Grief, Loss, & Bereavement Counselling

Grief is not a problem to be solved or a set of stages to be completed. It often feels like being in the middle of an ocean where the waves come without warning. Some days the water is calm, and other days the waves are so overwhelming that you can’t see the shore. Whether you are mourning the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or the loss of a version of yourself, the journey through grief doesn't follow a straight line or a fixed timeline.

While we often associate grief with the death of a loved one, it can be sparked by any significant change that alters your life. This might include the end of a relationship, the loss of a pet, or navigating life-altering events like a serious illness, job loss, or a shift in your sense of identity.

The impact of loss often ripples through every part of your world:

• Emotional: intense sadness, guilt, anger, anxiety, numbness, loneliness, relief (in complex situations).

• Cognitive: trouble concentrating, intrusive memories, preoccupation with the loss, sense of disbelief.

• Physical: fatigue, sleep and appetite changes, aches, immune changes, somatic complaints.

• Behavioural: withdrawal, changes in social activity, decreased work or school performance, substance use, avoidance of reminders.

• Relational: strain on family or friendships, changes in attachment or trust, difficulty with intimacy.

• Functional: trouble performing day-to-day tasks, managing responsibilities, or making decisions.

• Spiritual/existential: questioning beliefs, searching for meaning, or experiencing spiritual distress.