Compassionate, Trauma-Informed Support
Grief & Loss Counselling in Coquitlam, Victoria & Online Across BC
Grief can affect every part of life. Whether you're mourning someone you love, navigating a relationship ending or adjusting to a significant change, you deserve to feel heard and supported.
At Trueself Counselling, we offer a compassionate space to explore loss, understand your emotions and find your way forward at your own pace.
Book a Free Consultation With Natasha →In-Person Counselling in Victoria · Online Across British Columbia
Understanding Grief
Grief Is More Than Sadness
Grief is a natural response to losing someone or something meaningful. It can affect your emotions, thoughts, relationships, physical well-being and sense of identity.
You may experience sadness, anger, guilt, relief, numbness or anxiety. Changes in sleep, concentration and energy are also common. These experiences can shift from day to day.
There Is No Single Right Way to Grieve
Grief does not follow a predictable series of stages or a fixed timeline. Your experience is personal, and healing does not mean forgetting what you've lost.
Different Experiences of Loss
Grief Can Take Many Forms
Grief is not limited to the death of a loved one. Many significant changes can bring a sense of loss.
Death of a Loved One
Coping with the death of a partner, parent, child, friend or another important person.
Grieving Before a Loss
Experiencing grief while anticipating a death or significant life change.
Separation & Estrangement
Navigating divorce, breakups, family estrangement or the loss of a meaningful connection.
Loss Others May Not Recognize
Grieving pregnancy loss, friendship changes, pet loss or experiences others may minimize.
Changes to Life as You Knew It
Adjusting to illness, disability, fertility challenges or changes in independence and identity.
Sudden or Unexpected Death
Processing shock, distress or changes in your sense of safety following a loss.
Support at Your Own Pace
How Grief & Loss Counselling Can Help
Counselling isn't about forgetting someone or rushing acceptance. It offers support as you process your experience and adjust to change.
Process Difficult Emotions
Explore sadness, guilt, anger, uncertainty and other emotions without judgment.
Manage Emotional Overwhelm
Develop strategies for coping with anxiety, stress responses, exhaustion and difficult reminders.
Find Meaning After Loss
Explore identity, relationships and meaningful ways to maintain connection while moving forward.
Meet Your Counsellor
Grief Counselling in Victoria & Online
Finding a counsellor you feel comfortable with is an important part of receiving support.
Natasha Carville, RCC
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Natasha offers compassionate, trauma-informed counselling for people navigating grief, loss, trauma, anxiety and depression.
Her approach draws on CBT, DBT, EFT, mindfulness and EMDR, tailored to each client's needs and experiences.
In-person appointments are available in Victoria on Fridays, with virtual counselling across British Columbia.
Book a Free Consultation With Natasha →Understanding the Grieving Process
Why Grief Can Feel So Overwhelming
Significant loss can activate the body's stress response, contributing to anxiety, fatigue, difficulty sleeping and problems concentrating. Grief may also bring moments of emotional numbness or disconnection.
The Dual Process Model of Bereavement describes how people move between focusing on their loss and adapting to everyday life. Some days you may need to talk about what happened; other days you may focus on routines, relationships or responsibilities.
Grief and Everyday Life Can Coexist
Taking a break from grief doesn't mean you've forgotten someone. Feeling sadness again doesn't mean you've lost progress.
When Grief Remains Intense
Understanding Prolonged Grief
For some people, grief remains intensely painful and significantly disrupts daily life long after a death. Persistent longing, emotional numbness and difficulty reconnecting with everyday life may be part of this experience.
Prolonged Grief Disorder is a recognized clinical condition that requires professional assessment. Ongoing sadness alone does not mean someone has this condition.
You Don't Need a Diagnosis to Seek Support
If grief is affecting your emotional well-being, relationships or daily functioning, counselling may help. Specialized assessment or treatment referrals may be appropriate when needed.
Evidence-Informed Care
Our Approach to Grief Counselling
Grief counselling is individualized. Depending on your needs and your counsellor's training, sessions may draw on several approaches.
Cognitive & Emotional Support
CBT-informed and emotion-focused strategies may help explore guilt, self-blame and difficult emotional experiences.
Mindfulness & Coping
Mindfulness and grounding strategies may support emotional awareness and help manage overwhelming moments.
Trauma-Informed Care
When loss involves traumatic circumstances, counselling emphasizes safety, choice, pacing and appropriate support.
Getting Started
What to Expect During Your First Session
You don't need to know exactly what to say. Your first session is a chance to begin wherever you feel comfortable.
1. Share Your Experience
Talk about your loss and what's been difficult, at your own pace.
2. Explore Your Needs
Identify what you're experiencing and what support would feel most helpful.
3. Find a Way Forward
Work collaboratively on coping strategies and counselling goals that reflect your needs.
Counselling Across BC
Grief Counselling in Victoria & Online Across BC
Trueself Counselling offers flexible ways to connect with professional support.
Victoria
Natasha offers in-person grief and loss counselling in Victoria on Fridays.
Online Across BC
Access virtual grief counselling from a private location anywhere in British Columbia.
Coquitlam
Our Austin Heights practice serves Coquitlam, Port Moody and Port Coquitlam. Contact our team to explore suitable counselling options.
Related Areas of Support
Other Ways We Can Support You
Grief can overlap with anxiety, relationship difficulties and significant life changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Grief Counselling
How do I know if I need grief counselling?
You don't need to be in crisis to seek support. If grief is affecting your emotional well-being or you simply want someone to talk with, counselling may help.
How long does grief last?
There is no universal timeline. Grief often changes over time, and reminders may bring difficult feelings back.
Can grief counselling help years after a loss?
Yes. You can seek support whether your loss occurred recently or many years ago.
Can grief affect sleep and anxiety?
Yes. Grief can be associated with changes in sleep, energy, concentration and stress responses. New or concerning physical symptoms should also be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Do you offer online grief counselling in BC?
Yes. Natasha offers virtual counselling throughout British Columbia, as well as in-person appointments in Victoria.
Support When You're Ready
You Don't Have to Navigate Grief Alone
Grief can feel isolating. Counselling offers a place to be heard, explore your experience and receive compassionate support without pressure.
Book a Free Consultation With Natasha →