By Toronto Psychotherapy Space | Featuring Nigel Edokpolo, Registered Psychotherapist
Grief touches everyone at some point, yet when we’re in it, it can feel deeply lonely. Whether you’re grieving the death of someone you love, the loss of a relationship, a major life change, or a version of life you thought you’d have, grief can quietly (or loudly) affect every part of your day.
Many people who reach out for grief counselling tell me they’re not sure if what they’re feeling is “normal.” The short answer is: grief looks different for everyone, and there is no timeline or right way to move through it.
How Grief Can Show Up in Everyday Life
Grief isn’t just sadness. It can show up emotionally, physically, and in how we relate to others. You might notice:
- Waves of sadness, anger, guilt, numbness, or confusion
- Anxiety or feeling constantly on edge
- Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy
- Difficulty concentrating or feeling mentally “foggy”
- Pulling away from friends or feeling disconnected from loved ones
- Questioning your identity, purpose, or sense of safety
For adolescents, young adults, and adults, grief can surface in unexpected ways. Some people stay busy to avoid slowing down, while others feel stuck or overwhelmed. Both are understandable responses to loss.
Grief also has a way of resurfacing. Anniversaries, birthdays, life transitions, or new losses can reopen old wounds. This doesn’t mean you’re going backwards — it means your grief is continuing to evolve.
Why Grief Can Feel So Isolating
One of the hardest parts of grief is feeling like others don’t quite understand. Friends and family often want to help, but may not know what to say, or may expect you to “be okay” sooner than you are.
Many people worry they’re grieving too much or not enough. In grief therapy, we work to gently let go of those expectations and make space for what’s actually there.
How Grief Therapy Can Help
Grief counselling offers a supportive space where you don’t have to rush, explain, or minimize your experience. In therapy, we focus on understanding how your loss has impacted you and finding ways to carry that grief with more support and less isolation.
In my work, I take a slow, collaborative, and non-judgmental approach. Therapy might include:
Talking openly about your loss and its impact on your life
• Exploring emotions that feel confusing or hard to name
• Understanding how grief is affecting your relationships, work, or sense of self
• Gently shifting perspectives that may be adding extra pain or self-blame
• Finding grounding strategies when grief feels overwhelming
• Reconnecting with meaning, values, and inner strength
I draw from approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Narrative Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy, tailoring our work to what feels most helpful for you.
“Coming to therapy isn’t a sign of giving up. More often, it’s a sign that you’re refusing to give up — even when things feel really heavy.”
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Grief changes us, but it doesn’t mean we’re broken. With the right support, it’s possible to feel more grounded, connected, and supported — while still honouring what has been lost.
If you’re considering grief counselling in Toronto or virtual therapy across Ontario, therapy can be a place to take a breath and feel less alone in what you’re carrying.
About Nigel Edokpolo
Nigel Edokpolo is a Registered Psychotherapist at Toronto Psychotherapy Space, offering grief therapy for adolescents, young adults, adults, and couples. He works both in person in Toronto and virtually across Ontario.
Nigel is known for his warm, relatable, and down-to-earth approach. He brings energy, honesty, and compassion into sessions, while also gently challenging clients when it’s helpful. His primary clinical focus includes grief, anxiety, depression, and traumatic life events.
Nigel believes that taking the step into therapy isn’t about giving up — it’s about choosing to keep going.