Grief Counselling Vancouver
Vancouver Grief & Bereavement Counsellors
Grief is deeply personal. It can come after the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, a major life change, or the quiet loss of a future you had imagined. It might arrive in waves—sharp and consuming—or settle in as a dull, persistent ache. There’s no right way to grieve, and no set timeline for how it unfolds.
Whatever shape your grief takes, you don’t have to go through it alone. At ARC, we offer compassionate, trauma-informed counselling to help you move through grief with care, at your own pace. You’ll be met with warmth, presence, and support—wherever you are in your healing process.
Are you carrying a loss that's changed you?
Grief doesn’t just bring sadness—it can leave you feeling disoriented, lonely, or like a stranger to yourself. Even when life moves on around you, part of you may still feel stuck, lost, or unsure how to keep going.
You may be feeling:
- Waves of sadness, anger, or emotional numbness
- Guilt about what was said—or left unsaid
- Trouble sleeping, concentrating, or staying present
- A deep sense of emptiness or loss of meaning
- Difficulty connecting with others or feeling understood
- Overwhelmed by memories—or avoiding them altogether
- Like you “should be over it” but you’re not
- A quiet, lingering ache that’s hard to explain
Whether your grief is recent or long-held, clear or complicated, we’re here to help you carry it—and to gently support you in finding a path forward.
How grief counselling can help
Grief doesn’t have to be rushed, minimized, or hidden. Therapy offers a sacred container for your grief to be witnessed and worked through with gentleness and respect. It’s not about “getting over it.” It’s about learning how to carry your loss—and carry yourself—through and beyond what has happened.
Your ARC therapist will help you:
- Process emotions like sadness, guilt, anger, or regret
- Navigate the unique grief of sudden, traumatic, or complex loss
- Develop rituals or practices to honour your loss
- Find ways to stay connected to what matters, even in the pain
- Explore identity shifts and meaning-making after loss
- Learn tools for self-care and emotional regulation
- Rebuild trust in yourself, others, and life over time
Let’s walk through grief together
Grief can shape us in unexpected ways—but with the right support, it can also open space for healing we never thought possible.
At ARC, our therapists offer a warm space where your pain is met with compassion, and your loss is truly seen. Together, we’ll move at a pace that feels right for you, with care every step of the way. Reach out today to book your free 30-minute consultation.
Meet Our Vancouver Therapists
Tianna Bobariu
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Amenda Kumar
Registered Social Worker (RSW)
Kristen Rattray
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Kiana Maeda
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Jack Wong
Registered Social Worker (RSW)
Danielle Simpson
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Elise Millett
Registered Social Worker (RSW)
Lilian Wang
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Getting The Help You Need is Easy
Reach Out
Fill out our easy contact form. All we need is your basic info, and a few words about what brings you to therapy.
Free Consultation
We’ll reach out to schedule your complimentary consultation. We’ll discuss your goals, questions, and make sure we’re the right fit.
Start Therapy
Feeling ready? We’ll book your first session and create a personalized plan to help you live the life you deserve.
How We Support You Through Grief
Creating Space for Grief
We begin by offering a compassionate, non-judgmental space where you can speak openly about your loss. There’s no “right way” to grieve—and you won’t be pushed to move on.
Understanding Your Grief Process
Everyone grieves differently. We’ll explore how your grief is showing up emotionally, physically, and relationally—honouring the unique rhythms and cycles of your experience.
Making Room for Emotion
Grief can bring intense or unfamiliar emotions. You’ll learn how to move through them, not around them—while developing tools for emotional regulation and nervous system support.
Navigating Complex Layers
If your grief is layered with trauma, guilt, estrangement, or ambiguity, we’ll hold space for all of it. Together, we’ll untangle what’s complicated without diminishing the loss.
Honouring What Was Lost
Whether through conversation, reflection, or ritual, we’ll support you in staying connected to what (or who) mattered, without getting stuck in pain or nostalgia.
Reorienting to Life After Loss
In later stages, we’ll support you in slowly re-engaging with life—on your terms. This may include exploring new meaning, relationships, or ways of being that feel authentic and hopeful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need counselling for grief?
Grief is a natural response to loss—but sometimes it becomes hard to carry on your own. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, emotionally numb, stuck in sadness, or simply unsure how to move forward, therapy can help. You don’t need to be “falling apart” to benefit from support. If something in you is asking for care or a space to process, that’s valid enough.
What types of loss does counselling help with?
We support clients through many kinds of loss: the death of a loved one, miscarriage, stillbirth, loss of a pet, divorce or separation, major life changes, the loss of health or identity, estrangement, or ambiguous loss. Grief doesn’t need to meet a specific standard to matter. If it feels like a loss to you, it’s valid—and we’ll meet you with care and compassion.
Is grief the same as depression?
Grief and depression can look similar but are not the same. Grief often comes in waves, with moments of sadness, anger, and even brief relief or connection. Depression tends to feel more constant and pervasive. That said, grief can sometimes evolve into depression—especially if you’re feeling hopeless, isolated, or disconnected for a prolonged period. Therapy can help you sort through these feelings and support both grief and depression if needed.
What if I don’t cry or feel numb? Does that mean I’m grieving wrong?
Not at all. There’s no “right” way to grieve. Some people cry daily, others not at all. Some feel anger, others feel nothing. Feeling numb, disconnected, or unsure how to express your grief is common—especially in the early stages or after traumatic loss. Therapy creates space to explore your experience without judgment or expectations.
How long does grief counselling take?
This really depends on your goals, your history, and the nature of your loss. Some people come for a few sessions of support, while others stay longer to process complex or layered grief. Therapy isn’t about rushing through grief—it’s about helping you move through it in a way that feels supportive and sustainable. You don’t have to carry it alone, and you don’t have to stay stuck in it, either.
Will grief therapy mean I have to “let go” of the person, animal, or thing I lost?
Not at all. Therapy isn’t about forgetting or moving on—it’s about finding new ways to carry your loss. We can’t undo the loss, but we can support you in integrating it into your life in a way that feels meaningful and manageable. You might find new ways to feel connected to what you’ve lost—without being consumed by pain.
What if I’m scared to confront the full weight of my grief?
That’s a very real fear—and you’re not alone in it. Many people worry that if they open the door to grief, it will overwhelm them. In therapy, we go gently and at your pace. You’ll never be pushed to revisit anything before you’re ready. We focus first on safety, regulation, and trust—so that when you’re ready, you don’t have to face it alone.
What if I’m not ready to talk about everything yet?
That’s okay. You don’t have to have the right words or be ready to share your whole story. We start wherever you are. The first step is often just being met with care. We offer a free 30-minute consultation so you can meet your therapist, ask questions, and see if it feels like the right fit—no pressure.
Is grief therapy covered by insurance?
Yes. Most extended health plans cover counselling with a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC). After each session, we’ll provide a receipt you can submit for reimbursement. Many clients receive reimbursement within a few business days.
A Message of Support from Our Director
Hi, I’m Kelsey, the Clinical Director here at ARC. I want to start by saying something that doesn’t get said enough – it’s okay to need support.
If you’re reading this, you might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply not yourself. At ARC, we understand how deeply personal it is to reach out for help. That’s why we’re so intentional about the care we offer. Every therapist on our team is here because they lead with heart, they know their stuff, and they truly care about helping people feel better.
We also know that feeling safe in therapy means feeling seen and respected. That’s why we’re committed to creating an inclusive space – one that honours your identity, your culture, and your lived experience.
My role is to make sure your experience here is thoughtful, safe, and meaningful – from your very first point of contact to the support you receive in therapy. If you’re unsure about where to start, I encourage you to reach out for a free consultation. I’ll personally take the time to read your request and match you with one of the therapists on our team.
You’ve already taken the first step by being here. When you’re feeling ready, take the next step by reaching out – and we’ll walk the rest of the way together.
Take the next step towards feeling better today
Location
470 Granville St, #922
Vancouver, BC, V6C 1V5
Our Hours
Mon – Fri: 09:00 – 21:30
Sat – Sun: 09:00 – 20:30