Grief Therapists in V8V
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.
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.
Queer and Trans friendly and accepting new clients! I'm a Registered Clinical Counsellor and 5th generation settler on the unceded Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ territories. I received my masters in counselling psychology from UVic and I focus on working with those who want support with Grief and Loss, Trauma, Gender Affirming Care, Anxiety, Depression, 2Slgbtqia+ Identity, Relationships, Self-Compassion, Perfectionism, and more. If you want a compassionate, feminist counsellor, read on!
Queer and Trans friendly and accepting new clients! I'm a Registered Clinical Counsellor and 5th generation settler on the unceded Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ territories. I received my masters in counselling psychology from UVic and I focus on working with those who want support with Grief and Loss, Trauma, Gender Affirming Care, Anxiety, Depression, 2Slgbtqia+ Identity, Relationships, Self-Compassion, Perfectionism, and more. If you want a compassionate, feminist counsellor, read on!
Charis Santiago
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Victoria, BC V8V
Waitlist for new clients
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, issues with family, play therapy, addiction and mood disorders.
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, issues with family, play therapy, addiction and mood disorders.
My areas of experience include belonging, body positivity, disability, dreams, ecological distress, eco-spirituality, embodiment, end of life, gender affirming care, grief, hormone readiness, identity, illness, injury, inner conflict, loss, meaning, polyamory, purpose, queerness, selective mutism, sensory sensitivity, and sexuality.
I am a Nature Guided Focusing Oriented Therapist and Canadian Certified Counsellor with a Masters of Education in Disability Studies. I offer embodied, experiential and playful forms of counselling in person with individuals of all ages - from toddler to elder - who are navigating grief, loss and major life transition due to death, disability, illness, injury, gender identity, social injustice, and sexuality. At Hearth Place you can experience and explore the following modalities: Embodied Dream Exploration, Equine Facilitated Wellness, Focusing Oriented Therapy, Nature Guided Eco-Therapy, Sandplay Therapy & Clay Field Therapy.
My areas of experience include belonging, body positivity, disability, dreams, ecological distress, eco-spirituality, embodiment, end of life, gender affirming care, grief, hormone readiness, identity, illness, injury, inner conflict, loss, meaning, polyamory, purpose, queerness, selective mutism, sensory sensitivity, and sexuality.
I am a Nature Guided Focusing Oriented Therapist and Canadian Certified Counsellor with a Masters of Education in Disability Studies. I offer embodied, experiential and playful forms of counselling in person with individuals of all ages - from toddler to elder - who are navigating grief, loss and major life transition due to death, disability, illness, injury, gender identity, social injustice, and sexuality. At Hearth Place you can experience and explore the following modalities: Embodied Dream Exploration, Equine Facilitated Wellness, Focusing Oriented Therapy, Nature Guided Eco-Therapy, Sandplay Therapy & Clay Field Therapy.
Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, grief/ loss or relationship challenges, I can help you learn more about what fuels this struggle and what you can do about it.
We all face challenges in our lives and get stuck at times - that's just a part of being human. I believe in your ability to make the changes in your life that will help you get unstuck and am here to support and guide you in this process. Through compassionate listening, gentle encouragement, and a process of collaboration, I can help you create a more peaceful, fulfilling and meaningful life. My services are confidential, respectful of your unique life experiences, and tailored to suit your individual needs.
Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, grief/ loss or relationship challenges, I can help you learn more about what fuels this struggle and what you can do about it.
We all face challenges in our lives and get stuck at times - that's just a part of being human. I believe in your ability to make the changes in your life that will help you get unstuck and am here to support and guide you in this process. Through compassionate listening, gentle encouragement, and a process of collaboration, I can help you create a more peaceful, fulfilling and meaningful life. My services are confidential, respectful of your unique life experiences, and tailored to suit your individual needs.
As a clinical counsellor, specialized in neuropsychology (CBT and DBT), family and couple counselling (systemic therapy) I have helped patients with severe trauma, depression, anxiety and providing coping skills for difficult and painful situations such as divorce, grief, victims of crime, addictions, family and couple conflicts.
“Healing Begins With a Single Step Towards Self-Discovery.” Have you felt hopeless, sad, empty, with many problems and no-solutions? It is ok to ask for help.
As a clinical counsellor, specialized in neuropsychology (CBT and DBT), family and couple counselling (systemic therapy) I have helped patients with severe trauma, depression, anxiety and providing coping skills for difficult and painful situations such as divorce, grief, victims of crime, addictions, family and couple conflicts.
“Healing Begins With a Single Step Towards Self-Discovery.” Have you felt hopeless, sad, empty, with many problems and no-solutions? It is ok to ask for help.
In particular, my practice is highly influenced by these major approaches: CBT, Mindfulness, Solutions Focused Models, Holistic Approaches, and The Complicated Grief Model.
Accepting New Clients- Trauma informed, compassionate and mindful counselling for trauma, depression, anxiety, and more. Is the cycle of depression or trauma leaving you feeling hopeless and lost? Is your anxiety limiting your life and causing you to suffer? I offer help and support for these issues and much more. With the use of many treatment approach options, my practice is effective, holistic, warm and collaborative. It takes courage to break free from this cycle and to ask for help. Together we can work towards improving your life in endless ways, resulting in a more meaningful, peaceful, and fulfilling life!
In particular, my practice is highly influenced by these major approaches: CBT, Mindfulness, Solutions Focused Models, Holistic Approaches, and The Complicated Grief Model.
Accepting New Clients- Trauma informed, compassionate and mindful counselling for trauma, depression, anxiety, and more. Is the cycle of depression or trauma leaving you feeling hopeless and lost? Is your anxiety limiting your life and causing you to suffer? I offer help and support for these issues and much more. With the use of many treatment approach options, my practice is effective, holistic, warm and collaborative. It takes courage to break free from this cycle and to ask for help. Together we can work towards improving your life in endless ways, resulting in a more meaningful, peaceful, and fulfilling life!
Interested in Feminist Therapy? Hi, I am a queer and nonbinary Registered Clinical Counsellor and settler on Lekwungen Territory and I offer anti-oppressive support for complex trauma and PTSD, Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ experiences, relationships, grief, neurodivergence, and more. If you want to learn how to process emotions, move forward from past experiences, and live more authentically, we might be a good team! My clinic welcomes Trans clients, sex workers, folks practicing enm and poly, and we are kink-aware.
Interested in Feminist Therapy? Hi, I am a queer and nonbinary Registered Clinical Counsellor and settler on Lekwungen Territory and I offer anti-oppressive support for complex trauma and PTSD, Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ experiences, relationships, grief, neurodivergence, and more. If you want to learn how to process emotions, move forward from past experiences, and live more authentically, we might be a good team! My clinic welcomes Trans clients, sex workers, folks practicing enm and poly, and we are kink-aware.
My focus is working with adults in the areas of ADHD, anxiety, self-worth, body image, self-compassion, perfectionism, depression, interpersonal dynamics, grief & loss, relationships, and trauma.
I work to help clients gain a better understanding of their experiences and inherent worth. Together, we address their identified goals, reflect on and process experiences that may have been traumatic, challenge negative self-beliefs, and foster self-compassion. I strive to recognize intersectional factors that may impact client's, such as culture, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender identity, sexuality, disability, age, etc. I am passionate about creating safer spaces for all communities, bodies, and backgrounds.
My focus is working with adults in the areas of ADHD, anxiety, self-worth, body image, self-compassion, perfectionism, depression, interpersonal dynamics, grief & loss, relationships, and trauma.
I work to help clients gain a better understanding of their experiences and inherent worth. Together, we address their identified goals, reflect on and process experiences that may have been traumatic, challenge negative self-beliefs, and foster self-compassion. I strive to recognize intersectional factors that may impact client's, such as culture, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender identity, sexuality, disability, age, etc. I am passionate about creating safer spaces for all communities, bodies, and backgrounds.
I work with a range of issues, including life transitions, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, loss and grief. I often see people who feel limited by prescribed social roles, norms and expectations. They want to break free from these constraints and live a life that fully reflects who they are. In therapy, we work together to uncover my clients' longings and desires, reconnecting them with their true nature.
I work with a range of issues, including life transitions, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, loss and grief. I often see people who feel limited by prescribed social roles, norms and expectations. They want to break free from these constraints and live a life that fully reflects who they are. In therapy, we work together to uncover my clients' longings and desires, reconnecting them with their true nature.
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Accepting new clients. Are you experiencing anxiety, and/or depression? Life can be challenging, it can get messy and complicated leaving us feeling vulnerable, confused, and disconnected, our self-esteem suffers and our happiness and well-being become elusive. Life then just becomes one big struggle. With empathy and respect, I work from a trauma-informed, person-centered perspective. This means I recognize that you are the expert on your own experiences and worldview and understand that you just need support and guidance to figure it out.
If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem and boundaries, grief/ loss, existentialism, anger, a life transition, relationship issues, stress, narcissistic relationship, or communication problems together we can create a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore and clarify your feelings, thoughts, behaviours and relationships.
Accepting new clients. Are you experiencing anxiety, and/or depression? Life can be challenging, it can get messy and complicated leaving us feeling vulnerable, confused, and disconnected, our self-esteem suffers and our happiness and well-being become elusive. Life then just becomes one big struggle. With empathy and respect, I work from a trauma-informed, person-centered perspective. This means I recognize that you are the expert on your own experiences and worldview and understand that you just need support and guidance to figure it out.
Lucia Simoncicova
Counsellor, MA, RCC, RCAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Victoria, BC V8V (Online Only)
Therapeutic modalities: Attachment-based therapies, Emotion-Focused Family Therapy and other Family Systems approaches, Art and Play therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural therapy, Grief Recovery Method, Interpersonal therapy, Trauma-Informed Approach, and Polyvagal Theory in Therapy.
Lucia Simoncicova, MA, is a Clinical Counsellor registered with BCACC. She is a Registered Art Therapist with CATA. Lucia has offered counselling in community mental health centres and in her private practice. She is passionate about working with adults, caregivers, children and teenagers. She offers treatment for a variety of concerns including emotional regulation, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, learning issues, trauma, and relationship issues. Lucia’s specialty is working with highly sensitive persons of any age. She enjoys offering support to carers via parental consultations.
Therapeutic modalities: Attachment-based therapies, Emotion-Focused Family Therapy and other Family Systems approaches, Art and Play therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural therapy, Grief Recovery Method, Interpersonal therapy, Trauma-Informed Approach, and Polyvagal Theory in Therapy.
Lucia Simoncicova, MA, is a Clinical Counsellor registered with BCACC. She is a Registered Art Therapist with CATA. Lucia has offered counselling in community mental health centres and in her private practice. She is passionate about working with adults, caregivers, children and teenagers. She offers treatment for a variety of concerns including emotional regulation, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, learning issues, trauma, and relationship issues. Lucia’s specialty is working with highly sensitive persons of any age. She enjoys offering support to carers via parental consultations.
Heather’s experience stems from her work with survivors of abuse and trauma. She has had the honour of walking alongside children, adolescents, adults, and families as they navigate challenges arising from all forms of violence including depression, anxiety, grief, PTSD, OCD, self-injury, attachment trauma, addiction, emotion dysregulation, and other concurrent mental health conditions. She views wellbeing from a systemic and intersectional feminist lens, helping clients make sense of their concerns in a way that reduces self-blame and encourages self-efficacy.
Heather’s experience stems from her work with survivors of abuse and trauma. She has had the honour of walking alongside children, adolescents, adults, and families as they navigate challenges arising from all forms of violence including depression, anxiety, grief, PTSD, OCD, self-injury, attachment trauma, addiction, emotion dysregulation, and other concurrent mental health conditions. She views wellbeing from a systemic and intersectional feminist lens, helping clients make sense of their concerns in a way that reduces self-blame and encourages self-efficacy.
Cynthia Provost -Specializing In Women's Hormonal Changes
Art Therapist, BA, RTC, DKATI
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Victoria, BC V8V (Online Only)
Hi, I’m Cynthia, an art therapist dedicated to guiding you through life’s challenges with creative expression. I specialize in women’s hormonal health, including PMDD, pre natal and postpartum, menopausal issues, and teen girls' hormonal changes. I also address anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, and PTSD. My approach combines traditional therapy with artistic techniques to create a personalized path to healing. I provide a nurturing space to explore and express difficult emotions, supporting deeper self-discovery and transformation.
Hi, I’m Cynthia, an art therapist dedicated to guiding you through life’s challenges with creative expression. I specialize in women’s hormonal health, including PMDD, pre natal and postpartum, menopausal issues, and teen girls' hormonal changes. I also address anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, and PTSD. My approach combines traditional therapy with artistic techniques to create a personalized path to healing. I provide a nurturing space to explore and express difficult emotions, supporting deeper self-discovery and transformation.
I help adults (18+) move closer to the version of themselves they like best. Working collaboratively, and with sensitivity to ways that systems impact individuals, I trust you will feel accompanied as we move through the curiosities or difficulties that brought you to seek counselling. This work may include the roles experiences and adaptations have played in your unique circumstances, values identification, understanding your nervous system, moving through transitions or grief, developing greater discernment, confidence, & self-respect, being able to choose responses, set boundaries, develop skills, increase compassion, and more.
I help adults (18+) move closer to the version of themselves they like best. Working collaboratively, and with sensitivity to ways that systems impact individuals, I trust you will feel accompanied as we move through the curiosities or difficulties that brought you to seek counselling. This work may include the roles experiences and adaptations have played in your unique circumstances, values identification, understanding your nervous system, moving through transitions or grief, developing greater discernment, confidence, & self-respect, being able to choose responses, set boundaries, develop skills, increase compassion, and more.
Angelina McOuat
Pre-Licensed Professional, BRM, CNP, MA, CCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Victoria, BC V8V (Online Only)
My areas of interest include anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and providing people with support related to the damaging impacts of social media.
I aim to support your healing journey by providing a safe therapeutic environment along with a gentle and empathetic approach that is centred on collaboration. I believe in a holistic approach of exploring the whole person and acknowledging that everyone is unique. Understanding that one size does not fit all, I use an integrative approach to empower and help my clients.
My areas of interest include anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and providing people with support related to the damaging impacts of social media.
I aim to support your healing journey by providing a safe therapeutic environment along with a gentle and empathetic approach that is centred on collaboration. I believe in a holistic approach of exploring the whole person and acknowledging that everyone is unique. Understanding that one size does not fit all, I use an integrative approach to empower and help my clients.
Jacqueline MacLennan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW, BEd
Verified Verified
Victoria, BC V8V
If you struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions or family conflict I can help.
Are you managing increased levels stress & anxiety? Let's work together to alleviate your symptoms while incorporating new ways of managing and thriving. I have been providing counselling support services for 25 plus years and am a skilled psychotherapist. I hold degrees in Social Work & Education. I am a member of the BC College of Social Work & the BCTF. Protecting the public is paramount to the BCCSW. MSW RSW's must adhere to the highest ethical standards governing clinical social work practice with annual reviews. Finding the right therapist is life changing!
If you struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions or family conflict I can help.
Are you managing increased levels stress & anxiety? Let's work together to alleviate your symptoms while incorporating new ways of managing and thriving. I have been providing counselling support services for 25 plus years and am a skilled psychotherapist. I hold degrees in Social Work & Education. I am a member of the BC College of Social Work & the BCTF. Protecting the public is paramount to the BCCSW. MSW RSW's must adhere to the highest ethical standards governing clinical social work practice with annual reviews. Finding the right therapist is life changing!
I help clients seek balance and understanding in their lives. I specialize in working with individual adults that are struggling with anxiety, anger management, communication skills, grief, loss, self-esteem, nutrition, trauma and relationships.
I help clients seek balance and understanding in their lives. I specialize in working with individual adults that are struggling with anxiety, anger management, communication skills, grief, loss, self-esteem, nutrition, trauma and relationships.
By integrating various evidence based interventions, I support adolescents and adults to heal from eating disorders, body image struggles, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, OCD, over controlled tendencies, and relational issues.
Are you feeling filled with self-doubt, not living your life to the fullest, or like you can’t turn off your thoughts? Are you finding it difficult to cope with life or relationships and feel out of balance or disconnected? Perhaps you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed with aspects of your life. Feeling weighed down by stress, fear, self-criticism, sadness or pain. Maybe you are looking for support to find ways and strategies to manage your emotions, to become more in tune with yourself, to find your compassionate voice and to cope with stress so you feel empowered to challenge negative self-beliefs and take back control of your life.
By integrating various evidence based interventions, I support adolescents and adults to heal from eating disorders, body image struggles, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, OCD, over controlled tendencies, and relational issues.
Are you feeling filled with self-doubt, not living your life to the fullest, or like you can’t turn off your thoughts? Are you finding it difficult to cope with life or relationships and feel out of balance or disconnected? Perhaps you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed with aspects of your life. Feeling weighed down by stress, fear, self-criticism, sadness or pain. Maybe you are looking for support to find ways and strategies to manage your emotions, to become more in tune with yourself, to find your compassionate voice and to cope with stress so you feel empowered to challenge negative self-beliefs and take back control of your life.
See more therapy options for V8V
Grief Counsellors
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.