Loss and Grief Therapy in Ottawa Ontario

 Grief is a profoundly personal journey, and if you’re here, chances are you’re carrying a heavy weight. Whether you’ve experienced the loss of a loved one, the end of a meaningful relationship, or a life transition that’s left you feeling untethered, I want you to know that your pain is valid, and you don’t have to walk through it alone.

My name is Melanie Brennan, and I’m a Registered Psychotherapist here at Mindful Paths Therapy in Manotick, Ontario. I offer loss and grief therapy to individuals across Ottawa and beyond, helping you navigate sorrow with compassion, patience, and care.

 Therapy isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about having a space where you can simply be. As a therapist, I believe healing begins in a relationship with someone who sees you, hears you, and supports you without judgment.

In our sessions together, I work from a place of deep empathy and respect for your unique story. I draw from evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) to support your individual needs. My approach is grounded in presence, curiosity, and collaboration. You're the expert of your life—I'm here to walk beside you as you find your way forward.

We integrate a range of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) to help women navigate stress, assert their needs, and build healthier relationships with others and with themselves. Sessions are available in-person at our Manotick office.

Grief doesn’t follow a straight line. It can show up in unexpected ways, fatigue, numbness, anger, forgetfulness, guilt, or even moments of peace that leave you feeling guilty. You might feel disconnected from others or unsure of who you are now that your world has changed.

I often hear clients say they feel "stuck" or worry that they’re grieving “wrong.” But there is no one-size-fits-all process. Everyone moves through grief differently, and therapy can provide a safe, compassionate space to explore that process without pressure.

Whether your grief is fresh or years old, therapy can help you reconnect with your own resilience and begin to reorient to a life that feels meaningful again.

Our work together begins with where you are right now. There is no rush, no “right” timeline. My role is to support you in understanding your grief, making space for your emotions, and slowly rebuilding a sense of safety in your world.

In sessions, we might explore your relationship with the person or thing you’ve lost, process unresolved feelings, or talk about how grief is affecting your daily life. We may also work on coping tools to manage overwhelming emotions, strengthen emotional regulation, or improve sleep and focus.

I offer in-person sessions in Manotick as well as virtual appointments for clients across Ontario. Whether you prefer the comfort of your home or the grounding presence of a therapy room, we can find a format that works best for you.

 Grief doesn’t mean forgetting. It means learning to live with a new reality and discovering how to carry your memories with tenderness, rather than pain.

Clients often report that therapy helps them:

• Feel less alone in their grief
• Develop self-compassion and reduce self-blame
• Gain tools to handle difficult anniversaries or triggers
• Rebuild confidence and purpose after loss
• Connect with others more authentically

Most of all, grief therapy offers you a place to be seen and supported without needing to put on a brave face.

If you’re looking for loss and grief therapy in Ottawa, I invite you to reach out. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to be willing to start.

I know it can be hard to take that first step, especially when you’re already feeling drained. But reaching out for support is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength and courage. And I’m here to meet you with compassion, every step of the way.

Let’s begin this journey together.