Grief Therapy in Calgary
When something meaningful has been lost.
Grief is a natural response to loss, and is often, very difficult to carry.
It can follow the death of someone close, but also other kinds of loss, such as, relationships, life transitions, health changes, or the loss of something you had hoped for.
There isn’t one way grief is supposed to look.
You might notice:
Waves of sadness, heaviness, or emptiness
Difficulty concentrating or staying present
Feeling disconnected from others
Changes in sleep or energy
Changes in appetite
Moments of numbness, followed by intense emotion
A sense that something feels fundamentally different
Guilt when you have good moments
Grief doesn’t move in a straight line.
It can come and go, sometimes unexpectedly, even when things seem to be “getting better.”
And often, it’s not just about what’s been lost, but how that loss continues to live in your day-to-day life.
Therapy offers a space to be with grief in a way that doesn’t require you to rush or move past it.
This might involve:
making sense of what the loss means to you
processing emotions as they arise
navigating changes in identity or relationships
finding ways to stay connected to what matters, while continuing to move forward
There is no expectation to “get over” grief, only to find a way to hold it that feels more manageable over time.
How can we help?
At Carbon Psychology, we’re willing to sit with you in the heaviness of grief for as long as it takes. This work isn’t a quick fix, and it’s not about finding solutions.
It’s about moving through the complexity, the emotions, the fear, the uncertainty, and the changes that come with loss.
Over time, grief often asks us to look at our lives differently, to understand what matters most, and to find a way forward that still honours what’s been lost.
Approaches we draw from:
Narrative Therapy for working with the unique story of your loss and meaning making
Somatic and body-based approaches for working with grief that lives in the body, not just the mind
EMDR when grief is layered with trauma or unresolved past loss
Internal Family Systems and parts work for clients carrying grief alongside guilt, identity loss, or self-criticism
Attachment-based therapy for processing the relational shape of what's been lost
Start with a Consultation
We offer a complimentary consultation to help you determine whether therapy feels like a right next step.
Therapists with a special interest in grief and loss
Below is a brief snapshot of each therapist’s focus. Click on their photo to read more.
Angelica Janik, Registered Provisional Psychologist
Angelica has a deep understanding of how grief and loss shape a person's life. Her energy is warm and relational, and she has specialized training in yoga and meditation. Her work emphasizes the connection between body and mind, and weaves in spirituality, depth, and the search for meaning.
Masha Wazny, Canadian Certified Counsellor
Masha works with adults and youth navigating grief, identity, relationships, cultural adjustment, and stress. With lived experience across countries and cultures, she brings insight into the complexities of life transitions, third culture identity, and loss.
FAQ
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Is it normal for grief to come and go in waves?
Yes. Grief rarely follows a straight line. It can feel manageable at times and then suddenly more intense again, often without a clear reason. This is a normal part of how grief unfolds.
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How long does grief last?
There isn’t a set timeline. Grief changes over time, but it doesn’t simply “end.” The goal isn’t to get rid of it, but to find a way to carry it that feels more manageable.
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Why do I feel numb or disconnected instead of sad?
Grief doesn’t always show up as sadness or crying. Numbness, disconnection, or feeling “flat” are common responses, especially when the loss feels overwhelming or difficult to process.
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Is it normal to feel guilty for having moments of happiness after a loss?
Yes. Many people feel a sense of guilt when they notice moments of relief, normalcy, or even happiness. It can feel like moving forward means leaving the person or the loss behind, but it doesn’t. These moments are a natural part of grief and don’t take away from your connection or what you’ve lost.
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Can therapy actually help with grief?
Therapy doesn’t remove grief, but it can provide a space to process what you’re experiencing, make sense of the loss, and navigate the changes that come with it in a more supported way.
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When should I consider therapy for grief?
If grief feels overwhelming, isolating, or difficult to carry on your own, or if it’s impacting your ability to function day-to-day, therapy can help. Support is available at any point, whether the loss is recent or from years ago.