Grief is a deeply personal and complex experience, touching every individual differently. At its core, it involves an emotional response to loss, be it the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or even a significant life transition. While many people are familiar with the five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—grief does not follow a linear path. It is a process that ebbs and flows, with individuals often revisiting different stages at various points in their journey. Everyone’s journey through grief is unique, and it can take time to fully process the emotions that arise. As a counsellor, my goal is to provide a compassionate and supportive space where individuals can explore their feelings and work toward healing.
A helpful framework for understanding grief is the five stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Denial is often the first stage, where individuals struggle to accept the reality of the loss. Anger follows, where frustration and resentment may surface. In the bargaining stage, individuals may seek ways to regain control or prevent the loss from feeling so final. Depression is the stage where the deep sadness of loss is most strongly felt, and finally, acceptance involves coming to terms with the loss and learning how to live with it. It's important to note that these stages aren't always experienced in a neat, linear order; people may revisit certain stages multiple times throughout their journey.
While grief is an intensely painful process, it is also a journey toward healing. My approach in counseling is to help clients navigate their unique grief experiences, validating their emotions while offering guidance on healthy ways to cope. Whether a person feels stuck in one stage or overwhelmed by the unpredictable nature of grief, our work together focuses on creating a safe space for those feelings to be expressed and processed. Over time, individuals can learn to live with it in a way that honors both their loss and the life they continue to lead.
To support individuals in processing their grief and finding a path toward healing, allowing them to honor their loved ones while rebuilding their lives.
