Grief Therapists in Hamilton, ON
Whether we get stuck in a funk, experience the pain of loss, or life transitions just seem too much.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and unique to you. I draw from mindfulness informed cognitive therapies (ACT, DBT, and MBCT), emotion focused, and somatic experiencing. Together, we’ll explore and unpack the life experiences that brought you to therapy.
Whether we get stuck in a funk, experience the pain of loss, or life transitions just seem too much.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and unique to you. I draw from mindfulness informed cognitive therapies (ACT, DBT, and MBCT), emotion focused, and somatic experiencing. Together, we’ll explore and unpack the life experiences that brought you to therapy.
Michelle Cassidy
Registered Social Worker, MA, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hamilton, ON L9H
I specialize in Grief and Bereavement, Trauma, Navigating Illness and End of Life, Transitional Stress, and Perfectionism.
I provide service to children, youth and adults from an attachment based, trauma-informed and culturally humble place. I work eclectically but draw most intensively from Internal Family Systems, Person-Centred, Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Behavior therapies. I prioritize the therapeutic relationship and the brain/body connection.
I specialize in Grief and Bereavement, Trauma, Navigating Illness and End of Life, Transitional Stress, and Perfectionism.
I provide service to children, youth and adults from an attachment based, trauma-informed and culturally humble place. I work eclectically but draw most intensively from Internal Family Systems, Person-Centred, Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Behavior therapies. I prioritize the therapeutic relationship and the brain/body connection.
When you find yourself struggling in relationship with yourself, family and/or friends; or if you are experiencing grief/ loss ( death of a loved one, moving away, loss of relationship due to conflict, etc.); if you are struggling with spiritual issues or religious trauma.
With the one-two combo of empathic care and professional training, I am here to support your deep emotional needs as you work through complex emotions, helping you navigate growth and healing with confidence, empowering you to process emotions, shift unhelpful patterns, and strengthen your sense of self so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
When you find yourself struggling in relationship with yourself, family and/or friends; or if you are experiencing grief/ loss ( death of a loved one, moving away, loss of relationship due to conflict, etc.); if you are struggling with spiritual issues or religious trauma.
With the one-two combo of empathic care and professional training, I am here to support your deep emotional needs as you work through complex emotions, helping you navigate growth and healing with confidence, empowering you to process emotions, shift unhelpful patterns, and strengthen your sense of self so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Stephen Hudecki
Registered Psychotherapist, BFA, MA, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hamilton, ON L8P
Death informs a great deal about life and the search for meaning.
I bring a mindful/meditative practice, from my own life and from my education to be of service to you and whatever is ailing you. No problem is too big or too small. Whatever is impacting your life, in a negative way is worth sorting through together. I have a special interest in working with people involved in healthcare because I've spent the last 10 years working in hospitals. Pain and suffering are part of life. How we live and learn from our suffering is our life's work. Once we discover ourselves, our true nature, we are free to live with more happiness and love.
Death informs a great deal about life and the search for meaning.
I bring a mindful/meditative practice, from my own life and from my education to be of service to you and whatever is ailing you. No problem is too big or too small. Whatever is impacting your life, in a negative way is worth sorting through together. I have a special interest in working with people involved in healthcare because I've spent the last 10 years working in hospitals. Pain and suffering are part of life. How we live and learn from our suffering is our life's work. Once we discover ourselves, our true nature, we are free to live with more happiness and love.
This is a form of therapy that has been studied extensively in the treatment of trauma, in particular PTSD and can be helpful with other conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, chronic pain and grief/ loss to name a few.
We all carry emotional wounds—some recent, others long-standing—and therapy can be a space to explore how these experiences have shaped your life. My approach is rooted in the belief that you’re doing your best with the tools you have. Together, we’ll gently explore your patterns with curiosity and compassion. Whether you’re facing a major life change, feeling stuck in old emotional loops, or wanting a deeper connection with yourself, I’ll support you in uncovering clarity, purpose, and self-trust as you move toward healing and growth.
This is a form of therapy that has been studied extensively in the treatment of trauma, in particular PTSD and can be helpful with other conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, chronic pain and grief/ loss to name a few.
We all carry emotional wounds—some recent, others long-standing—and therapy can be a space to explore how these experiences have shaped your life. My approach is rooted in the belief that you’re doing your best with the tools you have. Together, we’ll gently explore your patterns with curiosity and compassion. Whether you’re facing a major life change, feeling stuck in old emotional loops, or wanting a deeper connection with yourself, I’ll support you in uncovering clarity, purpose, and self-trust as you move toward healing and growth.
Emily Claire Blackmoon
Registered Social Worker, RSW, BSW, MSW, OASW
Verified Verified
Hamilton, ON L8V
Struggling with childhood trauma, eating challenges, anxiety, grief (or all of the above?).
I am a Registered Social Worker and a graduate of the Gestalt institute, incorporating critical, relational, somatic, body-based and holistic approaches, including polyvagal theory. Being client-centered, I cater the therapy to YOUR needs and vision, to help you get a fulsome, supportive and powerful therapy experience.
Struggling with childhood trauma, eating challenges, anxiety, grief (or all of the above?).
I am a Registered Social Worker and a graduate of the Gestalt institute, incorporating critical, relational, somatic, body-based and holistic approaches, including polyvagal theory. Being client-centered, I cater the therapy to YOUR needs and vision, to help you get a fulsome, supportive and powerful therapy experience.
Cortney Pasternak Counselling
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, RP, OAMHP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hamilton, ON L8P
My specialties include anxiety, depression, grief, stress, burnout, marriage & relationship conflicts, intimacy, dating, divorce, narcissism, life & career transitions, (co)parenting, and PTSD.
I will help you become more aware of unhelpful patterns and provide tools to better manage and overcome stress and conflicts, build self-esteem, improve communication & intimacy, develop self-compassion & acceptance, find meaning & hope. I believe the process of healing, change and growth is about managing symptoms and also addressing root causes.
My specialties include anxiety, depression, grief, stress, burnout, marriage & relationship conflicts, intimacy, dating, divorce, narcissism, life & career transitions, (co)parenting, and PTSD.
I will help you become more aware of unhelpful patterns and provide tools to better manage and overcome stress and conflicts, build self-esteem, improve communication & intimacy, develop self-compassion & acceptance, find meaning & hope. I believe the process of healing, change and growth is about managing symptoms and also addressing root causes.
In addition to helping families improve their relationships, Rhiannon has worked with young people and their families in areas such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, school attendance, stress, emotional dysregulation, relationship difficulties, loss and trauma.
Rhiannon has an ability to connect with children and youth by creating a safe space to explore social/emotional challenges with the goal of providing positive coping skills, improved resilience and strengthening family relationships. Rhiannon adopts an integrated approach to therapy, drawing on principles from attachment theory, trauma-informed therapy and family system theory. Working in a collaborative therapeutic process, she pulls from a variety of therapeutic models including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Brief Solution Focused Therapy (BSFT), Narrative Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).
In addition to helping families improve their relationships, Rhiannon has worked with young people and their families in areas such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, school attendance, stress, emotional dysregulation, relationship difficulties, loss and trauma.
Rhiannon has an ability to connect with children and youth by creating a safe space to explore social/emotional challenges with the goal of providing positive coping skills, improved resilience and strengthening family relationships. Rhiannon adopts an integrated approach to therapy, drawing on principles from attachment theory, trauma-informed therapy and family system theory. Working in a collaborative therapeutic process, she pulls from a variety of therapeutic models including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Brief Solution Focused Therapy (BSFT), Narrative Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).
Klara Siber-Simic, Psychotherapy and Supervision
Registered Psychotherapist, MDiv, MHSc, RP
Verified Verified
Hamilton, ON L8P
Are you facing a life transition, coping with loss, living with health challenges, or providing care to someone who is?
My approach is grounded in the belief that psychotherapy is a collaborative, relational process that supports our ability to adapt and make meaningful changes to live as fully as possible. By reflecting on our thoughts, beliefs, emotions, relationships, and spiritual concerns, therapy can enhance overall well-being and complement other healthcare treatments.
Are you facing a life transition, coping with loss, living with health challenges, or providing care to someone who is?
My approach is grounded in the belief that psychotherapy is a collaborative, relational process that supports our ability to adapt and make meaningful changes to live as fully as possible. By reflecting on our thoughts, beliefs, emotions, relationships, and spiritual concerns, therapy can enhance overall well-being and complement other healthcare treatments.
I specialize in counselling with a focus on grief and loss, relationships issues, anxiety, depression, and life transitions.
Life often presents itself as a series of changes. Some of these changes lift us up, and some challenge us. If you are feeling unsettled by stresses in your life, wondering how to achieve more balance, meaning and purpose, counselling may help.
I specialize in counselling with a focus on grief and loss, relationships issues, anxiety, depression, and life transitions.
Life often presents itself as a series of changes. Some of these changes lift us up, and some challenge us. If you are feeling unsettled by stresses in your life, wondering how to achieve more balance, meaning and purpose, counselling may help.
I have training and experience in working with trauma, grief, mental health concerns, suicidality, body image, relationships, sex and sexuality and neurodivergent folks, and Indigenous community.
Welcome! I’m glad you’re here. I am an art therapist and psychotherapist working online with teens and adults in Ontario. I provide a warm and compassionate therapeutic environment with talk and art therapy. In my sessions, you do not have to do art, and you do not have to talk; you can do both or neither if you want to. You do not need to be an artist or "talented" in order to benefit from art therapy. I take a genuine and transparent approach to therapy. If you are a little nervous, shy, quiet or loud, I'm here for you. You can be who you are.
I have training and experience in working with trauma, grief, mental health concerns, suicidality, body image, relationships, sex and sexuality and neurodivergent folks, and Indigenous community.
Welcome! I’m glad you’re here. I am an art therapist and psychotherapist working online with teens and adults in Ontario. I provide a warm and compassionate therapeutic environment with talk and art therapy. In my sessions, you do not have to do art, and you do not have to talk; you can do both or neither if you want to. You do not need to be an artist or "talented" in order to benefit from art therapy. I take a genuine and transparent approach to therapy. If you are a little nervous, shy, quiet or loud, I'm here for you. You can be who you are.
Meet Our Grief Counsellors
Appoline Lydia Nimbeshaho
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP, MDiv, BA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Hamilton, ON L8N
I have experience in supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds who have experienced trauma, PTSD, grief, chronic stress, chronic anger, depression, anxiety, suicide ideations, relationship challenges, and life transitions.
Drawing from a rich background in Clinical Counselling, my therapy is tailored to individual needs. It blends psychoeducation on brain health with evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, MBCT, ITATM, and trauma-focused therapies. I offer a supportive space to explore life challenges and improve cognitive functioning.
I have experience in supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds who have experienced trauma, PTSD, grief, chronic stress, chronic anger, depression, anxiety, suicide ideations, relationship challenges, and life transitions.
Drawing from a rich background in Clinical Counselling, my therapy is tailored to individual needs. It blends psychoeducation on brain health with evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, MBCT, ITATM, and trauma-focused therapies. I offer a supportive space to explore life challenges and improve cognitive functioning.
You're overwhelmed by worries, low mood, stress, grief, or impostor syndrome.
We are a team of therapists here to meet your needs so that you can find the right fit. Areas of expertise include perinatal mental health, grief, parenting, couples, perimenopause challenges, and burnout. We'll create a treatment plan based on your unique needs and strengths. We're here to help you through the pain so you can be stronger and more empowered.
You're overwhelmed by worries, low mood, stress, grief, or impostor syndrome.
We are a team of therapists here to meet your needs so that you can find the right fit. Areas of expertise include perinatal mental health, grief, parenting, couples, perimenopause challenges, and burnout. We'll create a treatment plan based on your unique needs and strengths. We're here to help you through the pain so you can be stronger and more empowered.
Major life transitions such as the loss of a loved one, relationship or job, navigating health issues, the aging process or a shifting identity can produce disorientation, loss of meaning, existential angst, and even a quarter/mid/end-of-life crisis.
We’re spinning through this vast galaxy, having appeared on this planet out of nowhere, and destined to return to where we came from. What will you do with your time here? Let’s explore that. I work best with people asking some variation of the following questions: “What does it all mean? What am I doing with my life? Why is this happening to me? What the hell is going on? or Is this it? " -- all honest questions and great starting points for developing depth, meaning, and purpose in your life.
Major life transitions such as the loss of a loved one, relationship or job, navigating health issues, the aging process or a shifting identity can produce disorientation, loss of meaning, existential angst, and even a quarter/mid/end-of-life crisis.
We’re spinning through this vast galaxy, having appeared on this planet out of nowhere, and destined to return to where we came from. What will you do with your time here? Let’s explore that. I work best with people asking some variation of the following questions: “What does it all mean? What am I doing with my life? Why is this happening to me? What the hell is going on? or Is this it? " -- all honest questions and great starting points for developing depth, meaning, and purpose in your life.
I help immigrants and racialized individuals navigate migratory grief, cultural identity struggles, and the pressures of perfectionism.
Do you feel caught between worlds, striving for perfection yet fearing failure? Maybe you're weighed down by unspoken losses, strained family relationships, or the quiet ache of not fully belonging. You carry so much—expectations, dreams, guilt—and it’s exhausting. It’s hard to let yourself rest, to be seen, to feel whole. The isolation, self-doubt, and constant pressure to prove your worth may feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Your story deserves space, and your struggles matter.
I help immigrants and racialized individuals navigate migratory grief, cultural identity struggles, and the pressures of perfectionism.
Do you feel caught between worlds, striving for perfection yet fearing failure? Maybe you're weighed down by unspoken losses, strained family relationships, or the quiet ache of not fully belonging. You carry so much—expectations, dreams, guilt—and it’s exhausting. It’s hard to let yourself rest, to be seen, to feel whole. The isolation, self-doubt, and constant pressure to prove your worth may feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Your story deserves space, and your struggles matter.
Daniella Silvestri
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
My area's of practice include: Grief & Bereavement, Traumatic/Suicide Loss, Pet Loss, First Responders, ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Life Transitions, Career Changes
I believe that mental health services are so incredibly important, as they provide a safe space for people to explore their thoughts and feelings in a non-judgmental and open space. My ultimate goal is to be able to provide that space for people to share their thoughts and feelings freely and safely.
My area's of practice include: Grief & Bereavement, Traumatic/Suicide Loss, Pet Loss, First Responders, ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Life Transitions, Career Changes
I believe that mental health services are so incredibly important, as they provide a safe space for people to explore their thoughts and feelings in a non-judgmental and open space. My ultimate goal is to be able to provide that space for people to share their thoughts and feelings freely and safely.
Andrea T Kay
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP(Q)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hamilton, ON L8W
I provide personalized strategies for adapting and thriving, focusing on mood disorders, ADHD, grief, loss, and life transitions.
Through a supportive, reflective, and safe environment, I aim for care to stem from an authentically compassionate framework, considering the unique elements that make you, YOU. As your therapist, I believe in walking with you through your journey, allowing you the agency to direct goals that are meaningful for your development.
I provide personalized strategies for adapting and thriving, focusing on mood disorders, ADHD, grief, loss, and life transitions.
Through a supportive, reflective, and safe environment, I aim for care to stem from an authentically compassionate framework, considering the unique elements that make you, YOU. As your therapist, I believe in walking with you through your journey, allowing you the agency to direct goals that are meaningful for your development.
Claire Gosselin, Counselling and Supervision
Registered Psychotherapist, MDiv, RP, RMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hamilton, ON L8L
I specializing in trauma, grief and loss, sudden life changes, end-of-life, anxieties, relationships, individual therapy, marriage and family therapy, personal growth, self-awareness, exploring existential questioning, spirituality, and meaning making.
I work with individuals and offer supervision. Based on an assessment with you, we determine the best approach to meet your goals, and emotional needs towards personal health and growth. A few of the therapeutic approaches I use include, but not limited to, CBT which highlights thoughts, dysfunctional (unhelpful) thinking, and assumptions. We explore the unique meaning you make of situations and events. I also use Emotionally Focussed Therapy, mindfulness techniques that rely on neurosciences to restore emotional integrity, narrative therapy, and reconstruction therapy.
I specializing in trauma, grief and loss, sudden life changes, end-of-life, anxieties, relationships, individual therapy, marriage and family therapy, personal growth, self-awareness, exploring existential questioning, spirituality, and meaning making.
I work with individuals and offer supervision. Based on an assessment with you, we determine the best approach to meet your goals, and emotional needs towards personal health and growth. A few of the therapeutic approaches I use include, but not limited to, CBT which highlights thoughts, dysfunctional (unhelpful) thinking, and assumptions. We explore the unique meaning you make of situations and events. I also use Emotionally Focussed Therapy, mindfulness techniques that rely on neurosciences to restore emotional integrity, narrative therapy, and reconstruction therapy.
Areas of special interest/ experience include: grief/ loss; neurodivergence; complex relational trauma; social anxiety; coming out; gender questioning/ transition; internalized homo/ bi/ transphobia; spiritual concerns; religious trauma; conversion 'therapy' trauma.
My approach is 2S-LGBTQIA+ affirming, intersectional, neurodiversity-affirming, collaborative, and integrative, creating space for meaning-making and a diverse range of identities. I worked in health care for 13 years, supporting people of varied ethno-cultural backgrounds, and have completed Indigenous cultural safety/ anti-racism training. I've supported 2S-LGBTQIA+ clients since 2015. (Please note that I'm unable to write a second letter of assessment for bottom surgery, but can refer.) My office is in an accessible, positive space. It is scent-free, sensory friendly, and masked sessions are available on request.
Areas of special interest/ experience include: grief/ loss; neurodivergence; complex relational trauma; social anxiety; coming out; gender questioning/ transition; internalized homo/ bi/ transphobia; spiritual concerns; religious trauma; conversion 'therapy' trauma.
My approach is 2S-LGBTQIA+ affirming, intersectional, neurodiversity-affirming, collaborative, and integrative, creating space for meaning-making and a diverse range of identities. I worked in health care for 13 years, supporting people of varied ethno-cultural backgrounds, and have completed Indigenous cultural safety/ anti-racism training. I've supported 2S-LGBTQIA+ clients since 2015. (Please note that I'm unable to write a second letter of assessment for bottom surgery, but can refer.) My office is in an accessible, positive space. It is scent-free, sensory friendly, and masked sessions are available on request.
I have experience in helping individuals and families with a broad range of health and mental health concerns; specializing in trauma, grief and loss.
I have particular interest, knowledge and skills related to trauma and bereavement (with specialization in traumatic grief/sudden death and wartime bereavement). I have special interest in supporting first responders, members of the Canadian Forces and their families. I also hold regulated licensure to practice with respect to motor vehicle accidents.
I have experience in helping individuals and families with a broad range of health and mental health concerns; specializing in trauma, grief and loss.
I have particular interest, knowledge and skills related to trauma and bereavement (with specialization in traumatic grief/sudden death and wartime bereavement). I have special interest in supporting first responders, members of the Canadian Forces and their families. I also hold regulated licensure to practice with respect to motor vehicle accidents.
See more therapy options for Hamilton
Nearby Grief Counsellors Searches for Hamilton
- Ancaster
- Beamsville
- Binbrook
- Burlington
- Caledonia
- Dundas
- Grimsby
- Hagersville
- Oakville
- Smithville
- Stoney Creek
- Waterdown
Grief Counsellors
How long does therapy take for grief?
There is no exact timeline for grief counseling. Some people may start to feel better after just a few sessions, while others may take months or longer to feel relief. Some specific approaches, including some types of CBT, may involve a set number of sessions, or therapy may be open-ended until the patient determines they are ready to wrap up. Just as there is no right or wrong way to grieve, there is no right or wrong way to seek therapy for grief.
When should you seek therapy for grief?
Many people mistakenly believe that their grief needs to be debilitating or all-encompassing to warrant therapy. This is not the case. While people who experience severe, prolonged grief—particularly those who are considering self-harm or engaging in unhealthy substance use—are especially likely to benefit from therapy, so too are people whose grief is less intense but still interfering with well-being or daily functioning. In practice, almost anyone struggling to process a loss could benefit from grief counseling.
Can grief be managed without therapy?
Oftentimes, yes. Grief is a near-universal part of being human, and many find that their grief, while profound, does not stop them from participating in day-to-day life and steadily eases over time without outside help. For others, however, the harsh pain of early grief persists for months or years or leaves them unable to function. This group is especially likely to benefit from seeing a therapist, who can guide them through their grief and help them reconnect with the world.
What happens if grief is left untreated?
Because grief does not in itself necessitate therapy, untreated grief will often resolve on its own. However, for some people—particularly those who would qualify for a diagnosis of prolonged grief disorder—untreated grief can be a source of seemingly endless pain or lead them to withdraw from the world. In such cases, treatment can be indispensable, as it can help an individual adapt to the loss and start living again.