When Grief Feels Overwhelming
In the early days after a loss, everything can feel surreal. One moment you’re numb, the next you’re in tears. You might feel anxious, disconnected, angry — or nothing at all. You may wonder if what you’re experiencing is “normal,” or even fear that
you’re losing your mind.
This is grief. And no, you’re not going crazy.
As a grief therapist, I specialize in helping people navigate the raw, confusing, and deeply personal emotions that often surface soon after a significant loss. Whether you've lost a loved one recently or are still in the early waves of grief, you're not alone — and what you’re feeling makes sense, even if it doesn’t always feel that way. Grief is not just sadness. It can impact your sleep, appetite, concentration, memory, and sense of identity. It can shake your spiritual beliefs, relationships, and your sense of safety in the world. And all of this can be deeply disorienting — especially in a world that often expects you to “move on” too quickly.
In our work together, you’ll find a safe, non-judgmental space to slow down, feel, and begin to make sense of what’s happening — at your own pace. You don’t need to have the right words. You don’t need to be “strong.” You just need to show up, and we’ll take it from there.
Grief doesn’t follow a straight path — but you don’t have to walk it alone.
When Grief Feels Stuck or Too Heavy to Carry
Grief doesn’t follow a timeline — and sometimes, it can feel like you're not "moving
forward" the way you thought you should. Maybe the pain hasn’t eased. Maybe you're carrying guilt, anger, or questions that feel impossible to answer.
If you're feeling stuck in your grief or struggling with a loss that feels especially
complicated, you're not alone — and you're not broken.
I help people explore and untangle the layers of their grief in a safe, supportive space. Together, we can work gently through the pain, find meaning, and reconnect with life —
without letting go of what matters most.
Grieving a Traumatic Loss
Losing someone to suicide, overdose, or homicide is a heartbreak that carries layers of pain most people can’t fully understand. Alongside the deep sorrow, there may be shock, anger, guilt, unanswered questions — and a sense of isolation in your grief.
As a grief therapist, I offer a safe and nonjudgmental space for you to process the complexity of your loss, at your own pace. These kinds of deaths are often sudden, traumatic, and stigmatized, leaving grievers feeling unseen or silenced. Here, your story is welcome — in all its rawness, confusion, and emotion. You don’t have to make sense of this alone.
You don’t have to “move on.”
But together, we can begin to hold the weight of this loss in a way that feels more bearable.
Ambiguous, or Disenfranchised Grief
Not all grief is recognized — and not all loss is visible.
Whether you're grieving someone who is still alive but profoundly changed (due to dementia, mental illness, estrangement, or incarceration), or mourning a loss that others may not acknowledge or understand, your grief is real. And it matters.
This is known as ambiguous or disenfranchised grief — the kind of grief that doesn’t always come with rituals, support, or space to be expressed. You may feel unseen, invalidated, or unsure if what you’re feeling “counts” as grief. But here, it does.
As a grief therapist, I offer a compassionate space where you can explore the complexity of your experience without judgment. Together, we can give voice to your grief, make sense of the uncertainty, and begin to find steadiness — even when there
are no clear answers.
You don’t need to minimize your pain or justify your grief.
You deserve to be supported, exactly where you are.
Support Through Serious Illness and Anticipatory Grief
Receiving a life-limiting diagnosis — or supporting a loved one who has — brings a wave of emotions that can feel overwhelming. Whether you're navigating palliation yourself or supporting a child or family member, you don’t have to do it alone.
I provide compassionate support for individuals and families facing serious illness, helping you process the emotional weight of this journey with care and honesty. I also work with parents and guardians to gently guide children through these difficult conversations in ways they can understand and cope with.
This is tender, complex work — and you're not expected to have all the answers. I'm here to walk beside you.
Compassionate Support for Those Who Are Dying
Facing the end of life brings up some of the deepest questions, emotions, and reflections we will ever encounter. It can be lonely, frightening, tender — and profoundly human.
As a grief therapist, I offer gentle, nonjudgmental support to individuals who are nearing the end of life. This space is for you — to speak openly, to feel whatever you're feeling, to make meaning, and to be met exactly where you are.
Whether you want to process fear, say what’s been left unsaid, explore your legacy, or simply sit with someone who will listen without needing to fix anything — I’m here for that.
Dying is part of living. You deserve care, dignity, and connection in this final chapter.
Supporting Young Grieving Children
Young children grieve, even if they don’t always have the words to say it. Their grief may show up through play, behavior changes, big emotions — or quiet withdrawal. And while they may not understand everything about death or loss, they feel its impact deeply.
The concept of puddle jumping helps explain how children process grief. They have an incredible ability to move in and out of their grief — feeling deep sorrow in one moment and returning to play or joy the next. In other words, they grieve in small bursts. When they’re in the “puddle” of grief, it can feel overwhelming, but they often jump out quickly
to engage in everyday activities.
As a grief therapist and child life specialist, I help young children make sense of loss in ways that are age-appropriate, safe, and supportive. Through play, storytelling, art, and gentle conversation, I create a space where children can explore their feelings, ask questions, and feel seen in their unique grief experience.
I also work closely with parents and caregivers, offering guidance and tools to support your child at home — and to help you feel less alone in your own grief as well.
Ways to support include:
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Providing a safe, welcoming space
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Using developmentally appropriate tools and expression
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Helping identify and name emotions
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Teaching coping skills
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Supporting peer connection
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Including parents and caregivers
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Helping with routine and structure
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Preparing for triggers and difficult days
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Helping youth make meaning
Therapeutic Approaches
Talk Therapy - gives you a safe space to share your loss and feelings out loud, explore
the story of what happened, and feel understood as you work toward healing.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) - teaches you to observe thoughts and
emotions, allow them to be — and still move forward toward the things that matter in
your life.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) - helps you spot and gently challenge painful or
unhelpful thoughts about your loss, and teaches you coping skills to rebuild routines,
face reminders, and feel a little more peace.
Narrative Therapy (NT) - helps you tell your story of loss in your own way, so you can
reshape the narrative, honour what’s gone, and move forward with more meaning,
choice, and identity.
Mindfulness Practices – helps by teaching you to gently notice what you feel—sadness,
anger, emptiness—without judgment, so you can stay grounded, offer yourself
kindness, and allow healing to unfold.