Grief and Loss Counselling in Maple Ridge, BC.

Dealing with grief & loss is not easy. When we are grieving, it is often multi-faceted and non-linear, it can bring up many different emotions, even ones we had not expected. Working with a therapist through grief & loss can help process the many emotions that may arise. I view the grieving process of each client as unique and allow space for them to process whatever it is they need to work towards healing.

While grieving is a normal part of human experience, it can be debilitating and frightening if we are going through it alone. I will help you share your feelings, understand the context of those feelings and help you proceed through the process of closure. Grieving includes not only lost loved ones, but also opportunities and dreams. We may feel the pressure to "put it behind" us and "get on with life" but if grief is weighing you down, listen to what your mind is trying to tell you. I can help you understand what is blocking your way.

Grief and loss comes in many forms. You can grieve a death, a relationship, job, friend or the loss of a life you thought you would have. Grief and loss counselling helps to identify the loss and provide support through the process. Counselling can be beneficial to help you overcome the grief in a healthy, productive way and move forward with your life and goals.

Grief and loss is never just one piece of our life or one emotion. It impacts our day-to-day living, it impacts our thoughts, and it impacts how we view the world. I help clients to navigate these emotions and experiences, walk alongside where they are at in their pain, and help them step towards, and feel hope, amidst it. EMDR is a wonderful tool in supporting grief and loss, for in session it helps us to recognize the things that trigger our pain and emotion and helps us to cope with how we experience it.

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. The arts can hold the magnitude and the subtleties of this experience.

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.

I will work with you to help you understand that the roller coaster of emotions that grief and loss bring. I am familiar with the stages of grief, but believe this is not a straight forward linear process, but more of a messy journey of healing. Understanding that what you are going through is normal human reaction and that you are not alone is important when it comes to grief. I utilize letter writing and work to help you integrate your memories and carry this lost relationship forward with you. I also do healing work around letting go and believe that grief is opportunity to deepen or begin a spiritual journey where we can have a better connection with ourselves, others and nature.

Grief occurs not only from the loss of loved ones, loss of a family pet, or break down in a relationship but also in life transitions, perhaps when we envisioned a different life and life isn't play out that way. Grief can rear it's ugly head in many ways and can feel so utterly isolating. I know how scary it is and how dark it can feel when we grieve alone. I can support you along your journey and draw on many of my own life experiences with grief. You don't have to this alone.