Losing someone you love is among life’s most difficult experiences. Whether it’s the death of a close family member, a partner, a miscarriage, or another form of loss, the grief that follows can feel overwhelming, unpredictable, and deeply isolating. At Wholesome Psychology, we offer compassionate grief counselling in Edmonton and St. Albert to support you through this painful journey, helping you heal in a way that honours both your loss and your resilience. We also support those experiencing perinatal loss, loss of a child, and loss of a pet.
Understanding Grief and Its Many Forms
Grief is not limited to the loss of a person through death. People may also grieve after:
Every loss is valid. No matter the circumstance, your emotions matter and deserve support. At Wholesome Psychology, we meet you where you are, offering space to process your grief without judgment or pressure.
The Grieving Process: What to Expect
Grief is a deeply personal experience, but there are common emotional, physical, and psychological responses that many people face. These may evolve over time and can vary from day to day. Grieving can also be affected by previous experiences, your support system, and your own mental wellness.
Emotional Symptoms of Grief
- Persistent sadness or tearfulness
- Shock, disbelief, or numbness
- Guilt or regret
- Anger—at the situation, yourself, or others
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Isolation or withdrawal from social interactions
- Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks
- Anxiety or fear about the future
Physical Symptoms of Grief
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia or oversleeping)
- Changes in appetite
- Fatigue or low energy
- Digestive issues
- Headaches or muscle pain
- Weakened immune response
These responses are a natural part of mourning. However, when symptoms persist or intensify, grief therapy can provide tools to cope and move forward. If you’re also dealing with depression or anxiety, support is available.
When Is It Time to Seek Grief Therapy?
While grief is not a problem to be “fixed,” it can become complicated—especially if the loss was sudden, traumatic, or involved a difficult relationship. You might consider counselling if:
- You feel “stuck” in your grief after several months
- Your daily functioning is impaired (e.g., work, parenting, hygiene)
- You experience intrusive thoughts about death or dying
- You avoid reminders of the person or event entirely
- Your relationships are suffering as a result of your grief
- You turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms (e.g., alcohol or isolation)
We understand that seeking help can feel vulnerable. At Wholesome Psychology, we create a warm and respectful environment where you can begin to process your emotions safely and at your own pace. If you are ready to take the first step, you can learn about getting started or contact us directly.
How Our Therapists Can Support You
Our team includes experienced grief therapists in both Edmonton and St. Albert. We tailor therapy to your individual needs, offering an integrative and flexible approach that may include:
Why Choose Wholesome Psychology?
Our practice is rooted in authenticity, integrity, and connection. We believe that healing happens in relationship—with yourself and with others. Every client deserves care that acknowledges their full humanity, their culture, and their grief. We take pride in offering:
We also recognize the importance of choosing the right therapist. That’s why we encourage you to browse our therapist profiles to find someone whose style and values resonate with yours.
What You Can Expect in Sessions
Grief counselling isn’t about forgetting your loss or "moving on." Instead, it’s about creating space for your pain, exploring its meaning, and finding new ways to live with love, memory, and hope. In sessions, you may:
- Share your story in a safe, confidential space
- Explore difficult or conflicting emotions (e.g., relief, anger)
- Develop rituals of remembrance
- Learn coping strategies and grounding tools
- Explore the role of identity and meaning in your healing process
You set the pace. We simply walk beside you. If you’re interested in learning more about what to expect from therapy, we invite you to explore further.
Grief in the Context of Relationships
Loss doesn’t just affect you individually—it ripples into your relationships. It may strain your partnership, impact parenting, or disrupt your friendships. If you’re navigating grief within a couple or family dynamic, we also offer couples therapy and family counselling to support collective healing.
We’re Here When You're Ready
You don't have to navigate this journey alone. Whether your loss happened recently or many years ago, the path to healing is always available to you. Reach out when you feel ready. We’re here to meet you with compassion, care, and evidence-based support.
Start your healing journey today. We offer grief counselling in Edmonton and St. Albert with your first session 50% OFF so you can take that first step with confidence.
Contact us to schedule your session or to speak with someone who can guide you through your options. Learn more about our unique approach to care at Wholesome Psychology.
