Grief & Loss
Victoria Counselling For Grief and Loss
What Is Grief?
Grief is a natural, human response to loss, and it can show up in many different ways—emotionally, physically, and spiritually. While grief is often associated with the death of a loved one, it can arise from any significant loss, including the end of a relationship, the loss of a job, a change in health or ability, infertility, miscarriage, estrangement, or even the loss of a sense of identity, home, or belonging.
Grief is not a linear process and looks different for everyone. In our work together, we can create space for your grief to be acknowledged and expressed in ways that feel meaningful, and supportive.
What Are The Benefits Of Therapy for Grief and Loss?
Counselling can offer a compassionate and grounding space to meet your grief just as it is—without needing to rush toward resolution or “fix” what hurts.
It can be easy to try to push through grief, but our grief is often asking us to slow down and make space for our experience to unfold at its own pace.
Therapy can help by exploring emotions, questions, and shifts that grief may bring, while also reconnecting with a sense of inner compassion, meaning, and presence.
Many people find that being witnessed in their sorrow opens the door to a renewed connection with life.
Understanding The Experiences of Grief
Grief is an experience that can manifest in unexpected ways. At times those suffering from grief can experience intense or shifting emotions, physical symptoms, a sense of disconnection, changes in identity or roles, or questions about meaning and existence. If you’re experiencing any of the following experiences of grief, counselling may be a good fit for you.
Emotional Waves
Grief often brings a wide range of emotions that can rise and fall unexpectedly. You might feel sadness, anger, guilt, numbness, anxiety—or even moments of peace—all in the same day. These feelings are a natural part of the grieving process, even when they feel overwhelming or confusing.
Changes in Identity or Roles
Loss can affect how we see ourselves and where we belong in the world. You may be grieving not just what happened, but who you were in relationship to it—a partner, a child, a caregiver, a friend. It’s common to feel untethered or unsure of your who you are now during times of grief.
Impacts to the Body
Grief lives in the body as much as in the heart and mind. You may notice changes in sleep, appetite, energy, or experience tension, fatigue, or physical pain. These are not signs that something is wrong with you—they are natural responses to loss.
Spiritual or Existential Questions
Grief can shake the foundation of what we believe about life, death, and meaning. You might find yourself questioning what matters, what you believe in, or where to go from here. These questions, while often painful, can also be part of a transformative process.
Discover How Counselling Can Help For Grief and Loss
My approach to supporting grief is grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based practices, and somatic awareness. Together, we will explore how to gently stay present with your grief process, cultivate self-compassion, and reconnect with your values and an inner resilience that can guide you through loss. Contact me today to book a complimentary 20-minute consultation by phone or video, and we can begin to explore a path through grief that feels right for you.