Grief Counselling Toronto

Understanding Grief and Loss

Grief is a deeply personal experience that affects everyone differently. While often associated with death, grief can occur with any significant loss including relationships, jobs, health, dreams, or major life changes.

Common grief responses include:

• Intense sadness, yearning, or emptiness
• Anger, guilt, or regret
• Physical symptoms like fatigue, aches, or appetite changes
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Sleep disturbances or vivid dreams
• Social withdrawal or feeling disconnected
• Questioning beliefs or finding meaning
• Waves of emotion that come unexpectedly

Types of Loss We Support

• Death of a loved one: Spouse, parent, child, sibling, friend, or pet
• Relationship losses: Divorce, separation, or ended friendships
• Health-related losses: Diagnosis, disability, or changed abilities
• Life transition losses: Job loss, retirement, or empty nest syndrome
• Complicated grief: When grief becomes prolonged or overwhelming
• Anticipatory grief: Grieving before a loss occurs

Evidence-Based Grief Therapy Approaches

Continuing Bonds Theory

Modern grief therapy recognizes that healthy grieving doesn't mean "letting go" but rather finding new ways to maintain connection with what was lost while adapting to current reality.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT helps you accept difficult grief emotions while committing to meaningful actions and values-based living, even while grieving.

Narrative Therapy Elements

Exploring and reshaping the story of your loss and your life, finding new meanings and possibilities for your future.

Mindfulness-Based Approaches

Mindfulness techniques help you stay present with grief emotions without being overwhelmed, developing self-compassion during the healing process.