When grieving the death of someone we love, it’s not unusual to find comfort in small rituals that help us feel close to them. Many of my clients have shared—sometimes with embarrassment—that they sleep in their loved one’s clothes or still talk to them at night. In these moments, I gently reassure them that they are not doing anything wrong. These gestures are not signs of denial, but of love.
For people experiencing grief, maintaining a connection with the person who has died can be a meaningful and healing part of the process. Society often tells us we should “let go” or “move on,” but for many, those words feel impossible. When you’ve lost someone deeply important to you, the idea of letting them go can feel like losing them all over again.
When someone we love dies, we face countless adjustments. Our minds slowly learn that they won’t walk through the door at their usual time, share a favourite book, or call in for a coffee. There may be financial or legal matters to manage, and if you’re supporting children or a surviving parent, your emotional energy might be stretched thin. It’s easy to lose sight of your own grief when you’re caring for others.
Maintaining a continuing bond with the deceased—through memory, ritual, or quiet moments of reflection—can help you find your footing again. These connections allow space to heal at your own pace and begin to build a new normal. For some, the sense that their loved one is still with them in spirit brings comfort and strength during difficult times. It’s a way of honouring love that doesn’t end, even though life looks different now.
In therapy, I offer a safe, confidential, and respectful space to explore these ongoing connections and what they mean for you. Together, we can gently support your healing, nurture your self-worth, and help you find hope as you move forward—still holding your loved one close, in a way that feels right for you.