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Grief


Anticipatory Loss: Understanding Grief Before Goodbye
This blog provides an overview of the unique experience of anticipatory loss: the deep emotional experience of grieving a loss that has not yet fully arrived. Including: common emotions and experiences, benefits and challenges, coping strategies and recommendations for support.
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2 days ago3 min read


Navigating Grief on Mother’s Day: Honouring Love, Loss, and Everything In Between
Mother's Day can be a painful reminder of loss for many struggling with bereavement, estrangement, infertility or miscarriage. You're not alone. Read our guide to navigating grief on Mother's Day and how to access supports.
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May 75 min read


Intense Grief or PTSD?
At Authentic Living London, many people come in feeling overwhelmed, confused, and unsure of what they are experiencing. You might be asking yourself, Is this grief? Is this trauma? Why does it feel so intense? These are important questions, and the answer is not always simple. Grief and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can look very similar, especially in the beginning. Both can affect your emotions, your thoughts, your body, and your sense of connection to the world. B
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Apr 254 min read


Understanding the Anniversary Effect: Navigating Grief on Special Dates After Loss
If you have experienced the death of a loved one, you may have noticed waves of grief returning around certain dates. This is known as the anniversary effect. At Authentic Living London, our grief counsellors see this experience often. It can feel surprising and overwhelming, even years after the loss. Recognizing and understanding the anniversary effect is a powerful step toward healing. In this post, we explore what it is, why it happens, and practical ways to support yours
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Apr 75 min read


What Should I Expect as a Loved One Approaches the End of Life? A Compassionate Guide
This guide covers the common aspects of the end of life process and highlights how emotional support through grief counselling can make a meaningful difference.
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Apr 13 min read


How Long Does Grief Last?
One of the first questions people ask after a loss is simple and honest: “How long is this going to last?” People ask it quietly in therapy sessions. They ask it late at night while scrolling on their phone. They ask it because they are exhausted, scared, or worried that something is wrong with them. If you are asking this question, you are not broken. You are human. The Short Answer: Grief Has No Timeline Grief does not follow a schedule. There is no finish line where you su
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Feb 114 min read


Grief at Christmas: Why This Time of Year Can Feel So Hard and How to Get Through It
Christmas can be one of the hardest times to grieve. The season is filled with memories, expectations, and reminders of the person who is no longer here. If this is your first Christmas without them, everything may feel heavier than you expected. You might find yourself pulled between wanting to keep old traditions and wanting to avoid the holiday altogether. There is no right way to do this. Grief is personal, and it does not follow the calendar.
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Dec 1, 20254 min read


The controversy around MAID: Compassion, Choice, and Concern
Medical assistance in dying, or MAID, is one of the most debated issues in health care today. For some it represents relief from unbearable suffering and the chance to have control over the dying process. For others it raises fears about whether society is doing enough to protect the vulnerable and provide the supports people need to live well. Families often find themselves caught between compassion, grief, and uncertainty.
Counselling can be a gentle space in the middle of
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Sep 23, 20255 min read


When Grief Feels Too Heavy to Carry Alone
Grief is a natural part of life, yet when it comes, it can feel too heavy to carry alone. Many people try to push through or wait for time to heal, but grief has no timeline and no single “right” way of unfolding. If you’ve been carrying your grief quietly, therapy can offer a safe place to share your story, feel understood, and find support. At Authentic Living London, we believe grief doesn’t need fixing—it needs space, compassion, and care.
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Sep 17, 20254 min read


Caregiver Stress: The Emotional Burden of Caring for a Terminally Ill Loved One
Caring for someone who is terminally ill can be one of the most profound and difficult experiences of a person’s life. It is often called a labour of love, yet it comes with exhaustion, grief, and sacrifice that few outside the role can truly see. Caregivers give their time, energy, health, and even parts of their identity in order to support someone they love. Along the way, they carry anticipatory grief, physical strain, social isolation, and financial pressure.
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Sep 5, 20255 min read


The Dual Process Model of Grief: Moving Between Loss and Life
When we think about grief, we often imagine it as a straight road with stages to move through one by one. But grief is rarely that neat....
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Aug 20, 20253 min read


STUGs: Understanding Sudden Temporary Upsurges of Grief
If you’ve been searching for a grief therapist near me, know that Authentic Living London is here for you. We offer both in-person and virtual sessions, making grief support accessible no matter where you are.
STUGs don’t mean you’re broken. They mean you loved deeply—and love doesn’t end. With the right support, you can learn to meet these waves of grief with care instead of fear.
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Aug 19, 20253 min read


Why Grief Makes You Tired
Grief is more than sadness—it’s an all-encompassing experience that touches the mind, body, and spirit. Many people are surprised to find...
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Aug 18, 20253 min read


Understanding Pet Loss: Why Grieving a Pet Hurts So Deeply
Losing a pet can be one of the most heartbreaking experiences in life. Our pets are companions, family members, and sources of unconditional love, so when they die, the grief can feel overwhelming. Many people are surprised by how deeply the loss affects them, and even more surprised when others do not seem to understand. At Authentic Living London, we know that grieving a pet is real grief, and it deserves the same care, compassion, and support as any other loss.
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Aug 17, 20254 min read


Talking to Children About Death and Loss
Talking to children about death can feel overwhelming, but honest and age-appropriate conversations help them feel safe and supported. This blog from Authentic Living London shares practical tips for answering children’s questions, guidance for different age groups, and ways to keep communication open as they grieve.
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Aug 15, 20255 min read


Why Grief-Informed Training Is Essential for Therapists
Grief is one of the most universal human experiences, yet it is often one of the least understood in the world of mental health. While...
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Aug 13, 20255 min read


Virtual Grief Counselling: What It Is, How It Works, and Whether It Is Right for You
Virtual grief counselling offers evidence-based help from your home. Learn how online grief therapy works, who benefits most, and what to expect in a session.
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Aug 13, 20254 min read


What is Grief Counselling and How Can It Help Me? Plus, Some Surprising Benefits of Grief Counselling
Grief counselling is a type of therapy that offers a safe and supportive space to navigate the pain of loss. It can help you process emotions, find healthy coping strategies, and adjust to life without your loved one, all while feeling understood and less alone.
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Aug 13, 20256 min read


Navigating the Heart Wrenching Decision of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID)
Considering Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) is deeply personal and difficult. This guide offers compassionate information, emotional support strategies, and resources to help you and your family navigate this journey with care and understanding.
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Aug 10, 20253 min read


How Long Will My Grief Last?
There’s no set timeline for grief. This comprehensive guide explains why grief lasts longer for some people, common patterns, practical coping steps, and when to seek professional support. Find grief therapy in London, Ontario and online with Authentic Living London.
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Aug 10, 20255 min read
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