Grief Therapists in Victoria, BC
The people I work with are exploring their experience of life transitions, grief, hope, depression, stress, anxiety, emotion-regulation, creativity, and connection.
I ground my work in evidence based approaches for working with trauma (Lifespan Integration, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy) and ecotherapy, expressive arts therapy, and mindfulness. I root our work together in current research about the role of the nervous system in healing, safety and connection and I foster a neurodiversity-affirming approach.
The people I work with are exploring their experience of life transitions, grief, hope, depression, stress, anxiety, emotion-regulation, creativity, and connection.
I ground my work in evidence based approaches for working with trauma (Lifespan Integration, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy) and ecotherapy, expressive arts therapy, and mindfulness. I root our work together in current research about the role of the nervous system in healing, safety and connection and I foster a neurodiversity-affirming approach.
How do we move through pain, loss, frustration, trauma or anxiety unless we learn skills & gain new insights or perspectives to do so?
Sometimes, our perspectives or our behaviours are limited by our awareness of the options. Just like any other aspect of life, we must learn the unique skills and acquire our new insights or perspectives that allow us to successfully move through life’s challenges such as pain, loss, change, trauma or anxiety. Sometimes we need another set of skilled eyes.
How do we move through pain, loss, frustration, trauma or anxiety unless we learn skills & gain new insights or perspectives to do so?
Sometimes, our perspectives or our behaviours are limited by our awareness of the options. Just like any other aspect of life, we must learn the unique skills and acquire our new insights or perspectives that allow us to successfully move through life’s challenges such as pain, loss, change, trauma or anxiety. Sometimes we need another set of skilled eyes.
Life's challenges can feel overwhelming sometimes, and seeking support is a courageous first step. As a counselor, I'm here to hold space and compassionately walk alongside you on your unique journey. With a personalized approach, we'll navigate through your struggles together, creating a plan to work towards your healing and growth. Us humans are not designed to face hardships alone, so no matter what you're battling, let's embark on a path towards empowerment and positive change as a team. I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movemend Desensitization and Reprocessing), perinatal mental health, and Gottman couple's therapy
Life's challenges can feel overwhelming sometimes, and seeking support is a courageous first step. As a counselor, I'm here to hold space and compassionately walk alongside you on your unique journey. With a personalized approach, we'll navigate through your struggles together, creating a plan to work towards your healing and growth. Us humans are not designed to face hardships alone, so no matter what you're battling, let's embark on a path towards empowerment and positive change as a team. I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movemend Desensitization and Reprocessing), perinatal mental health, and Gottman couple's therapy
Whether you're navigating grief, processing trauma, or seeking support through loss, my approach is rooted in compassion, evidence-based practices, and the understanding that healing is a journey we take together.
Of particular significance in my practice is Pregnancy and Infant Loss, Infertility and Fertility Challenges, Miscarriage, Traumatic Birth Experiences, Loss of a Child PCOS and Hormonal Mood Disorders, Mood Instability during Pre, Perinatal, and Postpartum Periods, and Reproductive Trauma and its lasting effects.
Whether you're navigating grief, processing trauma, or seeking support through loss, my approach is rooted in compassion, evidence-based practices, and the understanding that healing is a journey we take together.
Of particular significance in my practice is Pregnancy and Infant Loss, Infertility and Fertility Challenges, Miscarriage, Traumatic Birth Experiences, Loss of a Child PCOS and Hormonal Mood Disorders, Mood Instability during Pre, Perinatal, and Postpartum Periods, and Reproductive Trauma and its lasting effects.
Expressive arts therapy is an imaginative alternative to explore life's joys and challenges using visual art, movement, music, drama and writing. Shape your world and fully engage the body and senses through the arts. Be inspired by the emerging image and enhance your response-ability in the moment. No art background necessary.
Expressive arts therapy is an imaginative alternative to explore life's joys and challenges using visual art, movement, music, drama and writing. Shape your world and fully engage the body and senses through the arts. Be inspired by the emerging image and enhance your response-ability in the moment. No art background necessary.
Each of us knows the intimate experience of grief and pain throughout moments in our lives and often, these occur in the context of relationships.
Welcome. How brave and courageous to explore newness for yourself. My name is Charis Santiago and I am a 2nd generation Filipina-Canadian therapist who provides relational analytic counselling services in Victoria, BC and telehealth. I am passionate about working with you surrounding a wide range of mental health issues. My specialties include working with issues of trauma and sexual abuse, racial/ethnic and identity development, dream work, mood disorders and family systems.
Each of us knows the intimate experience of grief and pain throughout moments in our lives and often, these occur in the context of relationships.
Welcome. How brave and courageous to explore newness for yourself. My name is Charis Santiago and I am a 2nd generation Filipina-Canadian therapist who provides relational analytic counselling services in Victoria, BC and telehealth. I am passionate about working with you surrounding a wide range of mental health issues. My specialties include working with issues of trauma and sexual abuse, racial/ethnic and identity development, dream work, mood disorders and family systems.
I work with clients who struggle with feelings of grief, regret, and confusion about their life.
How did I get here? What am I doing with my life? Is this all there is? Who even am I anymore? Our journey through life isn't always smooth; often it's really hard and confusing. Maybe you're going through a major life transition like divorce or illness and you feel like the rug has been pulled out from under you. Or life took you in a different direction than you intended and now you grieve the roads you didn't travel. Maybe you’ve achieved all your goals but still feel empty, like something's missing. Maybe you’re feeling dissatisfied, anxious and sad all the time. Wherever you find yourself, I can help.
I work with clients who struggle with feelings of grief, regret, and confusion about their life.
How did I get here? What am I doing with my life? Is this all there is? Who even am I anymore? Our journey through life isn't always smooth; often it's really hard and confusing. Maybe you're going through a major life transition like divorce or illness and you feel like the rug has been pulled out from under you. Or life took you in a different direction than you intended and now you grieve the roads you didn't travel. Maybe you’ve achieved all your goals but still feel empty, like something's missing. Maybe you’re feeling dissatisfied, anxious and sad all the time. Wherever you find yourself, I can help.
Many of our clients face depression, anxiety, grief, relationship challenges, & a sense of overwhelm with life or society.
Our experienced counsellors provide tailored therapy—online or in-person—using evidence-based approaches. We focus on your unique strengths and goals, offering practical tools and genuine support for lasting change.
Many of our clients face depression, anxiety, grief, relationship challenges, & a sense of overwhelm with life or society.
Our experienced counsellors provide tailored therapy—online or in-person—using evidence-based approaches. We focus on your unique strengths and goals, offering practical tools and genuine support for lasting change.
Are you trying to survive a major loss?
We will discuss beliefs, assumptions, context details and bring in relevant therapeutic knowledge to develop new insights and perceptions so that new options become available. I will provide the structure and therapeutic knowledge to translate these insights into skills for a way forward that will uniquely fit your personality.
Are you trying to survive a major loss?
We will discuss beliefs, assumptions, context details and bring in relevant therapeutic knowledge to develop new insights and perceptions so that new options become available. I will provide the structure and therapeutic knowledge to translate these insights into skills for a way forward that will uniquely fit your personality.
I specialize in counselling for loss, grief, and bereavement.
Following my PhD in Psychology in 2012, I completed a postdoctoral fellowship in end-of-life care, grief, and bereavement. Through my experiences in community, educational, and private settings, I have had the privilege to support many diverse persons in their grief journeys. My counselling approach is characterized by empathy, compassion, and integrity.
I specialize in counselling for loss, grief, and bereavement.
Following my PhD in Psychology in 2012, I completed a postdoctoral fellowship in end-of-life care, grief, and bereavement. Through my experiences in community, educational, and private settings, I have had the privilege to support many diverse persons in their grief journeys. My counselling approach is characterized by empathy, compassion, and integrity.
Perhaps you've noticed a lingering sense of dread, feelings of anxiety, or the sharp pain of grief and loss.
We'll work to create strategies to shift how you manage difficult thoughts, feelings & sensations. As a queer feminist therapist, I specialize in illuminating the connections between our experiences and what happens at a systemic level. My hope is that our time together supports you in feeling resourced, resilient, and connected to your values and purpose.
Perhaps you've noticed a lingering sense of dread, feelings of anxiety, or the sharp pain of grief and loss.
We'll work to create strategies to shift how you manage difficult thoughts, feelings & sensations. As a queer feminist therapist, I specialize in illuminating the connections between our experiences and what happens at a systemic level. My hope is that our time together supports you in feeling resourced, resilient, and connected to your values and purpose.
Camas Counselling - Mary Lucas
Counsellor, MA, MACP, RCC
3 Endorsed
Victoria, BC V8R
Waitlist for new clients
When gripped by anxiety, depression, grief or shame we can lose our joy and sense of ourselves.
I work with adults on stress management, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, chronic pain, self-esteem and self-awareness, relationships and life transitions. I am trained in Somatic Therapy, Grief, Bereavement and Loss Therapy, Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing and Gottman Couples Therapy.
When gripped by anxiety, depression, grief or shame we can lose our joy and sense of ourselves.
I work with adults on stress management, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, chronic pain, self-esteem and self-awareness, relationships and life transitions. I am trained in Somatic Therapy, Grief, Bereavement and Loss Therapy, Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing and Gottman Couples Therapy.
I work with children (12+), youth, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, emotional regulation, relationship struggles, and life transitions.
My approach blends Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT). I also bring in grief work and a strengths-based lens to guide healing. Together, we’ll focus on building insight, tools for resilience, and stronger connections with yourself and others.
I work with children (12+), youth, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, emotional regulation, relationship struggles, and life transitions.
My approach blends Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT). I also bring in grief work and a strengths-based lens to guide healing. Together, we’ll focus on building insight, tools for resilience, and stronger connections with yourself and others.
I specialize in working with clients on issues related to: grief and loss, anxiety, relationship and marital conflict, addiction, childhood trauma, body image and self-esteem, and codependency.
I equip individuals and couples with the tools and understanding needed to cope with every day and extenuating issues. I approach therapy with great respect, care and compassion. I am committed to providing a safe space without judgment. I am accepting, loving, and understand the healing power of laughter.
I specialize in working with clients on issues related to: grief and loss, anxiety, relationship and marital conflict, addiction, childhood trauma, body image and self-esteem, and codependency.
I equip individuals and couples with the tools and understanding needed to cope with every day and extenuating issues. I approach therapy with great respect, care and compassion. I am committed to providing a safe space without judgment. I am accepting, loving, and understand the healing power of laughter.
You may be navigating grief, anxiety, anger, fear, trauma, relational concerns, transitions, self-worth or feeling overwhelmed.
I have a holistic, collaborative approach to counselling. My education, vocational background, and life experience intersect with a person-centered and trauma-informed approach. I hold values of trust, compassion and acceptance, and will integrate various therapeutic perspectives to meet your concerns, explore coping strategies, and find meaningful change.
You may be navigating grief, anxiety, anger, fear, trauma, relational concerns, transitions, self-worth or feeling overwhelmed.
I have a holistic, collaborative approach to counselling. My education, vocational background, and life experience intersect with a person-centered and trauma-informed approach. I hold values of trust, compassion and acceptance, and will integrate various therapeutic perspectives to meet your concerns, explore coping strategies, and find meaningful change.
I am a psychologist who specializes in recovery from trauma, loss, and physical or neurological illnesses, conditions, and injuries.
With training in neurosychology, health psychology, and somatic practices, I have a holistic view of mental health. This means that I appreciate the connections between a person's brain, body, relationships, environment, and society - and I believe these connections play a vital role in our strengths, pain, and healing.
I am a psychologist who specializes in recovery from trauma, loss, and physical or neurological illnesses, conditions, and injuries.
With training in neurosychology, health psychology, and somatic practices, I have a holistic view of mental health. This means that I appreciate the connections between a person's brain, body, relationships, environment, and society - and I believe these connections play a vital role in our strengths, pain, and healing.
TRAUMA…what is it?…do I have it?…how do I heal it? I specialize in developmental trauma and CPTSD and would like to help you answer those questions. Trauma isn’t always obvious and the impacts can show up in our lives in lots of ways. There may or may not be events in your past that stand out as being traumatic. There may be behaviours you can’t explain or change even though they are causing you suffering. You may have been labelled as oversensitive, reactive, overthinking, or diagnosed with addiction, depression or anxiety. Or take care of everyone’s needs but your own... or not even know what your needs are anymore...or?
TRAUMA…what is it?…do I have it?…how do I heal it? I specialize in developmental trauma and CPTSD and would like to help you answer those questions. Trauma isn’t always obvious and the impacts can show up in our lives in lots of ways. There may or may not be events in your past that stand out as being traumatic. There may be behaviours you can’t explain or change even though they are causing you suffering. You may have been labelled as oversensitive, reactive, overthinking, or diagnosed with addiction, depression or anxiety. Or take care of everyone’s needs but your own... or not even know what your needs are anymore...or?
I’m here to support you in finding clarity and resilience as you navigate life’s challenges. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, feeling stuck in relationship patterns, or going through a major life transition, we’ll work together to build on your inherent strengths and move through these experiences in meaningful, empowering ways.
I’m here to support you in finding clarity and resilience as you navigate life’s challenges. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, feeling stuck in relationship patterns, or going through a major life transition, we’ll work together to build on your inherent strengths and move through these experiences in meaningful, empowering ways.
Relationships are built at the speed of trust and I believe the relationship created between therapist and client is the foundational component in the therapeutic process. I bring 15+years of experience working with families and individuals in various capacities and create a treatment plan specific to your individual needs. I identify as a female from a mixed ancestry- European/French/Indigenous. I work relationally and meet people where they are at. I'm grateful to be able to walk alongside you and support you on your journey. I specialise working with families, of all kinds, and individuals.
Relationships are built at the speed of trust and I believe the relationship created between therapist and client is the foundational component in the therapeutic process. I bring 15+years of experience working with families and individuals in various capacities and create a treatment plan specific to your individual needs. I identify as a female from a mixed ancestry- European/French/Indigenous. I work relationally and meet people where they are at. I'm grateful to be able to walk alongside you and support you on your journey. I specialise working with families, of all kinds, and individuals.
I bring a breadth and depth to my work as a therapist, having worked for many years in palliative care and bereavement as well as cancer care.
Many extended health plans in BC cover Registered Clinical Counsellors. Please check with your extended health provider to see if they cover Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC)
I bring a breadth and depth to my work as a therapist, having worked for many years in palliative care and bereavement as well as cancer care.
Many extended health plans in BC cover Registered Clinical Counsellors. Please check with your extended health provider to see if they cover Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC)
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How long does therapy take for grief?
There is no exact timeline for grief counseling. Some people may start to feel better after just a few sessions, while others may take months or longer to feel relief. Some specific approaches, including some types of CBT, may involve a set number of sessions, or therapy may be open-ended until the patient determines they are ready to wrap up. Just as there is no right or wrong way to grieve, there is no right or wrong way to seek therapy for grief.
When should you seek therapy for grief?
Many people mistakenly believe that their grief needs to be debilitating or all-encompassing to warrant therapy. This is not the case. While people who experience severe, prolonged grief—particularly those who are considering self-harm or engaging in unhealthy substance use—are especially likely to benefit from therapy, so too are people whose grief is less intense but still interfering with well-being or daily functioning. In practice, almost anyone struggling to process a loss could benefit from grief counseling.
Can grief be managed without therapy?
Oftentimes, yes. Grief is a near-universal part of being human, and many find that their grief, while profound, does not stop them from participating in day-to-day life and steadily eases over time without outside help. For others, however, the harsh pain of early grief persists for months or years or leaves them unable to function. This group is especially likely to benefit from seeing a therapist, who can guide them through their grief and help them reconnect with the world.
What happens if grief is left untreated?
Because grief does not in itself necessitate therapy, untreated grief will often resolve on its own. However, for some people—particularly those who would qualify for a diagnosis of prolonged grief disorder—untreated grief can be a source of seemingly endless pain or lead them to withdraw from the world. In such cases, treatment can be indispensable, as it can help an individual adapt to the loss and start living again.