Andrea is a Registered Psychotherapist whose passion lies in helping families and communities support people of all ages who are grieving the illness or death of someone close to them. As a Registered Nurse with a Masters degree in Thanatology and years of nursing and counselling experience in Canada and abroad, Andrea brings to her work a rare mixture of medical and psychosocial expertise. She has worked at the Dr. Jay Children’s Grief Centre where she was the director of Camp Erin Toronto. Andrea developed the 5 Day Certificate Program in Children’s Grief and Bereavement at SickKids CCMH, and was a founding member of Ontario’s Children and Youth Grief Network. Andrea is a member of the International Work Group for Dying, Death, and Bereavement (IWG), as well as a member of the clinical team at Canadian Virtual Hospice. Andrea, the co-owner of AWC Grief Support, lives with her family in Guelph Ontario.

Colleen, a Registered Psychotherapist with a Masters in Counselling Psychology, is the co-owner and clinical director of AWC Grief Support. Over the past 20 years Colleen has worked in agencies such as Dr. Jay Children’s Grief Centre and Woodview Children’s Mental Health and Autism Services. Colleen has extensive experience helping people of all ages and abilities face challenges related to serious illness, grief and bereavement.  She also possesses the rare expertise of helping those with Autism Spectrum Disorder navigate grief.  She is trained in a variety of modalities including cognitive behavioural therapy, art therapy, play therapy and EMDR. Her private practice is located in Hamilton.

Diane is a Registered Psychotherapist and the AWC Grief Support Clinical Lead, with a master’s degree in Mental Health and Behaviour Medicine from Boston University School of Medicine, and has provided psychotherapy services for children, youth, and families in a variety of community mental health settings since 2006.  She is passionate about collaborative, creative, and compassionate care for those who are experiencing serious illness, grief, and bereavement.  Diane has a specialized focus in trauma, perinatal grief, and supporting bereaved parents and siblings.  She is an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Certified Therapist, EMDR Consultant-in-Training, and Certified Trauma Integration Clinician (ATTCH Niagara).  Diane also incorporates Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), solution-focused, and narrative therapies into her work and practices in the Durham region of Ontario. 

Diane will be facilitating a Trauma-Informed and Grief-Informed closed supervision group for therapists this winter from February 2025 to April 2025. The group will meet bi-weekly for 5 weeks on Thursdays from 11am - 1pm EST. The dates are below. A commitment to all 5 weeks is required. The cost per 2hr session is $115.00

Download the flyer with more information here. 

To register or ask questions contact education@awcgrief.com

Jenn is a Registered Social Worker with a Master of Social Work degree from Wilfrid Laurier University.  Since, 2001 Jenn has enjoyed working with children, youth and adults in supporting their wellness. Jenn uses a variety of modalities to help individuals to identify and strengthen their existing coping skills.  Her strength-based approach helps individuals work towards well-being and finding ways to maintain a connection with loved ones who they are grieving. In addition to being a grief therapist for AWC Grief Support, Jenn is a school social worker who offers counselling to children and youth around a variety of issues. Jenn also has training in CBT, mindfulness, attachment and DBT. Jenn practices virtually and in the Kitchener-Waterloo area.

Jenn is Certified in EMDR and a Consultant in Training. She has found that EMDR has assisted her clients in decreasing their distress level, intrusive thoughts and blocking beliefs in relation to their loss.  Jenn has used EMDR in addressing present triggers such as situations, and stimuli that trigger clients’ experiences of trauma as well as issues of personal responsibility and safety to reduce suffering. This work has supported her clients in grieving in a balanced way where they can more easily experience positive memories and connection to their loved one without symptoms of trauma overriding their grief experience.

Jenn is now offering Consultation with Therapists who have completed Basic training in EMDR.

Jenn is offering Consultation at a reduced rate ($100 for individual sessions and $61.67 for group sessions) while she’s working towards becoming an EMDRIA Approved Consultant.

Groups will run Friday afternoons bi-weekly once enough participants have indicated interest.  Groups will be offered in blocks of 10. (1 hour/ 3 people)