IFS and Somatic Therapy for Grief and Big Life Changes in Toronto
Loss can turn your world upside down. So can a divorce, a move, a new diagnosis, becoming a parent or the end of a career. Big changes bring big feelings. Sometimes those feelings pull in different directions at the same time.
Two gentle approaches can really help: Internal Family Systems (IFS) and somatic (body-based) therapy. At Mahaya Health in Little Italy, Toronto, our therapists use both.
What is Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy?
IFS sees the mind as made up of different "parts." One part of you may feel deep sadness. Another part may want to stay busy so you don't have to feel it. Another may feel angry or guilty.
In IFS, no part is "bad." Each part is trying to help. With your therapist, you get to know these parts with curiosity and kindness. Over time, this can bring more calm, clarity and self-compassion.
How can IFS help with grief?
Grief is rarely just sadness. It can include relief, anger, numbness, regret and love, all mixed together. IFS gives you room for all of it. It can help you:
Make sense of feelings that seem to clash
Gently care for the parts of you that are hurting most
Ease harsh self-blame
Find a way to carry your loss with more peace
What is somatic therapy, and how does it help with loss?
Grief lives in the body too. You may feel heavy, tired, tight in the chest or foggy. Somatic therapy brings the body into healing. You learn to notice sensations and let your nervous system settle, in small, safe steps. You don't have to relive painful memories or find the "right" words.
Somatic work can help when grief or change leaves you feeling overwhelmed, stuck or shut down.
Can therapy help with major life changes, not just loss?
Yes. Many people come to therapy during life transitions such as:
A breakup, separation or divorce
A new job, job loss or retirement
Becoming a parent
Moving or big changes in family life
Health changes
Questions about identity and who you want to be
Therapy gives you a steady place to slow down and find your footing again.
Toronto therapists who offer IFS, somatic and grief support
Ariella Meinhard, MSW, RSW, Clinical Director, is certified in Internal Family Systems therapy and Family Constellations. She sees clients in person and online.
Yasmin Rombola-Bacchus, RP(Q) supports people with anxiety, grief and life transitions.
Samantha, RP(Q) offers depth-oriented therapy for grief, identity, relationships and life transitions.
Vaishali Patel, RP offers heart-centred therapy for women facing life transitions.
Somatic Experiencing with Elizabeth Ewanchuk, SEP, a gentle, body-based approach to stress and trauma.
Sachi Koziol offers grief tending and Family Constellations, drawing on training in thanatology and grief ritual.
Art therapy helps when feelings are hard to put into words.
How do I start?
Every therapist offers a free 15-minute consult, so you can ask questions and see if the fit feels right. Sessions are usually 50 minutes, in person at our College Street clinic or online across Ontario. We provide receipts for insurance where your plan covers Registered Psychotherapists or Registered Social Workers. No referral is needed.
Mahaya Health is at 637 College Street, Suite 200, in Little Italy, Toronto, and has offered trauma-informed care since 2006.
You don't have to go through this alone. Book a free consult online or call (647) 435-0152.