Honouring Loss, Restoring Strength
Supporting Your Journey Through Grief
Therapy Bee specializes in providing compassionate and supportive grief and trauma services, with a particular focus on addressing stigmatized grief and traumatic bereavement. We understand that some forms of loss are often misunderstood or marginalized, leading to additional layers of pain and isolation for those experiencing them. Our dedicated therapists are here to offer a safe and non-judgmental space where individuals can explore their feelings, process their experiences, and find healing in their own time and way.
With evidence-based approaches and a deep commitment to understanding and validating each client's unique journey, we strive to empower individuals to navigate through their grief, build resilience, and reclaim a sense of hope and purpose in life. If you're struggling with stigmatized grief or trauma, we're here to support you every step of the way.
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These are just some of the types of loss we can help with:
Loss by suicide
Grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide can be particularly challenging due to societal stigma and misconceptions surrounding mental illness and suicide. Survivors of suicide loss may face judgment, blame, or silence from others, making it difficult to openly discuss their grief and seek support. Witnessing or discovering the aftermath of a loved one's suicide can lead to intense shock, horror, and disbelief, which may trigger symptoms of acute stress or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Survivors may experience intrusive thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks, and emotional numbness as they struggle to make sense of the traumatic event and come to terms with the sudden and unexpected loss of their loved one.
Chronic illness and enduring pain
​Receiving a diagnosis of a terminal illness
Transitioning into hospice care
Stigma and grief after receiving a significant medical or mental health diagnosis encompass the unique challenges individuals face in navigating societal attitudes, misconceptions, and discrimination associated with their condition, in addition to processing the emotional impact of the diagnosis itself. The experience of stigma can exacerbate feelings of shame, isolation, and self-blame, making it more difficult for individuals to openly discuss their diagnosis, seek support, and access appropriate care.
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Misadventure/Overdose/Addiction Loss
Losing a loved one to substance abuse, addiction-related causes, or misadventure can be stigmatized due to the perception of moral failure or personal responsibility. Family members and friends may experience feelings of shame, guilt, and stigma, which can complicate the grieving process. Stigmatization can contribute to complicated grief reactions, such as prolonged grief disorder or unresolved trauma. Without adequate support and understanding, individuals may struggle to come to terms with their loss and find meaning in their grief journey.
Experience of LGBTQ+ discrimination and familial estrangement
LGBTQ+ individuals may face unique challenges and forms of discrimination that can exacerbate feelings of isolation, shame, and disenfranchisement when grieving the loss of a loved one. Society's heteronormative attitudes and lack of recognition of LGBTQ+ relationships and identities may invalidate the significance of these relationships and dismiss the depth of grief experienced by LGBTQ+ individuals. Additionally, LGBTQ+ individuals may encounter stigma and discrimination from within their own communities, particularly if their identities or relationships are not fully accepted or validated. This can create additional barriers to seeking support and expressing grief openly. It's essential to recognize and validate the unique experiences and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals grieving the loss of a loved one, offer non-judgmental support and empathy, and create inclusive spaces for open dialogue and healing. By challenging stigma, promoting acceptance, and providing affirming support, we can help reduce the burden of stigma associated with grief within the LGBTQ+ community and foster a sense of belonging, validation, and resilience for those who are grieving.
​Family estrangement resulting from abuse, addiction, or mental health issues
Individuals who have made the difficult decision to distance themselves from family members due to abusive behavior, substance abuse, or untreated mental health conditions may face societal judgment, stigma, and misunderstanding. Instead of receiving support and validation for their decision to prioritize their well-being and safety, they may encounter societal pressure to maintain familial bonds at all costs, regardless of the harm inflicted. This can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation as they navigate the grieving process for the loss of the family they wished they had or the relationships they once hoped for. Moreover, the lack of recognition and validation of their grief by others can exacerbate their sense of disenfranchisement and isolation. It's crucial to receive non-judgmental support and validation to individuals experiencing stigmatized grief resulting from family estrangement, recognizing their courage and resilience in prioritizing their own mental and emotional health. Creating safe spaces for open dialogue and providing empathetic support can help validate experiences and facilitate healing and growth as they navigate their journey of grief and recovery.
Miscarriage or infant loss
Miscarriage and infant loss are often met with societal silence, minimization, or dismissal, leading to feelings of isolation, shame, and inadequacy for those who are grieving. The perception that pregnancy loss is a taboo or private matter can prevent individuals from openly discussing their grief and seeking support from loved ones or healthcare providers. Additionally, the lack of recognition or validation of their loss as a legitimate form of grief can exacerbate feelings of disenfranchisement and invisibility. Couples may also experience additional layers of stigma and grief due to cultural or religious beliefs surrounding fertility, reproduction, and family expectations. It's essential to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and provide compassionate support and validation to individuals and couples grieving miscarriage and infant loss. Creating safe spaces for open dialogue, acknowledging the significance of their loss, and offering empathetic support can help validate their grief experiences and facilitate healing and connection during this profoundly challenging time.