Grief & Loss Counselling in New Westminster, BC
Often life can feel overwhelming and it may be difficult to cope with the stress of a loss. Whether you have recently suffered a personal loss or are dealing with unresolved grief from many years ago, Wellspring Counselling Services is here to help. We understand that no two individuals experience grief in quite the same way, so our New Westminster-based grief counsellors will work closely with you to develop an individual plan of action that best fits your needs.
Our team of licensed professionals draw upon their extensive training and expertise to provide compassionate support during this difficult time in your life.
Understanding Grief
Grief can be experienced in many different ways. It is a normal reaction to any kind of loss, including the death of a loved one, divorce, or illness. Grief can also be caused by changes in life such as retirement, relocation, or job loss.
At a deeper level, grief can be felt by the loss of a sense of security or identity, or due to the loss of an expected future you had imagined.
What Can Cause Grief:
There are countless life events, situations, and relationships that can cause grief. Some common events include:
- Loss of a loved one through death or divorce/separation
- Job loss or retirement
- Loss of a home
- Illness or injury resulting in disability
- Miscarriage or infertility
- Moving away from family or friends
- Loss of a pet
Common signs of grief include:
- Sadness and deep emotion
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
- Feelings of guilt or regret
- Physical pain or exhaustion
Coping with Grief
Knowing how to cope with grief can be difficult, and it is important to remember that everyone experiences grief in their own unique way. Some common strategies used by clients have included:
- Acknowledging your emotions – Accepting that sadness and other difficult feelings are part of the grieving process can help you to move beyond them.
- Self-care – Taking care of yourself physically and emotionally by getting enough rest, engaging in activities or hobbies you enjoy, and spending time with supportive friends and family members.
- Writing and journaling – Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help to process them in a healthy way.
Grieving is a process and takes time–there is no right or wrong way to do it. Our grief counsellors are here to help you through this difficult time in your life.
We can provide a safe and welcoming space for you to explore your feelings, recognize and share your thoughts, and work through your grief. We understand the power of unconditional support during times of difficulty, and we are here to provide the support you need
If you would like more information about our New Westminster grief and loss counselling or if you are interested in scheduling an appointment with one of our experienced counsellors, please click here to book. Our team is here to help you find healing, comfort and peace on your journey
Loss
Sometimes a loss might not be of a loved one’s life, but may be loss of one’s own physical capability, mental health or capacity, social connections or status, or a career that is part of one’s identity. The loss of all of these is emotionally akin to losing a loved one because the loss is psychological in nature, meaning that part of yourself has been lost. This can have a debilitating effect on functioning and happiness.
Move toward healing
Although there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing from grief and loss, there are a few steps you can take to help you in the process. Talking about your feelings and seeking support from family, friends, or professionals can be helpful for many individuals. Seeking out activities that bring you joy can also be beneficial for working through difficult times. Additionally, mindfulness practices such as meditation and yoga can be useful in dealing with emotions and reducing stress.
Online Grief & Loss Counselling in New Westminster
Our grief counselling online sessions will assist in discovering different reasons for grief and loss. When we first hear of these words we tend to think of the loss of life of a loved one. So, let us start here at this important consideration. Loss of a loved one or family member can be one of the most devastating events that one can experience. Counselling and psychotherapy can help with learning how to honour their memory, continue to cherish them, and also focus on how to move forward in life in the present (while honouring and respecting their memory).
During the grief counselling online appointment we will be learning what one can do and experientially engaging in and testing out new ways of being and coping can help to create a new normal, as well as building on existing strengths. This is the strategy employed that may be helpful in assisting you to achieve at least a greater sense of normalcy, and even a slight sense of improved satisfaction back in life. You are not trying to replace the loss, but to learn how to live with it and find additional meaning in life.
To schedule an appointment with Wellspring Counselling, Click here.
