Written by Chuck LeBlanc

Many men grapple with the dilemma: should they grieve or suppress their feelings in times of loss? As I’ve discussed in my previous blog Honoring the Process of Grief, we cannot Fix, Hide from, or repress grief. Instead, it is like a storm that needs to be weathered.

Grief serves as our body’s mechanism not only to adapt to the overwhelming sensation of loss but also to comprehend it. Essentially, grief prompts us to address our feelings head-on, urging us to feel them deeply.

For many men, this emotional journey poses a challenge. The process involves confronting intense emotions like anguish, sorrow, and pain—feelings we’ve been conditioned to avoid or suppress. Societal norms often pressure men to showcase strength, pushing them to internalize their emotions. However, the essence of grieving urges the opposite.

As a therapist, my goal like a good lifting partner is to help clients manage the heaviness of their grief.

Navigating through grief can be daunting and carrying the weight of such emotions can be isolating. It can ask us to withdraw as we try and either deal with on our own or hide from the embarrassment of being sad and upset around other people. The problem with retreating like this is the grief is a kind of social emotion. Or rather, grief is processed better in a group. Think about a funeral for a moment.

There are three stages to a funeral:

  1. The gathering, characterized by an atmosphere heavy with grief and anticipation, where attendees often grapple with their emotions, especially men who might resort to small talk, suppressing tears.
  2. The ceremony itself, a communal space for mourning, reflection, and storytelling.
  3. The post-ceremony gathering, often around food, where attendees share memories, stories, and even laughter. This progression from solemnity to sharing highlights the cathartic power of collective grieving.

That’s where the role of a therapist becomes invaluable. As a therapist, my goal like a good lifting partner is to help clients manage the heaviness of their grief. Through grief therapy, clients find a safe, non-judgmental environment to discuss, explore, feel, and ultimately come to terms with their loss.

If you are experience grief, please reach out.

I’m here to help!

~Chuck LeBlanc

For more information or how to book your first appointment:
Call 613-701-7574 or email us at info@ksrc.ca