Grief & Loss Counselling
Following the passing of someone dear, it's common to enter a phase of grief, mourning, or bereavement. Such a reaction is a natural part of grappling with loss. The expression of grief varies widely, as it's a deeply intricate emotion that can emerge in numerous ways, unique to each person. This emotional journey often encompasses a range of feelings, including profound sadness, guilt, anger, longing, and remorse. In this resource, we'll explore
What are the types of grieving
What are the 5 stages of grief
Therapeutic strategies offered in grief counselling
Registered Clinical Counsellor availability in Vancouver, Surrey, Chilliwack, and Online in British Columbia
Types of Grieving
Everyone experiences and expresses grief in their own unique way.
Instrumental Grief: Focuses on engaging in tasks, emphasizing action over emotional display. It's a process where grief is expressed more through doing rather than feeling.
Intuitive Grief: Involves expressing grief predominantly through emotions, marked by intense feeling and emotional release.
Stages of Grief
The stages of grief, as outlined by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, typically include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, representing a range of emotions that people often experience after a loss. These stages are not necessarily linear and individuals may move through them in different orders, revisit stages, or experience additional emotions during their grieving process.
The 5 Stages of Grief:
Denial - Avoidance, Confusion, Shock, Disbelief
Anger - Frustration, Irritability, Awareness
Bargaining - Desperation, Helplessness
Depression - Sadness, Isolation, Decreased Energy or Mood
Acceptance - Acknowledging Loss, Moving Forward
Situations that Can Cause Grief:
Life transitions
Death of a loved one or pet
Personal loss of something valuable
Retirement or loss of employment
Empty nesting
Divorce or Relationship Breakup
Loss of dreams or expectations
Cultural or community loss
Serious illness
Relocation or immigration
Trauma
Loss of identity
Miscarriage, infertility, or stillbirth
Moral injury
Common Symptoms:
Sadness
Anger, sometimes directed at specific individuals or circumstances
Guilt or feelings of remorse
Anxiety and Worry
Relief, in some cases, followed by guilt
Feeling overwhelmed or numb
Fatigue
Insomnia
Rumination
What is Complicated Grief?
Complicated grief affects about 7% of those in mourning, marked by an extended period of grief where symptoms persist or intensify over time, rather than gradually fading. This type of grief can stem from the nature of the loss or the relationship with the departed. Unlike typical grief, where symptoms ease with time, complicated grief can hinder or completely stall the healing journey after losing a loved one, making it difficult for individuals to move forward and may include:
Depression
Intense longing for the deceased
Persistent thoughts or preoccupation with the person who has died
Difficulty accepting the death
Numbness or detachment
Difficulty engaging in normal routines
Feeling stuck in the grief process and unable to move forward
How Grief & Loss Counselling Can Help
Our grief and loss counselling services are thoughtfully designed to support individuals navigating the deeply personal and often complex journey of bereavement. Recognizing that each person's experience of loss is unique, we offer a compassionate and understanding space to explore feelings, memories, and the impact of your loss. Our aim is to work alongside you, offering strategies and insights to help manage the profound emotional challenges that accompany grief, ensuring you find a path towards healing and rediscovery of purpose in your life.
Here are some key benefits:
Safe and Supportive Environment: Therapy offers a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space where individuals can express their feelings, thoughts, and fears related to their loss.
Expression of Emotion: Grief therapy encourages the expression of sorrow and other emotions associated with loss. Acknowledging and expressing these feelings is a step in your healing process, as it can prevent the bottling up of emotions, which may lead to more severe mental health issues.
Find Meaning Again: Therapy helps to integrate the experience into your life in healthy ways. This process can lead to a renewed sense of purpose and a path forward, even in the face of sorrow.
Developing Coping Strategies: Our therapists will work with you to develop healthy coping mechanisms to deal with the pain of loss. These strategies are tailored to your needs.
Address Complicated Grief: For some, grief can become complicated, leading to prolonged periods of intense suffering that interfere with daily functioning. Therapy is particularly beneficial in these cases, offering specialized interventions that target the underlying issues and promote healing.
Foster Connection and Reduce Isolation: Participating in therapy, especially group therapy or support groups, can help individuals realize they are not alone in their grief. Sharing experiences with others who have faced similar losses can foster a sense of community and connection, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Are Grief and Depression the Same? No!
While the common indicators of grief may resemble those of depression, it's important to note that grief itself is not necessarily classified as a depressive disorder. Counselling for grief can be beneficial in both one-on-one and group environments. It allows individuals to delve into numerous aspects, such as your responses to grief and strategies for managing symptoms of complicated grief. Our counsellors assist in navigating the process of coming to terms with the loss, adjusting daily routines, and reshaping life ambitions in the aftermath of losing someone close. For those dealing with complicated grief, counselling plays a crucial role in your journey towards healing.
Our goal in grief counselling is to provide you with the understanding and techniques necessary to navigate loss and mourning, alongside managing the intricacies of your daily life. We are committed to guiding you towards healing and rediscovery, nurturing a life rich in purpose and fulfillment. Your journey through grief is our focus, and we pledge our steadfast support every step of the way.
Get Matched With Qualified Help
Overcoming feelings of Grief and loss is within reach, and counselling is a key step forward. Seeking help is a mark of strength. You're not alone. Contact a therapist today and begin your journey to a more balanced life.