Why Choose Our Approach to Grief and Bereavement?
Grief is not a one-size-fits-all experience. It can manifest in various emotional, mental, and physical ways, and there is no “right” way to grieve. For some, grief may involve intense sadness, anger, or confusion, while others may feel numb or detached. The intensity of these feelings can change over time, but for many people, grief doesn’t follow a linear path. It’s common to feel better for a while and then be unexpectedly hit by a wave of emotion triggered by a memory, event, or even a seemingly small reminder of the loss.
Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, widely regarded as the grief expert, introduced the widely recognized five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. These stages are not meant to be followed in a specific order, nor does everyone experience all five. Rather, they serve as a guide to help people understand the emotional landscape of grief. You may move back and forth between stages, or experience them simultaneously.
David Kessler, a leading grief expert and co-author with Kübler-Ross, added a sixth stage to the grief model: finding meaning. This stage focuses on moving beyond acceptance to find purpose and growth after loss. While grief may never fully disappear, finding meaning helps you move forward with a renewed sense of purpose.
Is Grief and Bereavement Counselling Right For You?
Are you struggling with the loss of a loved one?
We understand that losing someone you love is one of the most profound and challenging experiences in life. Our approach honors the complexity of grief and provides compassionate support as you navigate this difficult journey.
Do you feel overwhelmed by emotions you can’t control?
Grief brings intense emotions that can feel overwhelming and unpredictable. We provide a safe space where all emotions are welcome and help you develop healthy ways to process and express your feelings.
Are you struggling to find meaning after your loss?
Loss can shake our sense of purpose and meaning in life. We help you explore how to honor your loved one’s memory while finding new meaning and purpose in your own life.
Do you feel isolated in your grief?
Grief can be incredibly isolating, especially when others don’t understand your experience. We provide connection and understanding, helping you feel less alone in your grieving process.
Grief & Bereavement Counselling FAQs
What’s the difference between grief and bereavement?
Bereavement is the experience of losing someone (or something) important to you. Grief is the emotional, physical, and mental response that follows. People grieve in different ways, and there isn’t one “right” timeline.
Is what I’m feeling normal after a loss?
Grief can include sadness, numbness, anger, guilt, relief, anxiety, brain fog, sleep changes, and shifts in appetite or energy. These reactions can come in waves—especially around anniversaries, holidays, or major life events.
When should I consider grief counselling?
Counselling can help at any point—whether your loss is recent or years ago. It may be especially helpful if you feel stuck, overwhelmed, isolated, or if grief is impacting daily functioning, relationships, work, or your sense of identity and meaning.
What happens in grief counselling?
Grief counselling offers a supportive space to process the loss, make room for your emotions, and find ways to cope day-to-day. You may also explore complicated feelings, unfinished business, changes in identity, and how to stay connected to what you’ve lost while still moving forward.
Can counselling help with complicated grief or traumatic loss?
Yes. Some losses can be especially hard to integrate—such as sudden death, suicide, overdose, medical trauma, or multiple losses. Therapy can help you gently process what happened, reduce distressing symptoms, and rebuild safety, support, and meaning over time.