Grief and Loss Counselling Canberra
Walking alongside you through the weight of loss.
grief counselling in Canberra.
At Motive Counselling, I provide practical, compassionate grief counselling in Canberra for adults experiencing bereavement and other forms of loss. Whether the loss involves someone you love, a pet, a relationship or a major life change, counselling can help you make sense of what has changed and find a way forward at your own pace.
Grief can also affect sleep, concentration, energy and relationships, or sit alongside anxiety and feeling stuck. We can work with these experiences without rushing or trying to neatly resolve your grief.
In-person in Dickson, Canberra Online across Australia
how grief shows up.
disconnected
Watching life through a foggy window. Emotions feel distant while your system tries to protect you from the intensity.
seeking meaning
A constant loop of "why." Replaying last moments while trying to make sense of a fundamentally changed world.
physical fatigue
Grief felt in the body. A heavy chest, sudden exhaustion, or shallow breathing as your system processes loss.
expanding your world.
Instead of waiting for pain to shrink, I focus on helping your world get larger: building a life big enough to carry your loss while leaving room for joy.
the path to healing.
stabilising
Making room for what you are carrying while finding practical ways to manage overwhelm, disrupted sleep, brain fog and exhaustion.
integrating
Finding a place for the loss in your ongoing life and identity, without needing to erase it or force yourself to “move on.”
rebuilding
Gradually making room for relationships, meaning, routines and future possibilities while continuing to carry what matters to you.
therapy options.
individual counselling.
A private one-to-one space in Dickson to talk through loss, make sense of what has changed, and move at a pace that feels manageable.
walk & talk therapy.
For some people, walking side-by-side makes grief easier to talk about. Sessions take place outdoors in North Canberra.
online counselling.
Grief counselling from the privacy of home for adults across Australia who prefer to meet online.
common questions.
What happens in grief counselling?
There is no single right way to grieve. Counselling gives you a confidential space to talk about the person, relationship or part of life you have lost; understand how grief is affecting you; and work with whatever feels most difficult right now. Sessions can be reflective and emotional, but they can also be practical and focused on sleep, routines, relationships, coping and day-to-day functioning.
Is grief counselling only for bereavement after a death?
No. People can grieve many kinds of loss, including the death of someone important, pet loss, relationship breakdown, changes in health, work or identity, and major life transitions. The impact can be significant even when other people do not fully recognise the loss.
Do I need a referral for grief counselling?
No. You can contact Motive Counselling directly and do not need a GP referral or Mental Health Care Plan to book grief counselling. If you are unsure whether counselling is the right fit, you can start with a free 15-minute consultation.
Do you offer online grief counselling?
Yes. I offer online grief counselling for adults across Australia, as well as in-person sessions in Dickson, Canberra. Online sessions can be a useful option if you prefer the privacy of home, live outside Canberra, or simply find it easier to attend remotely.
Why does grief make me feel so exhausted or foggy?
Grief can place a heavy emotional and cognitive load on you. Changes in sleep, concentration, appetite, stress and daily routines can all contribute to fatigue or “brain fog.” Counselling can help you understand what is happening and find practical ways to reduce pressure while you adjust.