Grief and Loss - General Somatic Approaches

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.

Somatic Approaches

Somatic approaches to therapy recognize the mind-body connection and focus on addressing psychological issues through bodily experiences. By incorporating techniques such as body awareness, breathwork, and sometines movement, these approaches help individuals access and process stored emotions and trauma. This value lies in their ability to foster self-awareness, emotional regulation, and healing.  Some therapies like "somatic experiencing" require specialized training and certification.  Please ask your therapist whether he/she has sprecialize training and in which approaches.

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

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

Cordelia Mejin

M.A., RCC
Are you struggling with how to go on living in the wake of a loss? Does the pain of losing your person continue to have significant impact on your life and you are at a loss as to how to process the deep pain? Are you... Read more

Paul Bains

M.A., RCC
Paul Bains, B.Sc., M.A., RCC is a Registered Clinical Counsellor. He has over 25 years experience working with couples, families, children, adolescents and individual adults. Benefits you may gain or learn... Read more

Jennifer Scott

M.A., RCC
    • Article(s) on profile
Please note I am now offering virtual counselling by phone or video as well as in-person counselling. Many clients have found virtual counselling just as effective as in-person counselling. I welcome you to give it... Read more

Joan Dosso

M.Couns., RCC
    • Online booking
Everyone is unique in how they process life challenges and make meaning of them. Talk therapy is great for some people and issues, but I also offer play therapy, sand tray, clay work, art and writing to clients of all... Read more
    • Online booking
Simone is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with over 5 years of experience working with clients from varying populations and backgrounds including members of LGBTQ2SIA+, BIPOC, and neurodivergent communities. Simone... Read more

Pam Vickram

M.S.W., RSW
If you are struggling with mental health, family issues, trauma, self-esteem or simply wanting to engage in the therapeutic process, I look forward to working with you. I support individuals and couples to navigate a... Read more

Utku Ucay

M.Sc., RCC
    • Online booking
Life’s hardships can break us into pieces. We may feel like we want to throw in the towel. We might lose our confidence in ourselves. We might be oppressed, feeling depressed. We might feel lonely. We might be... 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

Graham Butler

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
Life is filled with challenges, both visible and hidden, that can impede our growth and fulfillment in life. Whether internal or external, anchored in the past, present or future, these challenges can burden us with... 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

Emma Wilson

M.S.W., RCC
    • Online booking
It is in the darkest times that we can discover incredible strength within ourselves. I hold a passion for helping clients navigate challenges in their life, while supporting a sense of safety in the therapy environment... Read more

Andrew Herfst

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
*I provide an Online / Telephone counselling option* I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian... Read more

Nina Hopmeier

M.Couns., RCC
    • Video on profile
Have you been feeling overwhelmed lately by your emotions and life’s demands? Do you sometimes feel like you have exhausted your coping resources and are stuck with where you are? It’s so easy to let these... Read more

John Wagner

Ph.D., R.Psych
Dr. Wagner is a registered psychologist in British Columbia and Director of the DBT Centre of Vancouver. Dr. Wagner assists adolescent and adult client's struggling with a variety of problems including depression... Read more

Glenda Wallace

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
Do you want to change the patterns in your important relationships?  Do you seek more balance in your life?  Do you need a safe place to be heard?  Through our conversations, you will broaden your... Read more

Swarn Hardy

M.A., RCC
Swarn Hardy is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who sees clients by landline telephone or Zoom. Are you feeling overwhelmed with life? Are your normal ways of coping with stress just not working for... Read more

Julie Burk

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Julie is a Registered Social Worker (13631) who after working with high risk youth for many years, obtained her Masters in Social Work and immediately began working doing clinical social work with palliative and... Read more

Ned Baess

Psy.D., R.Psych
Dr. Ned Baess was awarded his doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the Adler School of Professional Psychology, Chicago, in 2003.  He was clinically trained at the Royal Jubilee Hospital (RJH) and... Read more

Carly Dobson

M.A., RCC
Carly is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) as well as a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) and she holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. Emphasizing a counselling approach that integrates the concepts... 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

Heather Gretton

Ph.D., R.Psych
Sorry, Dr. Gretton is currently not accepting new clients. My virtual office is open with Telepsychology/Video/Online Options during COVID-19.  Please contact me for more information about my general... Read more

Jeff Ross

M.A., RCC
 Feel good about the possibilities that life has to offer. Are you seeing life clearly? Do you tell your family and friends “I’m fine” even though you know you are not? Do you feel... Read more
I work with adults who are trying to find ways to cope with depression, anxiety and past traumatic experiences. Finding a way through feelings of hopelessness, sadness and worry is exhausting and often isolating. It can... Read more

Gretal Montgomery

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Gretal provides phone and video/virtual counselling to clients across British Columbia. She offers individual counselling to youth (12+) and adults. She identifies as a culturally responsive counsellor for BIPOC... 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

John Boland

M.Ed., CCC
John Boland has been a counsellor/psychotherapist for 40 years and brings to his practice a wealth of experience in the areas of individual and couples therapy as well as many years working with children and youth. He... Read more

Annette Kasahara

M.Ed., RCC
As a Coach and Therapist Annette Kasahara provides a safe environment of acceptance and encouragement to allow clients to achieve their goals at a pace they determine. Her commitment is to assist clients to recognize... Read more

Shelley Gordon

M.S.W., RCC
    • Article(s) on profile
Shelley Gordon has been an Imago Relationship Therapist since 1996, and a Therapist since 1983. She has over 25 years of experience, and is an advanced clinician with Imago Relationships International. Shelley is... Read more

Chris Ho

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Life is a journey filled with both joyous peaks and challenging valleys. If you find yourself navigating through the complexities of these valleys, know that seeking counselling is a courageous and empowering choice,... Read more

Michelle Coulombe

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
In-Person, Video and telephone counselling available.  I have a BA in Psychology, as well as an MA in Counselling Psychology (family specialization) from UBC. I have been a Certified Canadian... Read more