Grief and Loss Counselling in Cranbrook, BC.

Grief and loss can be caused by many different events in life and we all respond to our feelings of grief and loss differently. Grief and loss can include: Death of a loved one, separation or divorce, loss of a relationship, loss of a job, empty nest transitions, retirement, job relocation or loss of a pet, to name a few. Bettina will compassionately help you through this difficult time of grief and loss, so you are able to move through the difficult stages with more support, compassion and understanding of yourself.

Grief and loss, while universal aspects of human experience, manifest themselves very differently depending upon the nature of the relationship with the person we have lost, the circumstances surrounding the loss, and our own stage in development. Grief often involves not only loss due to death, but the also loss of identity that accompanies a chronic health condition, relationships ending, the transition to retirement, or the loss of a beloved pet. The transition through grief involves a highly individual process of finding closure, bringing a sense of meaning to the loss, and re-investing in life following the loss.

We don't just "get over " grief because a person we loved is gone and there is no right time when grieving should end. Grief is a process we must go through in order to come to terms with loss and find a measure of peace, which looks different for every person. It's important to have a safe place to cry or be angry with a well-trained counsellor who is patient, understanding and has experienced deep loss herself. We can talk about what you feel, make sense of what happened, help you find ways to honour those you have loved in meaningful ways so, over time, you can move forward in a way that is right for you.

Grief has a way of pulling the ground out from underneath you, and my work is to help you find steady footing again. In our sessions, we look honestly at the pain, the confusion, the anger—nothing is off-limits and nothing is “too much.” I guide you toward uncovering the meaning hidden inside your heartbreak, helping you rebuild a life that feels true rather than numb. Clients often experience a shift from simply enduring their loss to discovering a renewed sense of identity, purpose, and personal strength.

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. No one person's journey through grief is identical and it's often not a linear path. I provide a secure and nurturing space where you can openly express your feelings, delve into memories, and address the challenges associated with grief. 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 seem debilitating and overwhelming and many people struggle in moving on. Counselling is a highly effective resource for healing after a loss. Through compassion and understanding we will work to heal the pain of the event and move into acceptance and peace. Whether you are grieving the loss of a loved one, the loss of health or mobility, divorce or mid life transition, we can help.

In grief and loss counseling, I create a flexible space that adapts to your needs. Whether you need patient listening or feel stuck and need guidance through open-ended questions, I meet you where you are. I'm genuinely curious about understanding you as a whole person and your unique loss—there's no shallow or rushed approach here, no platitudes or quick fixes. Something resourceful I offer is a therapeutic goodbye letter adapted from Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's work, helping you express complex, contradictory emotions—what you regret and don't regret, miss and don't miss. What makes this different is it honors the fullness of ambivalent feelings. Clients report feeling truly heard, not judged or rushed, as they move forward in their own time.

Grief is a natural and complex emotional response to loss, typically associated with the death of a loved one. However, grief can also stem from a variety of other losses, such as the end of a relationship, the loss of a job, or even the loss of a cherished pet. Dealing with grief can be an intensely challenging experience, often affecting various aspects of a person's life, including their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. In such times of profound sorrow, therapy emerges as a crucial tool for navigating the intricate web of emotions, allowing individuals to process their feelings and find a path towards healing.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by loss, struggling to cope with the pain, and finding it hard to move forward? Grief can be isolating and exhausting, leaving you feeling stuck in sadness and longing for peace. As a clinical counsellor, I understand how difficult this journey can be. But I also know that healing is possible. Imagine having someone by your side who truly understands what you're going through, who offers compassionate support and effective strategies to help you heal. Together, we can navigate this difficult time and find a way to honour your loss, rebuild your strength, and rediscover hope. Let's start this journey together. Book a free 15-minute phone consultation today.