Grief Counselling Calgary
Grief is a completely normal reaction when processing loss.
When Life’s Pillars Shift: Understanding Grief
Our lives are built on pillars: The people we love, the jobs that support us, and the relationships we have.
If any of these pillars are taken away, we lose our footing. Our stability. We mourn for what we had. And we feel grief.
Grief is a completely normal reaction when processing loss. It can present itself in many ways—intense sadness, a loss of motivation, and loneliness.
Grief is a direct response to loss. But here’s something you might not know: Grief doesn’t just occur when a loved one dies. It can also result from the loss of a job, relationship, or quality of health.
We’ve all heard about “the five stages of grief”. But grieving is rarely this simple or linear; it looks different for everyone. From the symptoms you experience to the duration of your grief, dealing with and experiencing loss is something we all do differently.
It’s more helpful to understand grief through the symptoms it presents.
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Symptoms of Grief: Emotional, Cognitive, and Physical
Emotional Symptoms
- Intense sadness or hopelessness
- Irritability or anger (at yourself, others, or the world)
- Guilt (for things you said, didn’t say, or simply for surviving)
- Loneliness, even when you’re not alone
- Anxiety or fear about the future
Cognitive Symptoms
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Memory lapses or confusion
- Recurring thoughts about the loss
- Belief that life will never feel meaningful again
- Feeling disconnected from your identity or purpose
Physical Symptoms
- Fatigue and low energy, even with rest
- Changes in appetite or digestion
- Headaches or body aches with no medical cause
- Chest tightness or shortness of breath
- Insomnia or sleeping too much
What Is Unresolved Grief?
Sometimes, grief lingers longer than we expect or hits harder than we thought possible. You might feel like time is standing still while the world around you keeps moving. That experience has a name: unresolved grief, sometimes called persistent grief or complicated bereavement.
Unresolved grief isn’t just about “missing someone for too long.” It’s grief that becomes stuck, where you find yourself unable to adjust to the loss, even months or years later. This kind of grief can colour every part of your life, and you might notice:
- Ongoing feelings of emptiness, numbness, or disbelief
- Intense yearning or preoccupation with the loss
- Withdrawal from social activities and relationships
- Difficulty finding meaning or joy in life
- Feeling stuck in guilt or anger
Left unaddressed, unresolved grief can even evolve into depression, anxiety, or addiction. If you think you might be dealing with unresolved grief, you’re not alone, and there’s help available.
Our Calgary grief counselling team uses a range of evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you move forward, while honouring your loss.
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Counselling for individuals, couples, and families, supporting you through every life chapter.
When Would Somebody Need Grief Counselling?
Are you struggling to heal from a loss and want to feel like yourself again? Do you need help coping with feelings of loneliness, stress, and depression that may be caused by grief? Are you looking for new ways to cope with negative emotions?
When grief interferes with your ability to take care of yourself, work, study, or connect with others, grief counseling can be deeply beneficial.
Grief can be caused by any number of situations, including:
Divorce
Loss of job/income
Personal injury
Unresolved trauma
Chronic disease/illness
How Does Grief Counselling Work?
Heartbreak. Trauma. Loss. Grief affects people in so many ways and can be caused by so many different circumstances; as such, our grief counselling is tailored to the individual. For some, it causes a loss of appetite and motivation. For others, it creates intense loneliness and isolation.
To cope with the challenges of grief, many people develop unhealthy habits. Examples include:
- Excessive drinking, smoking, and/or other substance abuse
- Irregular eating and/or sleeping schedules
- Intense anger and/or irritation
Through grief counselling, you can challenge your thought patterns and learn to break problematic behaviours. Research has shown that prolonged and complicated grief can benefit most from counselling to help overcome emotional responses related to grieving.
At One Life Counselling & Coaching, we tailor our treatments based on the unique challenges you’re dealing with. We get to know your specific needs to figure out how best to assist you.
Compassionate Grief Counselling Through Life’s Changes
Our counsellors understand that after losing someone you love or experiencing a drastic life change, things may never feel the same again. But grief counselling is about learning to live with and accept your new reality. You master how to adjust to the changes, deal with overwhelming emotions, and look forward.
What Happens If You Don’t Process Grief?
Grief doesn’t disappear just because we ignore it. When pushed aside, grief tends to find its way back in—and sometimes, in even more disruptive ways. Prolonged grief disorder (PGD) is a reality for some who feel the intense pangs of grief for an extended period of time, generally more than six months.
If unprocessed, grief can:
- Interfere with sleep, focus, or appetite long-term
- Lead to chronic anxiety or depression
- Strain relationships or cause emotional outbursts
- Show up as physical health issues
- Fuel substance use or compulsive behaviours
- Freeze your ability to trust or love again
This doesn’t mean grief is something to be “fixed” or rushed, but avoiding it can prolong suffering. Think of grief like a wound: unattended, it can become infected. But with attention and care, healing becomes possible.
Our trauma therapy services can support you if your grief feels especially tangled with traumatic memories or overwhelming emotions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grief Counselling in Calgary
What do you talk about in grief counselling?
During your sessions, we will always respect your boundaries. We believe in treating all our clients with compassion, respect, and support. You are free to communicate however much or little as you’d like.
When you contact us, we’ll match you with a therapist who’s the right fit for you. We’ll talk about how many sessions you might need to see the results you’re looking for. In therapy, you’ll discover tools and strategies you can use to cope with your emotions.
How long should you wait before bereavement counselling?
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.
How can I support others in their grief?
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.
My pet died, can I attend grief counselling?
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.
What are the signs that I might need grief counselling?
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.
Is it normal to feel numb or angry after a loss?
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.
Can grief counselling help with non-death losses?
How many grief counselling sessions will I need?
What’s the difference between grief, depression, and anxiety?
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.
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Virtual or In-Person Counselling
If you can’t attend your appointments in person, we also offer online counselling. This is a great option for those who live outside of Calgary or simply have a busy schedule!
We’re happy to offer both in-person and online counselling services. Just tell us what type of appointment you prefer, and we’ll set it up for you.
Find the Way Forward With Grief Counselling
At One Life Counselling & Coaching, we’re open 7 days a week—yes, that includes evenings and weekends! We have no waitlists and offer flexible availability—we’re here to support you.
At our office, we provide a comfortable environment for our clients. Our qualified therapists and counsellors are trained in evidence-based therapies. We bring a compassionate and down-to-earth approach to counselling.
We can help you through the healing process. Whether you’re looking for family counselling, trauma counselling, or grief counselling, we provide a welcoming environment and support from qualified Calgary psychologists.
Rates and Insurance
Insurance & Fees
If using your insurance benefits is important, we can connect you with a therapist, individual counsellor or couples counsellor, whose services are covered by most insurance plans. Please confirm coverage with your provider before booking.
You can find more details about our rates and insurance coverage here.
Our standard fees follow the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta’s recommended schedule with one key difference: we offer 60-minute sessions instead of the typical 50-minutes giving you more time for support and reflection.
Contact One Life
Today
You don’t have to navigate this alone.
We can help connect you with psychologist or therapist who understands your experience and your needs.
“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.”
— Nelson Mandela
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