Grief Counselling for Adults

All counselling sessions are offered at no cost. They can be held in-person, by phone, or virtually. For questions, please contact Gabriele McSween RSW (OCSWSSW), Adult Bereavement Support at adultsupport@kemphospice.org or T 905.387.2448 ext. 2210.

 

Register below

Our Services

The Grief and Bereavement Team at Kemp Care Network (KCN) is here to support clients through their grieving journey. Understanding the uniqueness of each of our clients and the notion that everyone grieves differently, we want to meet our clients where they are in their grief, hear their stories, and work alongside them.

The Kemp Care Network offers individual conversation-based counselling and group support for adults 18 years and older.

Our Scope

Our services consist of conversation based counselling and supports for those grieving the death of someone. This service is offered to those who reside in the Hamilton area. This is offered through a trained KCN staff, students, or volunteers.

We use grief based practices such as activities and education to support those we see, with a safe space to express themselves. This aims to support them in understanding and coping with their reactions after the death of their person.

Kemp Care Network does not offer crisis, or emergency based counselling. 1:1 counselling (no family counselling) services are offered to those who are not actively receiving outside counselling, therapy, grief, or non grief related. All 1:1 supports are accessible only to those actively residing in the Hamilton area.

By filling out this form, you will be submitting a request to receive 1:1 support. Unfortunately due to high demands, we can not give a set time frame for when you will be able to be seen. Our team will review your request and will be in contact with you as soon as a spot becomes available for services to begin.

Forms are only to be filled out by recipients inquiring about service for themselves. If you are looking for information on service for someone else please call in to speak to our Bereavement Team directly

1:1 Counselling Requests (For Adults)

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Your Name(Required)
Your Birthday(Required)
Your Address(Required)
Preferred way to contact you?(Required)
Preferred way to receive counselling?(Required)
When they died?(Required)
Acknowledgment(Required)

Hamilton Spectator Reader's Choice Awards 2020 award for Bereavement Counselling

Grief Groups for Adults

For questions, please contact Gabriele McSween RSW (OCSWSSW), Adult Bereavement Support at adultsupport@kemphospice.org or T 905.387.2448 ext. 2210.

Private (Closed) Groups

Our private groups run three times a year, in the fall, winter, and spring.

Spring Groups will be posted soon.

Please note that registration is mandatory to attend. Note that each groups runs for 8 consecutive weeks. All programs are offered at no cost and no previous affiliation with the hospice is required.

Need More Information?

Please submit your inquiry via the contact form, and we will get in touch with you.
Contact Us

Healing Walk

Join us every other Friday at 11am for a relaxing walk as we discuss grief and loss in a supportive social atmosphere.

Please fill in the registration form below, and we'll contact you with more information.

Healing Walk Registration Form

Name(Required)
Date of birth
Consent(Required)

Compassionate Listeners

Compassionate Listeners is a phone-based grief support program that includes up to 4 supportive calls. Individuals seeking support for their grief are matched with a trained volunteer who can offer supportive conversation and a caring presence. While Compassionate Listeners do not provide counselling, they offer validation, empathy and a friendly connection.

To register, fill the form below or contact Gabriele McSween RSW. (OCSWSSW), Adult Bereavement Support on adultsupport@kemphospice.org or T 905.387.2448 ext. 2210.

 

Compassionate Listeners

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Preparing Children for the Death of a Loved One

Compassionate support for families facing a life-limited illness, helping children and caregivers navigate emotional challenges when a death is expected.

What Is Anticipatory Grief?

When a child or youth is facing the expected death of someone they love, grief often begins long before the loss itself. Changes in routines, medical uncertainty, symptom changes, and emotional shifts within the family can create confusion, fear, and unanswered questions. Without clear information and supportive guidance, children may imagine scenarios that feel more frightening than reality or struggle to express what they are feeling.

Anticipatory grief support helps children and youth make sense of what’s happening in age-appropriate ways. Early support can reduce anxiety, strengthen family attachment, and build long-term coping skills that carry into bereavement.

How We Can Help

Our child life specialist provides developmentally-informed support for both children and caregivers during a life-limiting illness. We work alongside families to:

  • Help caregivers find language for difficult conversations
  • Offer age-appropriate explanations about illness and expected changes
  • Support children in expressing feelings through play, conversation, and art
  • Create opportunities for memory-making and meaningful connection

Sessions may include caregiver consultation or individual child support depending on your needs. Our goal is not to remove the pain of what is happening, but to ensure that children feel informed and supported throughout the process.

What Is a Child Life Specialist?

A child life specialist (CLS) is a healthcare professional trained in the developmental, emotional, and social needs of children and youth ages 0-17. CLS are trained to support children, youth, and families during times of significant stress, illness, hospitalization, or significant life changes, such as loss and bereavement. 

Child Life Specialist Referral Form (For Families with Children Ages 0-17)

Reason for Referral (check all that apply):(Required)

Parent/Caregiver’s Name:(Required)
Preferred Way of Contact

Has a death occured?(Required)
DD slash MM slash YYYY

Address of service recipient(Required)

Referrer’s Name (if not completed by family):

Consent to participate in parent consultation/grief support:(Required)

Caregiver Consultation & Guidance

Individual sessions designed to help parents and caregivers understand how children (ages 0-17) grieve and receive practical tools to support your grieving child at their developmental stage.

How Will This Help Me?

If you are a parent, grandparent, or anyone else who is caring for a grieving infant, child, or teenager, you are in the right place. When a child is grieving, it can be hard to know what is “normal”, what to say, and how much support they need. You may be wondering things like:

  • Are these behaviours and emotions normal?
  • What words do I use to answer their questions?
  • How do I tell my child that someone has died or is going to die?
  • How do I prepare my child for funerals, memorials, or a celebration of life?
  • How do we set up supports at school?

Our child life specialist provides individualized consultation sessions, to provide you with a supportive space to share your concerns, ask difficult questions, and receive clear, developmentally informed guidance. You’ll leave with concrete tools, empowering you to respond with confidence and compassion to navigate ongoing grief.  

What Is a Child Life Specialist?

A child life specialist (CLS) is a healthcare professional trained in the developmental, emotional, and social needs of children and youth ages 0-17. CLS are trained to support children, youth, and families during times of significant stress, illness, hospitalization, or significant life changes, such as loss and bereavement. 

Child Life Specialist Referral Form (For Families with Children Ages 0-17)

Reason for Referral (check all that apply):(Required)

Parent/Caregiver’s Name:(Required)
Preferred Way of Contact

Has a death occured?(Required)
DD slash MM slash YYYY

Address of service recipient(Required)

Referrer’s Name (if not completed by family):

Consent to participate in parent consultation/grief support:(Required)

Grief Counselling for Children & Youth

The Kemp Care Network offers age-appropriate grief counselling sessions for children ages 6-17. These may be a combination of family sessions, sibling sessions, or individual.

The Grief and Bereavement Team at Kemp Care Network is here to support children, youth, and families through their grieving journey. Understanding the uniqueness of each of our clients and the notion that everyone grieves differently, we want to meet our clients where they are in their grief, hear their stories, and work alongside them.

Our Scope

Our services consist of child life specialist grief supports for children and youth who are grieving the death of someone.

Sessions may include a mix of therapeutic play, education, medical play, expressive arts, and other age-appropriate activities, all with the goal of creating a safe space to express themselves and process their grief. This is offered through trained KCN staff or students.

Kemp Care Network does not offer crisis, or emergency-based counselling. For crisis services, please connect with:

  • Kids Help Phone (https://kidshelpphone.ca/ or call 1-800-668-6868)
  • COAST (Crisis Outreach and Support Team) – 905-972-8338
  • McMaster Children’s Emergency Department (1200 Main St W, Hamilton) – 911

All 1:1 supports are accessible only to those actively residing in the Hamilton area and are offered at no cost. Sessions may be held in-person or virtually via Microsoft Teams.

 

Child Life Specialist Referral Form (For Families with Children Ages 0-17)

Reason for Referral (check all that apply):(Required)

Parent/Caregiver’s Name:(Required)
Preferred Way of Contact

Has a death occured?(Required)
DD slash MM slash YYYY

Address of service recipient(Required)

Referrer’s Name (if not completed by family):

Consent to participate in parent consultation/grief support:(Required)

Hamilton Spectator Reader's Choice Awards 2020 award for Bereavement Counselling

Family Nights

The Kemp Care Network provides a place for children, youth and their guardians to come together. Through participation in facilitated peer groups, they find understanding, stability and support.

Family Nights provide an opportunity for these families to meet others who have experienced loss, supported through group facilitation from KCN trained staff and volunteers.

Please note: registration to family nights is current on-hold until further notice.

Bereavement Book

Click HERE to view and download the "Navigating the water of your grief" Bereavement Book.

 

Let's Stay in Touch

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Consent(Required)
Charitable Registration #134922392RR0001

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