Grief and Loss Counselling in Guelph, ON.

In the wake of death, divorce, or tragedy, it is normal to feel lost, cut adrift, and out-of-control. Grief therapy is a safe place to become grounded, where you can process your emotions without fear of being judged or shut down. While your friends and family might want you to move on fast - there are no "shoulds" or "musts" here. In our sessions, we'll work on processing grief on your own terms, in a way that honours you and the relationship you had with the person you lost. We'll work to help you get your bearings and - in time - to return back to life after your loss.

At some point in life, everyone will experience grief and loss. Grief is a normal response to a final disconnection from something or someone important to us. While grief is a common human experience, we will all experience loss in very different ways. It may occur following the loss of a pet, job, relationship, or loved one. Together, we will explore your grief to develop an understanding of what your loss means to you, and how it has impacted you. Together, we will explore how you can effectively experience and express your grief in a way that makes sense for you - there are no rules or timelines when it comes to grief.

Individual therapy is focused on your unique needs and goals. Individual therapy includes learning about your history and life experiences then establishing goals to accomplish in counselling. Our histories are the roots that provide us with a foundation of strength and resilience. But, our histories can also hold the stories that cause pain, insecurity and doubt. It is our belief that the best therapy comes from helping to heal the roots that cause those stuck points. Through this we can create lasting change.

Grief is the emotional suffering we feel when we lose something or someone important to us. This can include the loss of friend, partner, or family member, a change in life circumstances, death of a pet, getting fired, loss of health, safety, a dream... anything that we once had and now do not. The intensity and process can be unique for each person, but like all other emotions that impact the quality of our life, ignoring it or suppressing it does not work. Seeking support as we move through the various stages of grief is very helpful. Planning for our healing is crucial so that we do not become 'stuck' in the pain. A skilled therapist can assist us during this vulnerable time.

Losing someone close to us can be among the most painful of life experiences. An example of one of my approaches to working with grieving clients involves learning how to live with the pain and loss along with finding ways to honor the life and memory of the bereaved. However, grief is a largely personal process, with many different types of loss that each require their own unique approach and attentiveness depending on what feels best for clients during this most vulnerable time. Contact me to book a free consultation.

Being alive means experiencing inevitable loss, which is normally followed by grief and recovery. The loss can be the loss of a person, image, ideal, or even a hope. However, the grief and recovery can sometimes be complicated. Every person follows a unique pattern of grief processing. The key for a healthy recovery lies in understanding this pattern in a supported environment. The therapy is about helping the client to get to this insight. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit.

In my practice you will find a safe place to talk about and work through pain, and the feelings of sadness, confusion, guilt, shame and anger that often accompany the experience of grief and loss. Moving through grief and loss is your personal journey that takes time and is experienced uniquely from your own perspective. I provide therapy, counselling and and support for people who have lost a loved one such as a family member, friend or colleague whether through death or the ending of a relationship, those who have lost an important pet or animal companion or people who have experienced a loss that includes a loss of a job or personal identity.

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.

Hope Centered Counselling understands first hand the pain associated with losing someone, losing a fur baby, and the loss when something changes in your life. A relationship changing, a change in career, or moving somewhere new can come with significant losses. We get it, and we want to help you walk through the experience, and hold space for the hard parts.

Life's journey can be quite challenging. Our close relationships are truly precious to us. When they come to an end, particularly on short notice or without any warning, it can be an incredibly painful experience. Grief can manifest in various forms, whether it be the loss of a loved one, a missed opportunity, or perhaps a significant change in our everyday life. Often in grief, there are things that are left unsaid. In our sessions I will create a non-judgmental and compassionate space for you to process your pain in a meaningful way. Remember, you don't have to face this alone.

The experience of pain following the loss of a loved one or something deeply cherished can be incredibly intense. Some individuals have described this pain as piercing, difficult, gripping, numb, brutal, awful, or complex. Others have found it difficult to put into words. It's natural to wish that there was a way to avoid or minimize this pain, but some people are adept at delaying or concealing their suffering. However, it's essential to recognize that this approach may only postpone the healing process. While it may sound firm, the truth is that facing and working through the pain is essential for the healing process. Accepting new clients!

Disruption and change (personal or professional, expected or unexpected) can cause considerable psychological and emotional pain for many. Being able to successfully adapt to or handle change is a big part of life. Many us struggle with change because it creates a sense of loss. Many men going through life changes do not allow themselves the opportunity to feel emotions like sadness or grief - a natural part of processing change and loss. I help men to better cope with life's disruptions, increase their ability to process change and strengthen their resilience so they can successfully adapt to life's challenges and find happiness and joy again.

Grief counseling helps people cope with grief and mourning following the loss of a loved one or due to major life changes that trigger feelings of grief (i.e. job loss or divorce). It provides a space for individuals to work through and process the complex emotions surrounding loss. Healthy grieving results in remembering the loss with a newfound sense of peace, rather than searing pain.

I believe there are many forms of grief and loss. We may be grieving the loss of a loved one, our dream of what home is, grief of the pain of the planet, ecosystems and species, loss of an inner sense of balance. One activity I love to share with people who are grieving is to be present with a river. I invite them to pay attention as the water flows downstream and to tune into what they are letting go of. Then I invite them to notice how there is water flowing toward them and ask what newness might be emerging within? Often people are surprised to discover that our loss is creating space for something new to arise.