The 3 Best Grief Counsellors Calgary

People can benefit from grief therapy if they experience a sudden or traumatic loss and find themselves "stuck" in intense emotional pain.

Navigating the complexities of grief is a journey that can be filled with difficulties. The loss of a loved one may be for many reasons, such as natural causes, illness, suicide, pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or even divorce and infertility, which can cause grief. At Shelly Qualtieri & Associates in Calgary, Alberta, we understand that grief extends beyond the immediate loss, encompassing shattered dreams, disrupted relationships, and a significant shift in the quality of life.

Our compassionate therapists are ready to offer timely and supportive therapy for individuals facing the intricate challenges of pregnancy loss, stillbirth, and infertility, as well as those dealing with the loss of someone by suicide, separation, or death.

Grief, characterized by intense sadness, a loss of motivation, and feelings of loneliness, can affect different aspects of life. Without any waitlists, we provide dedicated assistance to individuals and families, guiding you through the process of rebuilding stability and finding a path towards healing.

Connect with us today for a free 30-minute call.

What is grief?

Grief is complex and deeply personal. It is a natural response to a traumatic or unexpected event.

When someone or something important dies, a profound emotional response known as grief occurs. It includes a variety of emotions like sadness, sorrow, and anguish. It is a universal human experience that may manifest in various forms, from the bereavement of a loved one to the dissolution of relationships, job loss, or other life-altering events.

Coping with grief involves navigating the complex emotional landscape and finding healthy ways to process the intense emotions that accompany loss. Understanding grief is crucial for individuals seeking support and guidance through therapeutic interventions or counselling services.

At Shelly Qualtieri & Associates, our empathetic therapists specialize in providing compassionate support to those experiencing grief, ensuring they receive the necessary support during challenging times.

Explore our services today.

Calgary & Area Best Grief Therapists for You

Stages of grief

There’s no written-in-stone list of "valid" reasons to grieve. What matters is how you feel. And there are no right or wrong feelings regarding a loss.

Navigating grief is a highly individualized journey, influenced by various factors such as the type of loss, personal coping mechanisms, and external support systems. It's essential to approach these stages with kindness, recognizing that not everyone experiences grief in the same way.

5 Stages of grief as described by The Kübler-Ross model Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, a Swiss-American psychiatrist In her 1969 book, "On Death and Dying," Kübler-Ross examined the five most common emotional reactions to loss. The five stages are listed below, and it is important to note that there’s no order to them and they serve as a reference instead of a guide on how to grieve. This intense feeling could cause you to feel different in other aspects too. You could feel:

• fatigued

• vulnerable

• confused and distracted

• not wanting to move on

• not hungry or wanting to eat

• not able or willing to get ready in the morning.

• not able to enjoy what you once did

This is all typically temporary and a direct response to your grieving process.

Denial and Shock:

During this initial stage, individuals may struggle to accept the reality of their loss, often feeling overwhelmed and in disbelief. Grief therapy can provide a safe space to process these feelings and gradually come to terms with the profound changes.

Anger and Frustration:

As the reality sets in, feelings of anger and frustration may emerge. Individuals may question "why me?" or experience resentment. A therapist can offer support in channelling these emotions constructively, helping clients navigate this challenging phase.

Bargaining:

In an attempt to regain control or reverse the loss, some may engage in bargaining, negotiating with a higher power or themselves. Grief counselling fosters understanding and acceptance, guiding individuals through this stage with compassion.

Depression and Isolation:

Grief often brings forth a deep sense of sadness and isolation. Individuals may withdraw from others or experience profound despair. A therapist can assist in creating a supportive environment, fostering connection, and addressing the emotional toll of grief.

Acceptance and Healing:

Gradually, individuals may reach a stage of acceptance, acknowledging the reality of their loss and finding ways to move forward. Grief therapy focuses on facilitating this healing process and encouraging adaptive coping mechanisms and resilience.

Mourning doesn’t come only from dealing with death; it can also come as a result of an illness, the end of a close relationship, the end of life, or even the end of a project or dream. It can similarly come from a perceived or real change. For example, moving to a new city, school, or job; a child transitioning into a new age group.

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Grief counselling 101

Counselling is intuitive and creative, using a range of different approaches that help you grieve your loss in the way that makes most sense to you.

What therapeutic approach is best for grief?

The most effective therapeutic approach for grief often involves a combination of compassionate counselling, empathetic support, and evidence-based interventions. Shelly Qualtieri & Associates in Calgary, Alberta, specializes in grief therapy, providing tailored support for individuals experiencing pregnancy loss, infertility, and stillbirth.

Our experienced therapists utilize evidence-based techniques, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, to address the unique emotional challenges associated with grief. Our empathetic approach, combined with personalized strategies, ensures individuals receive comprehensive and supportive care during their healing journey. If you are seeking expert guidance and understanding during a difficult time, our grief therapy services can provide the compassionate support you need.

What is the difference between bereavement and grief?

Bereavement and grief are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings in the context of loss. Bereavement refers to the period of mourning and adjustment following the death of a loved one, encompassing the emotional, social, and psychological responses to loss. Grief, on the other hand, is the complex set of emotions and reactions individuals experience in response to any form of loss, such as the end of a relationship or a significant life change.

What do you talk about in grief counselling?

Grief counselling addresses the emotional challenges of loss, offering support through discussions on normalizing grief reactions, expressing emotions, and identifying coping strategies. Topics include understanding the grieving process, adjusting to role changes, and fostering social support. Techniques such as cognitive restructuring and exploring rituals are utilized to help individuals build resilience and navigate life after a loss. Grief counselling provides a personalized approach, emphasizing patience, self-care, and the unique nature of the grieving journey.

Our Alberta-based psychologists are ready to help; reach out to learn more.

When to seek grief support

Grief can come in many forms. Whether you lost a relationship, didn’t achieve your goal, or suffered an injury, It's when you feel that your life will never be the same again.

Determining when to seek grief support depends on various factors, but consider seeking help if you experience the following:

Overwhelming Emotions: If you find it challenging to manage intense emotions such as sadness, anger, or guilt related to the loss,.

Persistent Distress: When grief significantly interferes with your daily life, relationships, work, or overall well-being over an extended period.

Isolation and Withdrawal: If you isolate yourself from friends and family, avoid social interactions, and find it difficult to communicate about your feelings,.

Physical Symptoms: Experiencing persistent physical symptoms like sleep disturbances, appetite changes, or unexplained aches and pains. Grief often becomes chronic when it is not acknowledged and dealt with. Physically, the painful events and anxiety that you feel can manifest themselves in many different ways.

Some of the common physical manifestations are:

• Difficulty sleeping

• Stress headaches

• Body aches and pains

• Illness and fatigue

Thoughts of Self-Harm: If you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, it's crucial to seek immediate professional assistance.

Inability to Function: If you struggle to perform daily activities or fulfill responsibilities due to the impact of grief on your mental and emotional state,.

Complicated Grief: When grief becomes complicated, it is characterized by persistent distress and an inability to adapt to life without the deceased.

Lack of Improvement: If, over time, you see little or no improvement in your ability to cope with grief and its associated challenges,.

Specialized Grief: In cases of specific grief experiences, such as pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or infertility, seeking specialized grief support can be beneficial.

Intuition: Trust your instincts. If you feel that you need support, seeking help is a proactive and positive step in the grieving process.

If you're uncertain, consulting with a mental health professional can provide guidance on whether grief counselling or support would be beneficial for your individual situation. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength and self-care during a difficult time.

Trying to deal with your personal loss alone can only make matters worse. Calgary grief counsellors and psychologists are available, and finding the right one to suit your needs may very well help lessen the duration of your process when working through the stages of loss on your own won’t suffice.

Types of grief counselling services

Just as people experience grieving in different ways, there are also multiple ways to process our loss.

Navigating the complexities of grief requires personalized support. Our comprehensive grief counselling services cater to diverse needs. Our therapists specialize in various types of grief counselling to address specific challenges, whether it be pregnancy loss, infertility, the loss of a loved one who has died by suicide, or loss due to separation or alienation. For example, we want to ensure individuals receive the targeted assistance and support they require.

Some of the interventions and resources that are available include:

Individual Grief Counselling:

Our individual grief counselling services focus on providing one-on-one support tailored to each person's unique experience of loss. This personalized approach allows individuals to explore their emotions, develop coping mechanisms, and navigate the grieving process at their own pace, fostering a sense of empowerment and healing.

Family Grief Counselling:

Family grief counselling acknowledges the collective impact of loss on familial dynamics. By involving family members in the counselling process, we address shared grief and communication challenges and help families strengthen their bonds during difficult times, fostering a supportive environment for collective healing.

Group Grief Therapy:

Group grief therapy brings together individuals who have experienced similar types of loss, creating a supportive community. Sharing experiences with others who understand the complexities of grief provides a sense of connection and validation, promoting healing through shared coping strategies and the encouragement of mutual understanding.

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT):

CBT helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns associated with grief, promoting healthier coping mechanisms. By addressing maladaptive behaviours and thought processes, CBT empowers individuals to reshape their perspectives on loss, facilitating a more positive and adaptive grieving experience.

Mindfulness-Based Grief Therapy:

Mindfulness-based approaches focus on cultivating awareness and acceptance in the present moment. In the context of grief, this therapy helps individuals develop mindfulness skills to navigate intense emotions, fostering emotional resilience and promoting a sense of peace amidst the grieving process.

Narrative Therapy:

Narrative therapy views individuals as the authors of their own stories. This approach allows individuals to explore and reconstruct their narratives around loss, emphasizing strengths and resilience. By reframing their experiences, individuals can find a renewed sense of purpose and meaning in the face of grief.

Complicated Grief Therapy (CGT)

CGT involves learning to address the symptoms. This may result in feelings of hopelessness and prolonged, intense emotions. Those experiencing this may fixate on the person they lost or on the circumstances surrounding the death. CGT often includes acceptance and commitment therapy.

Art Therapy:

Art therapy offers a creative outlet for individuals to express and process their emotions related to loss, fostering healing through visual exploration.

Our diverse range of grief counselling services at Shelly Qualtieri & Associates ensures that individuals can access the specific support they need on their unique journey of healing.

Connect with us today to explore how our specialized grief counselling can provide compassionate assistance during challenging times.

Our approach to grief counselling in Calgary

Our therapists offer support and guidance in identifying whether or not your beliefs about your loss might be hindering you. They’ll also help you and your loved ones find healthy ways of dealing with loss and work towards wellness.

Our grief counselling approach helps you navigate various losses, whether it's during pregnancy, loss by suicide, job loss, family dynamics, separation, divorce, or friendships. Our goal is to assist you in identifying any beliefs hindering your healing journey and guide both you and your loved ones toward healthy coping mechanisms, fostering overall wellness.

Emotions often become overwhelming, impacting both physical and mental well-being, leading to anxiety and guilt. Our grief therapy aims to provide clarity on the grieving process, offering diverse perspectives on mourning, facilitating a path towards self-care, and alleviating symptoms experienced during the grieving journey.

At Shelly Qualtieri & Associates in Calgary, Alberta, our registered psychologists create a safe space, either in person or online, where you can freely explore and discuss challenging topics that may be difficult to share with friends or family. Our recognized experts, specializing in working with individuals, children, youth, or families, possess credentials approved by governing bodies, ensuring high-quality care tailored to your unique needs.

Whether through online, in-person, or phone sessions, we are ready to connect with you and provide the support you need on your journey towards healing and well-being.

Our grief support program is for

Experiencing grief is expected after loss and is a personally unique process. That said, about 10–15% of bereaved families and individuals could benefit from counseling to help prevent significant suffering or address prolonged or persistent complex bereavement disorders.

For parents, children, or families who desire professional help, it could benefit you to attend counselling or consider group support to explore how to better manage. Grief and loss can tie into many other issues, such as substance misuse and overall wellness. Seeking the support of Grief Support Calgary, Alberta, with a registered psychologist to help navigate the painful event may help.

Individual Grief Counselling: Individual grief counselling is beneficial for those experiencing the profound impact of loss on a personal level. Whether coping with the death of a loved one, dealing with the aftermath of a divorce, or navigating the complexities of job loss, this therapy provides a dedicated space to process emotions, foster healing, and develop coping strategies tailored to the individual's unique circumstances.

Complicated Grief Therapy: Complicated grief therapy is designed for individuals struggling with prolonged and intense grief reactions, such as those associated with loss by suicide. Our therapists focus on evidence-based interventions to address complicated grief symptoms, guide individuals towards adaptive coping mechanisms, and promote a healthier adjustment to the unique challenges presented by their loss.

Online Grief Counselling: For those who prefer the convenience of remote support, online grief counselling provides a flexible and accessible option. This format allows individuals to connect with therapists from the comfort of their own space, ensuring that support is available for anyone, anywhere, dealing with the challenges of grief and loss.

Child and Adolescent Grief Therapy: Children and adolescents grappling with loss, be it due to a family member's death, parental separation, or other challenging transitions, can benefit from specialized grief therapy. Our therapists create a supportive environment to help young individuals express their emotions, understand the grieving process, and develop age-appropriate coping mechanisms, ensuring a foundation for healthy emotional growth.

Family Grief Counselling: Family grief counselling is essential for families navigating loss collectively. Whether it's the loss of a family member, coping with separation, or facing the challenges of divorce, this therapy fosters open communication, strengthens familial bonds, and provides a framework for shared healing, addressing the unique dynamics of grief within the family unit.

Pregnancy Loss and Infertility Counselling: Individuals and couples dealing with the emotional complexities of pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or infertility benefit from specialized ounseling. Our therapists provide empathetic support, addressing the multifaceted nature of these experiences and guiding individuals and couples towards coping strategies, resilience, and the potential for future growth on their journey to building a family.

Our diverse range of grief and loss therapy services is tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals, families, and children facing various forms of loss. We are committed to providing compassionate support and guiding our clients towards healing and resilience in the face of grief.

Grief support in Calgary is available. Get started today.

We provide a safe, non-judgmental place to explore, unpack, work through, better manage, and find meaning in your situation.

Experiencing loss, whether from job changes or life challenges, can impact daily functioning. Seeking counselling in Calgary, Alberta, is crucial for support. Grief is unique, and its duration varies; connecting with a mental health professional is key to recovery.

In our nurturing environment, we prioritize your well-being, offering a safe space for your emotional journey. Our trained experts specialize in guiding individuals through loss, providing a comprehensive grief support program, and effective coping strategies.

Our office ensures comfort, we are here to understand and care for you in a warm and welcoming environment. Our qualified therapists use evidence-based therapies with a compassionate approach. Whether you're seeking family, individual, or trauma counselling, we're here for your healing journey.

Whether you’re looking for family counselling, individual counselling and family counselling together, or trauma counselling. Shelly Qualtieri & Associates prioritizes accessibility and is open seven days a week, evenings and weekends, and have a Northwest and Southwest location. With no waitlists and flexible availability for tailored support.

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