Grief Counselling Calgary

There is no set time when grief ends or begins; it has no timeline. 

You may experience anticipatory grief; this is when you begin mourning in anticipation of a loss. It’s common when a loved one is diagnosed with a serious illness, particularly when that illness is expected to lead to death. But anticipatory grief isn’t only about the physical loss of life. It can also arise when we begin to feel the weight of losing someone as we know them, such as when a loved one develops dementia.

You might also experience this type of grief when facing the loss of a way of life you’re familiar with, like when a family member moves into assisted living or when household roles shift because of declining health. In these moments, we’re not only mourning what’s ahead but also the daily routines, shared activities, and sense of normalcy we once knew. 

Other times, life events happen without warning, and your life changes overnight. 

Or, you may not begin to grieve until weeks and months after the event takes place.

There’s no right or wrong time to start bereavement counselling. We recommend seeking support as soon as you need it, whether that’s in anticipation of the event or weeks afterward. 

You don’t need to suffer in silence or deal with your emotions alone. With grief therapy, you can treat the symptoms caused by grief and learn how to cope with loss. We’ll be here to help as long as you need us. 

After we lose someone, their memory (and the love we had for them) stays with us. We can assist you with managing grief in the long term. Navigate the healing process with the assistance of a qualified counsellor. 

The death of a loved one can be especially difficult when it affects your entire family. When someone you love is grappling with loss, you might feel helpless—what can you do to support them?

While overcome with your own grief, you may still want to reach out and support those around you. Here’s a way to help someone you love, even as you deal with your grief:

As you might know, grief can make everyday tasks difficult. Offer to lend a hand with walking their dog, washing their dishes, or doing their laundry. Small gestures like these can be a great help. 

Sometimes, your company alone can be a great help. Simply spending time with your loved one can relieve loneliness. You don’t have to talk—show up with a tasty meal, set up on the couch, and watch a movie or read a book. 

Remember: You are not responsible for healing another person’s pain. If someone you love is really struggling, talk to them about seeking grief counselling services. 

Yes, we are here to support you through this difficult time. At One Life, we understand that when we lose a pet, we’re not just losing an animal; we’re losing a companion, a source of comfort, and a part of our daily life. Grief over a pet’s death is real and deeply felt, and it can bring up many emotions — sadness, loneliness, guilt, or even a sense of lost routine. Just like with other kinds of loss, it’s okay to seek help and support as you navigate these feelings.

Grief counselling can offer a space to process what you’re going through, to talk about the unique bond you shared with your pet, and to begin to find your footing again. Whether your grief feels heavy, complicated, or simply overwhelming, you don’t have to carry it alone.

If you find yourself unable to function, cope, or move forward after a loss, especially after several months, grief counselling might be helpful. If your emotions feel unmanageable or you notice yourself withdrawing from others, that’s another sign that extra support could make a real difference.

Sometimes, the people closest to us can see things we can’t. If friends or family members have gently suggested that you consider talking to someone, it may be worth listening. They likely recognize that you’re carrying a heavy emotional load and want you to have the support you need.

Absolutely. Anger and numbness are both common (and valid) grief responses. Grief can show up in unexpected ways — like anger at the world, feeling distant or disconnected from people you care about, or finding yourself easily frustrated by small things. That doesn’t make you “bad at grieving.” It makes you human.

Yes. Grief isn’t just about death, it can also arise from a breakup, divorce, estrangement, illness, job loss, or any other significant change. Our divorce counselling services, for example, are often helpful for navigating those invisible but very real losses.

That depends on your goals, your story, and your pace. Some people come for a few sessions to get tools. Others stay longer for deeper healing. When you start with us, we’ll talk about what you need and how we can best support you.

It can be tricky to tell them apart, especially when they overlap. Grief is usually tied to a specific loss and can come in waves, while depression feels more like a constant weight. Anxiety might show up as racing thoughts, tightness in your chest, or a sense of dread. Counselling can help you untangle what’s what and figure out the best ways to manage it.