Grief Therapy

“Action is the antidote to despair.” -Alan Wolfelt 

The loss of a loved one can feel isolating and helpless, as we may think that no one could possibly help with the deep, wrenching pain we feel.  While there may not be an immediate “fix” for grief, or to “get over”, “recover from” or “resolve” grief, it really is possible to heal and learn to live with the loss of a loved one, as difficult as this may seem. Feelings of loss may not completely disappear, yet they can soften and the intense claws of grief will become less frequent.  

“It does not matter how slowly you go, so long as you do not stop.” -Confucious 

At HopeStone Therapy, we understand that the support of family and friends is sometimes not enough to move through the grieving process. Emotions can be difficult to share with others, such as guilt or anger, regret, self-blame, a reluctance to share the magnitude of your pain. Grief therapy can help you seek reconciliation and provide a safe place to explore difficult emotions with someone who is neutral and can help embrace the uniqueness of your grief. Together, we can develop coping strategies, find meaning in loss and honour the memory of loved ones. 

“We are healed of a suffering only by experiencing it in the full.” -Unknown  

 My extensive experience at The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) has taught me the important truth that healing in grief is heart-based and not head-based. This is why as a grief therapist, I strongly believe in adopting a “companioning” philosophy through a client’s grief journey vs a “treating” philosophy.  At HopeStone Therapy, no one is ever imposed a timeline on their grief, and will always be met with a compassionate, safe and empathetic approach. I will provide that safe haven where you can “give voice” to those feelings you might be afraid to express elsewhere and can help you constructively channel those emotions.   

 “I can release the pain that touches my memories, but only if I remember them.  I can release my grief, but only if I express it.  Memories and grief must have a heart to hold them.”  -Alan Wolfelt

 I would feel honored to walk alongside you and support you in your healing.