Grief and Loss - General Family Systems

Grief and Loss - General

Grief is a natural part of dealing with the loss of a loved one, or a situation, or a way in which we see ourselves. Loss requires that we change the way things used to be and find a new way to restructure our lives accordingly. It's common for people to fear change, particularly if a part of us, or a person we loved deeply, is no longer there. It leaves a gap that has to be filled, but nothing can replace the person who has left us behind.

People deal with loss in many different ways, but the desired end result is the same - trying to piece together the puzzle to the best of our ability, without the missing piece. We also go through the various stages of grief at varying speeds and intensities. Dealing with all the emotions that form part of grief is what makes support so very important.

Time is of the essence during the grieving period, and something we sometimes tend to rush. That's why it's so useful to speak to a therapist who does grief counselling during this time.

A therapist will help you understand that what you are feeling is completely normal and even expected. Medical professionals are aware of the wide range of natural responses to grief and loss and are generally reluctant to diagnose mental illness while a person is in a period of bereavement. However, if depression is present, medication is likely to be prescribed.

Grief therapy will help you to accept the loss and be able to talk about it without breaking down. You will learn to identify and express your emotions regarding the loss and learn to make decisions without your loved one.

If you are looking for a counsellor or psychologist does grief counselling to address your grief and loss you may want to search the directory to find a professional whose approach will suit you best.

Family Systems, Spiritual Counselling

Family Systems therapy is a type of counselling specific to helping interpersonal relationships within a family system. Family Systems counselling is facilitated by marriage and family therapists who work with the various family combinations, including siblings, couples, parent and child, or step families.

The principle of family systems counselling is to help each individual to first learn to understand his or her own emotions, and how to manage interpersonal relationships effectively, as that influences all future relationships. Once family members understand themselves and the emotional system within the family, it is easier to be flexible in relationships with family  members, marriages, community, school and other relationships.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Family Systems Therapies, please browse our list of practitioners below..

Spiritual Counselling incorporates the different uses and understandings of spirituality that are in use today. In Spiritual Counselling, the word spirit refers to the essence of living.

Some people see spirituality as a set of rituals or traditions, while others follow a different faith. These beliefs are handed down from previous generations, or in some cases, people are drawn to a religion.

Spiritual Counselling encompasses all of that, as well as a person's personal well-being and that of other people. It incorporates beliefs, values, associations, arts, culture, worship, meditation and purpose. Therapists use Spiritual Counselling to help clients to connect with their own spiritual beliefs and communities. They will also point out issues where spiritual beliefs, relationships or practices might be contradicting values, beliefs or goals.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Spiritual Counselling, please browse our list of practitioners below..

Note: You may narrow your search by selecting more than one filter below.

Robert Phillips

MC, RCC
How long will this last? Am I doomed to feel like this forever? It’s possible that you may be asking these questions. You might also be feeling alone - like no one else truly understands what you’re going... Read more

Shelley Foster

M.A., RCC
Unique Family Coaching, Customized Individual Counselling and Online Consultation. Are you a family with teenagers looking for help?  Need something to change. Feel like you can no longer communicate or trust... Read more

Mary Smyth

M.Sc., CCC
    • Video on profile
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
I am a Certified Canadian Counsellor and I trained as an Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist which enables me to work with clients drawing from  many modalities according to the individual client and what he... Read more

Tanya Dang

M.Ed., CCC
Tanya is a Canadian Certified Counsellor and holds a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Victoria. Her focus has been working with youth and adults to face their fears and to find direction... Read more

Mafe Boucher

MCP, RCC
Hello! My name is Mafe Boucher, and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor who sees clients at the Skylark office located in Vancouver, BC.  My past experience has focused primarily on working with emerging... Read more

Jess Holtslander

M.S.W., RCC
    • Online booking
We are all human and, as humans, we all experience loss and change. With any loss or life change comes conflicting emotions. Grief, or conflicting emotions, can result from losing a loved one, losing a pet, changing... Read more

Shari Allen

MC, RCC
You may have questions about: relationships e.g., How can my partner and I communicate better? identity formation and the future e.g., Who am I?; What should I do with my life? how to find ways... Read more

David Zhang

M.C., RCC
MC, R.C.C. (#19056). ICBC Direct billing. Sometimes we’ve been wounded. We are bitter and end up in hard places. We are in relationships that have grown painful, disappointing, even hopeless. It seems... Read more

Natalie Hansen

M.A., RCC
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
Walking with you through life's challenges Natalie is a caring and competent Individual and Couples Therapist in Uptown New Westminster. With over 17 years of counselling experience and a Master... Read more

Raheel Rahman

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
  Raheel Rahman is committed to providing compassion and support to help you through many life issues.   RAHEEL RAHMAN CAN HELP YOU WITH: Anxiety in adults and children Depression in adults... Read more

Maxfield Krauss

M.Couns., RCC
Hello! I’m Max, I’m a counsellor with a generalist focus who works from an existential lens. Your mental health is important to me, and I want for us to work together to help you experience relief from what... Read more

Alita Dommann

M.D., RCC
Alita is an Adlerian Psychotherapist providing Individual and Couples Counselling. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Canadian Certified Counsellor, and Adler University Alumni. After working as a medical... Read more

Anna Nicol

M.Couns., RCC
    • Online booking
Hi, my name is Anna! I'm a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BCACC, and I have worked with a wide range of client presenting concerns, including acute, chronic, and complex trauma, depression... Read more

Joy Hung

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Is stress getting you down? Would you like to have healthier and more meaningful relationships? Are you tired of being limited by feelings of depression or anxiety? You probably found your way here because you... Read more

Daniel Kelly

MCP, RCC
My approach to therapy is unique to the problems, strengths, and experiences of each individual person. My approach is based on increasing our awareness of sensations in the body and gaining insight into the... Read more

Monique Wong

M.Ed., RCC
No one needs to be alone and feel isolated during difficult times. Let’s have a conversation to work together to explore and practice different coping strategies and get the support you need.  Monique is a... Read more

Kate Gustin

Ph.D., R.Psych
As a registered psychologist, I have helped hundreds of people over the past 25 years heal emotional wounds and recover peace of mind. If you're finding that your daily mood and quality of life are being... Read more

Sofia Daulat

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Life experiences can leave us feeling stressed, anxious, inadequate and even hopeless. At times we feel lost, as we struggle to navigate the pain and discomfort we are feeling and may be unsure of how to take steps... Read more

Nicklas Ehrlich

M.S.W., RCC
I help you get to the root of your problems, train your brain to be more resilient, overwrite unwanted default programming, and finally feel equipped to live a balanced and optimal life. 95% of your thoughts and... Read more

Bonny Yung

M.C., RCC
Are you in a season of struggle and looking for clarity and support to help you move through difficulty? Perhaps you have reached your tipping point, feel isolated and alone, unsure of yourself, struggle with self-... Read more

Chris Nicol

M.A., RCC
I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Talk Therapist with over 12 years of lived experience in addiction, over 20 years of professional experience, and I offer telephone-based and online individual therapy... Read more

Grant McMahon

M.C., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC # 11135) and psychotherapist working in Vancouver.  I can help you if you are struggling with low mood, depression, anxiety/panic, or problems in your marriage or intimate... Read more

Sean Scott

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
If you are reading this, it means you might be considering counselling. I am excited for you! But first, it is important to find a counsellor you think you’ll fit with. So here is a bit about me and my experience... Read more

Karianne Axford

Ph.D., R.Psych
Dr. Karianne Axford and Associates is currently offering online/virtual/video counselling during COVID-19. Dr. Axford has over two decades of experience providing counselling and... Read more

Ariel Dumais

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor. I provide in-person counselling in Chilliwack and secure online counselling to people throughout BC. I have completed a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology and am... Read more

Ryan Schebek

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
If you are reading this, then you have taken the first courageous step in a long journey of healing and self-discovery… Or maybe this journey began long ago, but now you are looking for a new direction. As a... Read more

Ksenia Belova

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I work with people desiring stronger, deeper and more fulfilling relationships with themselves, and with other people. If you're struggling to feel well and to live the life you want, you may feel cut off from your... Read more

Benjamin George

M.Sc., RCC
    • Online booking
I believe that we're all scared little kids in adult bodies. And that we all are pursuing safety, not happiness. Growing up, most of us never experienced emotional safety and we've been in survival mode ever... Read more

Jess Lenihan

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
People often come to see me to discuss problems related to depression, anxiety, climate anxiety, life transitions, grief, and parenting. My practice is narrative, gender affirming, neurodiversity affirming, anti-... Read more

Joelle Sherman

M.Couns., RCC
    • Online booking
Hello and welcome! My name is Joelle. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and owner of Enaction Counselling in the Comox Valley. I believe everyone has the innate wisdom and ability to heal... Read more