Grief Therapy at Centred Self
Grief has so many facets: Many often unseen of disenfranchised.
From the loss of a loved one, to a pet loss, breakup, broken trust: Grief is not a one size fits all, because it can't be.
It is personal and complex. And we know this.
Grief Explained - It is Not a "One Size Fits All"
At Centred Self, our team of licensed therapists have years of experience helping individuals and couples navigate the nuances of grief. We understand its complexities.
Meet our team of grief specialists below.
Why is it So Hard to Move Past Grief
For so many of us, we think that there is somehow this 'timeline' to grief. And when we don't quite match that, we can feel like we are failing in our own healing journey. Grief is not linear. It does not have an end date.
But this process can be made a bit easier with the right therapist, who you can share what you are feeling again and again, without a timeline or feeling like you are burdening them.
Disenfranchised Grief
Disenfranchised Grief is a grief that is difficult to explain to others.
Many wont understand why it matters - which can include Pet Loss or miscarriage. It can also be difficult if it is a result of a loss that you might feel shame about - like the loss of trust due to infidelity, or a failed partnership in an open relationship. The list goes on.
Does this sound like you? We are here to help. Book your session today!
Complicated/ Ambiguous Grief
At Centred Self, we understand that grief is not about 'stages' or even when there is an actual loss. Sometimes, it is anticipatory loss (fearing loss of parents one day). Sometimes it is a loss that is a breakup of relationship - we are grieving what could have been. Sometimes it is when we ended things.
Learn more about complicated/ambiguous grief below
Meet Dr. Ryan Bittinger (RP)
Ryan specializes in working with disenfranchised and ambiguous grief. From the loss of a relationship, or fear of a loss, and all the emotions that come with it. They have a doctorate in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and have been working with grief for over 12 years.
Disenfranchised Grief
Ryan works with those who may not have many people who would understand their grief. And they offer depth and insight without you having to 'explain' why this matters.
Loss of Relationships
Ryan works with you navigating grief at the loss of a loved one: Both with death and also when they are still alive - with breakups. Ryan is here to navigate the relationship loss in all its nuances.
Navigating Anger in Your Loss
Grief brings on a myriad of emotions. For Ryan, if you are experiencing anger and rage at loss, you may fall into the 'ambiguous loss' category. They are here to help.
Meet Jasmine Bruce (RP)
Jasmine works both in-person and virtually to meet clients navigating grief. She is compassionate about working with disenfranchised grief in terms of pet loss and relationship loss. She navigates the mixed feelings and dread that can happy with important seasons - anniversaries to major holidays.
She has been working at Centred Self since 2024 and is compassionate and real with clients.
Pet Loss
As a pet owner herself, Jasmine knows how to navigate Pet Loss. She understands the fear of losing a pet, to fur on the couch when your little one has just passed, and also how to talk about your loss with others.
Navigating Infidelity
Infidelity is not often described as a 'loss' but it most certainly is. Jasmine works with couples navigating loss of trust, or those who may have had the loss of a relationship due to infidelity.
Ambiguous Grief: Loneliness
Folks will come in feeling guilt, shame, a sense of loneliness, regret - but also isolation. This can losing a job, a fight with a best friend, a recent breakup, moving to a different city, becoming a parent, or a medical diagnosis.
Centred Self is now offering In-Person Therapy!
Centred Self has partnered with Therapy Suites, right in the heart of downtown Toronto at St. Lawrence Market, to offer In-Person sessions!
If you are looking for in-person sessions, contact us today and we can set you up with an associate for your first free-consult