Grief & Loss Counselling

Grief Doesn’t Follow a Timeline

Grief touches every part of life — the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, a major life transition, or even the loss of health, identity, or future plans you once counted on. However grief shows up for you, there’s no “right” way to move through it, and no timeline you’re supposed to follow.

At Vista Counselling, we provide a compassionate, judgment-free space to process loss at your own pace, whether you’re grieving a recent death, an anniversary that’s resurfacing old pain, or a loss that happened years ago but never fully resolved.

Common Experiences of Grief

Grief can show up as more than sadness. People often experience:

• Waves of intense emotion alternating with numbness

• Guilt, anger, or relief — sometimes all at once

• Difficulty concentrating, sleeping, or returning to daily routines

• A sense of disconnection from others who haven’t shared the loss

• Physical exhaustion or unexplained aches and pains

• Complicated grief, where the loss feels “stuck” and doesn’t ease with time

All of these are normal parts of the grieving process. If grief is interfering significantly with your day-to-day life, or has lasted longer than feels manageable on your own, counselling can help.

How We Support You Through Grief

Grief counselling isn’t about “getting over” loss — it’s about learning to carry it differently, so it doesn’t have to define every part of your life moving forward. We’ll work together to:

• Create space to process emotions you may not have been able to express elsewhere

• Understand and work through complicated or prolonged grief

• Navigate grief alongside other life stresses (family conflict, financial pressure, caregiving)

• Rebuild a sense of meaning and connection after loss

We use evidence-based, compassionate approaches tailored to your specific experience of loss — there’s no one-size-fits-all process here.

FAQs

Is it normal to still be grieving years later?

Yes. Grief doesn’t follow a fixed timeline, and anniversaries, holidays, or unrelated life events can bring grief back to the surface even years later. If grief feels “stuck” or is significantly impacting your daily functioning, counselling can help you process it more fully.

What’s the difference between grief counselling and general counselling?

Grief counselling specifically focuses on loss and bereavement, often incorporating an understanding of grief stages, complicated grief, and the unique ways loss affects identity, relationships, and daily functioning. This is distinct from general talk therapy.

Can counselling help with anticipatory grief (grieving before a loss happens?

Yes. Anticipatory grief, such as preparing for the death of a loved one with a terminal illness, is common and can be just as intense as grief after a loss. We support clients through this process as well.

Do you offer grief counselling online?

Yes, we offer secure online sessions for clients throughout British Columbia.

If you or a loved one is struggling with issues of grief and loss and are wanting extra support, or are wondering if it would be helpful to come in, please feel free to contact us.