Grief Therapists in Victoria, BC

In the journey of grief, nurturing "continuing bonds" with departed loved ones holds profound significance, offering solace, comfort, and connection in their absence. If you've experienced profound loss (human or pet) and have been grieving for over a year, I offer a unique therapy intended to help reduce sadness and foster a deeper connection with your loved one. Understanding the importance of allowing your mind to adapt to grief's natural rhythm, is part of this process; so we typically wait a year or more post-loss before beginning therapy, honouring the organic flow of grief, and trusting in the brain's innate healing capacity.

Welcome. Thank you for considering the opportunity for us to work together. I am a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists and a Canadian Certified Counsellor. I specialize in counselling for bereavement, loss, and grief. Particular areas of focus are: death and dying, traumatic grief, suicide bereavement, pregnancy loss, pet loss, anticipatory grief, nonfinite loss, and ecological grief. Grief is our natural response to the loss or anticipated loss of someone or something that matters to us. Surviving grief is an adaptive process of learning to live in a world that has been changed by our losses.

When we work together, we are a team; I'm truly honoured to support you in nurturing a life that brings you peace and comfort. My role is to support and serve individuals navigating the complex emotions and challenges that arise with grief and loss, helping them heal and find a way to move forward. I understand that relationship issues and life changes can leave us feeling anxious, adrift and uncertain. During these moments, counselling can make a difference. Whether you prefer the personal touch of in-person sessions or the convenience of virtual counselling, I'm here for you every step of the way. Let's walk this path together.

As a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Registered Social Worker, I work with individuals, couples and families. I believe that each individual has the innate capacity for growth and change and an ability to heal. I am experienced and skilled at helping clients deal with grief and loss, life transitions, anxiety and depression, trauma, and relationship challenges. My compassionate and collaborative approach helps clients recognize their strengths, gain insight into the circumstances of their lives, and find new and creative solutions to their problems.

Have you recently lost a loved one? Are you dealing with relationship struggles? Do you feel stuck or insecure? Are you going through a difficult life transition? I specialize in working with clients on issues related to: grief and loss, anxiety, relationship and marital conflict, addiction, childhood trauma, body image and self-esteem, and codependency. Sessions give individuals and couples the opportunity to talk through problems and explore issues using different approaches, depending on each individual's needs. My wish is to empower couples and individuals to find fulfilment in their daily lives, even through adversity.

During times of confusion and personal hardship it can be beneficial to have a safe harbour to seek refuge. My counselling support offers you that safe harbour. I provide an opportunity for you to explore your life and together we will chart a course to best serve you in creating a richer, more rewarding life for your future. I bring a breadth and depth to my work as a therapist, having worked for many years in palliative care and bereavement as well as cancer care. I have also spent many years supporting folks from all walks of life in reclaiming their lives from addictive patterns. It would be my privilege to support you.

Feeling overwhelmed by frustrated needs, responsibilities, being overlooked in love or work, losing someone important, health concerns, or a relentless internal critic? Does this lead to sadness, despair, rage, dread, or shame that feels too heavy to bear? Do you cope by numbing, lashing out at loved ones, engaging in addictive behaviours, socially isolating, or avoiding what matters? We can grow weary managing this chaos of life alone, yet asking for help is hard. I can lend a hand supporting you to face pain and find meaning in troubled times, lightening the load so you can spread your wings to find more room for joy in life.

Thank you for being here and showing an interest in Narrative Therapy. It is quite possible that you are wondering, "What exactly is Narrative Therapy?" Narrative practice is a respectful, non-blaming approach to therapy and community work. It is dedicated to rich questions and generous listening. Narrative therapy explores the many skills, values, beliefs, abilities and commitments people have and is curious about the dominant discourses a person may find themselves up against in their lives.

I work with clients whom wish to push the boundaries of “normal” to uncover & deconstruct the root causes of their suffering. Many of the people that I work with are dealing with major depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, and overall frustration with the current state of society and the environment. The clients that I see often present to me with symptoms such as feeling blocked, overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, alone, and powerless in their life. I support clients to transform their pain into strength so that they can live a more fulfilled life.

How do we move through pain, loss, frustration, trauma or anxiety unless we learn skills & gain new insights or perspectives to do so? There's no reason to be held back by the hurdles to change, to effective communication, greater collaboration and fundamental healing. Karla focuses on practical details for today as well as the larger life picture. We will identify & engage your existing strengths and abilities in addition to helping you master new skills and gain understanding of what is blocking you. Karla works with your unique situation of loss, trauma, relationship challenges & the demands or limitations of your present life.

My therapy is about overcoming feelings of anxiety, depression, sadness, anger, or pain and developing ways to get the life you want. Many of us feel anxious and depressed about what is going on or worry about the future. If you are hurting those you love, you can change that. Do you need to handle your anger better? That is possible. Are you trying to survive a major loss? There is a way. If you have lost hope or don't know how to go about making these crucial adjustments, in our discussions you will develop insights to overcome these challenges, and learn about what needs to be done to achieve your goals, step by step.

Welcome. How brave and courageous to explore newness for yourself. My name is Charis Santiago and I am a 2nd generation Filipina-Canadian therapist who provides relational analytic counselling services in Victoria, BC and telehealth. I am passionate about working with you surrounding a wide range of mental health issues. My specialties include working with issues of trauma and sexual abuse, racial/ethnic and identity development, issues with family, play therapy, addiction and mood disorders.

I have a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Psychotherapist. I work from a Rogerian person-centered approach and my counselling is based on client needs using an integrated approach utilizing Cognitive Behavior Therapy, EMDR, Mindfulness-Based therapy and Critical Incident Stress Management. Rogerian Therapy seeks to decrease the client’s guilt, insecurities, defensiveness, and even close-mindedness by allowing them to think about life in new ways. Clients tell his or her story increasing self-esteem, learning abilities from making mistakes, trust in themselves, positive relationships

Sometimes we need support navigating the complexities of life. As individuals, we experience these complexities in unique ways, often feeling alone. You may be navigating grief, anxiety, anger, fear, trauma, relational concerns, transitions, self-worth or feeling overwhelmed. My goal is to cultivate a trusting, accepting relationship that holds space for your unique story, a space where you can feel seen, accepted, supported, and valued.

Whether triggered by a recent loss or trying to navigate the uncertainty of daily life, anxiety and/or depression have taken a heavy toll on many. Professional guidance through this emotional storm can relieve much of the stress and provide lifelong tools that will move one toward calmer waters. Your story has a voice that needs to be heard. I am here to listen, compassionately, without judgment. I am here to support you in your darkest days and honour your courage as you move forward.

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) who offers youth (ages 12+) and adult counselling services. Currently, I work as a school counsellor with children in Greater Victoria. I have also worked with youth (12+) and adults as a counsellor and teacher. My goal is for every client, no matter what age, to feel respected, safe, and empowered. Within the school system, I have worked with clients on a wide variety of issues, including anger, anxiety, grief, separation, trauma, and more.

I support clients managing emotional challenges, BPD traits, depression, OCD, perfectionism, negative internal dialogue, addiction, grief, trauma, and difficult family dynamics. Together we explore a client's history, experience, emotions, and develop better skills for managing challenges. Often old coping strategies are no longer serving the client. Developing relational intimacy with others, and more compassionate communication with self is integral to my work with individuals and families. Together we find solutions for healing and moving forward in healthy ways so clients can align more authenticly with themselves.

Are you seeking help from someone who is passionate about animals and nature? Do you need to get outside more and practice mindfulness more often? Do you need to set some goals and practice strategies to help you receive success? Do you believe in following your dreams? Do you think animals can help you heal? Do you need help calming your body and mind? If any of these things resonate with you, I may be the Counsellor that can help you reach your health goals.

Currently accepting new clients Monday -Thursdays (in person and online)! I foster a welcoming space for people from all walks of life, find delight in diversity, and work hard to affirm the dignity of all people. Whatever it is you might want to work through, I am convinced that the first place to begin is with someone who continually chooses to see the goodness in who you are and who can help call that forth in your own life and in your own way. I specialize in trauma, PTSD, grief and loss, anxiety, life transitions and relationship counselling. I work with individuals and couples.