Toronto Grief Counselling

04/25/2024

We’re excited to announce the release of our first resource to help people understand their own, and others’ . This infographic highlights key facts about grief that are commonly misunderstood. Sending out a big thank you to the grief specialists and our Great Big Grief Focus Group for their time and insights in creating this resource. Available in English and French.

04/10/2024

Thinking of all those who have lost a sibling.

09/21/2023

Join us for an 8-week IN-PERSON grief support group!

05/17/2023

05/08/2023

Today is Bereaved Mother's Day, the day we honor the mothers who hold their children in their hearts instead of their arms.

If you know a mother who has lost a child, one way you can offer support is by continuing to say her child's name. Often when someone dies, people stop saying their name around the grieving family. Experts agree that many families want to hear the child’s name out loud.

Grief-support expert Shelly Gillan of Kara says that “it reminds them that their child is still loved and missed by many. A parent’s worst fear is that their child will be forgotten.”

You could say something like, “You’re on my mind today. I miss Michael, too.”

11/09/2022

08/06/2022

02/23/2022

In our grief training last week, we talked about the barriers to supporting grieving children AND how you can help!

Some of the most common barriers include:

🔹 Fear of saying the wrong thing
🔹 Discomfort with difficult emotions
🔹 Fear of making things worse
🔹 Personal loss history
🔹 Feeling helpless to “fix”

So how can you help? 💭

As Sarah has said, BEING WITH another grief is enough. What could that look like?

💙 Create a safe environment, be at eye level
💙 Ask what they know so far
💙 Ask if they have any questions
💙 Be honest and use concrete language
💙 Let the child lead the direction

Remember, you don’t have to know all the answers. It can be powerful to just wonder together! Provide lots of options for asking for more information or to say it’s enough for the moment… give them control!

For anyone who has experienced grief, what have you found helpful or unhelpful?

01/14/2022

Don't forget to register for our bereavement groups starting next week Tues Jan 18 to Mar 22. Registration closes at noon Jan 18th, so save your spot now.

01/11/2022

BFO has a Cantonese grief support group stating Feb 17.

12/20/2021

Dr Jay Children's Grief Centre has moved to Yorktown Family Services!

In May 2021, DJCGC made the difficult decision to permanently close. After months of careful review and extensive consideration we are pleased to announce that has been selected to continue DJCGC’s legacy of building strength, resilience and hope with children, youth and families.

DJCGC’s counselling team has been welcomed to the Yorktown family to continue to provide the same compassionate care, support, and education to grieving children, youth, and families that DJCGC is renowned for.

DJCGC’s well-established multidisciplinary and collaborative counselling and education programs for individuals and groups have now transitioned to Yorktown Family Services’ core clinical services. The program provides a variety of supports for children, youth and families (age 0-21) living in the city of Toronto:
- Bereavement counselling support after the death of an immediate family member or custodial caregiver
- Acute Response services for families where death is anticipated and imminent with a prognosis of 6 months or less or after a sudden or traumatic death
- Child and Youth Support Program group support for bereaved children and youth
- Family Support Program offers Family Nights and workshops for caregivers

Referrals are made through intake: 416-394-2424 x234

The Grief and Bereavement program provides opportunities for youth and young adults ages 13 to 24 through the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC). The YAC offers their unique perspective for grieving youth to examine grief services, develop resources, and spread education and awareness to support others in their grief journeys. Stayed tuned for more information on the Grief and Bereavement Youth Advisory Committee, coming soon.

For more information on Yorktown Family Services and our programs and supports for children, youth and families or to be notified about upcoming volunteer opportunities, please click the link in our bio or email at GriefProgram@yorktownfamilyservices.com

11/19/2021

Have you heard of regrief? SO glad this has a name.

explains it like this...
"Regrief is the developmentally appropriate processing of the grief experience from a different perspective than was possible earlier. Basically, when you are a child and you lose someone while at a certain developmental stage, you can only grieve in ways that your age and development allow (in “developmentally appropriate” ways). If I am five years old and I lose my mom, I make sense of that loss as a five-year-old can, with the cognitive and emotional capacities that a five-year-old has. But then this funny thing happens – I age. I move into the next developmental stage and the next and the next. In each new stage, I suddenly have a new understanding of my loss, and I now ‘regrieve’ that loss from this new, more mature perspective."

Does it resonate with you? 💜🙏🏿

11/16/2021

Today is .⁣
⁣
“As a society, we are so focused on prolonging life and curing illness that very little thought is given to what happens at the end of our journeys – including to those who are left behind. CHPCA would like to help bring this discussion to the forefront of Canadians’ minds, and allow time to grieve, to remember, and to heal. CHPCA wants to normalize the idea that grief and bereavement is a part of life and challenge Canadians to ask each other about their grief and to share their stories. We all handle bereavement and grief differently and helping Canadians understand that would go a long way to improving the ends of one’s life for dying Canadians, their family caregivers and other loved ones.”⁣
⁣
Image by:
⁣
⁣

10/06/2021

To fill a national gap in accessible, trusted resources, Canadian Virtual Hospice and our National MAiD Working Group are pleased to launch a suite of tools for the public and people working in healthcare. Available in English and French, the resources can be found at www.VirtualHospice.ca/MAiD. In addition to 15 articles and 230 videos, you will find booklets, infographics and modules created to support families and professionals in understanding and demystifying .

09/23/2021

Do you find yourself doing Grief Math? I sure do!⁣
⁣
⁣
Image by: ⁣
⁣

09/23/2021

Do you find yourself doing "Grief Math"? I sure do!

09/17/2021

Check it out! Acclaim Health are hosting a FREE Dad's grief support group starting this fall. Reach out to Julie for more details.

09/15/2021

Great news! is hosting their first ever Camp Erin Toronto family day camp on October 16, 2021. If you know someone who is 6-17 years old and who has lost a significant person, check out this great resource.⁣
⁣

08/03/2021

In 1996, Lois Tonkin wrote a simply theory about grief, inspired by a bereaved mother she'd met. The Growing Around Grief concept still helps and inspires

06/20/2021

Thinking of all those with painful or complex father relationships today. Hallmark holidays like this one can be so confusing and layered. Today I am remembering my father who died 16 years ago while also celebrating my husband, who is an amazing father to our 2 year old. Be gentle with yourselves.⁣
⁣
⁣
Image by: ⁣
⁣

05/27/2021

Excited to become a Trusted Partner with , a service dedicated to helping families prepare for ageing, end-of-life and legacy.⁣
⁣
Reposted from ⁣
⁣
(she/her), a Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist who specialises in grief counselling and education. She supports individuals coping with grief, loss, and life transitions and focuses on supporting those who have experienced sudden, unexpected, and out-of-order loss. Andrea also provides education about grief and loss, and how to work with grieving individuals and communities. She works from a trauma-informed, Intersectional, Feminist, Anti-Racist, Anti-Oppressive, and LGBTQ2S-Positive perspective.⁣
⁣
Andrea has experienced multiple personal losses; the most significant being the deaths of her parents in the Indian Ocean Tsunami when she was 19 years old. Through her own healing process, Andrea has found her way to walking alongside others in their grief. She is committed to creating safe and inclusive spaces where bereaved individuals can grieve authentically and holistically.⁣
⁣
Fun Facts:⁣
⁣
1. She loves doing jigsaw puzzles - the harder the better. 🧩🤔⁣
⁣
2. Like her late beloved beagle, Chocolate, Andrea is completely food motivated. Food is her love language! 🍫💜⁣
⁣
3.She has a 2-year old daughter who makes her laugh every day. 🤱🤣⁣
⁣
⁣

05/27/2021

Excited to become a Trusted Partner of Viive Planning, a service dedicated to helping families prepare for ageing, end-of-life and legacy.

Andrea Kwan Counselling Resources (she/her), a Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist who specialises in grief counselling and education. She supports individuals coping with grief, loss, and life transitions and focuses on supporting those who have experienced sudden, unexpected, and out-of-order loss. Andrea also provides education about grief and loss, and how to work with grieving individuals and communities. She works from a trauma-informed, Intersectional, Feminist, Anti-Racist, Anti-Oppressive, and LGBTQ2S-Positive perspective.

Andrea has experienced multiple personal losses; the most significant being the deaths of her parents in the Indian Ocean Tsunami when she was 19 years old. Through her own healing process, Andrea has found her way to walking alongside others in their grief. She is committed to creating safe and inclusive spaces where bereaved individuals can grieve authentically and holistically

Fun Facts:
1. She loves doing jigsaw puzzles - the harder the better.
2. Like her late beloved beagle, Chocolate, Andrea is completely food motivated. Food is her love language!
3.She has a 2-year old daughter who makes her laugh every day.

05/09/2021

Today I’m thinking of my mother and my grandmother. Be gentle with yourselves, friends.⁣
⁣
⁣
Images by: and ⁣
⁣

05/05/2021

May 5 is National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2-Spirit People. On this day we honour all those taken too soon, and recognize the lasting impact of colonization on native peoples.⁣ According to “Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into MMIWG”, Indigenous womxn are 12 times more likely to be murdered or missing than any other women in Canada. As treaty peoples, we all have an obligation to learn more and take action to end the violence.
⁣
⁣
Image by: .star.designs⁣
⁣

04/29/2021

Back by popular demand c/o our friends at Good Grief Bereavement Healing Services: http://ow.ly/bcPS50Ez7Lq

04/29/2021

April 28 is the National Day of Mourning, when we honour those who have been killed, injured or suffered serious illness as a result of workplace accidents and exposures.⁣
⁣
This year I am especially aware of the number of workers who have no access to paid sick days during a global pandemic, and who are forced to choose between putting food on the table or working in unsafe conditions where they may possibly expose themselves or others to COVID-19⁣
⁣
⁣
Image by: .cchst
⁣

04/22/2021

"For many people of color, the fear, exhaustion and constant grief that all come from regularly dealing with various forms of discrimination are compounded when additional trauma piles on."

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/people-of-color-grief_l_6030100ec5b6cc8bbf3b8a34

Marginalized communities are affected by loss in unique and painful ways. Here's how, plus some resources for coping.

04/16/2021

"During a lockdown that isolates us by forbidding physical proximity, grief finds no outlet. We are deprived of the last moments in which we can see, touch, hear or speak to the beloved as well as subsequent days and months when we can cry, laugh, hug and reminisce with friends and family."

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/08/well/family/pandemic-grief.html?fbclid=IwAR0K5Gi38ZS6W1Sufhh2vKwXeUcqUgvjUOeWe3vnMgF-Q0iKa1Dl7GmGOvM

We’ve been deprived of the last moments with loved ones and in-person gatherings to mourn together. What can we do to heal?

04/13/2021

Did you know that Bob Kemp Hospice runs a FREE text and online chat grief support service?⁣
⁣
Image by: ⁣
⁣
⁣

03/31/2021

Reposted from Today is . With the record number of attacks on trans rights across the country, it is important we stand in solidarity with the trans & nonbinary community. LOUDLY & PROUDLY. Today & always. 🏳️‍⚧️

🎨 by the amazing .albadree

03/11/2021

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to announce the Government of Canada is designating March 11, 2021, as a National Day of Observance to commemorate the people who lost their lives and the significant impacts we have all felt because of COVID-19:

03/08/2021

Today, March 8, 2021 marks one year since the first Canadian died of COVID-19. This past year 22,239 Canadians have died from COVID-19 (as of today) and nearly 3 million Canadians are grieving a loved one due to the pandemic. This number does not include all the other deaths and non-death losses that have occurred this year due to a strained healthcare system and the impact of social distancing and isolation measures.⁣
⁣
The impact of all this grief will be felt long after COVID-19 is no longer a serious threat. ⁣
⁣
Thanks to Andrea Warnick and all the members of the Canadian Grief Alliance for advocating for a and for our governments to ⁣
⁣
⁣
Image by: ⁣
⁣

02/26/2021

Sad news...

An important announcement from Dr. Jay Children’s Grief Centre:

Dr. Jay Children’s Grief Centre has something important – and difficult – that we want you to know about. As of May 28, 2021 the Centre will cease to operate and we will no longer be offering our services. We are not accepting any further donations.
This is a heartbreaking decision for us. But the COVID-19 pandemic and the financial realities facing small, donor-supported non-profits like ours have made it clear that we cannot achieve the financial stability needed to plan for the future and provide the continuity of service our clients deserve.

Over the course of the next couple of months, we are committed to providing care to our current clients and to help with a transition to qualified care providers wherever possible. Our workshops and groups will continue as scheduled during this period. Unfortunately, we will not be able to accept new clients or to re-engage with past clients.

We know this is a loss, not just for the children, youth and families we work with, our staff, but also for supporters like you – friends, donors, volunteers and others who simply want to support this important work. We are proud that the Centre has been able to provide compassionate care and education to so many young people experiencing profound grief. None of it would have been possible without the dedication of our staff, donors, volunteers and community partners, as well as the extraordinary courage of the children, youth and families we have had the privilege to support.

If you want more information, you can find it on our website: https://drjaychildrensgriefcentre.ca/important-announcement-from-djcgc/

You can also contact us by email at info@griefcentre.ca. Please understand that our resources are limited, and we might not get back to you right away. We will not be able to reply to posts on this group. We appreciate your patience and understanding. We also ask that you to respect the privacy of people in this group.

From all of us at Dr. Jay Children’s Grief Centre, thank you for your commitment and the support you have given us throughout the years. You have truly made a difference.

01/28/2021

Today is Bell Let’s Talk day. Now, more than ever, we need to have open and honest conversations about our mental (and emotional) health.⁣
⁣
⁣
Image by: ⁣
⁣

01/20/2021

Love this story!

01/18/2021

"Dear Grievers,
There are those who do not know
and who cannot know
this deep pain.
They are afraid of it.
They may tell you to ‘move on’.
They may tell you its not ‘normal’ to grieve this long.
They may tell you it’s part of ‘God’s plan’.
Your shattering makes them uneasy.
Vulnerable.
Some may avoid you,
others may pity you.
But this is your grief.
No one else’s. Yours.
You have earned every single tear you shed.
Your emotions are yours,
even on days
you'd wish them gone.
Don’t let anyone take grief from you.
Through the grief – and the love –
hold your head high,
even when you are suffering most.
Perhaps, especially, when you are suffering most.
Surround yourself with loving others.
Give yourself time to feel.
Because grief work is not for the faint of heart.
And one day, suffering endured
will become compassion expressed.
- Dr. Joanne Cacciatore
Posted originally in January of 2015"

Dear Grievers,

There are those who do not know
and who cannot know
this deep pain.

They are afraid of it.

They may tell you to ‘move on’.

They may tell you its not ‘normal’ to grieve this long.

They may tell you it’s part of ‘God’s plan’.

Your shattering makes them uneasy.
Vulnerable.

Some may avoid you,
others may pity you.
But this is your grief.

No one else’s. Yours.

You have earned every single tear you shed.

Your emotions are yours,
even on days
you'd wish them gone.

Don’t let anyone take grief from you.

Through the grief – and the love –
hold your head high,
even when you are suffering most.
Perhaps, especially, when you are suffering most.

Surround yourself with loving others.

Give yourself time to feel.

Because grief work is not for the faint of heart.

And one day, suffering endured
will become compassion expressed.

- Dr. Joanne Cacciatore

Posted originally in January of 2015
If you need help, or resources, or support, visit:
www.SelahCarefarm.com
www.MISSFoundation.org
www.CenterForLossAndTrauma.com
https://wisdomexperience.org/bearing-the-unbearable/

*********
Compassionate Bereavement Care Provider Certification
The art of grief counseling informed by science
www.certificate.missfoundation.org/

*********
Artist William Bouguereau, All Souls Day

12/29/2020

12/13/2020

This time of year is often hard for many reasons. This year we have COVID-19 to thank for it being even harder. Be gentle with yourselves, my friends.⁣
⁣
⁣
Image by: ⁣
⁣

11/20/2020

Today is Trans Day of Remembrance. Remembering and honouring all those lives lost to violence. We still have so much work to do.⁣
⁣
⁣
Image by: ⁣
⁣

11/19/2020

Today is Children’s Grief Awareness Day. Children grieve too! Grief and loss can have a lasting impact on Littles and they deserve love and support to understand and integrate their losses.⁣
⁣
⁣
Image by:
⁣