Grief and Loss Counselling in Thunder Bay, ON.

Learning that grief and love are the same thing can help, as can realizing we are all hardwired to contend with the pain of grief. Many of my clients say they would not trade their pain away now if it mean having not loved that person/animal/job/house. I support clients to find a place in them to house grief, and handle it carefully, gently and with love and compassion. Strength from struggle......

Since everyone is unique and grieves differently, my approach to grief therapy is to tailor counselling to fit with the needs and experiences of the individual person. I offer a safe supportive environment where people can feel free to talk in depth about their deceased loved one; learn how to better understand and cope with their personal reactions to the pain of grief (emotional, physical, behavioural, and spiritual); explore new ways of staying connected to and remembering the loved one who has died; and learn to adjust to a different life than the one they used to know.

Are you struggling with the weight of grief and loss? You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. I’m Simona Ilieva, a Registered Psychotherapist, specializing in grief and loss therapy. Whether you’re mourning the loss of a loved one or experiencing another profound life change, I’m here to help you process your emotions, find meaning, and begin the healing process. Together, we’ll work through the pain and guide you toward a place of peace and acceptance. Grief is deeply personal, but with the right support, healing is possible. Let’s take this step toward healing together. Book a free consultation today.

We are all touched by grief and loss at some time in our lives, and often the support of family or friends is enough. There are also times when we could benefit from talking to a counsellor. I provide a safe place to express your experience, to help you find ways to honour the past and also move into the future. Taking care of yourself in the face of loss can make a difference.

I work with men going through loss, whether it be a relationship break-up, retirement, or job loss. And yes, all of these are losses. It's difficult to think you wanted this relationship forever and now you don't have it. Or you've made your career a critical part of your existence. What will your life look like now? Will thinking about it ever go away? There's anger there too. Therapy is a way to get this out. Running away from the loss is a short-term solution. Therapy helps you make sense of feel your feelings in order to feel better in the long-term.

After loosing someone close to you it is often hard to find emotional balance. Therapy can provide you with a safe space to process your loss and the difficult emotions that often follow. Feeling sad, lonely, angry, and confused are all normal and healthy emotions to experience during this time. Working with a therapist can help you through these tough emotions as well as how to feel normal and happy again.

When we lose someone we love, our relationship with them doesn’t need to end. Your loved one is still very much a part of life. Grief counselling can give you a safe place to talk about your loved one, any regrets you are holding on to and resolve any guilt you may be feeling. Grief counseling can help you with “stuck points” and help you oscillate between sorrow and function.

Grief and loss can have profound impact on our day to day life. Whether it is the loss of a loved one, the loss of a relationship, a career, or the loss of our health/abilities. Being able to transition to a “new reality” can sometimes feel overwhelming. Allow me the opportunity to work alongside you to “carve out” a path of hope and fulfillment. Compassion and understanding are important elements I will always strive to achieve in our session work.

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!

Coping with loss and adjusting to life without a loved one is overwhelming. It is unsettling and painful to watch the world keep turning when it feels like yours has stopped. Adequate emotional support is critical during these times. Therapy will not only provide appropriate coping skills but also offer a safe space to feel and process your loss. Reach out for a free consultation; we can talk and see if I am the right fit to walk with you through this adjustment.