Grief Therapists in Victoria, BC
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.
How do we move through pain, loss, frustration, trauma or anxiety unless we learn skills & gain new insights or perspectives to do so? There's no reason to be held back by the hurdles to change, to effective communication, greater collaboration and fundamental healing. Karla focuses on practical details for today as well as the larger life picture. We will identify & engage your existing strengths and abilities in addition to helping you master new skills and gain understanding of what is blocking you. Karla works with your unique situation of loss, trauma, relationship challenges & the demands or limitations of your present life.
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.
How do we move through pain, loss, frustration, trauma or anxiety unless we learn skills & gain new insights or perspectives to do so? There's no reason to be held back by the hurdles to change, to effective communication, greater collaboration and fundamental healing. Karla focuses on practical details for today as well as the larger life picture. We will identify & engage your existing strengths and abilities in addition to helping you master new skills and gain understanding of what is blocking you. Karla works with your unique situation of loss, trauma, relationship challenges & the demands or limitations of your present life.
Sarah Kathleen Wilson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, RSW, CHT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I bring an anti-oppressive lens to my work, alongside lived experience as a caregiver and the impacts of grief and loss.
It's understandable to feel overwhelmed by the state of the world, or find yourself struggling to make sense of your experiences as we navigate the complexities of this time. Perhaps you feel exhausted and experiences things like chronic pain, digestive illness, ongoing fatigue or poor sleep. Maybe you find it difficult to to cope with a lingering sense of dread, feelings of anxiety, or the sharp pain of grief and loss. I know these experiences can make it difficult to stay connected to our values, and to find meaning amidst the constant demands on our attention and time.
I bring an anti-oppressive lens to my work, alongside lived experience as a caregiver and the impacts of grief and loss.
It's understandable to feel overwhelmed by the state of the world, or find yourself struggling to make sense of your experiences as we navigate the complexities of this time. Perhaps you feel exhausted and experiences things like chronic pain, digestive illness, ongoing fatigue or poor sleep. Maybe you find it difficult to to cope with a lingering sense of dread, feelings of anxiety, or the sharp pain of grief and loss. I know these experiences can make it difficult to stay connected to our values, and to find meaning amidst the constant demands on our attention and time.
Sometimes we need support navigating the complexities of life. As individuals, we experience these complexities in unique ways, often feeling alone. You may be navigating grief, anxiety, anger, fear, trauma, relational concerns, transitions, self-worth or feeling overwhelmed. My goal is to cultivate a trusting, accepting relationship that holds space for your unique story, a space where you can feel seen, accepted, supported, and valued.
Sometimes we need support navigating the complexities of life. As individuals, we experience these complexities in unique ways, often feeling alone. You may be navigating grief, anxiety, anger, fear, trauma, relational concerns, transitions, self-worth or feeling overwhelmed. My goal is to cultivate a trusting, accepting relationship that holds space for your unique story, a space where you can feel seen, accepted, supported, and valued.
Maybe you're here looking for someone non-judgmental to support you through a time when everything feels like it's falling apart. Or maybe you're feeling stuck and hoping to explore old habits and discover new possibilities. I bring my full and gentle presence to support your journey of growth and healing, whether you are grieving the loss of a loved one or beloved ecosystem, looking for a multiracial counsellor to explore complex or painful identity issues, carrying unresolved trauma, grappling with relationship issues, searching for deeper meaning, or feeling anxious and depressed in a rapidly changing world.
Maybe you're here looking for someone non-judgmental to support you through a time when everything feels like it's falling apart. Or maybe you're feeling stuck and hoping to explore old habits and discover new possibilities. I bring my full and gentle presence to support your journey of growth and healing, whether you are grieving the loss of a loved one or beloved ecosystem, looking for a multiracial counsellor to explore complex or painful identity issues, carrying unresolved trauma, grappling with relationship issues, searching for deeper meaning, or feeling anxious and depressed in a rapidly changing world.
My background is in cancer care, addiction, and workplace stress, with specializations in mood concerns (depression, anxiety), loss and grief ( death, pet loss, unexpected life transitions, identity crises), health and illness (health anxiety, chronic pain), addiction (substance use, recovery, behavioural), and trauma (veterans, first responders).
Feeling overwhelmed by frustrated needs, responsibilities, being overlooked in love or work, losing someone important, health concerns, or a relentless internal critic? Does this lead to sadness, despair, rage, dread, or shame that feels too heavy to bear? Do you cope by numbing, lashing out at loved ones, engaging in addictive behaviours, socially isolating, or avoiding what matters? We can grow weary managing this chaos of life alone, yet asking for help is hard. I can lend a hand supporting you to face pain and find meaning in troubled times, lightening the load so you can spread your wings to find more room for joy in life.
My background is in cancer care, addiction, and workplace stress, with specializations in mood concerns (depression, anxiety), loss and grief ( death, pet loss, unexpected life transitions, identity crises), health and illness (health anxiety, chronic pain), addiction (substance use, recovery, behavioural), and trauma (veterans, first responders).
Feeling overwhelmed by frustrated needs, responsibilities, being overlooked in love or work, losing someone important, health concerns, or a relentless internal critic? Does this lead to sadness, despair, rage, dread, or shame that feels too heavy to bear? Do you cope by numbing, lashing out at loved ones, engaging in addictive behaviours, socially isolating, or avoiding what matters? We can grow weary managing this chaos of life alone, yet asking for help is hard. I can lend a hand supporting you to face pain and find meaning in troubled times, lightening the load so you can spread your wings to find more room for joy in life.
Camas Counselling - Mary Lucas
Counsellor, MA, MACP, RCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Victoria, BC V8N
Waitlist for new clients
I work with adults on stress management, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, chronic pain, self-esteem and self-awareness, relationships and life transitions.
When gripped by anxiety, depression, grief or shame we can lose our joy and sense of ourselves. We long for connection, but it can be difficult to thrive in relationships when we are suffering. We can end up feeling alone in our anger, fear, sadness, loss or pain. I can be there to listen and accompany you on the journey towards healing and self-acceptance.
I work with adults on stress management, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, chronic pain, self-esteem and self-awareness, relationships and life transitions.
When gripped by anxiety, depression, grief or shame we can lose our joy and sense of ourselves. We long for connection, but it can be difficult to thrive in relationships when we are suffering. We can end up feeling alone in our anger, fear, sadness, loss or pain. I can be there to listen and accompany you on the journey towards healing and self-acceptance.
Approved provider (can direct bill) for First Nations Health Authority, CVAP, ICBC, Federally Administered Programs (including Veterans Affairs and CAF). My practice is focused on supporting individuals and couples who are experiencing anxiety; depression; grief and loss; trauma; behavioural dysregulation; life transitions; communication and conflict challenges; and those navigating chronic health issues.
Approved provider (can direct bill) for First Nations Health Authority, CVAP, ICBC, Federally Administered Programs (including Veterans Affairs and CAF). My practice is focused on supporting individuals and couples who are experiencing anxiety; depression; grief and loss; trauma; behavioural dysregulation; life transitions; communication and conflict challenges; and those navigating chronic health issues.
My therapy is about overcoming feelings of anxiety, depression, sadness, anger, or pain and developing ways to get the life you want. Many of us feel anxious and depressed about what is going on or worry about the future. If you are hurting those you love, you can change that. Do you need to handle your anger better? That is possible. Are you trying to survive a major loss? There is a way. If you have lost hope or don't know how to go about making these crucial adjustments, in our discussions you will develop insights to overcome these challenges, and learn about what needs to be done to achieve your goals, step by step.
My therapy is about overcoming feelings of anxiety, depression, sadness, anger, or pain and developing ways to get the life you want. Many of us feel anxious and depressed about what is going on or worry about the future. If you are hurting those you love, you can change that. Do you need to handle your anger better? That is possible. Are you trying to survive a major loss? There is a way. If you have lost hope or don't know how to go about making these crucial adjustments, in our discussions you will develop insights to overcome these challenges, and learn about what needs to be done to achieve your goals, step by step.
I am passionate about helping neurodiverse people heal from their grief/ loss, manage ADHD, anxiety, depression and OCD.
Are you or your child struggling with focus? Do you or your child need to get outside more and practice mindfulness more often? Are you or your child struggling with grief/ loss? Is it difficult for your child to stay still and remain calm? Does your child have so much energy that it's becoming difficult for you to keep up and help them co-regulate? Does your child like things a certain way and struggle with changes and transitions? Do you think animals can help people heal? Do you need help calming your body and mind? If any of these things resonate with you, we may be the team that can help you reach your health goals.
I am passionate about helping neurodiverse people heal from their grief/ loss, manage ADHD, anxiety, depression and OCD.
Are you or your child struggling with focus? Do you or your child need to get outside more and practice mindfulness more often? Are you or your child struggling with grief/ loss? Is it difficult for your child to stay still and remain calm? Does your child have so much energy that it's becoming difficult for you to keep up and help them co-regulate? Does your child like things a certain way and struggle with changes and transitions? Do you think animals can help people heal? Do you need help calming your body and mind? If any of these things resonate with you, we may be the team that can help you reach your health goals.
I work from an integrative and resilience-informed theoretical orientation, drawing from grief and bereavement research and evidence-based practices.
Have you experienced significant loss? Thank you for considering the opportunity for us to work together to navigate your grief. I am a Registered Psychologist in British Columbia and Alberta. I specialize in counselling for bereavement, loss, and grief. Particular areas of focus are: death and dying, traumatic grief, suicide bereavement, pregnancy loss, pet loss, anticipatory grief, nonfinite loss, and ecological grief. Grief is our natural response to the loss or anticipated loss of someone or something that matters to us. Surviving grief is an adaptive process of learning to live in a world that has been changed by our losses.
I work from an integrative and resilience-informed theoretical orientation, drawing from grief and bereavement research and evidence-based practices.
Have you experienced significant loss? Thank you for considering the opportunity for us to work together to navigate your grief. I am a Registered Psychologist in British Columbia and Alberta. I specialize in counselling for bereavement, loss, and grief. Particular areas of focus are: death and dying, traumatic grief, suicide bereavement, pregnancy loss, pet loss, anticipatory grief, nonfinite loss, and ecological grief. Grief is our natural response to the loss or anticipated loss of someone or something that matters to us. Surviving grief is an adaptive process of learning to live in a world that has been changed by our losses.
With specialties in grief, loss, and trauma, and depression and anxiety, my goal is to help you learn to tolerate discomfort, manage intrusive thoughts, soften overwhelming feelings, and create a sense of safety in self and in the world around you.
It's natural for us to seek safety, security and comfort; however, there are often obstacles in our way that prevent us from feeling this way. With 20 + years of experience, my practice caters to people experiencing any measure of grief, loss and trauma. Of particular interest to me is perinatal/reproductive stress and trauma, perinatal depression and anxiety, and/or parenting and relationship challenges. This could look like infertility, miscarriage, pregnancy and infant loss, traumatic birth experience, PCOS, mood instability and disorders, and other experiences. I also specialize in bereavement, and end-of-life care support.
With specialties in grief, loss, and trauma, and depression and anxiety, my goal is to help you learn to tolerate discomfort, manage intrusive thoughts, soften overwhelming feelings, and create a sense of safety in self and in the world around you.
It's natural for us to seek safety, security and comfort; however, there are often obstacles in our way that prevent us from feeling this way. With 20 + years of experience, my practice caters to people experiencing any measure of grief, loss and trauma. Of particular interest to me is perinatal/reproductive stress and trauma, perinatal depression and anxiety, and/or parenting and relationship challenges. This could look like infertility, miscarriage, pregnancy and infant loss, traumatic birth experience, PCOS, mood instability and disorders, and other experiences. I also specialize in bereavement, and end-of-life care support.
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Carla Mae Leuschen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MPA, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Victoria, BC V8V
I work with clients whom wish to push the boundaries of “normal” to uncover & deconstruct the root causes of their suffering. Many of the people that I work with are dealing with major depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, and overall frustration with the current state of society and the environment. The clients that I see often present to me with symptoms such as feeling blocked, overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, alone, and powerless in their life. I support clients to transform their pain into strength so that they can live a more fulfilled life.
I work with clients whom wish to push the boundaries of “normal” to uncover & deconstruct the root causes of their suffering. Many of the people that I work with are dealing with major depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, and overall frustration with the current state of society and the environment. The clients that I see often present to me with symptoms such as feeling blocked, overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, alone, and powerless in their life. I support clients to transform their pain into strength so that they can live a more fulfilled life.
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Registered Social Worker, I work with individuals, couples and families. I believe that each individual has the innate capacity for growth and change and an ability to heal. I am experienced and skilled at helping clients deal with grief and loss, life transitions, anxiety and depression, trauma, and relationship challenges. My compassionate and collaborative approach helps clients recognize their strengths, gain insight into the circumstances of their lives, and find new and creative solutions to their problems.
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Registered Social Worker, I work with individuals, couples and families. I believe that each individual has the innate capacity for growth and change and an ability to heal. I am experienced and skilled at helping clients deal with grief and loss, life transitions, anxiety and depression, trauma, and relationship challenges. My compassionate and collaborative approach helps clients recognize their strengths, gain insight into the circumstances of their lives, and find new and creative solutions to their problems.
During times of confusion and personal hardship it can be beneficial to have a safe harbour to seek refuge. My counselling support offers you that safe harbour. I provide an opportunity for you to explore your life and together we will chart a course to best serve you in creating a richer, more rewarding life for your future. 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. I have also spent many years supporting folks from all walks of life in reclaiming their lives from addictive patterns. It would be my privilege to support you.
During times of confusion and personal hardship it can be beneficial to have a safe harbour to seek refuge. My counselling support offers you that safe harbour. I provide an opportunity for you to explore your life and together we will chart a course to best serve you in creating a richer, more rewarding life for your future. 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. I have also spent many years supporting folks from all walks of life in reclaiming their lives from addictive patterns. It would be my privilege to support you.
Currently accepting new clients Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (in person and online)! I foster a welcoming space for people from all walks of life, find delight in diversity, and work hard to affirm the dignity of all people. Whatever it is you might want to work through, I am convinced that the first place to begin is with someone who continually chooses to see the goodness in who you are and who can help call that forth in your own life and in your own way. I specialize in trauma, PTSD, grief and loss, anxiety, life transitions and relationship counselling. I work with individuals and couples.
Currently accepting new clients Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (in person and online)! I foster a welcoming space for people from all walks of life, find delight in diversity, and work hard to affirm the dignity of all people. Whatever it is you might want to work through, I am convinced that the first place to begin is with someone who continually chooses to see the goodness in who you are and who can help call that forth in your own life and in your own way. I specialize in trauma, PTSD, grief and loss, anxiety, life transitions and relationship counselling. I work with individuals and couples.
Kara Wouters - Empowered Living Counselling
Counsellor
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Victoria, BC V8R
Have you recently lost a loved one? Are you dealing with relationship struggles? Do you feel stuck or insecure? Are you going through a difficult life transition? 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. Sessions give individuals and couples the opportunity to talk through problems and explore issues using different approaches, depending on each individual's needs. My wish is to empower couples and individuals to find fulfilment in their daily lives, even through adversity.
Have you recently lost a loved one? Are you dealing with relationship struggles? Do you feel stuck or insecure? Are you going through a difficult life transition? 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. Sessions give individuals and couples the opportunity to talk through problems and explore issues using different approaches, depending on each individual's needs. My wish is to empower couples and individuals to find fulfilment in their daily lives, even through adversity.
My family has struggled with 3 generations of addiction; I understand the pain of family dysfunction, divorce, family violence, sudden death & codependency.
With 25 yrs of experience in counselling, I'm dedicated to helping you navigate through life's toughest challenges, whether it's managing anxiety, depression, addictions, grief & loss, or trauma. I offer sessions by phone, virtual or in-person. Everyone's journey through pain & hardship is unique. Whether you have lost a loved one, faced a career setback, uncovered a family secret, experienced betrayal or are struggling with a life transition. I'm here to help you find your path forward. Together we will work to embrace your pain, & integrate it, so you can restore your spirit to find your next hopeful horizon. Keep your chin up!
My family has struggled with 3 generations of addiction; I understand the pain of family dysfunction, divorce, family violence, sudden death & codependency.
With 25 yrs of experience in counselling, I'm dedicated to helping you navigate through life's toughest challenges, whether it's managing anxiety, depression, addictions, grief & loss, or trauma. I offer sessions by phone, virtual or in-person. Everyone's journey through pain & hardship is unique. Whether you have lost a loved one, faced a career setback, uncovered a family secret, experienced betrayal or are struggling with a life transition. I'm here to help you find your path forward. Together we will work to embrace your pain, & integrate it, so you can restore your spirit to find your next hopeful horizon. Keep your chin up!
I work in grief and adjusting to changes in your lifestyle.
It is important to feel seen and understood. There are lifestyle choices that often don't get the support they need because of the stigma created around it. My lifestyle may mirror those needing that empathy and compassion, having been a serving member of the Canadian Armed Forces for 20 years, being Indigenous, LGBTQ and a single parent and belonging to several other communities which face stigmatization because of the way we live.
I work in grief and adjusting to changes in your lifestyle.
It is important to feel seen and understood. There are lifestyle choices that often don't get the support they need because of the stigma created around it. My lifestyle may mirror those needing that empathy and compassion, having been a serving member of the Canadian Armed Forces for 20 years, being Indigenous, LGBTQ and a single parent and belonging to several other communities which face stigmatization because of the way we live.
I offer support with anxiety, depression, grief, compassion fatigue/professional burnout, stress management, and personal growth.
I am a strong believer that everyone deserves to live with happiness and purpose, and enjoy supporting my clients to discover what it means to them to live a fulfilled life. Together, we can work on healthy relationships and boundary setting, self-exploration and meaning. Offering patience, kindness and empathy to all of my clients, my practice is rooted in creating a space that is non-judgmental, anti-oppressive, warm, and supportive where you feel comfortable exploring and expressing yourself freely.
I offer support with anxiety, depression, grief, compassion fatigue/professional burnout, stress management, and personal growth.
I am a strong believer that everyone deserves to live with happiness and purpose, and enjoy supporting my clients to discover what it means to them to live a fulfilled life. Together, we can work on healthy relationships and boundary setting, self-exploration and meaning. Offering patience, kindness and empathy to all of my clients, my practice is rooted in creating a space that is non-judgmental, anti-oppressive, warm, and supportive where you feel comfortable exploring and expressing yourself freely.
My focus is to support you to build inner safety so you can embody your power and essence. I work with clients from a wide range of backgrounds, and focus on highly sensitive and sensitized individuals. The challenges I work with include emotional (terror, anger, shame), grief & loss, nervous system patterns, relationships, anxiety, depression, self-worth, and spiritual. I support clients to expand their capacity for self-regulation to come to embodied safety. From there, I support clients to process core wounds, unmet needs, and survival patterns to build their resilience and come home to their bodies, themselves, and their lives.
My focus is to support you to build inner safety so you can embody your power and essence. I work with clients from a wide range of backgrounds, and focus on highly sensitive and sensitized individuals. The challenges I work with include emotional (terror, anger, shame), grief & loss, nervous system patterns, relationships, anxiety, depression, self-worth, and spiritual. I support clients to expand their capacity for self-regulation to come to embodied safety. From there, I support clients to process core wounds, unmet needs, and survival patterns to build their resilience and come home to their bodies, themselves, and their lives.
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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.