Grief and Loss Counselling in Port Alberni, BC.

Loss is something we experience and grief is how we deal with it. For many, this is a straightforward process that takes time to heal the pain that we feel from the realization that what we had or shared is now beyond our reach. For others, this is a process that extends beyond what is considered the normal amount of time given to grieve, and so how we learn to process our loss and grieve what we had becomes all consuming, or a delayed response that reaches out and affects everything else in our lives. With time and conversation, using different techniques, we will pave a new road forward where you learn to treasure your memories, knowing you are not alone and are comforted with the past.

When losing someone or something important to us, it can take lots time to adjust and learn to live our life without that person, thing or way of life. Either it is the death of a loved one, loss of a relationship, loss of a pet, loss of a job or important possessions, change to your way of life, grieving is a normal response to a life event and bottling it up can create damage or even harm to a person. It can take time to adjust and accept to learn to live life without that person, thing or way of life. When it gets too challenging or overwhelming, or if it gets in a way of living a healthy life, sometimes turning to professional support can help getting through this challenging event.

Are you using alcohol, substances, or addictive behaviors to cope with grief and loss? Although they provide relief in the short term, their long-term effects on your relationships and health can make it even more difficult to cope. Through a compassionate non-judgmental approach, I help clients explore their relationship to grief and loss so that they can overcome addictive coping strategies. If you're looking for another way forward, feel free to reach out and we can set up a free consultation to discuss further.

In my grief counselling practice, I specialize in guiding individuals through the intricate emotions that emerge following the loss of a loved one or a significant life change. I provide a secure and nurturing space where you can openly express your feelings, delve into memories, and address the challenges associated with grief. As your dedicated counsellor, I am committed to fostering a compassionate and understanding environment, supporting you on your journey to healing and finding a path forward.

Grief & Loss can come from a variety of life events. Traditionally people think of death, whether it is a loved one or loved pet however grief can be anticipatory, disenfranchised or related to life changes or even the climate crisis. Acknowledging and processing grief & loss can help people feel better able to enjoy life again. Grief & Loss is a inevitable part of life, it doesn’t have to be never ending.

When we are facing grief and loss, there is often a complex web of emotions and many layers of meaning-making to encounter in our healing process. The path is never linear. The timeline requires sensitivity and nuance. Compassion, patience and the ability to hold seemingly contradictory feelings are paramount. With gentle presence, we can hold the magnitude and the subtleties of this experience moving step by step towards healing.

While grief and transition are a natural part of life, we are still often overwhelmed by sadness, anger and all the confusing emotions that come with loss. There is no right or wrong way to grieve—just your body and mind doing what it can to process the pain of major life change and the loss of how things were. Working with me means compassionate care that helps you to approach and feel your feelings in a safe way, taking things one step at a time. I promise you that all grief can be transformed into a gentle honouring of who or what was lost. I would be happy to team up with you in your journey towards peace and acceptance.

I provide a safe, welcoming space for you to speak about the loss of a loved one or other sources of grief such as divorce, retirement, a big move, or change in finances. Each loss is individual and unique and support can be given regardless of whether your loss is recent or happened some time ago. Conversations, questions, and techniques are tailored to your needs in session.