Brian Konst, MSW, RSW, CT
Social Worker and Psychotherapist
Certified in Thanatology: Death, Dying and Bereavement
Guelph, ON
226-777-9234
"Where Compassion Meets Grief, Right at Home"
GriefHelp.ca
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Navigating the Complex Reactions to Loss . . . in the Comfort of your Home
Whether due to death, separation, illness, or a significant life transition, counselling fosters resilience while integrating the loss into one’s life narrative in a meaningful way.
Brian Konst, MSW, RSW, CT
I am a registered social worker, certified in thanatology (death, dying and bereavement). I am dedicated to helping you navigate through your grief and loss in a compassionate and supportive environment. I understand that each person has their own unique grief journey. I emphasize the distinctive experience of your loss, ensuring that services are customized to meet your specific needs. My dedication to creating a comfortable and supportive environment where you can openly express your vulnerabilities is clear, offering you gentle guidance on the path to wellness.
Grief Counselling
I offer a range of counselling services to support individuals through their grief and loss experience. I use evidence-based approaches to help each individual build resilience and integrate their loss into their life narrative.
Grief and Bereavement
Counselling
Grief and bereavement counseling is a specialized form of therapy that focuses on assisting individuals as they navigate the complex emotional, cognitive, physical, and spiritual reactions to loss. The counseling process aims to honor the individual’s unique experience of grief while fostering resilience and facilitating a pathway to healing. The transformative journey through grief is not about ‘moving on’ or ‘getting over’ a loss, but rather about finding a way to integrate the loss into one’s life narrative in a meaningful way.
End-of-life counseling is a specialized form of support aimed at helping individuals and their loved ones cope with the emotional responses related to dying and bereavement. This form of counseling addresses the complex range of emotions that come with the loss of a loved one or the anticipation of such a loss. The goal is to provide compassionate care and understanding to persons who are in need of palliative care, and to ease the process of mourning and enable caregivers and family or friends to adapt to life after loss.
Cumulative Grief Counselling
Cumulative grief occurs when an individual experiences multiple losses over time without sufficient opportunity to process each one. In older adults, this can be particularly common and impactful. As people age, the likelihood of losing peers, spouses, siblings, and lifelong friends increases. Older persons may also experience a series of losses that are not limited to death, such as the loss of independence, physical abilities, or cognitive function. Counseling needs to be compassionate, individualized, and holistic, recognizing the interplay between emotional, physical, social, and spiritual well-being.
Non-Death Loss Counselling
Non-death loss encompasses various experiences of significant loss that do not involve the physical death of a person. It can include the loss of a relationship, a job, physical health, a home, and cherished dreams or aspirations. Coping with non-death loss involves acknowledging the emotional impact, seeking support, and utilizing coping strategies such as self-care practices, maintaining routines, and seeking professional counseling to aid in the healing process. Recognizing and addressing non-death loss is crucial for overall well-being, as it allows individuals to work towards healing, resilience, and finding new sources of meaning and purpose in their lives.
Caregiver Counselling
Grief and loss counseling for caregivers is a specialized form of support that addresses the unique emotional challenges faced by those who provide care to individuals with chronic illness, disabilities, or those who are at the end of life. When you’re a caregiver, you’re likely to develop a deep bond with the person you’re caring for, and their loss can be profoundly impactful. The grief experienced can be complex, encompassing not just sorrow for the person’s passing, but also relief that their suffering has ended, and guilt associated with that relief. One-on-one counselling can help caregivers work through their feelings, thoughts, and experiences and start processing their loss in a safe, supportive environment.
Pet Loss Counselling
Losing a pet can be incredibly difficult and the grief experienced is very real. If you’re struggling with the loss of a pet, seeking pet loss counseling can be a helpful step in coping with your loss. Counselling can provide a safe space to express your feelings, process your grief, and receive support and guidance in dealing with the loss. During pet loss counseling, you may discuss the unique bond you had with your pet, the emotions you’re experiencing, and how the loss has impacted your daily life. Counselling can help you explore ways to memorialize your pet, cope with the feelings of sadness and loss, and navigate the adjustments that come with the absence of your companion.