Grief and Loss - General, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Relational Psychotherapy

Grief and Loss - General, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

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.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is an anxiety disorder that usually starts within the three months of a traumatic incident. It has been reported that in rare cases, PTSD symptoms may only occur after a number of years.

Three groups of symptoms are present in people with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Increased anxiety / emotional arousal includes anger or irritability, overwhelming shame or guilt, sleeplessness and self-destructive behaviour. The second group of symptoms, known as intrusive memories, causes flashbacks to the traumatic event and upsetting dreams. The third group of symptoms that a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder patient may experience, includes emotional numbing or avoidance. This group of symptoms includes memory problems, poor concentration, feeling emotionally numb, a sense of hopelessness, and an avoidance of activities that the person used to find enjoyable.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms may be present for a while, disappear and then return again. General stress may increase the symptoms, as can reminders of the traumatic incident.

Therapists who address  Post Traumatic Stress Disorder generally use one, or a combination of trauma therapies to treat it. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is commonly used and can help a person to change their reactions to traumatic memories.

Exposure therapy can help a person reduce the amount of fear related to the feelings and thoughts associated with past traumatic events. Cognitive therapy helps a person to change the way he or she thinks about the event and the aftermath of a traumatic incident. It will help a person to identify thoughts that cause fear and anger, and learn ways to replace those thoughts with less stressful and more empowering thoughts.

If you are looking for a counsellor or psychologist who offers Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and related issues you may want to search the directory to find a professional whose approach will suit you best.

Relational Psychotherapy

Relational Psychotherapy assesses a client's psychic formation, which is the source of a person's interpersonal relationships and conflicts. A common therapy, Relational Psychotherapy focuses on the client's connection to other people.

When clients present with interpersonal relational distress, emotional or psychological issues, or chronic suffering, Relational Psychotherapy can be applied to help a person build and maintain emotionally  satisfying relationships. An atmosphere that provides attentiveness and empathy will help the client commit to full disclosure of events and experiences.

A stronger sense of self confidence will arm the client with the tools and skills needed to create healthy, productive relationships with other people.

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

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

Renee Bartkiewicz

M.A., RCC
  Renee Bartkiewicz is both a Registered Clinical Counsellor and an Art Therapist. In her inclusive, creative, and collaborative practice, she sees individuals that present with a variety of  issues... Read more

Danielle Bowersock

M.A., RCC
    • Blog on profile
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor, I can help if you are stressed, anxious or depressed. At their extreme, anxiety and depression can be crippling, making you feel hopeless. Life becomes a struggle and your... Read more

Michael Boyle

M.S.W., RSW
I am a graduate of the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary. I am a Registered Social Worker with the British Columbia College of Social Workers. My counselling experience is in the area of... Read more

Kathleen Cain

M.Couns., RCC
Life can be really hard sometimes, for a lot of different reasons. And sometimes, what makes it even harder, is feeling alone in it. This can make us feel confused, hurt, angry, anxious, depressed, isolated, overwhelmed... Read more

Lynn Cameron

M.A., RCC
For over 25 years I have counselled individuals for a wide variety of difficulties including anxiety, depression, trauma, complex trauma, addictions, stress and bereavement to name a few.   I hold a Masters... Read more

Sarah Corrin

M.A., RCC
Somatic Psychotherapy: Resolution and Transformation of Trauma by listening to the Wisdom of our Bodies - Reclaiming Wellbeing, Vitality and Joy   It takes courage to explore one’s inner world... Read more

Eva DeHaas

Ph.D., R.Psych
Dr. Eva DeHaas, Registered Psychologist (#2074) Eva brings warmth, compassion, and self-awareness to the therapy room. She draws from a broad skill set ranging from shorter term, skill based interventions to more in-... Read more

Lorill Drummund

M.Ed., RCC
    • In-Person Sessions
    • Article(s) on profile
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#0921) working in BC since 1994 as a therapist, group facilitator, and instructor. My primary focus is working with couples to break through their ... Read more

Joanne Duma

Ed.D., R.Psych
Dr. Duma is a registered psychologist who completed her Doctorate in Counselling Psychology at the University of Toronto. She has extensive experience treating a wide variety of clinical issues including:... Read more

Deborrah Dunne

Ph.D., RCC
The decision to go for counselling often arises in the face of crisis and overwhelm. It can also come about because we are tired of dragging our issues along with us through days, weeks, months and even years. My goal... Read more

Carly Goodfellow

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
*I am pleased to offer online Videoconferencing for counselling and hypnotherapy appointments.* You are not alone. Are you struggling with your feelings day after day? Do you feel life is harder that it... Read more

Pam Hirakata

Ph.D., R.Psych
**EXPANDING PRACTICE; ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS** Pam received her Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology at the University of British Columbia and has over 20 years of experience supporting individuals through a variety... Read more

Norma Hoeppner

M.S.W., RSW
In private practice since 2007, Norma has been a dynamic clinical therapist across diverse health settings since 1989. Currently she practices with Clear Counselling Inc. in Vancouver, as well as an office through... 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

Youki Kato

M.A., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology and a certified Expressive Arts Therapist. I have expertise in helping people who have experienced Domestic Violence or are... Read more

Joelle Lazar

M.A., RCC
I love my work, and am passionate about helping people have more joy and fulfillment in their lives and relationships! I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with extensive training and experience providing... Read more

Delyse Ledgard

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Article(s) on profile
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
To be understood, seen, feel the comfort of another’s presence is the heart of therapy.  With over 30 years of experience, I have encountered and worked with people from all walks of life helping... Read more

Paulo Matos

Ph.D., R.Psych
I am a Registered Psychologist with a combined 25+ years of education and experience in psychotherapy. I have extensive experience helping with diverse concerns including anxiety, depression, grief/loss, and life... Read more

Lisa McLellan

M.A., RCC
If you are looking for a practically based down-to-earth counsellor with over 30 years of experience in helping others,  you have arrived at the right place. Making the decision to enter into counselling ... Read more

Lorne Pierce

M.A., R.Psych
    • Online booking
I have been in private practice since 1999 providing counselling services to individuals, couples and familes. I have over 20 years experience in the helping professions in both government (federal and provincial)... Read more

Amy Rappaport

M.S.W., RCC
Welcome! I work with people experiencing a variety of life transitions and life struggles.  A stressful life event, life change, or a recent loss can make it feel like your bottom has fallen out from under... Read more
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
Feeling lost, misunderstood, stuck? I have been there. Besides being an experienced therapist, I am also a child of divorce, immigrant, wife, and mother. My own healing journey and continuing professional... Read more

Stephenie Torpey

M.C., R.Psych
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
We all have the potential to make meaningful changes to build a life worth living well.  I have specialized training in helping adults with various concerns such as trauma/PTSD, anxiety (general, social, panic... Read more

Lisa Yeates

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Do you feel hooked by painful thoughts, emotions, and behaviours that pull you away from the person you want to be? Work with me to explore how to live life with meaning, to move on from the past and build skills to... Read more