I have been working with clients experiencing grief for many years. As a nurse I saw first hand clients who were experiencing loss, grief and overwhelm. In the hospital setting I didn’t always have time to sit with clients and support them in a way that I would have liked and believe would have been helpful. In my private practice I have the time and honour to work with clients at their pace as they share about their grief and loss. Clients are the experts of their lives and I am there to offer help as they reflect, build greater insight and awareness about their unique situation.

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When my father developed rapidly progressing dementia, followed by a diagnosis of incurable cancer, I found myself feeling isolated and alone. I realized I was grieving even though he was still with us—this was anticipatory grief.

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Well-meaning people told me, “Don’t give up hope” or “Why are you being so negative?” But I hadn’t lost hope, nor was I being negative. I was simply sad, confused, and in shock. Nothing could change the reality that my father—who had recently been the picture of health—was not going to survive.

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I searched for resources and support but struggled to find what I needed. So, I started writing—putting my thoughts and feelings into words as I faced this profound loss. Writing became a cathartic outlet. I discovered practices and skills that were helpful for anticipatory grief and worked on the workbook while sitting by my father’s bedside as he slept. Those final months and days were bittersweet. His presence guided me as I put words to paper, and now, I have the privilege of sharing this with others. I allowed myself to grieve in my own way, without judgment—writing was my coping strategy. That’s how my first grief workbook Embracing Today was created.