Grief Counselling
Grief Counselling
Grief can disrupt every part of your life. You can’t shake your upsetting thoughts, and sometimes you don't even recognize yourself. You would do just about anything to make the pain go away. You don’t have to go through this alone. We are here to stand by your side as you go through your grief journey.
We offer both virtual and in-clinic one-on-one grief support appointments.
Worrying about what someone will think is common. Hopefully this short video will help put your mind at ease.
Types of losses we honour:
Infertility/Miscarriages
Toxic relationships
Jobs/positions
Pets
Covid-related losses
Suicide
Drug overdose
Extramarital lovers
Health
Friends/family
Anticipatory grief (when you know you're going to lose someone)
Ambiguous grief (such as when you are a caregiver).
“Disenfranchised Grief”
Grief can be a beastly experience. While many people are familiar with the grief that comes from losing a loved one, there is another type of grief that is often overlooked and misunderstood: disenfranchised grief.
Disenfranchised grief refers to a type of grief that is not openly acknowledged or recognized by society. This can include grief over a non-death loss, such as the end of a relationship or the loss of a job, or grief that is deemed by society to be less important or less deserving of recognition, such as the loss of a pet or a miscarriage.
The experience of disenfranchised grief can be particularly challenging for individuals, as they may feel that their grief is not valid or that they are not allowed to openly express their emotions. This can lead to feelings of isolation, shame, and guilt, which can further complicate the grieving process.
One of the most important things to remember about disenfranchised grief is that it is still valid and deserving of acknowledgement and support. Just because society may not recognize a particular type of loss as "worthy" of grief does not mean that the individual is not experiencing significant emotional distress.
If you are experiencing disenfranchised grief, please know that we are here for you. You don’t have to try and validate your pain to us. If there was an attachment, then there will be grief.
Tips for Talking to Kids About Death
Children are more perceptive than we give them credit for. Be honest and open with your child about what happened and why their loved one is no longer with them.
Answer Their Questions: Encourage your child to ask questions about their loved one and the circumstances of their death. Be patient and understanding as you answer their questions as honestly as you can. As much as possible, keep the lines of communication open. If you feel like talking about it is too hard, direct them to a trusted adult.
Listen: Listen carefully to your child's thoughts and feelings, and give them space to express themselves. It’s okay if a young child’s thoughts are fanciful - that is developmentally appropriate. You can gently lead them towards the truth but in a way that does not criticize their thoughts. Avoid minimizing their grief or dismissing their emotions.
Validate Their Feelings: Encourage them to express their emotions in safe ways and let them know that it is okay to feel sad, angry, or confused.
Maintain Routines: Kids thrive on stability. Keep your child's routines as consistent as possible, including meal times, bedtimes, and activities.
Seek Support: Consider seeking support from a grief counselor or support group for yourself and your child. This can help both of you process your emotions and find healthy ways to cope.
Encourage Self-Care: Encourage your child to take care of themselves. Model getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and engaging in physical activity.
Provide Comfort: Provide physical comfort to your child, such as hugs and cuddles.
Honoring Memories: Let your child to remember their loved one in meaningful ways, like creating a memory box or scrapbook.
Be Patient: Be patient with your child and yourself as you navigate this difficult time together.