Grief and Loss Counselling in Lake Cowichan, BC.

Did you know that the "stages of grief" were actually developed for those facing death, NOT for those who have lost a loved one? Unfortunately, this leads many to feel they MUST grief in a certain order of stages. -And that if they don't, that they are somehow doing it wrong. NOT TRUE! Grief looks different for everyone and happens at it's own pace. I offer non-judgemental support and guidance to those who have suffered a significant loss. This includes the complicated grief of losing a living family member to addiction, mental illness or brain disease such as dementia.

Losing a friend or family member can be devastating no matter the circumstances. We can also experience pain from losing a pet, a job or the ending of a relationship. Regardless of what kind of grief or loss you are struggling with, I will support you in facing your pain and finding a way forward. I will help you to understand the process and stages of grief and make sense of it. When we come to make meaning out of our loss our pain is lessened. I will also help you find peace and acceptance.

While grief and transition are a natural part of life, we are still often overwhelmed by sadness, anger and all the confusing emotions that come with loss. There is no right or wrong way to grieve—just your body and mind doing what it can to process the pain of major life change and the loss of how things were. Working with me means compassionate care that helps you to approach and feel your feelings in a safe way, taking things one step at a time. I promise you that all grief can be transformed into a gentle honouring of who or what was lost. I would be happy to team up with you in your journey towards peace and acceptance.

As isolating and overwhelming as grief can be, you will find a sense of support in counselling with Molly. You will be encouraged to take your time and process your loss at your own pace. When you're ready, Molly can introduce methods like CBT, EMDR, or mindfulness to help with sorting out complex emotions, finding meaning, and beginning to heal as you move toward a renewed sense of connection and purpose.

In my grief counselling practice, I specialize in guiding individuals through the intricate emotions that emerge following the loss of a loved one or a significant life change. I provide a secure and nurturing space where you can openly express your feelings, delve into memories, and address the challenges associated with grief. As your dedicated counsellor, I am committed to fostering a compassionate and understanding environment, supporting you on your journey to healing and finding a path forward.

Processing grief and loss is indeed a process. For many, it often feels as though the process goes in stages and even at times backwards. Whether mourning the death of a loved one, feeling your way through a difficult transition, or digesting the death of someone with whom you've had a more complex or difficult relationship, we're honoured to be able to walk alongside you in this process, offering support and insights where possible.

After significant loss, you may experience difficult and surprising emotions, such as anger, shock and guilt. It may feel like the sadness will never go away. I know personally what this feels like and I support many people who are trying to find ways to cope and find their reason to continue. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. There are however many healthy ways to cope with the pain. You can get through it! I can help you.

We all grieve as grief is a natural response to loss. However, losing a loved one or even a cherished pet can affect us in profound and life-changing ways. Sometimes, loss is experienced due to losing a job or a relationship, and we also experience grief. My approach to Grief counseling can help you process the emotions experienced because of loss or traumatic loss. If you are overwhelmed, unable to separate from your loved one, or having difficulties with physical symptoms, routines, lifestyle changes, trauma, and sadness, our work together can help you accept the emotions experienced, develop strategies to cope with loss, build on strengths through support, and heal and adapt to change.

Grief & loss can seem debilitating and overwhelming and many people struggle in moving on. Counselling is a highly effective resource for healing after a loss. Through compassion and understanding we will work to heal the pain of the event and move into acceptance and peace. Whether you are grieving the loss of a loved one, the loss of health or mobility, divorce or mid life transition, we can help.

Experiencing a loss goes beyond the loss of the family, friend, pet, or child to be. Not only have you lost the loved one physically; you lose what your life was with them; and what your future with them would have been. Overcoming such loss can feel overwhelming and impossible to heal. Counselling can make a significant difference in getting through this difficult period. Family members who may mean well may not understand the loss and inadvertently cause us pain: by expecting us to ‘get over it’, and by impatient and unsympathetic. Counselling offers a compassionate sounding board that is sympathetic and non-judgemental. We are able to heal at our own pace in a supportive environment.

Grief and loss is an area of focus at Island Clinical Counselling. Therapy involves spending time in the emotions associated with the grief and loss in order to allow the individual to process the emotion in a healthy way. Experiencing grief and loss is like no other emotion and sometimes is connected to trauma. We ensure clients are treated in a trauma informed way so that their safety is prioritized.

Many life events can force us to be struggling with feelings of grief and loss not just the death of someone close to us. Life transitions like separations, job losses, health issues can be challenging and can take longer to adjust to without healthy support people who can help us to explore our thoughts and feelings. Rather than avoiding the pain attached to these difficult life transitions and losses, counselling can encourage us to move through the grief toward acceptance of the new reality.