with grief and loss? Although they provide relief in the short term, their long-term effects on your relationships and health can make it even more difficult to cope. Through a compassionate non-judgmental approach, I help clients explore their relationship to grief and loss so that they can overcome addictive coping strategies. If you're looking for another way forward, feel free to reach out and we can set up a free consultation to discuss further.

Most people will go through a period of loss in their lives. A response to any kind of loss is grief. Grieving over the loss of a loved one is known as bereavement. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Some people are highly emotional and delve deeply into their emotions, while others are resistant and could look for ways to divert their attention from an unchangeable aspect of life. Each person has unique needs when coping with loss. Grief and loss counselling can help you to manage your emotions and help you heal.

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.

In the depths of grief, finding solace can feel like an impossible journey. You're not alone, and your pain is valid. I'm here to provide a compassionate and understanding space where you can navigate your own path to healing. No judgment, no expectations—just support tailored to your needs. Together, we'll honor your journey and explore ways to find peace amidst the pain. Reach out today to start your healing process. Your first consultation is free, and I'm here to support you.