Grief Therapists in Ottawa, ON
I offer assessment, therapy, and consultation services to adults and couples contending with a range of challenges related to adjustment to significant life events and transitions, anxiety, depression, end-of-life considerations, grief and loss, interpersonal difficulties, post-traumatic stress, and treatment adherence. While I emphasize an experiential (i.e., emotion-focused, mindfulness-based) approach to therapy, integrated within interpersonal and systems frameworks, I am also able to draw on cognitive-behavioural techniques.
I offer assessment, therapy, and consultation services to adults and couples contending with a range of challenges related to adjustment to significant life events and transitions, anxiety, depression, end-of-life considerations, grief and loss, interpersonal difficulties, post-traumatic stress, and treatment adherence. While I emphasize an experiential (i.e., emotion-focused, mindfulness-based) approach to therapy, integrated within interpersonal and systems frameworks, I am also able to draw on cognitive-behavioural techniques.
Melissa Payne
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K2P
Waitlist for new clients
I work with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, spirituality and faith crises, sexuality, emotion regulation, among others.
As a therapist I offer a warm, compassionate and open presence for my clients. I seek to provide a safe space for clients to look at their life with more curiosity and less fear, while empowering them to listen for their deepest needs and desires. I believe that each person brings their own unique story into therapy, and my role as a therapist is to help remove the barriers that prevent clients from hearing their own inner wisdom. I work from an Integrative approach, pulling from different approaches. Some of these include: Psychodynamic, IFS, Mindfulness Self-Compassion, Somatic/body based and Existential.
I work with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, spirituality and faith crises, sexuality, emotion regulation, among others.
As a therapist I offer a warm, compassionate and open presence for my clients. I seek to provide a safe space for clients to look at their life with more curiosity and less fear, while empowering them to listen for their deepest needs and desires. I believe that each person brings their own unique story into therapy, and my role as a therapist is to help remove the barriers that prevent clients from hearing their own inner wisdom. I work from an Integrative approach, pulling from different approaches. Some of these include: Psychodynamic, IFS, Mindfulness Self-Compassion, Somatic/body based and Existential.
If you are looking at this site, you are likely experiencing personal, relational or work-related difficulties. You might be grieving the loss of someone close, of a relationship, or of a dear pet. You could be having difficulties in your couple Do you have symptoms of depression such as sadness, anxiety, distress, helplessness, or feeling numb? Do you have anger issues ? Many of us feel stuck in life and in our relationships. If any of these experiences are familiar, I offer a compassionate, collaborative and highly trained perspective to help you resolve or at least better manage some of your issues.
If you are looking at this site, you are likely experiencing personal, relational or work-related difficulties. You might be grieving the loss of someone close, of a relationship, or of a dear pet. You could be having difficulties in your couple Do you have symptoms of depression such as sadness, anxiety, distress, helplessness, or feeling numb? Do you have anger issues ? Many of us feel stuck in life and in our relationships. If any of these experiences are familiar, I offer a compassionate, collaborative and highly trained perspective to help you resolve or at least better manage some of your issues.
Mary Jane Beavis
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, CCC
Verified Verified
15 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
It takes courage to begin taking steps toward starting therapy. Has your life become too overwhelming and stressful to manage alone? Are you nervous, grieving and feeling down? I have been there, too, and feeling anxious and afraid is normal. As your therapist, I will walk with you on your healing journey. A safe and supportive ambiance would be created where we can share openly and address your concerns. I want to help you, especially if you are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, or trauma. If you are open to working with me, we could develop a personalized treatment plan aligning with your goals.
It takes courage to begin taking steps toward starting therapy. Has your life become too overwhelming and stressful to manage alone? Are you nervous, grieving and feeling down? I have been there, too, and feeling anxious and afraid is normal. As your therapist, I will walk with you on your healing journey. A safe and supportive ambiance would be created where we can share openly and address your concerns. I want to help you, especially if you are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, or trauma. If you are open to working with me, we could develop a personalized treatment plan aligning with your goals.
Caregivers are not always the best "care receivers" and navigating grief in a complex world can feel crushing.
Accepting new clients! I specialize in helping helpers - because as a medical professional or caregiver you're wonderful at caring for others but get caught in the trap of being too busy to care for yourself. You put the needs of others above your own and get lost trying to re-establish balance. I am also passionate about helping those grieving. Despite recognizing the natural process of grief, it can feel confusing, isolating, shocking and overwhelming to navigate the wide range of emotions. At times, these two intersect when caregivers become bereaved and it can feel impossible to navigate life moving forward.
Caregivers are not always the best "care receivers" and navigating grief in a complex world can feel crushing.
Accepting new clients! I specialize in helping helpers - because as a medical professional or caregiver you're wonderful at caring for others but get caught in the trap of being too busy to care for yourself. You put the needs of others above your own and get lost trying to re-establish balance. I am also passionate about helping those grieving. Despite recognizing the natural process of grief, it can feel confusing, isolating, shocking and overwhelming to navigate the wide range of emotions. At times, these two intersect when caregivers become bereaved and it can feel impossible to navigate life moving forward.
Whether you’re struggling to cope with grief, adjusting to a ‘new normal' or relationship problems, we will work together to understand the root cause of your struggles and address them with long-lasting strategies.
Are you feeling alone in what you’re facing? Does it seem overwhelming and scary? Are you struggling to cope with a different start to parenthood than what you had hoped for? Does it feel like you are stuck in the same argument over and over? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you've reached the right place. I know seeking help can be hard. You’ve likely been debating seeking help for months or longer, but I'm glad you have taken the courageous step of being here. Together we can work to help equip you with the necessary tools to help you face and overcome your challenges.
Whether you’re struggling to cope with grief, adjusting to a ‘new normal' or relationship problems, we will work together to understand the root cause of your struggles and address them with long-lasting strategies.
Are you feeling alone in what you’re facing? Does it seem overwhelming and scary? Are you struggling to cope with a different start to parenthood than what you had hoped for? Does it feel like you are stuck in the same argument over and over? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you've reached the right place. I know seeking help can be hard. You’ve likely been debating seeking help for months or longer, but I'm glad you have taken the courageous step of being here. Together we can work to help equip you with the necessary tools to help you face and overcome your challenges.
Aniqa Sheikh
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, BA, BSc
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K2J
Accepting New Clients - Are you feeling stuck and looking to regain momentum in your life? Whether you're grappling with grief, anxiety, trauma, relational conflict, or depression, some experiences can exert a particular hold on us, affecting our sense of self, relationships, and overall well-being. As a registered psychotherapist with training in individual, couples, and family therapy, and with a background in Islamic spirituality and religious studies, I offer holistic, evidence-based psychotherapy and counselling services to my diverse clients.
Accepting New Clients - Are you feeling stuck and looking to regain momentum in your life? Whether you're grappling with grief, anxiety, trauma, relational conflict, or depression, some experiences can exert a particular hold on us, affecting our sense of self, relationships, and overall well-being. As a registered psychotherapist with training in individual, couples, and family therapy, and with a background in Islamic spirituality and religious studies, I offer holistic, evidence-based psychotherapy and counselling services to my diverse clients.
I focus on issues related to death and non- death related grief, childhood trauma, relationships, and anxiety.
Do you feel like you are: On an emotional rollercoaster or numb from grief, perhaps feeling unable to talk to anyone about what you are living through or perhaps feeling that your grief is being disenfranchised?/ Afraid of the uncertainty of the future due to a life transition and/or feeling lost or confused about who you are now? / Struggling in your job, relationships, and other facets of your life due to past trauma? / Unable to accomplish what you would like because anxiety is in the driver’s seat? / Less emotionally tolerant than before, but don’t quite know why? I get it.
I focus on issues related to death and non- death related grief, childhood trauma, relationships, and anxiety.
Do you feel like you are: On an emotional rollercoaster or numb from grief, perhaps feeling unable to talk to anyone about what you are living through or perhaps feeling that your grief is being disenfranchised?/ Afraid of the uncertainty of the future due to a life transition and/or feeling lost or confused about who you are now? / Struggling in your job, relationships, and other facets of your life due to past trauma? / Unable to accomplish what you would like because anxiety is in the driver’s seat? / Less emotionally tolerant than before, but don’t quite know why? I get it.
Colleen Robertson
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K2H
Waitlist for new clients
I have experience working with adults of all ages in areas pertaining, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, trauma, abuse, low self-esteem, grief, chronic illness and more.
As a therapist, I strive to help individuals thrive in their day to day lives. I have a very wholistic and integrative approach with each of my clients in counselling, drawing on many areas of psychotherapy (e.g., Cognitive, behavioural, humanistic and systemic) to help a client best achieve their goals. This means that with one client, we might choose to focus more on cognitive-behavioural techniques but with another we may focus more on working through past experiences. Therapy is not a “one-size-fits-all” method, and so working together to find what works best is key.
I have experience working with adults of all ages in areas pertaining, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, trauma, abuse, low self-esteem, grief, chronic illness and more.
As a therapist, I strive to help individuals thrive in their day to day lives. I have a very wholistic and integrative approach with each of my clients in counselling, drawing on many areas of psychotherapy (e.g., Cognitive, behavioural, humanistic and systemic) to help a client best achieve their goals. This means that with one client, we might choose to focus more on cognitive-behavioural techniques but with another we may focus more on working through past experiences. Therapy is not a “one-size-fits-all” method, and so working together to find what works best is key.
We all face challenges at different phases in our lives. Perhaps you are feeling stuck and having difficulty finding direction or making a life decision. You may have experienced a loss and need some help to work through the grief. Or you may be struggling with symptoms of stress, anxiety or depression. Sometimes the struggle is related to relationship issues or parenting difficulties.
We all face challenges at different phases in our lives. Perhaps you are feeling stuck and having difficulty finding direction or making a life decision. You may have experienced a loss and need some help to work through the grief. Or you may be struggling with symptoms of stress, anxiety or depression. Sometimes the struggle is related to relationship issues or parenting difficulties.
Tara Cohen Wellness/OCP
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K2B
* Currently accepting new clients* I specialize in working with individuals, families and groups in adjusting to illness, enhancing quality of life up to death, caregiver stress, end of life concerns, and bereavement. I am passionate about facilitating difficult conversations and will support you as you connect with your inherent strength and resilience and make meaning of challenging times. I am a Registered Social Worker and certified mindfulness instructor (MBSR Ottawa, University of Toronto). I offer counselling to individuals (16+), families, and groups.
* Currently accepting new clients* I specialize in working with individuals, families and groups in adjusting to illness, enhancing quality of life up to death, caregiver stress, end of life concerns, and bereavement. I am passionate about facilitating difficult conversations and will support you as you connect with your inherent strength and resilience and make meaning of challenging times. I am a Registered Social Worker and certified mindfulness instructor (MBSR Ottawa, University of Toronto). I offer counselling to individuals (16+), families, and groups.
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I specialise in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and I am educated in treating Perinatal Loss and Maternal Mental Health.
Becoming a mother brings many emotional challenges. Most moms feel lost and alone at some point. Being a mom myself, I understand the struggles many mothers go through. Many mothers miss the early signs of depression because they think those are signs of pregnancy-related hormonal changes. These symptoms may be more than depression and sadness and have a negative impact on mom’s everyday functioning. As well, I specialize in helping those who have suffered the loss of a baby at any stage of pregnancy or at birth. Miscarriage is not mourned publicly, and there are tools that help deal with this grief.
I specialise in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and I am educated in treating Perinatal Loss and Maternal Mental Health.
Becoming a mother brings many emotional challenges. Most moms feel lost and alone at some point. Being a mom myself, I understand the struggles many mothers go through. Many mothers miss the early signs of depression because they think those are signs of pregnancy-related hormonal changes. These symptoms may be more than depression and sadness and have a negative impact on mom’s everyday functioning. As well, I specialize in helping those who have suffered the loss of a baby at any stage of pregnancy or at birth. Miscarriage is not mourned publicly, and there are tools that help deal with this grief.
Ryta's training includes, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, motivational interviewing, solution focused therapy, and Mindfulness, grief and bereavement.
“Look outside and you will see yourself. Look inside and you will find yourself.” — Drew Gerald Feeling unsettled? Mind is always in overdrive ? Worried about any and everything? Feeling anxious? Reaching out for help is one of the most courageous things anyone can do. Embarking on a healing journey to re-discovering one’s strengths , acknowledging one’s resilience and finding solutions to presenting challenges is the beginning to finding peace of mind. Ryta works from a holistic strength based perspective and brings over 30 years of experience in counselling and psychotherapy.
Ryta's training includes, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, motivational interviewing, solution focused therapy, and Mindfulness, grief and bereavement.
“Look outside and you will see yourself. Look inside and you will find yourself.” — Drew Gerald Feeling unsettled? Mind is always in overdrive ? Worried about any and everything? Feeling anxious? Reaching out for help is one of the most courageous things anyone can do. Embarking on a healing journey to re-discovering one’s strengths , acknowledging one’s resilience and finding solutions to presenting challenges is the beginning to finding peace of mind. Ryta works from a holistic strength based perspective and brings over 30 years of experience in counselling and psychotherapy.
My 20+ years of diverse social-justice counselling experience have helped others to cope with grief, illness, trauma, and the many forms of anxiety and sadness that can result from these changing life circumstances.
I feel incredibly grateful to be able to sit with individuals and support them in some of the hardest times of their lives. I bring a compassionate, calm and non-judgemental energy to every session, ensuring that you feel safe and heard. I always welcome the difficult conversations, as I know this is where healing happens. My style of therapy is informal, compassionate, and responsive to each person’s unique needs. With a strength-based, real-life, and collaborative approach, I work to provide emotional support and guidance to adults and young adults challenged by the many adjustments to life transitions.
My 20+ years of diverse social-justice counselling experience have helped others to cope with grief, illness, trauma, and the many forms of anxiety and sadness that can result from these changing life circumstances.
I feel incredibly grateful to be able to sit with individuals and support them in some of the hardest times of their lives. I bring a compassionate, calm and non-judgemental energy to every session, ensuring that you feel safe and heard. I always welcome the difficult conversations, as I know this is where healing happens. My style of therapy is informal, compassionate, and responsive to each person’s unique needs. With a strength-based, real-life, and collaborative approach, I work to provide emotional support and guidance to adults and young adults challenged by the many adjustments to life transitions.
Our time can be a chance to reflect on how this experience has changed who you are and explore what steps might be useful in finding ways to live with grief and joy simultaneously.
Pet loss counselling available. Whether you’ve experienced pet loss through sudden death, long-term illness, old age, runaway, theft, loss of custody, relinquishment, or any other event, the loss can send our emotions spinning. If or when we do not feel seen, heard, and acknowledged in our grief, we end up feeling as if our pain is dismissed or minimized. This experience is inclusive to anticipatory grief whereby you may find yourself struggling to live out your animal’s final days mindfully, constantly anticipating the end. I can provide the space to unpack what’s coming up and help you prepare for their final days/weeks/months.
Our time can be a chance to reflect on how this experience has changed who you are and explore what steps might be useful in finding ways to live with grief and joy simultaneously.
Pet loss counselling available. Whether you’ve experienced pet loss through sudden death, long-term illness, old age, runaway, theft, loss of custody, relinquishment, or any other event, the loss can send our emotions spinning. If or when we do not feel seen, heard, and acknowledged in our grief, we end up feeling as if our pain is dismissed or minimized. This experience is inclusive to anticipatory grief whereby you may find yourself struggling to live out your animal’s final days mindfully, constantly anticipating the end. I can provide the space to unpack what’s coming up and help you prepare for their final days/weeks/months.
My areas of speciality include attachment, sexuality, life transitions, parenting, and grief.
My practice is rooted in the view that everyone has the innate wisdom and natural goodness to find more of the joy and satisfaction they seek. We all have obstacles to this in our lives that can be shifted and cleared. I provide psychotherapy virtually to couples and individuals in Ontario. As a long-time practitioner of meditation, I employ presence-based strategies helping you connect with self-compassion, bravery and calm. You set the pace for the counselling process and we walk along together. Using a combination of Emotionally-Focused, mindfulness and sex positive approaches, I support enhanced resiliency and practical change.
My areas of speciality include attachment, sexuality, life transitions, parenting, and grief.
My practice is rooted in the view that everyone has the innate wisdom and natural goodness to find more of the joy and satisfaction they seek. We all have obstacles to this in our lives that can be shifted and cleared. I provide psychotherapy virtually to couples and individuals in Ontario. As a long-time practitioner of meditation, I employ presence-based strategies helping you connect with self-compassion, bravery and calm. You set the pace for the counselling process and we walk along together. Using a combination of Emotionally-Focused, mindfulness and sex positive approaches, I support enhanced resiliency and practical change.
Are you feeling uncertain, anxious, or overwhelmed? That’s okay - that's where I come in! I'm a Social Worker with 10 years experience in non-profit, social service, and healthcare spaces. I work with children, teens, and adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, loss/ grief, life transitions, and stress. With me you’ll find warmth, curiosity, empathy, compassion, and humor. In a space where you'll be heard and validated, we'll build a strong foundation built on trust. Together, we can find the tools to help you get "unstuck" and move forward.
Are you feeling uncertain, anxious, or overwhelmed? That’s okay - that's where I come in! I'm a Social Worker with 10 years experience in non-profit, social service, and healthcare spaces. I work with children, teens, and adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, loss/ grief, life transitions, and stress. With me you’ll find warmth, curiosity, empathy, compassion, and humor. In a space where you'll be heard and validated, we'll build a strong foundation built on trust. Together, we can find the tools to help you get "unstuck" and move forward.
Are you facing cancer, bereavement, or a major life transition? Do you struggle with self-esteem or feel like you're 'not enough'? Are you struggling to manage anxiety and sadness stemming from covid-19 or life in general? I can help. We will work together so that you can feel more grounded, less anxious, and more empowered. Life isn't easy. There will always be challenges that throw us for a loop. It can help to have someone to support you through it. I will be there to listen, encourage, and occasionally challenge but never judge.
Are you facing cancer, bereavement, or a major life transition? Do you struggle with self-esteem or feel like you're 'not enough'? Are you struggling to manage anxiety and sadness stemming from covid-19 or life in general? I can help. We will work together so that you can feel more grounded, less anxious, and more empowered. Life isn't easy. There will always be challenges that throw us for a loop. It can help to have someone to support you through it. I will be there to listen, encourage, and occasionally challenge but never judge.
Some areas of focus include supporting my clients with mental health issues, such as: anxiety, depression, grief, major life transitions, eating and body image issues (i.
As a registered psychotherapist, I offer counselling and psychotherapy to individual adults, as they develop the courage to explore their vulnerabilities on their journey towards healing, wellness, and fulfilment. I strive to create a safe and nonjudgmental space for my clients to share their experiences. The therapeutic relationship is central to my work, so I diligently seek to maintain a respectful, authentic, and empathic working alliance with all of my clients. “Perhaps we can forgo the answer to the question, “Why do we live?” But it is not easy to postpone the question, “How shall we live?” – I.D. Yalom
Some areas of focus include supporting my clients with mental health issues, such as: anxiety, depression, grief, major life transitions, eating and body image issues (i.
As a registered psychotherapist, I offer counselling and psychotherapy to individual adults, as they develop the courage to explore their vulnerabilities on their journey towards healing, wellness, and fulfilment. I strive to create a safe and nonjudgmental space for my clients to share their experiences. The therapeutic relationship is central to my work, so I diligently seek to maintain a respectful, authentic, and empathic working alliance with all of my clients. “Perhaps we can forgo the answer to the question, “Why do we live?” But it is not easy to postpone the question, “How shall we live?” – I.D. Yalom
Deborah Lynne Brooks
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
Ottawa, ON K1S
Waitlist for new clients
I work in person, with people in need of support and guidance from a neutral person outside of their life. This can be a life transition such as a separation, or death, to living with a chronic or terminal illness. As well as neurodiversity such as learning differences, ADD/ADHD/ASD with or without a formal diagnosis. Addictions and trauma make up a large part of my practice and I favor psychotherapy combined with a self help group approach. Through individual assessment, psychoeducation and psychotherapy, I support you to achieve your goals and measurably improving the quality of your life.
I work in person, with people in need of support and guidance from a neutral person outside of their life. This can be a life transition such as a separation, or death, to living with a chronic or terminal illness. As well as neurodiversity such as learning differences, ADD/ADHD/ASD with or without a formal diagnosis. Addictions and trauma make up a large part of my practice and I favor psychotherapy combined with a self help group approach. Through individual assessment, psychoeducation and psychotherapy, I support you to achieve your goals and measurably improving the quality of your life.
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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.