What Grief Can Look Like
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You might notice:
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Waves of sadness, heaviness, or emotional pain
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Feeling numb, disconnected, or unlike yourself
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Difficulty concentrating or staying present
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Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy
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Guilt, regret, or “what if” thoughts
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A sense of emptiness or loss of meaning
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Irritability or emotional sensitivity
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Feeling stuck, lost, or unsure how to move forward
Grief doesn’t follow a clear timeline or set of stages. It can show up in ways that shift over time.
Grief can come and go, sometimes unexpectedly, and may feel different from one day to the next. If this sounds familiar, therapy might be the right next step for you.
Therapy for Grief and Loss in Oakville, Ontario
There is no right way to grieve. Loss can affect people in deeply personal and unexpected ways, and therapy can offer a space to gently make sense of what this experience has been like for you—within the context of your life, your relationships, and what this loss has meant to you.
I take a warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental approach to therapy. I place you at the centre of the process so we can gently make space for whatever you’re carrying—whether that’s sadness, numbness, confusion, or waves of emotion that come and go in unexpected ways.
How grief can affect you
Loss can influence not only how you feel, but how you relate to yourself and your life.
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​You may find yourself:
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Feeling disconnected from who you were before
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Questioning your direction or sense of meaning
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Questioning your identity or sense of who you are
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Carrying emotions that feel hard to express or understand
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Trying to “keep going” while feeling overwhelmed underneath
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Feeling alone in your experience, even around others
Grief is a natural response to loss—but it can feel heavy to hold on your own. If any of these sounds familiar, it may be time to get the support you need and deserve.
When you’re carrying grief, it can feel like the weight of it is always there—sometimes loud and overwhelming, other times quiet but constant in the background. It may be hard to imagine that things could feel any different, or that the heaviness could soften in any meaningful way.
You might notice waves of sadness, moments of numbness, or a sense that something is missing but hard to put into words. It can feel like you’re moving through your day while holding something invisible that others can’t fully see or understand. At times, even small things can feel heavier, and the emotional ups and downs can be exhausting to carry on your own.
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But it is possible for things to feel different. Imagine having a little more space to breathe within your experience—where the weight of grief feels more manageable, and you feel more supported in how you carry it. With support, grief doesn’t have to feel as isolating or overwhelming. There is room for moments of steadiness, and you don’t have to move through it alone. ​
Together, we'll work on understanding the impact of your loss, creating room for your emotions so you can start to feel lighter.
How Can Therapy Help?
Therapy offers a space where grief can be acknowledged without needing to be rushed, fixed, or explained away.
​Together, we can:
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Make space for your grief in whatever form it takes
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Process the emotional impact of your loss
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Explore how this experience has affected your sense of self
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Work through feelings such as sadness, anger, guilt, or confusion
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Support you in navigating daily life while carrying grief
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Help you reconnect with a sense of meaning and steadiness over time
I combine various approaches, like Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS), to help you look beneath the surface. I offer a calm, reflective space to understand yourself more deeply and begin creating meaningful change.​
If this sounds like a good fit for you, Let's connect!
Hi, I'm Laura
Therapist supporting Grief and Loss in Oakville, ON
Laura Atkinson, MACP
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
I know what it can feel like when loss shakes something foundational in your life. When I moved through the loss of my career and sense of identity, it felt deeply destabilizing—like the ground beneath me had shifted in a way I couldn’t quite make sense of. Grief doesn’t only come from losing a person; it can come from losing a role, a direction, a version of yourself, or the life you expected to have.
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​Loss can affect how you feel, how you see yourself, and how you move through each day. You might feel stuck, emotionally overwhelmed, or disconnected from what used to feel familiar or meaningful.
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You don’t have to move through this alone. I’m here to support you in making sense of your experience at your own pace. Using a trauma-informed integrative approach that includes Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed work, we can explore what this loss has brought up and begin finding a steadier way forward.
How do I get started?
Therapy for Grief and Loss in Oakville, ON
If you have any questions, check out the FAQs or Contact Us
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Meet Your Therapist
Finding the right therapist is an important part of your journey, and it’s okay if it takes time. A strong connection with your therapist creates a safe, supportive foundation for meaningful growth and healing. It’s worth exploring to ensure you feel comfortable and understood. Use the consultation to ensure there is a good fit.
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Book Your First Session
When you’re ready, we’ll schedule your first full session and start working together to create meaningful change tailored to your unique journey. During your first few sessions your therapist will get to know you and your unique experiences to tailor your support just for you.