In person in Calgary · Online
Life transitions and grief counselling in Calgary
Support through loss and big changes, including the ones you chose, in person or online.
- Registered Psychologists
- Free 15-minute consultation
- Private and confidential
What is grief and life transitions counselling?
Grief and life transitions counselling is talk therapy with a psychologist for the times when life changes shape, through loss or through change. It gives you space to make sense of what's happened, what it means for you, and what comes next. At Synthesis Psychology, you can meet in person at our Calgary office, or online or by phone, starting with a free 15-minute phone consultation.
Grief is a normal response to loss, and not only the loss of a person. A breakup, a move, a diagnosis or a change in your work or finances can all bring grief with them.
Big changes can be hard too, even the ones you chose. A new role, a new country, becoming a parent or finishing school can unsettle your sense of who you are and where you're headed.
Change and loss take many forms
Grief and transition look different for everyone. Some of the experiences people bring to counselling include:
Losing someone
Grieving the death of a family member, friend or partner, or the loss of a pet.
Relationships ending
A breakup, separation or friendship that changed or ended.
Career and study
Changing careers, losing a job, retiring, or managing the pressures of post-secondary study.
Family changes
Becoming a parent, children leaving home, or caring for a sick or elderly loved one.
Culture and identity
Moving between countries or cultures, or working out your values, identity and sense of purpose.
Health and circumstances
A change in your health or finances that shifts how life looks.
There's no right way or right timeline to grieve, and no change too small to talk about.
Reaching out
When to reach out about grief or change
It can help to talk to someone if grief is very hard to cope with, remains difficult to manage over time, or makes it hard to move through daily life. The same goes for a transition that has left you feeling lost or stuck.
You don't need a referral to see a psychologist in private practice. If you're thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8 any time. In an emergency, call 9-1-1.
It may be time to talk to someone if
- Grief feels as heavy as it did at the start
- It's hard to get through work, school or daily routines
- A change you wanted doesn't feel the way you expected
- You're not sure who you are or what you want next
- You'd like space to talk that isn't with family or friends
How we help
How counselling can help through transitions and loss
Your psychologist works at your pace, making room for what you've lost as well as what you're building. Depending on what you need, sessions may draw on approaches like these.
Narrative therapy
Treats you as the expert in your own life, and helps you look at the stories you tell about what's happened and who you are.
Emotion-focused therapy
An experiential, humanistic therapy that works with how you notice, express and make sense of your emotions.
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
Builds psychological flexibility by changing how difficult thoughts and feelings affect you, and helps you act on what matters to you.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
A structured, time-limited therapy that helps you notice, question and change the thoughts and beliefs linked to distressing feelings and behaviours.
Mindfulness-based approaches
Bring mindfulness practice into therapy, so you can make room for difficult feelings without being swept along by them.
What we can work on together
Depending on what you bring, your sessions might include:
- Grief and loss
- Pet loss
- Caring for a loved one
- Career transitions
- Cultural identity and cultural transitions
- Values and life purpose
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Personal growth
How getting started works
Reach out
Call 403.261.5085 or send us a message. We answer calls and email Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm, and aim to get back to you as soon as we can.
Talk for 15 minutes
A free phone consultation to understand what you're looking for, so you find the psychologist best suited to your needs.
Start with the right psychologist
We connect you with a psychologist who has the training and experience for what you're facing, and who is a good fit for you. If we don't offer the support you need, we'll refer you to specialized resources.
Questions about life transitions and grief counselling
Is it normal to still be grieving?
Grief is a normal response to loss, and there's no set timeline. It can help to talk to someone if it's very hard to cope with, remains difficult to manage over time, or makes it hard to move through daily life.
Can I get support for a loss that isn't a death?
Yes. Grief can follow many kinds of loss, including a breakup or a change in your health or finances. You're welcome to bring any loss that matters to you.
Can counselling help with a change I chose?
Yes. Wanted changes, like a new job, a move or becoming a parent, can still be unsettling. Counselling can help you make sense of what's shifting and what you want from the next chapter.
Can I have counselling in Spanish?
Yes. We can offer counselling services in Spanish as well as English. Mention it when you book your free consultation.
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist in Alberta?
No. You can contact a psychologist in private practice directly, without a referral from a doctor. To get started, book a free 15-minute phone consultation.
How many counselling sessions will I need?
It depends on you. Every person and situation is different, and moving through challenges is a process, so your psychologist tailors counselling to your goals and supports you as you work toward them.
Is counselling covered by insurance or extended health benefits?
Many extended health benefit plans reimburse sessions with a psychologist, including plans through Alberta Blue Cross and Sun Life, and some clients are covered through their partner's or parents' plan. These plans can cover counselling with a psychologist regardless of the specific issue, and the reason you're seeing a psychologist is always kept confidential.
We're a private, fee-based practice and don't bill insurers directly, so you pay at your session and claim it from your plan. See fees and insurance.
Your next step starts here.
You don't have to work it out alone. A free 15-minute phone consultation is a simple, no-pressure place to start.
We answer calls and email Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm.
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