Grief & Bereavement Counselling
Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario

My heart goes out to you in your time of grief…

Nothing prepares us for the loss of a loved one and it is never easy.  We are presented with a tonne of unexpected challenges and a difficult, roller-coaster ride of emotions (including numbness). It can leave us feeling drained, unable to focus and generally overwhelmed. Grief can have a major impact on our well being in every aspect.

You are not alone and help is available.

Is grief therapy right for you?

Below is a list of questions to help you decide.

• Do I want professional help? Do I think I could benefit?
• Do I feel stuck in my grief?
• Have I been abusing drugs or alcohol?
• Am I experiencing intense feelings of guilt or shame related to the person who has died?
• Did I have a very complicated or abusive relationship with this person?
• Am I having difficulty supporting my children through their grief?
• Am I suffering because I keep having unwanted thoughts or images in my mind related to the death?
• Am I grieving multiple losses?
• Am I having panic attacks?
• Am I feeling like others don’t recognize my grief or how important the person was to me?
• Do I feel like I have no one to talk to?
• Have I stopped caring for myself (diet, sleep, exercise hygiene)?
• Have I been having thoughts of suicide?
• Have I been suffering from physical issues but my doctor says I am perfectly healthy?

Remember: grief is a natural and normal.

Please do not set unrealistic expectations for yourself. It is okay to feel sad, or angry or frustrated or tired. It is okay to take a break to let yourself heal, it is ok to ‘fall apart’ a little. Give yourself time to process and to move through the emotions you are experiencing. Don’t be afraid to reach out and always, be kind to yourself!

More information about my grief therapist

Kristy received a certificate in Thantology (death studies) from Centennial college, a program which allowed her to study both the experience of the grieving individual and those of a person facing terminal illness and end-of-life. Her undergraduate thesis and research focused on themes of death, dying and bereavement. Kristy volunteered as a residential support worker at Hospice Niagara. There, she also helped to facilitate grief groups for parents, children and grieving teens. Kristy worked as a counsellor at Hospice of Waterloo Region, where she assisted both children and adults on their grief journey.

Kristy offers a compassionate and supportive environment for her clients to sort through the myriad of feelings that come with the loss of a loved one.

Contact Kristy to book an appointment or learn more about grief support