Grief counselling in Ottawa
Time to talk about the person or the life you have lost, at your own pace. For adults after a death, a pregnancy loss, a divorce or another loss that is hard to explain.
Overview
Grief can come back months or years after a loss. Grief counselling gives you time to talk about the person or the life you have lost, at your own pace. Some clients come for a few sessions around an anniversary. Others meet with us regularly for a longer time. Our grief therapists have training in bereavement care, including loss after suicide and pregnancy loss.
- 50-minute sessions
- Support after a death, pregnancy loss or divorce
- Sessions around anniversaries and holidays
- Information on local grief support groups
- In person or by video
Your first session
You do not need to prepare anything. Here is what usually happens in the first hour.
Telling the story
Most people start by talking about the person or what happened. Célia listens and asks questions. There is no right way to grieve and no timeline to keep to.
What is hardest right now
Sleep, work, family or the questions other people ask. You choose where to start.
How often to meet
Some clients come weekly for a while. Others come for a few sessions around an anniversary, a birthday or the holidays.
Clients often come to us with
- The death of a partner, parent, child or friend
- Loss after suicide
- Pregnancy loss and stillbirth
- Divorce or the end of a long relationship
- Grief that comes back around an anniversary
Not on the list? Ask on your first call. If we are not the right fit, we will suggest someone who is.
Who you would see
Read each therapist's training and approaches on the about page.
Célia BrassardRegistered Psychotherapist
Célia works with adults after the death of someone close, a pregnancy loss or a divorce. Some clients see her for a few weeks around an anniversary. Others meet with her for a year or more.
Questions about grief and loss
Ask anything else on your first call. It is free and takes about 15 minutes.
Is it too soon, or too late, to come?
You can come at any time. Some clients start a few weeks after a loss. Others come years later, when grief returns.
Do you know of grief groups in Ottawa?
Yes. Célia keeps a list of local grief support groups, including groups for loss after suicide and pregnancy loss, and shares it on request.
Is therapy covered by my health plan?
Many extended health plans cover sessions with a Registered Psychotherapist. Check your plan's yearly maximum and whether it covers psychotherapy before your first session.
What should I do if I am in crisis?
We cannot offer crisis support between sessions. Call or text 9-8-8 at any time. In Ottawa, you can also call the Distress Centre at 613-238-3311. If you are in danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.