Grief therapy in Ontario, online or in person in Maple

Why grief deserves its own space

People around you may mean well and still say the wrong thing. They may expect you to be "doing better" by now, or avoid the subject because they do not know what to say. Therapy is a place where you do not have to manage anyone else's comfort. You can say what you actually feel, including the things that seem hard to admit, like anger, relief or guilt.

What grief can look like

• Waves of sadness, longing or disbelief that come without warning
• Trouble sleeping, eating or concentrating
• Guilt about what you did or did not do, or about moments of feeling okay
• Anger at the person you lost, at others, or at yourself
• Feeling numb, or as if the world has gone on without you
• Grief for losses that others may not see, such as a relationship, your health, or a future you expected

There is no right way to grieve, and no deadline for it.

How therapy can help with grief

We start with what you need right now. Sometimes that is room to tell the story of the person or the loss. Sometimes it is help getting through the days: sleep, work, family and the dates that are hard. Over time, we can look at what feels stuck, such as guilt, unfinished conversations, or a loss that keeps you from moving toward anything new.

When a death was sudden, violent or traumatic, grief and trauma can tangle together. My training includes trauma care, including EMDR, and we can attend to both, at a pace that feels manageable to you.

Who this is for

This is for people in Ontario who are grieving a death or another important loss, whether it happened last month or many years ago. You do not need to be "falling apart" to come. Some people come because they feel nothing at all, and that worries them.

It may not be the right fit if you are in active crisis or at immediate risk to your safety. That needs same-day care.

How sessions work

1. 1A free 15-minute call. We talk briefly about what is going on and whether I am the right fit. If I am not, I will help you find someone who is.
2. 2Your first session. You tell me about your loss and what you are carrying, in as much or as little detail as you want.
3. 3Ongoing sessions. Sessions are 50 minutes, by secure video or in person in Maple. Most people start weekly and space sessions out as things steady.

Questions about grief therapy

How do I know if I need help, or if this is just grief?

Grief is a normal response to loss, and it does not mean something is wrong with you. It may be worth reaching out if the weight is not easing over time, if it is getting in the way of work, sleep or relationships, or if you simply do not want to carry it alone. The free call is a low-pressure way to talk it through.

Is it too soon, or too late, to start?

Neither. Some people come in the first weeks after a loss. Others come years later, when an old grief returns. Both are good reasons to start.

Is it confidential?

Yes. As a Registered Social Worker I follow strict confidentiality rules. The limits, such as safety and the law, are explained at the start.

Ali Raza Hasan Ali, MSW, RSW. Registered Social Worker, Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, #849046. This page is general information, not clinical advice.