Loss is one of life’s most profound challenges. Whether you're mourning the death of a loved one, experiencing the end of a significant relationship, or navigating another life-altering transition, grief can deeply impact every part of your life. At Wholesome Psychology, we offer grief counseling in Edmonton and St. Albert to help individuals process their pain, find meaning, and move toward healing in a compassionate, non-judgmental space.

Understanding the Nature of Grief

Grief is a natural, deeply personal response to loss. It often includes emotional, cognitive, physical, and social dimensions. While many people are familiar with the five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—it’s important to know that grief doesn’t follow a linear path. You may move through these emotions in different orders, revisit certain stages, or experience emotions that don’t fit neatly into categories.

At Wholesome Psychology, our licensed therapists recognize the uniqueness of each grief journey. We are here to walk alongside you, wherever you are in your process. We respect the ways your culture, history, and personality influence your grieving experience, and we tailor our support accordingly.

When to Seek Grief Counseling

It’s common to wonder whether you “should” be feeling a certain way, or whether your grief is “normal.” Some signs that grief counseling may be helpful include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, guilt, or emptiness
• Struggling to function in daily life, work, or relationships
• Feeling numb or disconnected for an extended period
• Isolation from others or a lack of support
• Difficulty talking about your loss with loved ones

Our team welcomes you wherever you are. Reaching out is not a sign of weakness—it’s an act of courage and self-care.

Our Approach to Grief Therapy

We use an integrative approach to grief counseling that emphasizes emotional validation, personal storytelling, and inner healing. Depending on your needs, therapy may involve:

• Individual therapy: One-on-one support with a licensed psychologist to explore your grief and build coping strategies.
• Group counseling: Connecting with others who are also grieving can foster connection and reduce feelings of isolation.
• Gestalt-informed techniques: Helping you process unresolved emotions and access parts of your inner self through experiential work.
• Meaning-making: Exploring how your identity, beliefs, and sense of purpose evolve after loss.

Our goal is not to “fix” grief—because grief is not something that needs fixing. Instead, we create a space where you can explore what it means to carry your loss with grace and intention.

Community Support and Group Offerings

Many people find comfort in knowing they are not alone. That’s why Wholesome Psychology offers group therapy programs that bring individuals together in mutual support. These groups are facilitated by licensed professionals and are designed to provide both structure and shared healing. Participants often say that hearing others’ stories helps normalize their own emotions and offer a sense of hope.

We also encourage loved ones and caregivers to seek their own support. If someone in your life is grieving, our team of psychologists can help you understand how to be there for them in ways that are truly helpful.

Grieving Specific Types of Loss

Grief does not only follow the death of a loved one. You may be grieving:

• The end of a romantic relationship or friendship
• A serious illness or medical diagnosis
• Infertility, miscarriage, or stillbirth
• The loss of a pet or companion animal
• A job, home, or sense of identity

Each of these experiences can carry profound emotional weight. Our therapists are experienced in supporting a wide range of losses, including traumatic grief and complicated bereavement.

Local Support in Edmonton and St. Albert

Located in both Edmonton and St. Albert, Wholesome Psychology is committed to serving our local community with care and respect. Whether you prefer in-person sessions in a welcoming, accessible space, or the convenience of online counseling, our doors—and hearts—are open to you.

Our team includes psychologists who specialize in grief therapy and hold a deep respect for your lived experience. You can read our FAQ to learn more about our approach, session format, and what to expect in your first appointment.

What Healing Can Look Like

Healing from grief doesn’t mean forgetting or “getting over” a loss. Instead, it means learning to carry your grief in ways that are less heavy. It means building a life that honors your past while allowing room for joy, connection, and hope. Through grief counseling in Edmonton and St. Albert, we help you:

• Build emotional resilience and self-compassion
• Reconnect with sources of meaning in your life
• Develop rituals or practices that honor your loss
• Feel supported through anniversaries, holidays, and milestones

Taking the First Step

Beginning therapy can feel intimidating—but you don’t have to do it alone. At Wholesome Psychology, we offer an initial session at a reduced rate to help you explore whether our support is the right fit for you. You’ll have the opportunity to meet a therapist, share your story, and co-create a care plan that aligns with your goals and needs.

If you or someone you know is struggling with grief, we invite you to reach out today. Healing is possible. And you don’t have to walk this road alone.