The Spectrum of Loss: Why Grief goes Beyond Funerals

Grief is a journey no one should have to walk alone. We believe that support should be available for every kind of grief—not just the ones people can easily see.

While most people associate grief with death, the truth is that grief shows up in many ways. According to The Grief Recovery Method®, there are over 40 different types of loss that can cause grief. These aren't always recognized, but they are very real—and often deeply painful.

Types of Grief We Often Overlook

Death of a Loved One

This is the most common and visible form of grief. But even here, many people are left with words unsaid, moments missed, and emotions they don’t know how to release.

Divorce or Breakups

Relationship loss can leave behind a storm of conflicting emotions—relief, anger, regret, guilt. It’s grief, even if no one died.

Loss of Health or Mobility

Chronic illness, disability, and aging can change how we live and how we see ourselves. For many seniors, this kind of grief is often suffered in silence.

Cultural and Generational Grief

Our First Nations communities in Alberta carry a unique grief tied to cultural trauma, residential schools, and systemic loss. This grief is often collective and ongoing.

Financial Loss and Job Insecurity

Losing a job, a home, or financial stability affects identity, safety, and self-worth. These are invisible griefs—but powerful ones.

Grief for What Never Was

Sometimes, we grieve what didn’t happen. The child we didn’t have. The dream we didn’t pursue. The love we didn’t receive. This grief is often unseen—but no less painful.

Why This Matters

Unresolved grief affects everything—our relationships, health, work, and self-esteem. It's not a sign of weakness to grieve. It's a sign that we’ve loved, hoped, or lost something meaningful.

At LOMNA, we’re working to shift how Alberta talks about grief. We believe the answer to someone seeking help should be: “Yes, we can help.”

Our Grief Recovery Support

Through our funded therapy programs, grief support training, and community partnerships, we make support accessible to:

• First Nations families

• Seniors

• Low-income individuals

• Youth

• And anyone navigating deep loss

We use traditional therapy and the Grief Recovery Method®, an 8-week program that helps people take safe, guided action to complete what feels unfinished—and begin to heal.

When you work towards becoming complete in your relationships, you are freeing yourself of that heavy, emotional pain.

You Are Not Alone

If you or someone you love is facing any kind of grief, we’re here. There’s no “right kind” of loss to ask for help.

You don’t need to stay stuck in silence, sorrow, or shame. You can move forward. And you don’t have to do it alone.

If you'd like to get involved with the work we're doing, visit our Contact Page or email us at support@lomna.ca to start your journey.

Yours,

Jes Knoop Founder