Grief and Loss Counselling in French River, ON.

Bettina Kealy, B.A., M.A., R.P. provides counselling and psychotherapy services to individuals suffering from various life losses. Many individuals struggle with feelings of depression, anxiety and guilt when faced with the loss of a loved one and other life losses including separation and divorce, loss due to disability and other life difficulties. Existential, mindfulness and cognitive-behavioural strategies are used in treatment to address the emotional impact of the specific loss and assist the person in accepting the loss and rebuilding their life.

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

When you lose someone or something you love, it may seem like the pain will never end. I will hold space for your grief, and any emotion that comes up, as you share your inner turmoil. Over time, the pain will lesson, and you will gain the energy, focus, and motivation that you have been missing. You do not have to walk this path alone. Reach out, and you will be met with a gentle voice full of compassion.

Processing loss is painful, confusing and often isolating. This is not something that is as simple as progressing through "stages" in order and typically involves emotions that we have been taught to avoid or suppress. Working with a therapist to unpack and go through grief and loss can offer some space and perspective that is not there when we talk with friends and family. Here you can have a non-judgmental space to take the time to work this out in the way that you need. This is not always easy, but we can navigate this together.

Grief is a normal process that each of us goes through when we have been separated from someone or something that we have felt connected to. There is no time limit to the experience. During this journey, you may find yourself grappling with a range of emotions, from anger and isolation to fear and many others. These emotions are all part of the normal process of grief, as we navigate our way through the loss. You can stay trapped in these feelings which will extend the time you grieve. Alternatively, you may consider new events from the perspective of how your loved one enjoyed or managed them in the past.