Expert Grief Counselling & Support for Life's Difficult Transitions

Finding your way through grief shouldn’t be a solitary journey. As someone who’s walked this path both personally and professionally, I offer specialized counselling to help you navigate loss and find hope, one step at a time.

Melissa Sitting in Office.

meet Melissa Jacobs

Grief Counselling with Heart & Understanding

As a Registered Social Worker (RSW) with both Bachelor and Master of Social Work degrees (BSW, MSW), and active registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers (OCSWSSW), I blend professional expertise with deep personal understanding. My years of dedicated hospice experience have equipped me to support individuals facing terminal illness, guide caregivers, and help people navigate all forms of grief and transition. Having walked this path myself as both a caregiver and someone who has experienced significant loss, I bring not just qualifications but genuine empathy to every session.

Support for Life's Challenging Moments

Support Through Loss & Transitions

Every loss transforms our world in unique and profound ways, whether it’s the death of a loved one, the end of a significant relationship, or a life-altering transition. Through personalized counselling sessions, I create a safe, nurturing space where you can process your grief, express your emotions, and begin to envision a path forward.

Together, we’ll honor your journey through loss while developing practical tools and understanding to help you navigate this challenging time, whether you’re dealing with bereavement, relationship endings, career transitions, fertility loss, or family changes.

Compassionate Guidance

Specialized Care & Support

Living with or caring for someone facing a life-limiting diagnosis brings unique emotional challenges that require specialized support and understanding. As someone who has been both a professional caregiver and walked alongside family members during terminal illness, I offer comprehensive support that adapts to your specific situation, including in-home visits and family counselling sessions. My approach focuses on providing practical coping strategies while creating space for the complex emotions that arise during these profound life experiences.

Guided by Compassion, Understanding, and Personal Experience

Our Approach to Your Journey

Promise

Walking alongside you through every step of your healing journey, I ensure that no matter how difficult the path becomes, you’ll never have to navigate it alone, because having someone who truly understands can make all the difference.

Understanding

Every person’s experience with grief is as unique as their relationship with what was lost, which is why I honor your individual journey without expecting it to follow a predetermined path.

Commitment

Meeting you exactly where you are—whether that’s in your home, through virtual sessions, or in my office—I adapt my support to match your specific needs while providing consistent, compassionate care.

Personalized Support for Your Unique Journey

Bridges Through Grief | Ways We Connect

My compassionate counselling services come directly to your home, creating a safe and familiar environment for your healing journey. This option is ideal for those who find comfort in their personal space or have mobility challenges that make travel difficult.

Experience a dedicated therapeutic environment designed specifically for your comfort and healing process. Office-based sessions provide a neutral space away from daily distractions, allowing you to fully focus on your grief work with professional support.

Connect with expert grief support from anywhere through secure video sessions that fit your schedule and location needs. Virtual counseling offers the same quality care as in-person sessions while eliminating travel time and providing additional privacy for those who prefer processing grief from their own space.

Our family-centered approach helps loved ones navigate grief together, strengthening connections during difficult transitions. These sessions create a supportive space where family members can express their unique grief experiences while developing healthy communication patterns and mutual understanding.

Receive compassionate guidance through the complex emotional journey of preparing for end-of-life transitions, whether for yourself or a loved one. This specialized counseling helps individuals and families address practical matters, fulfill meaningful wishes, and find emotional closure during this profound life passage.

Grief Takes Many Forms, All Are Valid

Types of Grief We Support

Anticipatory

Experiencing grief before an expected loss, such as when caring for someone with a terminal illness.

Ambiguous

Grieving someone who is physically present but psychologically absent, or grieving unclear losses where there isn't closure.

Traumatic

Grief complicated by sudden or unexpected circumstances that add layers of shock and trauma to the loss experience.

Life Transition

The natural grief that accompanies major life changes, from career shifts to relationship endings, acknowledging loss in change.

Complicated

A persistent form of grief that intensely impacts daily life and functioning beyond what might typically be expected.

Hidden

Grief that society often minimizes or fails to recognize, such as pet loss or miscarriage, leaving mourners feeling invalidated.

Your Path to Healing Begins Here

Getting Started Is Simple

Free 15 Minute Consult

A gentle first conversation to understand your needs and explore how we can work together to support your journey.

Begin Ongoing Sessions

Flexible in-person, virtual, or phone sessions tailored to your comfort and circumstances, creating a safe space for healing.

Ongoing Support and Care

Consistent, compassionate support that adapts and grows with you as you navigate your unique path through grief.

client inquiries

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer both in-person and virtual sessions

Yes, I provide flexible options including in-person sessions, virtual meetings, and phone consultations to best suit your needs and comfort level. I also offer in-home visits for terminally ill individuals and their caregivers.

Most insurance providers cover counselling services provided by a Master of Social Worker (MSW). I directly bill to Green Shield, and for other providers, please check your specific policy coverage. I’m happy to provide any documentation you need for reimbursement.

There’s no ‘right’ time to seek support – you can reach out immediately after a loss or months/years later. Everyone’s grief journey is unique, and support is available whenever you feel ready to take that step.

What can I expect in our first session?

Your first session is a gentle, pressure-free conversation where we discuss your needs and concerns. It’s an opportunity for you to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with, and for us to determine how I can best support you.

No, grief counselling can help with many types of loss, including relationship endings, career changes, health diagnoses, and major life transitions. All forms of grief are valid and deserve support.

Session frequency is tailored to your needs and circumstances. Some clients benefit from weekly sessions, while others prefer bi-weekly or monthly meetings. We’ll work together to determine a schedule that best supports your healing journey.

Begin Your Journey Towards Healing

Taking the First Step Together

Reaching out takes courage, and I’m here to make that first step as comfortable as possible. Whether you’re ready to begin counselling or just want to learn more, I’m available to address your questions and concerns with the care and understanding you deserve.