Grief & Loss Counselling

Grief and loss can often be misunderstood or go unrecognized when it doesn't fit a popular narrative of what that grief "should" look like. However, any significant change or loss in one's life can lead to feelings of grief, and counselling can provide support in processing these emotions. Experiences like divorce, the death of a pet, unexpected pregnancy loss, and even major life transitions like marriage can all lead to a sense of loss.

Grief counselling can provide a safe space for individuals to process their emotions and cope with their loss. During sessions, counsellors may use a variety of techniques, including narrative therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy and Emotional Focused Individual therapy among other therapeutic modalities. Many counsellors also incorporate mindfulness and relaxation exercises to help clients manage intense emotions. It is not uncommon for individuals to feel a range of emotions during grief counselling, from sadness and anger to guilt and regret.

Ultimately, the goal of grief counselling is to help individuals have a welcoming, safe and warm supportive space to share their story, find ways to adapt and move forward in their lives, and to eventually find some kind of possible meaning following a loss.

Metanoia Mental Health offers face-to-face and online counselling for grief and loss to all residents in Alberta, Canada.

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What is grief counselling?

Grief counselling is a form of therapy that helps individuals cope with the pain and loss associated with grief. It can often arise in the aftermath of losing a loved one or experiencing any type of significant loss, such as the end of a relationship or major life changes.

Grief counselling aims to address a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, guilt, and confusion. In therapy sessions, individuals have the opportunity to process their feelings, identify ways to cope with their grief, and eventually move toward acceptance and healing.

Grief counselling can also involve support for loved ones who may be affected by the individual's grief. It can be helpful for anyone dealing with the effects of loss, whether it occurred recently or many years ago. Seeking professional help for grief can make a significant impact on mental health and overall well-being.

What to expect in grief counselling?

Grief counselling can provide a safe space for individuals to process their emotions and cope with their loss. During sessions, counsellors may use a variety of techniques, including cognitive-behavioural therapy or talk therapy. Many counsellors also incorporate mindfulness and relaxation exercises to help clients manage difficult emotions. It is not uncommon for individuals to feel a range of emotions during grief counselling, from sadness and anger to guilt and regret.

It is important to keep in mind that there is no one right way to grieve, and each person will experience the process differently. Some individuals may find it helpful to set specific goals for their sessions, while others prefer a more open-ended approach. However the process unfolds, your counsellor will work with you at your own pace in order to address any challenges or concerns related to your grief. Ultimately, the goal of grief counselling is to help individuals find ways to adapt and move forward in their lives following a loss.

Identify and acknowledge losses in your life
Process emotions in a caring, compassionate space
When ready, find meaning or making sense of the losses in your life and build new direction moving forward
Build rituals of connection
Check in to monitor grief and loss versus chronic depression to provide support and referrals as needed

How can grief and loss counselling help me?

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Seeking out grief counselling is an important step in taking care of oneself during a tough time and moving towards acceptance and healing.

Types of grief

Grief is a complex emotion, and there are numerous ways in which it can manifest.

One common type of grief is anticipatory grief, which occurs before a loss has actually taken place, such as when a loved one receives a terminal diagnosis. This type of grief can also occur after the loss of a special possession or when facing the end of a significant life event, such as graduation or retirement.

Another type of grief is disenfranchised grief, which is often not recognized or validated by society. This can include the loss of a pet, miscarriage, or losing an important role in someone's life, such as when a divorce occurs. Disenfranchised grief can result in feelings of guilt and isolation.

Additionally, complicated grief is prolonged and intense grief that interferes with day-to-day functioning. It often manifests as difficulty accepting the loss and constant yearning for the deceased or what has been lost.

While all types of grief are valid and unique to each individual's experience, seeking support from loved ones and professionals can be helpful in managing and processing these emotions.

The grieving process

Grief is a natural response to loss, and there is no one correct way to process it. While some people may experience the five stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance), others may not go through them in this specific order or may not experience all of them. It is important to allow yourself time and space to grieve, as well as seek support from loved ones or a therapist if needed.

Be mindful that the grieving process can be unpredictable and may last for months or even years. It is also important to remember that although grief may lessen over time, it never truly goes away. It is natural to feel a sense of guilt or hesitation moving forward with your life after a loss; know that honouring the memory of your loved one does not diminish your pain or preclude you from finding joy again in the future.

Grieving is an ongoing process, but eventually you will learn how to live with your loss and find new ways to take care of yourself and move forward.

Grief counselling for children

While the loss of a loved one can be devastating for adults, it can be especially challenging for children to navigate their emotions and cope with grief. As they may not always have the emotional maturity or language to express themselves, it is important that they receive specialized support through grief counselling.

In these sessions, children can learn coping mechanisms, express their feelings in a safe space, and create connections with others who have also experienced loss. Grief counsellors are trained to assist children in understanding and accepting their feelings during this difficult time, helping them to eventually work through and heal from their loss.

Overall, offering children access to grief counselling can make a significant impact on their ability to process their grief in a healthy way.

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