Grief Counselling For Youth

Grief is something which everyone experiences, although it may differ from one person to the next.

What is Grief?

Grief is something which everyone experiences, although it may differ from the next person(s) and it can impact us on many levels (i.e. emotionally, physically and spiritually).

“Grief never ends…But it changes. It’s a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith…it is the price of love.” -author unknown-

Grief may be about the loss of someone we know but also it can be about the loss of who we now are without them.

Clinicians at CFS Counselling + Wellbeing understand and value this. We are committed to providing you a space where change and hope are possible throughout your individual grieving process.

Physiological symptoms of grief can include

Long or short term memory loss
Difficulty concentrating
Problems with eating
Problems with sleeping

Psychological symptoms of grief can include

Feeling empty
Feeling numb
Feeling a deep sadness or sorrow
Feeling guilt or regret
Feeling anxious
Feeling fearful
Feeling ambivalent
Feeling helpless

When to seek treatment

When the symptoms are persistent and severe, and social, cognitive and daily life is impacted. Some of these experiences are a typical part of being human in appropriate amounts. Otherwise, can be an indication of a medical and/or psychological problem. Out of the normal range they can cause substantial personal suffering, and significant difficulties in the areas of social and occupational effectiveness, as well as other areas of functioning (ie. self-care, health, etc.).

Please do not use the above for diagnostic purposes, as it is very general. Self-diagnosis can be harmful. Contact a healthcare provider to consult if you believe there is a concern.

How counselling can help

Quick-access counselling for immediate mental health issues is an innovative and effective solution for Ontarians experiencing mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, addictions, and relationship conflicts. It has proven to divert emergency department mental health visits by tackling mental health issues before they escalate into a crisis. Additionally, a reduction in primary care usage is realized when Quick Access Mental Health counselling clinics are available and accessed.

Who grief counselling is for

Individual counselling involves sessions that are one on one with a clinician. Clients often choose to attend individual counselling to understand and/or change thoughts, feelings, behaviours, personal issues, relationship patterns, or their interactions with others. CFS Counselling + Wellbeing assists over two thousand individuals yearly to navigate a range of concerns.

Ways We Serve You

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(No need for appointments at our walk-in clinics)

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Mon, Thurs, Fri: 9am-5pm
Tues, Wed: 9am-8pm

Why Choose CFS?

CFS Counselling + Wellbeing is the only family service agency in Simcoe County and Muskoka. We are dedicated to offering high quality, affordable and accessible services to support the growing and changing needs of individuals, couples, families and workplaces across our region.

Inclusive Programming

CFS welcomes all members of our local communities, without the need for a referral or diagnosis. We strive to create safe spaces for everyone.

Ease of Service Access

CFS welcomes all members of our local communities, without the need for a referral or diagnosis. We strive to create safe spaces for everyone.

Our Counselling Process

Click on the icons below to review our process.

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Book

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Session

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Next Steps

Book

At CFS, all adult counselling programs begin with a session at one of our no-cost #ready2talk counselling Clinics. Appointments can be made online for an in-person or virtual session. Alternatively, you may plan to arrive early to our first-come, first-served walk-in clinic every Wednesday afternoon in Barrie – no appointment required.

Our adult counselling program offers high-quality sessions with experienced social workers and psychotherapists who are registered with their professional colleges. Sessions may be used for individual, couples or family counselling and focus on a topic of your choosing.

Session

Regardless of whether you’re arriving for an individual, couples or family session, you don’t have to be concerned about knowing what to do. It’s the job if our professional counsellors to put you at ease and set the stage for a helpful conversation.

Please be aware that babies and children who are not part of individual and couples counselling sessions are not permitted in the session room. At this time, our agency does not provide childminding services. Prior to attending, please contact our Client Care Coordinator at (705) 726-2503 if you need assistance in attending.

Survey

All counselling clients are asked to complete a short survey after their session. This ongoing feedback allows CFS to continuously access our services, and advocate on behalf of clients for more accessible programming.

Surveys are completed online and take about five minutes. All results are confidential. If client comments are used in CFS marketing materials, details are changed to protect the identity of our clients.

Next Steps

For many individuals, couples and families, a visit to CFS’s single-session, #ready2talk Counselling Clinic provides the assistance they’re looking for. If they wish to return to the clinic, they may – up to twice per month! Our funder, Ontario’s Ministry of Health, ensures there is no cost for this service.

For others, at their counsellors’ discretion, there is an opportunity to continue into a multi-session block for individual, couples and family counselling. The cost of these sessions is not currently covered by OHIP or a funder and are valued at $150/session. However, as a registered charity dedicated to equity, CFS has a flexible pay-what-you-can fee structure designed for inclusion. Many private health insurance plans cover counselling services. Receipts will be provided.

Client Rights & Responsibilities

At CFS Counselling + Wellbeing, we foster a culture of mutual respect and inclusivity, where everyone feels safe and valued. We do not tolerate discriminatory or aggressive behaviors and expect all clients, staff, volunteers, and partners to contribute to this positive environment. I understand that a failure to uphold this culture of respect may result in termination of services.

Frequently Asked Questions

With the number of locations and mental health and wellbeing services offered by CFS, we know the details can become confusing.

While you can contact us at 1-888-726-2503 or info@cfssc.ca, we’ve also compiled this list of FAQs for you to browse in the meantime. Maybe your question will be on the list!

View all FAQs

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Is there a charge to attend CFS's YouthCALL counselling programs?

No, CFS offers inclusive , professional counselling in person or virtually by appointment, or through our walk-in clinics at no cost to participants. The cost for running these clinics is covered in part by CFS funders and donors.

Is couples counselling available through CFS's YouthCALL counselling programs?

Yes. CFS offers inclusive and professional couples counselling services to youth residents and employes within Simcoe County and the District of Muskoka.

Is family counselling available through CFS's YouthCALL counselling programs?

Yes. CFS offers inclusive and professional family counselling services to residents and employes within Simcoe County and the District of Muskoka.

Is there an age or location requirement to access CFS's YouthCALL counselling programs?

Yes. YouthCALL counselling programs are limited to youth aged 12-25 living and/or working in Simcoe County. Adults aged 26+ may access CFS's #ready2talk counselling clinics. Individuals under the age of 12 may access CFS's #ready2talk counselling clinic as part of a family session only.

Do I need a referral or diagnosis to access CFS's YouthCALL counselling clinics?

No. CFS's accessible clinics are available by self-referring. No diagnoses is required.

Do CFS's YouthCALL counselling programs welcome members of the 2SLGTBQIA+?

Absolutely! CFS is proud to provide low-barrier, inclusive programming, and strives to create a safe space for all members of our community. All CFS staff members have completed the Safer Spaces training program offered by the Gilbert Centre.

Are CFS's YouthCALL counselling programs confidential or is session information shared with parents or guardians?

Counselling clients aged 12+ can expect full confidentiality, except where disclosure is required by law. For example, in cases of suspected child abuse or when a client poses a risk to themselves or others.

Book an Appointment

With the exception of CFS’s walk-in counselling clinics, all counselling services now require an appointment. To book your session, click the Book Now button and you’ll be directed to our online booking tool. If no appointments are currently available, please check back soon. New appointments are added daily. If you require support in securing your appointment, please call 1-888-726-2503.

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