Grief and Bereavement Counselling

Individualized MAiD-Specific Grief and Bereavement Support

Sue Lefebvre, MSW, RSW is a passionate, experienced counsellor for people who are recovering from grief and loss.

Sue is a Registered Social Worker, and a Professional Certified Coach. In her trauma-informed practice, she has 25 years of experience in working with individuals and with groups. Sue helps people take the time they need to fully integrate loss into their lives and to transform their experiences moving forward.

You are welcome to contact Sue for a free 20-minute phone consultation to talk through your situation, ask questions and help you understand how therapy can help.

Please note that services are currently offered by phone or video for individuals residing in Ontario and any applicable fees are at her discretion.

Kendra Seymour, RP from Thriving Families Counselling, is passionate about supporting those considering MAiD or on their MAiD journey. With a certificate in Death, Dying and Bereavement, on top of 15 year experience in the mental health field, Kendra is available to help those impacted by death.

Kendra offers a 20 minute free consultation to ensure you feel comfortable and ask any questions you may have. Services are available in-person in Waterloo Region, or virtually (phone or video conference) for those located outside the region.

Chelsea Peddle, Bridge C-14 counselling intern and death doula, has a focus on supporting individuals preparing for MAiD and their families including children and grandchildren, and family caregivers. She believes that caring and informed counselling support can help people process this difficult experience in ways that can lead to a healthy relationship with death and deepen family and community connections. Chelsea draws on her experience as a death doula, guiding people through their MAiD experience, exploring ways to make the most of your time, and preparing for MAiD by envisioning what is possible through mindfulness, ritual, meaning-centred and dignity therapy, storytelling, and creative therapies for children and families. Chelsea brings a heart-centred, collaborative, and strength-based approach to counselling. She is committed to building her cultural humility through continuing education and reflection and strives to create counselling experiences that honor everyone’s diversity, including supporting those who are Two Spirit LGBTQIA+.

Chelsea has a Masters Degree from the University of British Columbia and is working towards membership with BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. She is available for virtual counselling to individuals and families living in:

British Columbia
Yukon
Northwest Territories
Nunavut
Saskatchewan
Manitoba
Newfoundland and Labrador

Please contact her for a free 30 minute consult at chelsea@circlespace.ca

Susan Anstice, MSW, RSW from Finding Joy Therapy offers individualized MAiD-specific grief and bereavement support.

You are welcome to contact Susan for a free 20-minute phone consultation to talk through your situation, ask questions and understand how therapy can help.

Please note that services are currently offered by phone or video for individuals residing in Ontario and any applicable fees are at the discretion of Susan.

Dr. Andrea Feldstain is a psychologist who has specialized in illness, palliative care, caregiver wellbeing, and Medical Assistance in Dying. Her patients receive care specialized for their needs, based on their own strengths and unique situations. Clients receive care that leaves them feeling heard and better equipped to deal with stressors.

All clients are welcome, regardless of political, religious, or personal opinions of MAiD. She can support your human experience. MAiD is a difficult topic and it is also a reality in Canadian health care. You deserve a space where you can talk openly and feel supported in your authentic situation.

Some specialized MAiD qualifications include:

- Author of multiple papers and chapters on MAiD, helping psychologists and physicians address MAiD requests in professional and compassionate ways,

- Professor at University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services, (1) teaching introductory classes on MAiD and (2) teaching compassionate communication skills to interdisciplinary professionals (example- physicians, nurses, psychologists, and others),

- Core member of a working group in Alberta Health Services that produced the original document to guide AHS psychologists in how to support patients in conversations about MAiD.

Evening and weekend appointments available. Clients can see her virtually from anywhere in Alberta and in-person in Calgary. She will soon be available for virtual care to people in Nova Scotia, as well.

Free consults available and encouraged:

DrAndreaYYC.janeapp.com, 587-429-3765 (text or call), or DrAndreaYYC@gmail.com.

Anis Alibhai has a Masters of Pastoral Studies and is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). Anis uses a person-centred, trauma-informed framework, valuing intersectional identity and relational awareness as key factors in her approach to psychotherapeutic care.

Anis works with adults, adolescents, and teens who have a lived experience of complex trauma— feelings of anxiety, depression, grief, distress, and being overwhelmed; of challenges with personal identity; the impact of new diagnoses; chronic illness; and of survivorship. Also, Anis welcomes the opportunity to work with newcomers who experience challenges when adjusting to life in Canada.

Anis offers free 20-minute consultations in which she introduces herself and learns more about you. Here, you can share your needs and what you want to focus on.

Anis provides in-person services in Toronto, and she provides virtual/phone services in Ontario.

Alysia Morrow is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and is registered with the Ontario Association of Social Workers.

Alysia provides compassionate counselling for those navigating the complex emotions surrounding grief, bereavement and end-of-life care. In addition, she has taken a specific focus surrounding MAiD, where she leads from both a professional and peer perspective.

Alysia's goal is to offer a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore your feelings, fears, and experiences surrounding loss. She is trained in evidence-based modalities tailored to address bereavement, anticipatory grief, and the complexities associated with end-of-life choices. She will foster an environment of trust and compassion, ensuring you feel supported.

Aside from her area of focus surrounding death & bereavement, other areas of practice include: mental health, LGBTQ+, and mood & anxiety. Her work is rooted in anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, intersectional LGBTQ+ and cultural values. In addition to her practice, Alysia works full-time in the field of forensic mental health.