Grief and Loss
"Getting rid of the pain is not the same as healing. Healing is actually the capacity to hold pain."
- Gabor Mate
What we can explore together
There is absolutely nothing wrong with experiencing grief and loss—it's a natural part of life, even though it can feel overwhelming. When grief and loss show up in counselling, we focus on helping you navigate the pain, find healing, and honor the love and connection that was lost. Together, we’ll create a compassionate space where you can process your emotions at your own pace, offering you the support and understanding you need through this journey.
Emotional and Mental Overwhelm
Grief can make your emotions feel unpredictable, swinging from sadness to anger, guilt, or even numbness without warning. You might find it hard to concentrate or stay focused as your thoughts keep returning to the person or thing you’ve lost. Even simple tasks can feel monumental, leaving you drained and struggling to keep up with daily responsibilities. Activities that once brought you joy now feel hollow or painful, as they remind you of what’s gone. You might also find yourself longing for things to return to how they were, even though deep down you know that’s not possible.
Physical and Social Strain
Grief can take a toll on your body, causing physical symptoms like fatigue, aches, or a tightness in your chest, almost as if the weight of your grief is stored within you. Your sleep patterns may be disrupted, either with excessive sleep as a way to escape or insomnia as memories and emotions replay in your mind. It’s common to isolate yourself, feeling like no one truly understands your pain or that you don’t want to burden others with it. You might even struggle to ask for help, feeling like you should be able to manage your grief on your own, which only makes the burden feel heavier.
Guilt, Disconnection and
the Future
As you navigate grief, you might feel guilt over moments you shared with the person or thing you’ve lost, questioning if there was more you could have done. Grief can make it hard to envision a future where you’ll feel joy or peace again, leaving you feeling disconnected from yourself, your surroundings, or others. It might feel like you’re watching life happen from a distance, unable to truly participate. There may also be moments of unexpected relief or gratitude, but they can bring guilt too, making you question if you’re grieving “enough.” These ups and downs are part of the process, and it’s okay to feel them all.