Grief & Bereavement Counselling

Offering ‘in-Person” Counselling Services in Barrie & Orillia, Ontario

and “virtual” for those out of area


Grief comes from many life experiences:

  • loss of job
  • life transitions
  • life changes
  • a sick loved one
  • a death
  • trauma
  • tragic event
  • a challenging relationship
  • death of a pet
  • difficult decisions / choices
  • serious accidents
  • bullying
  • loneliness
  • moving
  • and unfortunately more…

Each person has their own way of handling grief and you may find it helpful to speak with a counsellor who is trained in supporting people on their journey.

When someone is diagnosed with a life threatening illness, they and their loved ones often experience what is called Anticipatory Grief. You might also experience this as you anticipate a life transition, change or decision.

When death comes suddenly through a tragic event this is often referred to as disenfranchised grief. Many don’t understand how to support you. They may say things unintentionally that upset you.

Perhaps you have faced a series of difficult situations, crisis or deaths. This is often referred to as compounded grief. This can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed.

If you find your grief overwhelming and find it difficult to get through the day, I would encourage you to see a counsellor or psychotherapist. I work with individuals of all ages who are experiencing complex grief.

My experience comes from training as a past Register Director for Rainbows Canada, Special Education teacher, a facilitator in Chronic Health Conditions, an End of Life Doula, working in Hospice and training in Trauma and Grief. Psychotherapy is provided at Pro Active Health in Orillia area and one day/week in Barrie, Ontario. Counselling / Psychotherapy is provided online, in person & by phone.

  • Life Transitions & Changes
  • Relationships
  • Death & Illness
Life Transitions & Changes

There are many challenges we face on a day to day basis. If you are adult with children who are doing online learning while maintaining your job either online or in person, that’s a lot of added stress on you. If you are in a relationship, or single, being an adult these days comes with many stresses.

COVID has added strain on relationships, on being single, on our resilience. Now more than ever each individual needs coping strategies and a strong sense of self in addition to a robust self care strategy.

A professional to speak with on a regular basis may provide you with strategies to re-start your wellness plan, improve relationships, enhance parenting strategies and help guide you to build your self esteem and self empowerment centre.

Relationships

Parents play a critical role in guiding our youth in their mental health and well-being by encouraging them, helping them to develop self worth, offering non judgmental listening, and coping strategies such as asking for help. 

If your teen is struggling with depression, anxiety, bullying, anger, emotional outbursts or has retreated and become quieter than usual or is displaying behavior issues, contact Karen for a consultation. 

Teenagers will find a safe space to express their thoughts, issues or worries in a supportive environment.

In Person sessions available in Barrie and Orillia. Contact us for more information. Online & by phone.

Death & Illness

Karen uses a creative approach with children ensuring they feel safe, and in a comfortable space to share their thoughts, often through creative play such as clay, paint, paper, markers/crayons, building blocks to express themselves.

Is your child/youth/teen experiencing difficulty in school, increased anxiety, lacking in coping skills? Has their behavior changed, mood swings, eating or sleeping habits or has there been a recent stressor in the family.

Life transitions and changes affect everyone in different ways.

Karen sees clients in-person in Barrie and Orillia and online or by phone for people from across the country.

Questions? Please contact us.

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