Grief Therapy & Counselling in Toronto & Ontario

Grief therapy is a form of psychotherapy that supports people through the emotional, physical, and relational impact of loss. At Mantra Psychotherapy, our registered therapists offer virtual grief counselling to adults across Toronto, the GTA, and Ontario. Grief can follow a death, a breakup, an estrangement, a diagnosis, or a major life change, and it often shows up in ways that surprise people. Therapy gives you a steady place to make sense of it, at your own pace, with someone who won’t rush you to feel better before you're ready.

Care led by Nick Fink, RP (Founder & Director)

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Why Choose Us

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Online Appointments

Therapist Matching Available

Evening & Weekend Availability

Covered By Insurance

Getting Started

Step 1

Get Matched

(Optional) Tell us a little about what you're looking for and we'll pair you with the therapist best suited to your needs.

Therapist Matching Form

Step 2

Book a Free Consultation

A relaxed 15-minute call to meet your therapist, ask questions, and make sure the fit feels right — no commitment required.

Book a consultation

Step 3

Get Started

Once you're ready, booking your first full session is simple — most clients are seen within a week of reaching out.

Book a session

Beyond Sadness: What Grief Can Look Like

Grief is a natural response to loss, but it rarely looks the way people expect. Alongside sadness, it can show up as anger, guilt, numbness, anxiety, or irritability. It can also be physical: exhaustion, trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite, or a heaviness that’s hard to name. Many people find that grief arrives in waves, quiet for a stretch and then sharp again around a date, a song, or an ordinary Tuesday. There is no correct order of stages to move through. In grief therapy, we make room for whatever is present, help you understand what your reactions are telling you, and build ways to carry the loss that feel manageable day to day.

Grief for Losses Others May Not Recognize

Not every loss gets a casserole or a day off work. Disenfranchised grief is grief that isn’t openly acknowledged or socially supported, and it can follow the end of a relationship, an estrangement from family, the loss of a pet, a miscarriage, or the death of someone others didn’t see as close to you. For many LGBTQ2IA+ people, it can also include chosen family, friends lost too soon, or the loss of relationships and belonging after coming out. When your grief isn’t validated, it’s easy to wonder whether you’re allowed to feel it, or whether it counts as “real” grief. It does. Therapy offers a space where the loss is taken seriously, whatever form it takes.

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How Grief Therapy Works at Mantra Psychotherapy

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Grief therapy at Mantra Psychotherapy is collaborative and paced by you. There’s no requirement to tell your story in any particular way, and no pressure to feel better by a certain point. Our registered therapists draw on approaches such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), narrative therapy, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help you stay with difficult emotions, reconnect with what matters to you, and carry the loss alongside daily life. Sessions are 50 minutes, held virtually across Ontario. Most extended health insurance plans cover psychotherapy, and the first step is a free 15-minute consultation to talk through what you’re looking for.

When Grief Feels Stuck, Heavy, or Overwhelming

Grief doesn’t need to be severe to deserve support, but some signs suggest it’s worth reaching out: you’re struggling to function at work or in relationships, you’re avoiding anything that reminds you of the loss, you feel intense guilt or self-blame, or the pain isn’t easing months or years later. You don’t need a diagnosis to start therapy, and you don’t need to wait until things feel unmanageable. Book a free initial consultation or fill out our Therapist Matching Form to get started. If you’re having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 9-8-8, Canada’s Suicide Crisis Helpline, any time.

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Ready to take the next step?

Book Your Free Consultation

The People Behind Your Care

Our team is comprised of experienced therapists who are prepared to support a range of psychological concerns and personal challenges.

Nick Fink, MA, Registered Psychotherapist

Clinical Director: Nick Fink, RP

Nick Fink, RP is the founder and director of Mantra Psychotherapy. He has been practicing as a Registered Psychotherapist for five years and has supported hundreds of clients across the Greater Toronto Area and Ontario.

Nick Fink is the founder and director of Mantra Psychotherapy. He has been practicing as a psychotherapist for five years and has supported hundreds of clients across the Greater Toronto Area and Ontario.

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Tyler Fleming

He/him

Speaks English

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Natasha Brown, MA

She/her/they

Speaks English

How it works

What to Expect When Starting Therapy

We believe the therapeutic journey should feel as comfortable as possible — here's what that looks like.

Final Session — Closing the Chapter

Endings in therapy are treated with the same care as everything else. Your last session is an opportunity to reflect on how far you've come, celebrate your growth, and make sure you feel equipped to carry what you've learned forward. The aim of the final session is to be a thoughtful, intentional close that honours the work you've done.

Sessions 3 & Beyond — Doing the Work

This is where the real momentum begins. With a strong therapeutic relationship in place, you and your therapist will start working more deeply — exploring patterns, building skills, and working toward the goals you've set together. Every person's journey looks different here, and your therapist will continuously adapt the approach to meet your evolving needs. Progress isn't always linear, and that's okay — this space is designed to hold all of it.

Sessions 1 & 2 — Getting to Know You

Your first sessions are all about building a foundation. Your therapist will take time to understand your history, your goals, and what you're hoping to get out of therapy. You won't be pushed to dive into anything before you're ready. These sessions are about establishing trust, setting the tone, and making sure the direction of your work together feels right for you.

Your Initial Consultation—Free 15 Minute Call

This is a no-pressure conversation where you and the therapist get to know each other. You'll have the chance to share a little about what's bringing you to therapy, ask questions, and get a feel for whether you might be a good fit. There's no expectation to share everything — this is simply about making sure you feel comfortable before you begin.

Not sure where to start?

15-minute Initial Phone Consultations: Free
‍50-minute Individual Psychotherapy Session: $130 - $175
75-minute Couples Therapy Session: $210 - $250

Therapist Matching Form

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Our team is dedicated to providing you with timely and thorough responses to ensure your experience with us is as smooth and supportive as possible.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find the answers to frequently asked questions below.

What is grief therapy, and how can it help?

Grief therapy is a form of counselling that helps you process the emotional and practical impact of a loss. It won’t take the loss away, but it can often make the pain lighter to carry. Your therapist offers a space to talk about the person or what was lost, make sense of confusing or conflicting emotions, and find ways to keep living alongside the grief. Most people notice that the intensity becomes more manageable and less likely to hijack ordinary days over time.

How long does grief last?

There’s no set timeline for grief, and it varies widely from person to person. Many people find the sharpest pain softens over months, but grief can resurface years later around anniversaries, milestones, or new losses, and that’s a normal part of it rather than a sign you’re doing it wrong. It may be worth seeking support if your grief feels constant and disabling, or if it’s keeping you from work, relationships, or basic self-care.

Can I go to therapy for grief if nobody died?

Yes. Grief isn’t limited to death. People seek grief counselling after breakups and divorces, family estrangement, the loss of a pet, a miscarriage, a serious diagnosis, a job loss, or leaving a community or faith. If something ending has left you feeling heavy, lost, or stuck, that’s reason enough to get support. You don’t have to justify whether the loss is big enough.

Is online grief therapy as effective as in-person?

Many people find virtual therapy works well for grief, and it can feel easier to open up from a familiar, private space like your own home. Sessions at Mantra Psychotherapy happen over secure video call, and you can book from anywhere in Ontario. To get started, book a free 15-minute consultation through our website, call us at (647) 598-1994, or email us at info@mantrapsychotherapy.ca and we’ll help match you with a registered therapist.

What happens in a first grief therapy session?

Your first session is mostly about getting to know each other and working out what kind of support would help. Your therapist will ask about what brought you in, what the loss has meant to you, and how it’s affecting your days, and you can share as much or as little as feels right. There’s no pressure to tell the whole story or to cry. Before booking, you can also have a free 15-minute phone consultation to see whether we’re the right fit.

What’s the difference between grief and depression?

Grief is a response to a specific loss and tends to come in waves, often mixed with moments of connection, relief, or even laughter. Depression is a persistent low mood that colours most of your day, often with feelings of worthlessness and loss of interest in nearly everything. The two can overlap, and grief can sometimes lead into depression. A registered therapist can help you make sense of your symptoms, and you don’t need to have that figured out before reaching out. Your therapist may also support you with a referral to another practitioner if a formal assessment & diagnosis is needed.

Do I need to wait until I’m ready to talk about my loss?

No. You don’t need to feel ready, and you don’t have to talk about the loss at all until you choose to. Therapy can start with whatever feels most pressing, whether that’s trouble sleeping, getting through work, or just not knowing where to begin. Some people want to tell the full story, others would rather focus on getting through the week first. You decide what to share and when, and your therapist follows your lead.

How do I get started with therapy at Mantra Psychotherapy?

The easiest first step is booking a free 15-minute consultation. This is a no-pressure conversation where you can share a little about what's bringing you to therapy, ask any questions you have, and get a sense of whether the fit feels right. If you're not sure which therapist to connect with, our Therapist Matching Form helps us pair you with someone whose experience aligns with what you're looking for. All therapy at Mantra is delivered virtually, so you can access care from anywhere in Ontario.