Grief and Loss Counselling in Peterborough, ON.

Grief can be experienced through loss of a loved one from death, the ending of a relationship or even loss of a job. It is important to understand that grief isn't linear but we experience it in waves that ebb and flow and can feel, at times, exhausting and overwhelming. As a counsellor trained in art therapy and psychodrama techniques, I use these modalities to help you accept and experience your grief without letting it overwhelm your life.

Grief and loss are weaved into our lives in an intimate way. Grief is natural, normal, unique and universal. Grief touches us all at one point or another and is an inevitable part of being human. The experience of grief may be associated with a range of emotions, thoughts and behaviours. It’s important to remember that the journey of grief is not linear and there is no right way to feel. Therapy is a safe space where you can explore your grief. We will move at a pace that feels comfortable to you and I will check in to ensure that you feel safe and supported. Please contact me to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit.

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.

Over the course of our lives, we experience various losses and we grieve in many different ways. It can be difficult to know how to begin working through grief and you do not have to be alone in this process. I believe that grieving is a journey and I welcome the opportunity to support you in your path to healing. Within therapy, we can explore some of the emotions you are experiencing, unpack expectations about what grieving looks like, discuss possibilities for connection with what’s most important within your life, and consider possible ways to honour the loss(es) you have experienced. Contact me or book a free consultation if you wish to learn more.

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.

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.

Grief and loss can be overwhelming for people. Having someone to share their story with can help make the journey a little easier. Therapy can help lower feelings of isolation for clients. I help clients come to understand that grief doesn't just go away once the funeral is over, or the situation is over ( such as separation of spouses). Grief takes time. I provide a listening ear, compassion, and respect for how each person grieves. Art making can often be very helpful for clients moving through grief. It can provide them with an outlet for their emotions, and a way to express feelings that are sometimes hard to put into words.

I know this is a difficult time for you. Everyone reacts differently about losing someone significant in their life. It can be hard when other people do not understand why you feel or react as you do. I honor your courage in reaching out for support and would like to assist by offering a compassionate ear. It may be that your grief is complicated by a traumatic loss. I want you to know that you are not alone and that I have supported many others through this difficult and painful time.

Grief & Loss is difficult to manage, and looks different for different people. What we do know, is processing our grief and loss is important in order to move forward and heal from our losses. We will move through your grief and loss in a client centered approach and at your pace. Our sessions are designed with your needs implementing a variety of modalities (CBT, ACT, trauma informed, art therapy, or play therapy). We may also used education to help with processing as we remember and find hope in our future. Look forward to walk with you through this life journey.