Grief Counselling - Slater & Associates | In-Person and Online Counselling & Psychotherapy in British Columbia

Have you experienced a recent loss of a loved one? Lost a relationship or job?

Some signs of grief can include but are not limited to:

Difficulty sleeping
Irritation
Changes in appetite (increase or decrease)
Pounding heart
Difficulty concentrating
Constant thoughts about the loss
Blaming yourself for the loss
Avoidance of any thoughts of the loss
Feeling of numbness
Overachieving or underachieving
Increase or decrease in energy
Feelings of depression
Clumsiness
Increased substance use
Denial
Feelings of shame about our reactions to the loss or behaviors

Firstly, if you have lost a loved one I want you to know I am truly sorry for your loss. Grief can also follow other types of loss such as the loss of a relationship or job. Grief is a normal part of life but it can have a serious impact on our enjoyment of life and day to day functioning.

Grief is felt differently by everyone. Many people experience grief in waves and sometimes it can feel overwhelming. Other times, you may feel numb to the loss and unsure if you are “grieving properly”. It is not uncommon to wonder if you are grieving in a healthy way, especially when everyone’s grieving journey is different.

Sometimes feelings of guilt, mixed emotions about the loss or traumatic responses can get in the way of us moving past the pain and heartbreak of grief. You might find yourself feeling unsure or stuck. Sometimes people can become stuck in their grief and feel incapable of moving past the loss. A grief counsellor can help you process these feelings.

Book Now

A therapist can walk alongside you on your journey through grief. There is life after loss.

Stages of Grief

Although a popular concept, the “Stages of Grief”, from Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s 1969 book On Death and Dying: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance are not an accurate picture of grief for most people. Certainly denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance are all very common emotions or experiences but they don’t usually occur in rigid stages. Emotions come and go more like waves. Emotions, despite being intense and often painful, are temporary states and not ‘stages’. There is no need to rush to acceptance and no final ideal destination when it comes to grief and loss. However, there can be healing despite loss. There can be recovery and joy following loss.

If you are feeling like you would like support, grief counselling, or therapy. Please reach out for a 20 minute free consultation call and we can discuss if a therapist is a good fit for your needs.

"Grief is not a disorder, a disease or a sign of weakness. It is an emotional, physical and spiritual necessity, the price you pay for love. The only cure for grief is to grieve."

~ Earl Grollman