Dissociative Disorders, Grief and Loss - General Counsellors

Dissociative Disorders, Grief and Loss - General

Dissociative disorders are common reactions, or defenses, to traumatic or stressful situations. It is normal for someone who has experienced a severe isolated trauma, or repeated traumas, such as abuse or domestic violence, to develop a dissociative disorders.

The main symptom of dissociative disorders is the fact that it alters a person's sense of identity, consciousness or memory. These symptoms are no less common than depression or anxiety, yet many individuals with dissociative disorders are frequently misdiagnosed. It could take years for the correct diagnosis to be made, and therefore, effective treatment is often delayed. During this time, they are often treated for headaches, psychotic symptoms, hearing voices, temper outbursts, poor concentration, memory lapses, mood swings, substance abuse, temper outbursts and more. Common misdiagnosis for dissociative disorders include Bipolar disorder, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and substance abuse.

Experienced mental health professionals know how to spot the hidden symptoms of dissociative disorders. They use scientifically proven diagnostic tests to arrive at the conclusion of dissociative disorders.

A wide range of therapies are used for dissociative disorders. It involves the client talking to the therapist about his or her  condition and related issues. The therapist will help the client understand the causes of the condition and finding coping strategies to cope with stressful situations. In some cases, hypnotherapy can help the client understand what triggered the dissociative disorder.

Some of the other treatment options that have been proven to help dissociative disorders, include creative art therapy and cognitive therapy. Applied by a qualified therapist, these methods can help you change your thinking and find beneficial behaviours that will improve your life.

If you are looking for a counsellor or psychologist who offers dissociative disorders therapy to address your symptoms, you may want to search the directory to find a professional whose approach will suit you best.

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.

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

Stephanie Pugsley

M.A., RCC
I have over 20 years experience of working with individuals, couples, families and groups in private practice, the Health Service, the Social Services and voluntary organisations.  I am a registered Clinical... 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

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

Derian Julihn

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Hi, I’m Derian Julihn (he/him/his). I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and a Canadian Clinical Counsellor (CCC) practicing in Langley. I have almost 20 years of experience supporting vulnerable youth and... 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

Graham Haber

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
My name is Graham (he/him). I'm a registered clinical counsellor (RCC #19364) with the BCACC. I work with adults and adolescents. My private practice is based out of Squamish BC, the traditional, ancestral, and... Read more

Tannis Hugill

M.A., RCC
    • Article(s) on profile
I am a Dance-movement and Drama Therapist, BC Clinical Counsellor and Spiritual Director with an MA in Somatic Psychology. I bring over thirty-five years of experience to my work with individuals, groups, adolescents... Read more

Martine Charles

Ph.D., RCC
I have over 25 years experience in providing individual counselling to adult women and men. I offer counselling for a wide variety of difficulties including trauma (recent and past), anxiety, depression, addictions... Read more

Katherine Kortikow

M.Ed., CCC
I have been in the helping profession for over 30 years and have experience working in a variety of therapeutic and clinical settings. I have been in private practice for 26 of those 30+ years.... Read more

Marco Ma

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
I am a compassionate and dedicated Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC # 17221) affiliated with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. With the expertise in individual and couple therapy, I tailor my... Read more