Grief & Loss Therapy in Ontario
Grief doesn't follow a schedule, and it isn't something you simply "move on" from. While grief is often associated with the death of a loved one, loss can take many forms. You may experience grief after the end of a relationship, a change in your identity or role, a career transition, a major life change, or the loss of the future you expected.
I'm Charlene Sainz, a Registered Psychotherapist providing virtual grief and loss therapy to adults across Ontario. I offer a compassionate and supportive space to process loss, navigate difficult emotions, and adjust to life after significant change.
When Grief Feels Heavy to Carry
Grief can impact every part of your life; your emotions, thoughts, relationships, body, and sense of identity. Some days may feel manageable, while others may bring unexpected waves of sadness, anger, guilt, loneliness, or longing.
You may find yourself:
Feeling overwhelmed by emotions that come in waves
Struggling to adjust to life after a loss
Feeling disconnected from yourself or others
Experiencing guilt, regret, or unanswered questions
Feeling stuck or unsure how to move forward
Struggling with changes in your identity or sense of purpose
Finding holidays, milestones, or reminders especially difficult
Feeling pressure to “be okay” before you are ready
Grief is not a process of forgetting or leaving someone or something behind. Therapy can provide a space to honour what has been lost while supporting you in finding ways to move forward with compassion and meaning.
Grief Can Come From Many Types of Loss
Therapy may support you through:
The death of a loved one
Pet loss
Relationship loss or separation
Divorce or changes in family relationships
Miscarriage, infertility, or reproductive loss
Loss of health or changes in abilities
Career changes or loss of a meaningful role
Major life transitions
Loss of hopes, plans, or the future you imagined
You do not need to justify your grief for it to matter. If a loss has impacted you, it deserves space and support.
A Compassionate & Individualized Approach to Grief
Grief can show up in ways you may not expect. Alongside sadness, you may notice changes in your sleep, concentration, motivation, relationships, appetite, energy, or ability to feel connected to the things around you.
You may also experience anger, guilt, numbness, anxiety, relief, confusion, or emotions that seem to change from one day to the next. There is no single way grief is supposed to feel.
Therapy can provide space to understand these experiences without judging yourself for how you're grieving.
My approach to grief therapy is centered on providing a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where you can process your experience at your own pace.
There is no single "right" way to grieve, and therapy isn't about rushing you through the process or trying to make you forget what you've lost.
Together, we can explore:
The emotions and challenges connected to your loss
How grief has affected your thoughts, body, relationships, and daily life
Ways to cope with painful emotions and difficult moments
How to adjust to changes while honouring what was meaningful
How to reconnect with yourself, your relationships, and your sense of purpose
There is no timeline for grief, and therapy is not about rushing you through the process. Our work together is guided by your needs, your experiences, and what feels supportive for you.
Ways We Can Work Together
Grief therapy can incorporate different therapeutic approaches depending on your individual experiences, needs, and goals.
Somatic Therapy
A body-oriented approach that can help you explore the physical and emotional ways grief and stress may show up in your body.
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CBT
An approach that explores the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours and can provide practical strategies for navigating difficult emotions and changes.
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EMDR Therapy
A structured approach that may be incorporated when distressing experiences or memories connected to a loss continue to feel particularly overwhelming.
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Virtual, Confidential & Accessible Therapy
I provide virtual grief and loss therapy to adults throughout Ontario, allowing you to access support from the privacy and comfort of your own space. Virtual therapy can also reduce the added stress of travelling while you're navigating a difficult time.
Therapy is confidential within the limits of professional and legal requirements, and I aim to provide a space where you can speak openly and process your experience without judgment.
Sessions are $160 for 50 minutes, with sliding-scale options available. Receipts are provided for submission to extended health insurance plans, depending on your coverage. A referral is not required.
If you're unsure whether your benefits cover Registered Psychotherapy, you're welcome to discuss this during your consultation.
What to Expect in Grief TherapyBeginning therapy after a loss can feel uncertain. You don't need to know exactly what you need or have a clear goal before reaching out.
We'll begin by talking about your experience, what has changed, and what feels most difficult right now. From there, we'll work collaboratively to identify what support would be most helpful.
There is no expectation to "move on" or grieve in a particular way. Our work will focus on helping you navigate your grief while caring for yourself and making space for what the loss means to you.