Your Path to Healing Starts Here
At This Thing Called Grief, we understand that your experience of loss is as unique as you are, touching every part of life in ways that are personal and profound.
Our team is here to support you—whether you’re dealing with the heartbreak of losing a loved one or navigating the quieter, yet deeply impactful, life transitions that can change everything.
Welcome!
We are dedicated to helping individuals
navigate the often overwhelming journey of grief and loss.
Discover below some of the types of grief, loss, and bereavement
we often help individuals and families work through.
Loss of a Child
The death of a child, whether due to illness, accident, or unforeseen circumstances, is a life-altering loss.
This Thing Called Grief works with parents to navigate this overwhelming grief, helping them process the pain, guilt, and profound sense of emptiness that can accompany such a loss.
Chronic Illness and Terminal Diagnoses
Families facing terminal or chronic illnesses, especially of a child, partner, or parent, often experience what’s known as anticipatory grief.
This Thing Called Grief supports individuals through the fear, sadness, and anticipatory loss that come with navigating a loved one's decline, helping them find peace in the present while preparing for future changes.
Loss of a Spouse or Partner
The death of a spouse or long-term partner is a profound loss, affecting one’s sense of identity, stability, and daily life.
This Thing Called Grief provides a supportive space where individuals can work through the isolation, identity shifts, and complicated emotions that arise from this type of loss, allowing them to rediscover purpose in their own lives.
Bereavement After Sudden Loss
Sudden and unexpected losses, such as those caused by accidents, heart attacks, or suicides, often lead to intense grief that can feel overwhelming and disorienting.
This Thing Called Grief assists individuals and families in processing the shock, anger, and trauma that frequently accompany these kinds of losses.
Loss Through Divorce or Separation
While not involving a death, the loss of a marriage or partnership can bring a complex type of grief as individuals mourn the end of a shared life, dreams, and expectations for the future.
This Thing Called Grief helps clients navigate the mix of emotions, including feelings of rejection, loneliness, and identity shifts.
Loss of Identity or Lifestyle Due to Illness or Disability
Chronic illness, injury, or disability can lead to a significant shift in one’s identity and sense of self.
For individuals facing these changes, This Thing Called Grief provides support as they come to terms with the loss of their previous abilities, lifestyle, or even career, fostering resilience and helping them adapt to their new circumstances.
Grieving the Loss of a Pet
The death of a beloved pet can be deeply impactful, as pets often provide unconditional love, companionship, and a sense of stability.
This Thing Called Grief acknowledges the importance of this bond and helps individuals honor their grief, recognizing the unique role pets play in our lives.
Collective or Community Grief
Events that affect entire communities, such as natural disasters, mass shootings, or the loss of community leaders, often result in a shared experience of grief.
This Thing Called Grief helps individuals process these collective losses, providing guidance on rebuilding a sense of connection and hope.
Loss Due to Immigration or Relocation
Relocating to a new country or community can result in a sense of loss related to one’s culture, support systems, and even identity.
This Thing Called Grief assists individuals in processing these feelings of displacement, helping them navigate the emotional and practical adjustments involved in making a new place feel like home.
If you’re experiencing any of these challenges, know that you don’t have to face them alone.
This Thing Called Grief is here to walk with you through every step, offering compassionate support tailored to your unique journey.
Please reach out to us—we’re here to listen, support, and help you find a path forward that honours your experience and brings you peace.
Discover the Benefits We Offer
Personalized Support
Compassionate Listening
Holistic Approach
Direct billing with Major Canadian Insurance Companies
We direct bill to these benefit providers
Mental health care benefits in Ontario play a vital role in fostering supportive work environments that prioritize employee well-being.
We're happy to accept many employer benefits, allowing employees to access our specialized services without any financial stress.
Struggling with grief and loss?
Find compassionate support and guidance here.
At This Thing Called Grief, we understand the unique challenges that come with bereavement and loss. Our dedicated team of social workers and specialists are here to provide personalized, empathetic care tailored to your needs. Let us help you navigate your journey towards healing and hope.
Meet Our Compassionate Practitioners
Offering heartfelt support through life's most challenging moments.
Mr. Sam Vander Schelde
BSW, MSW, RSW, Thanatologist
Grief, Bereavement and Loss Specialist, Social Work BSW RSW, Social Work BSW, MSW, RSW, Thanatologist, Thanatologist
Supporting Fathers Through Unimaginable Loss
Sam understands the unique challenges fathers face when dealing with the diagnosis, treatment, or loss of a child to cancer. Often, societal expectations make it difficult for fathers to show vulnerability, and they may feel an intense need to stay strong for their families. Recognizing this, Sam creates a safe space where fathers can express and honour their grief without judgment. With his deep understanding of masculine grief, Sam helps fathers break down barriers and explore their emotions in a way that feels comfortable for them.
Through his specialized focus, Sam empowers fathers to process pain and build resilience, fostering personal growth and self-understanding. He believes in the healing power of a supportive, relatable therapeutic relationship—where fathers can explore their difficult emotions, build resilience, and rediscover a renewed sense of purpose in their family roles and beyond.
Supporting Men in Navigating Life’s Challenges
For many men, seeking support can feel challenging due to expectations of strength and resilience. Sam offers a non-judgmental environment where men can explore their emotions openly, whether facing career transitions, relationship issues, or self-identity challenges. His experience as both a social worker and thanatologist gives him a unique perspective on men’s mental health, addressing emotional well-being and promoting growth.
Why Men Should Seek Counselling with Sam
Empathy from Shared Experiences Sam understands the barriers men often encounter in seeking help. He brings empathy and respect to each session, creating a space where men feel genuinely seen and heard.
Support for Complex Emotions Men may find it difficult to process vulnerability, anger, or sadness. Sam offers tools to help men work through these feelings constructively, fostering emotional awareness.
Breaking Free from Societal Expectations Societal ideals of strength and stoicism can limit men’s emotional expression. Sam helps clients define strength on their own terms, empowering them to embrace vulnerability.
Growth and Resilience in Adversity Sam’s counselling sessions focus on resilience, helping men uncover their strengths and move forward with self-assurance, whether coping with past trauma or navigating current life stressors.
A Non-Judgmental Space Sam’s approach is rooted in respect and understanding, allowing men to explore and express themselves freely. He builds trusting therapeutic relationships that support each client’s unique journey.
By seeking support with Sam, men have the opportunity to redefine their relationship with vulnerability, develop self-awareness, and build the tools needed for lasting emotional well-being.
Support to Women and Mothers In addition to his work with fathers, Sam is dedicated to supporting women and mothers through grief and loss. Women often face layered emotional challenges, balancing their needs alongside those of their families. Sam’s compassionate approach acknowledges this emotional labor, providing a safe space where women can process their grief and find healing.
With his versatile background, Sam tailors his approach to meet each client’s unique needs, offering empathetic support, therapeutic tools, and validation. He guides clients through challenging emotions and empowers them to honour their grief authentically.
Creating a Lasting Impact for Families In each session, Sam’s goal remains the same: to offer a nurturing space where individuals can confront and explore their grief, build resilience, and feel supported. Through his work with both men and women, he helps families find peace and purpose as they navigate complex grief, fostering an environment where all can grow, heal, and thrive.
Mrs. Kimberley Vander Schelde
Grief, Bereavement and Loss Specialist
Grief, Bereavement and Loss Specialist
Kim Vander Schelde (She/Her) is a dedicated grief, bereavement and loss specialist who understands the power of true empathy, serving all of Canada.
With a deep understanding of the challenges life can bring, Kim offers a unique perspective and unwavering support to those in need.
Kim believes that lived experience is equally important in providing effective support. Specializing in working with parents of children diagnosed with cancer, Kim draws from her own personal experiences with infertility, loss of a partner, being the spouse to a first responder, grief, suicide, life-limiting illness, and victims of crime.
In times when friends and family may not be present or understanding, Kim is there to listen and provide a safe space for individuals to share their feelings and experiences. Her genuine compassion and personal insights make her a trusted ally for those navigating difficult times.
Kim’s commitment to supporting others through their challenges sets her apart as a beacon of hope and understanding in times of need.
Mrs. Sarah Pollard
BSW, RSW
Grief, Bereavement and Loss Specialist, Social Work BSW RSW
Sarah is a compassionate, trauma-informed, and holistic Registered Social Worker with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals through life struggles and transitions.
She offers counselling and resource navigation to individuals during their most vulnerable times. She provides supportive counselling using a strengths-based and solution-focused approach, incorporating CBT practices.
Sarah is particularly enthusiastic about working with adults who have struggled with life transitions and losses but has extensive experience supporting individuals across a broad spectrum of ages and challenges.
Sarah is personally and professionally experienced in assisting individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, grief and bereavement from infertility/miscarriage loss to palliative care, relationship concerns, emotional regulation, and cognitive impairments.
Sarah’s true passion has been holding a safe space for individuals who are struggling to process their grief and loss and walks alongside individuals on their journey from struggle to support in their healing work.
Ms. Cynthia Harrison
MSW, RSW
Social Work MSW
Cynthia Harrison MSW, RSW
Cynthia is a passionate and enthusiastic advocate for mind-body-spirit wellness which developed from her own personal experience as a caregiver, cancer survivor and many rich and rewarding professional experiences in the healthcare field. All of these profound experiences organically led her to train in the field of social work and taught her the value of weaving the sacred into every day while passionately designing a meaningful life. She nurtures heart centered healing and growth from a somatic, polyvagal focus to assist individuals in building their own capacity, re-identification, resilience and life fulfilment through life’s milestones.
She values a respectful, compassionate therapeutic relationship that is trauma-informed, collaborative and supportive of each client’s unique needs, and goals in the discovery of personal strengths, areas for growth, enhanced coping, clarity, and life enrichment. The overall goal for the therapeutic process is to nurture emotional well-being through the acknowledgment and care of issues related to feelings, behaviors, and life experiences that are currently affecting day to day functioning.
Cynthia specializes in supporting individuals of all ages who are experiencing grief and loss, anxiety, chronic illness, caregiver burnout, professional burnout/compassion fatigue, life transitions and new beginnings with a personalized approach that recognizes and supports each client’s vision and values with compassion, validation and celebration. Counseling sessions include therapeutic emotional exploration, creative reflection and tangible coping strategies and tools to create mind-body balance using both cognitive and somatic strategies to nurture safety within the central nervous system, clarity and enhanced confidence to build personal capacity, authentic self-empowerment, emotional regulation and joy. She especially enjoys supporting children and youth through expressive arts and play therapy as well as facilitating support groups, retreats and workshops that nurture the weary soul of caregivers, frontline professionals and individuals needing to relax, reboot and recharge while being supported by the community of like-minded others and learning tangible coping strategies.
Her services are covered by most insurance plans. Unsure if she can help? Cynthia offers a free 15-minute phone consultation or 20-minute Telehealth consultation to discuss the concerns and goals you wish to work on, determine if her approach is the right support for your needs, and she can answer any questions you might have.
Mindful Sound therapeutic session: Mindful Sound is a meditative practice that surrounds you with a thoughtfully curated soundscape to promote relaxation, rejuvenation, and healing. Each session involves a collaboration of sound and vibrational instruments like singing bowls, a gong, drums flute, voice and chimes. The goal is to foster a deep state of relaxation, nervous system regulation and self-discovery through the immersive experience of sound. Regular sound therapy can allow us to connect within, to feel where we are out of balance. The deep state of relaxation offers a time for healing and releasing blocked energy helping to address the impacts of daily stress.
Sound therapy offers an opportunity to heal within without having to say a word and it can also be implemented into a talk therapy session. Sound therapy can help promote clarity and calm for individuals of all ages. It can help upregulate or downregulate the central nervous system for harmony and balance and can be an active or passive session depending on your needs and interest.
If you would like to learn more about how this therapy can help you please connect for a 15 minute discovery call. Booking a 50 session is available online.
Navigate Grief with Compassion and Support
Schedule a Visit
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Mr. Sam Vander Schelde
BSW, MSW, RSW, Thanatologist
Grief, Bereavement and Loss Specialist, Social Work BSW RSW, Social Work BSW, MSW, RSW, Thanatologist, Thanatologist
Supporting Fathers Through Unimaginable Loss
Sam understands the unique challenges fathers face when dealing with the diagnosis, treatment, or loss of a child to cancer. Often, societal expectations make it difficult for fathers to show vulnerability, and they may feel an intense need to stay strong for their families. Recognizing this, Sam creates a safe space where fathers can express and honour their grief without judgment. With his deep understanding of masculine grief, Sam helps fathers break down barriers and explore their emotions in a way that feels comfortable for them.
Through his specialized focus, Sam empowers fathers to process pain and build resilience, fostering personal growth and self-understanding. He believes in the healing power of a supportive, relatable therapeutic relationship—where fathers can explore their difficult emotions, build resilience, and rediscover a renewed sense of purpose in their family roles and beyond.
Supporting Men in Navigating Life’s Challenges
For many men, seeking support can feel challenging due to expectations of strength and resilience. Sam offers a non-judgmental environment where men can explore their emotions openly, whether facing career transitions, relationship issues, or self-identity challenges. His experience as both a social worker and thanatologist gives him a unique perspective on men’s mental health, addressing emotional well-being and promoting growth.
Why Men Should Seek Counselling with Sam
Empathy from Shared Experiences Sam understands the barriers men often encounter in seeking help. He brings empathy and respect to each session, creating a space where men feel genuinely seen and heard.
Support for Complex Emotions Men may find it difficult to process vulnerability, anger, or sadness. Sam offers tools to help men work through these feelings constructively, fostering emotional awareness.
Breaking Free from Societal Expectations Societal ideals of strength and stoicism can limit men’s emotional expression. Sam helps clients define strength on their own terms, empowering them to embrace vulnerability.
Growth and Resilience in Adversity Sam’s counselling sessions focus on resilience, helping men uncover their strengths and move forward with self-assurance, whether coping with past trauma or navigating current life stressors.
A Non-Judgmental Space Sam’s approach is rooted in respect and understanding, allowing men to explore and express themselves freely. He builds trusting therapeutic relationships that support each client’s unique journey.
By seeking support with Sam, men have the opportunity to redefine their relationship with vulnerability, develop self-awareness, and build the tools needed for lasting emotional well-being.
Support to Women and Mothers In addition to his work with fathers, Sam is dedicated to supporting women and mothers through grief and loss. Women often face layered emotional challenges, balancing their needs alongside those of their families. Sam’s compassionate approach acknowledges this emotional labor, providing a safe space where women can process their grief and find healing.
With his versatile background, Sam tailors his approach to meet each client’s unique needs, offering empathetic support, therapeutic tools, and validation. He guides clients through challenging emotions and empowers them to honour their grief authentically.
Creating a Lasting Impact for Families In each session, Sam’s goal remains the same: to offer a nurturing space where individuals can confront and explore their grief, build resilience, and feel supported. Through his work with both men and women, he helps families find peace and purpose as they navigate complex grief, fostering an environment where all can grow, heal, and thrive.
Mrs. Kimberley Vander Schelde
Grief, Bereavement and Loss Specialist
Grief, Bereavement and Loss Specialist
Kim Vander Schelde (She/Her) is a dedicated grief, bereavement and loss specialist who understands the power of true empathy, serving all of Canada.
With a deep understanding of the challenges life can bring, Kim offers a unique perspective and unwavering support to those in need.
Kim believes that lived experience is equally important in providing effective support. Specializing in working with parents of children diagnosed with cancer, Kim draws from her own personal experiences with infertility, loss of a partner, being the spouse to a first responder, grief, suicide, life-limiting illness, and victims of crime.
In times when friends and family may not be present or understanding, Kim is there to listen and provide a safe space for individuals to share their feelings and experiences. Her genuine compassion and personal insights make her a trusted ally for those navigating difficult times.
Kim’s commitment to supporting others through their challenges sets her apart as a beacon of hope and understanding in times of need.
Mrs. Sarah Pollard
BSW, RSW
Grief, Bereavement and Loss Specialist, Social Work BSW RSW
Sarah is a compassionate, trauma-informed, and holistic Registered Social Worker with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals through life struggles and transitions.
She offers counselling and resource navigation to individuals during their most vulnerable times. She provides supportive counselling using a strengths-based and solution-focused approach, incorporating CBT practices.
Sarah is particularly enthusiastic about working with adults who have struggled with life transitions and losses but has extensive experience supporting individuals across a broad spectrum of ages and challenges.
Sarah is personally and professionally experienced in assisting individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, grief and bereavement from infertility/miscarriage loss to palliative care, relationship concerns, emotional regulation, and cognitive impairments.
Sarah’s true passion has been holding a safe space for individuals who are struggling to process their grief and loss and walks alongside individuals on their journey from struggle to support in their healing work.
Ms. Cynthia Harrison
MSW, RSW
Social Work MSW
Cynthia Harrison MSW, RSW
Cynthia is a passionate and enthusiastic advocate for mind-body-spirit wellness which developed from her own personal experience as a caregiver, cancer survivor and many rich and rewarding professional experiences in the healthcare field. All of these profound experiences organically led her to train in the field of social work and taught her the value of weaving the sacred into every day while passionately designing a meaningful life. She nurtures heart centered healing and growth from a somatic, polyvagal focus to assist individuals in building their own capacity, re-identification, resilience and life fulfilment through life’s milestones.
She values a respectful, compassionate therapeutic relationship that is trauma-informed, collaborative and supportive of each client’s unique needs, and goals in the discovery of personal strengths, areas for growth, enhanced coping, clarity, and life enrichment. The overall goal for the therapeutic process is to nurture emotional well-being through the acknowledgment and care of issues related to feelings, behaviors, and life experiences that are currently affecting day to day functioning.
Cynthia specializes in supporting individuals of all ages who are experiencing grief and loss, anxiety, chronic illness, caregiver burnout, professional burnout/compassion fatigue, life transitions and new beginnings with a personalized approach that recognizes and supports each client’s vision and values with compassion, validation and celebration. Counseling sessions include therapeutic emotional exploration, creative reflection and tangible coping strategies and tools to create mind-body balance using both cognitive and somatic strategies to nurture safety within the central nervous system, clarity and enhanced confidence to build personal capacity, authentic self-empowerment, emotional regulation and joy. She especially enjoys supporting children and youth through expressive arts and play therapy as well as facilitating support groups, retreats and workshops that nurture the weary soul of caregivers, frontline professionals and individuals needing to relax, reboot and recharge while being supported by the community of like-minded others and learning tangible coping strategies.
Her services are covered by most insurance plans. Unsure if she can help? Cynthia offers a free 15-minute phone consultation or 20-minute Telehealth consultation to discuss the concerns and goals you wish to work on, determine if her approach is the right support for your needs, and she can answer any questions you might have.
Mindful Sound therapeutic session: Mindful Sound is a meditative practice that surrounds you with a thoughtfully curated soundscape to promote relaxation, rejuvenation, and healing. Each session involves a collaboration of sound and vibrational instruments like singing bowls, a gong, drums flute, voice and chimes. The goal is to foster a deep state of relaxation, nervous system regulation and self-discovery through the immersive experience of sound. Regular sound therapy can allow us to connect within, to feel where we are out of balance. The deep state of relaxation offers a time for healing and releasing blocked energy helping to address the impacts of daily stress.
Sound therapy offers an opportunity to heal within without having to say a word and it can also be implemented into a talk therapy session. Sound therapy can help promote clarity and calm for individuals of all ages. It can help upregulate or downregulate the central nervous system for harmony and balance and can be an active or passive session depending on your needs and interest.
If you would like to learn more about how this therapy can help you please connect for a 15 minute discovery call. Booking a 50 session is available online.
Thanatologist
Thanatology is a comprehensive field of study that examines every facet of death, dying, and bereavement.
Thanatologists are cross-disciplinary specialists who practice within the scope of dying, death, loss and bereavement.
Thanatologists work in many different situations, all of them emotionally complex.
Grief, Bereavement and Loss Specialist
Bereavement and loss can be overwhelming, affecting every part of your life.
Our specialists at This Thing Called Grief are here to support you through this challenging time. We focus on personalized care, guiding you towards healing and resilience.
With compassionate listening and tailored strategies, we aim to help you find peace and understanding in the midst of your grief.
Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone; we’re here to walk with you every step of the way.
Book by Treatment
Social Work BSW, MSW, RSW, Thanatologist
A Master of Social Work (MSW) is an advanced graduate degree that equips professionals with specialized skills in counselling, mental health and advocacy.
A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) provides foundational training for addressing social issues and supporting communities.
Registered Social Worker (RSW) is a professional designation for licensed social workers, ensuring ethical practice and quality care across diverse settings like healthcare, education and social services.
Book by Treatment
Social Work BSW RSW
Social Work at This Thing Called Grief provides a supportive and understanding environment to help you manage life’s ups and downs.
Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, or complex family dynamics, our social work services offer personalized guidance and resources to improve your well-being.
By focusing on your unique needs, we aim to empower you to overcome obstacles and find a path to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Social Work MSW
A Master of Social Work (MSW) is an advanced graduate degree that equips professionals with specialized skills in counselling, mental health and advocacy.
Registered Social Worker (RSW) is a professional designation for licensed social workers, ensuring ethical practice and quality care across diverse settings like healthcare, education and social services.
