Life can change in a minute, an ordinary instant. One minute, the sun is shining, and the next, you are standing in a room with EMS workers, the fire department, and the police. The words "It was sudden; he felt no pain" echoed through my head. In 2017, I lost my brother to addiction. For seven long years, my brother suffered from his addiction. Like many others, he tried to get help and, with support from me, entered three different rehab facilities. Unfortunately, he was not one of the lucky ones, and at age 49, his addiction took his life along with his hopes and dreams.

My brother's death had a profound effect on me. I was filled with many questions and felt regret for not saving him even though I did everything humanely possible to help him. I also felt isolated because of the stigma associated with this kind of death. I sought counselling to alleviate my grief but found little out there that dealt with the loss of a loved one due to substance abuse. I found myself looking for quick fixes and answers to help me deal with the overwhelming devastation of the loss of my brother. One night, while googling grief, I came across The grief recovery Method and signed up to become a Grief Recovery Method Specialist in memory of my brother.

From my first secession, I felt immediate support and guidance from my Grief Recovery Method Specialist. I also discovered that some of the pain I was feeling was not only associated with the death of my brother but also the death of my Father, who also died due to addiction. So, with the help of my Specialist, my healing journey began, and I was able to unpack the pain and loss I felt for my Father that was hidden deep in my heart. As I went through the program, I felt a release, and I was no longer fixated on their deaths. I was able to move freely through my pain by understanding my feelings, and I can now cherish the positive memories of my loved ones and carry those memories in my heart forever.

As a Grief Recovery Method Specialist, I would like to help you find a way through your deepest heartbreaks and grief so you, too, can find peace and understanding to move beyond the walls of pain that can hold you back.

The first step to the healing process can be scary, but I am here to catch you and help you through your journey. I live in Woodbridge, Ontario, and service the greater Toronto area. I offer the Grief Recovery Method program online.

Love & light
Catherine