Experiencing significant health changes or loss can transform your life in unexpected and often painful ways. At Wholesome Psychology, we support individuals and families in Edmonton and St. Albert coping with the many forms of grief associated with illness, injury, or the loss of loved ones. Our approach is rooted in compassion, respect, and evidence-based care, offering a safe space to process your unique experience and find new meaning amid change.
Understanding Grief: It’s More Than Bereavement
Grief is a deeply personal response to loss or change, especially when it involves your health or the well-being of someone you love. While grief is commonly associated with death, it also surfaces after major life events such as a diagnosis of chronic illness, disability, injury, or other health-related transformations. In Edmonton and St. Albert, many individuals seek therapy for health changes and grief not only for bereavement but for the emotional disruptions caused by these pivotal life moments.
Signs you may be experiencing grief include:
- Intense sadness, numbness, or disbelief
- Feelings of anger or guilt
- Despair about the future
- Disrupted sleep patterns or appetite changes
- Withdrawal from normal activities, friends, and family
- Difficulty focusing or completing daily tasks
These reactions are all normal and valid. Grief unfolds differently for everyone—there is no right or wrong way to process loss or health changes.
Common Reasons for Seeking Grief Counselling
Individuals and families approach our Edmonton and St. Albert clinics for grief counselling due to:
- Bereavement: Loss of a loved one, including loss to suicide, terminal illness, or sudden accident.
- Chronic or Terminal Illness: Navigating a diagnosis of cancer, neurological diseases, or lifelong health conditions. Learn more about chronic illness support.
- Major Injury or Disability: Adjusting to life after an accident or injury that affects mobility or independence. Read about brain injury counselling.
- Loss of Function: Coping with gradual changes in cognitive or physical ability.
- Caregiver Stress: Managing the emotional challenges of supporting someone through illness or decline. Explore caregiver stress support.
Many also experience retirement stress, stress from loss of employment, or the grief associated with parenthood transition—all of which can be sources of loss and transition grief.
How Grief Counselling Helps
Grief counselling is a collaborative and respectful process, aiming to help you:
- Understand and accept the unique nature of your loss
- Express thoughts and feelings in a safe, non-judgmental environment
- Develop healthy coping strategies
- Reconnect with sources of resilience and meaning
- Rebuild confidence in navigating future changes
Compassionate support can help individuals and families in Edmonton and St. Albert restore hope and find renewed purpose, even when facing ongoing pain or uncertainty.
Wholesome Psychology’s Approach to Grief Counselling
Our therapeutic philosophy is rooted in empathy, dignity, and a holistic understanding of each client’s lived experience. Whether you are navigating anticipatory grief, ambiguous loss, or the aftermath of a sudden event, our therapists are trained to provide tailored support.
We use evidence-based interventions such as:
You will always be met with warmth, respect, and inclusivity, reflecting our values as part of the Edmonton and St. Albert communities. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds, including 2SLGBTQ+ clients, older adults, children, and families.
Our Team of Therapists: Local Expertise You Can Trust
The therapists at Wholesome Psychology are committed to ongoing training and personal development in grief work. Learn more about our team and their unique qualifications by visiting our therapists page.
We believe in the healing power of authentic connection and relational support. Our sessions are available both in-person at locations in Edmonton and St. Albert and via secure online video. To discover more about our unique philosophy, see our unique approach and service offerings.
Who Benefits from Grief Counselling?
Grief counselling may be helpful if you are:
- Struggling to move forward after a loss, illness, or health change
- Feeling isolated, misunderstood, or unsupported
- Experiencing complicated feelings such as guilt or blame
- Caring for someone with a terminal condition
- Experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression alongside grief
- Wanting guidance on how to talk about loss with children or family members
Addressing grief early can sometimes prevent chronic psychological distress and help ease the path to healing. For resources tailored to Edmonton and St. Albert, see youth mental health and child & youth depression support.
Related Services and Resources
Wholesome Psychology is dedicated to providing integrated care for a variety of life challenges linked to grief and health changes. If your journey involves additional concerns such as anxiety disorders, depression, or family caregiver stress, we invite you to explore these related services. Those who have experienced the loss of a pet can also receive compassionate guidance through our pet loss grief counselling service.
We also provide specialized support for those supporting someone who is grieving. If you’re seeking a community-oriented and culturally responsive approach, our diverse therapists can help.
Practical Strategies for Navigating Grief
We encourage building resilience in the face of change through:
- Maintaining familiar routines when possible
- Seeking connection with others, even when it feels difficult
- Engaging in self-care activities—nutrition, sleep, exercise
- Allowing yourself permission to feel a range of emotions
- Joining community groups or engaging in creative expression
Individual healing is supported by a combination of compassionate therapy and real-world practices recommended by experienced Edmonton and St. Albert therapists. For additional strategies, visit stress management support.
Your Next Steps: Beginning Grief Counselling
If you or a loved one are struggling with grief due to health changes, loss, or illness, know that you are not alone. Wholesome Psychology is here to offer encouragement, support, and expert guidance. To book an appointment or learn more about our services, contact us today.
We are dedicated to making high-quality grief counselling accessible in Edmonton and St. Albert, standing with you during life’s transitions and challenges. Compassion never expires—let us walk beside you on the road to healing.
For more specialized support, you may also be interested in our grief and loss therapy or exploring grief work with a qualified professional.
Ready to begin? Contact us today or learn more about our approach to psychological care in Edmonton and St. Albert.
