How to Find a Grief Therapist in Toronto
When you experience a loss, you may go through many emotions. Anger, sadness, fear, loneliness, and even despair are often part of grief.
These feelings can become overwhelming and feel impossible to face.
We’re here to remind you that you don’t have to face them alone.
At KMA, we’ve spent the last 14 years matching our clients with the best therapist for them. We’re experts in helping people find a great therapist – and we’re passionate about teaching you how to find yours.
We’ve compiled our knowledge into three simple steps to help you find a grief therapist in Toronto.
After reading this article, you’ll know how to recognize when you need help with grief, an understanding of complex grief, and three steps to help you find a grief therapist.
Why should you go to grief therapy?
Although grief after a significant loss is normal, that doesn’t mean it’s easy.
The support of friends and family can be helpful while grieving, but sometimes you need a bit of extra help.
Professional support can help you overcome symptoms of grief including:
- Self-isolation
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty at work
- Changes to sleep patterns
- Feelings of numbness and shock
Seeking professional support can be helpful with all types of grief, but is especially important if you’re experiencing complicated grief.
What is complicated grief?
Complicated grief occurs when your physical and emotional symptoms of grief don’t get better over time.
Some indicators of complicated grief include:
- Thoughts of guilt and self-blame
- Problems carrying out your normal daily routines
- Inability to focus on anything other than your loss
- Feeling as though your life is no longer worth living
- Difficulty thinking about positive memories from before the loss occurred
A therapist can help you to work through these complex feelings after grief.
If you feel like you need immediate support or you are in danger, please call 911. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, contact Talk Suicide Canada at 1-833-456-4566 (help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
When you feel ready to reach out to a grief therapist, you can follow these three simple steps to ensure you get the help you deserve.
Finding a grief therapist in Toronto
1. Know what type of therapist you want to see
Several types of therapists can support you through the grieving process. These include:
- Psychiatrists
- Psychologists
- Social Workers
- Psychotherapists
Understanding the different types of therapists will help you learn which will best suit your needs.
2. Explore support groups
It can often be helpful to attend a support group alongside therapy, so you can share your experiences with others who have gone through something similar.
Toronto Central Healthline offers a list of grief support groups that provide emotional support and guidance.
Support groups are one way to help you cope with grief and loss.
3. Reach out to a grief therapist in Toronto
Exploring different therapists on Psychology Today can be a great place to start when searing for a grief therapist in Toronto. You’ll be able to explore their areas of expertise and their therapeutic approach.
Once you have a few you’re interested in, you can set up a meeting and ask them questions about the process.
Questions to ask a grief therapist include:
- What is their experience with grief, and will they be able to help you with the challenges you’re facing?
- What is their cost per session, and do they take your insurance?
- Where are they located, and do they offer online sessions?
- Have they supported clients with complicated grief?
Having questions prepared for your first therapy session can help you feel more in control and have an understanding of your goals in therapy.
Next steps for finding a grief therapist in Toronto
After reading this article, you now have an understanding of when to seek grief therapy, if you’re experiencing complex grief, and how to find a grief therapist in Toronto.
Here at KMA, our grief therapy begins with a 50-minute introductory appointment. We’ll ask questions to establish the best therapist for you, goals for your therapy journey, and a recommended duration of therapy.
Register online to book your introductory session or contact us directly for more information.
If you’re not yet ready to book an introductory session, read these articles for more information:
- If you know someone else who could benefit from therapy, read: How to Convince Someone to Go to Therapy
- To know when you’ve found a great therapist, read: How To Know if Your Therapist is the Right Fit
- If you think you may be experiencing trauma, read: How Do I Know If I Have Trauma?
