Grief and Loss Counselling: Support for Whatever You're Carrying
Grief has a way of changing everything. One day life feels familiar, and the next you're trying to find your footing in a world that looks completely different. Whether you've lost someone you love, a relationship, a pregnancy, a pet, your health, or the life you expected, grief can touch every part of who you are.
At Thrive Collective, we walk alongside people in grief every day, and we want you to know this: there is no right way to grieve, and you don't have to carry it alone.
What Grief Can Look Like
Grief isn't only sadness. It can show up in ways that surprise you, including:
Feeling numb or disconnected, like you're watching life from a distance
Waves of anger, guilt, or "what ifs" that replay over and over
Trouble sleeping, eating, or concentrating
Exhaustion that rest doesn't seem to fix
Feeling okay one day and completely undone the next
Physical aches, tightness, or a heavy feeling in your chest
Pulling away from people, or feeling like no one understands
You might have heard of the "stages of grief." They can be a helpful starting point, but most people find grief is far messier than a neat list. It tends to come in waves, sometimes years later, often when you least expect it. That's not a sign you're doing it wrong. It's a sign of how much something mattered.
The Losses We Don't Always Talk About
When people think of grief, they usually think of a death. That loss is profound, and it deserves care and space. But grief also follows many other experiences, such as:
Pregnancy loss, infertility, or a birth that didn't go as planned
Divorce, separation, or the end of a friendship
Losing a job, a career, or a sense of purpose
A diagnosis or a change in your health
Moving away from home or community
Estrangement from family
Changes in faith or identity
Caring for someone who is still here but changing- for example, a parent living with dementia
These losses aren't always recognized by the people around us. You might feel like you “should be over it by now”, or that you don't have the right to feel this way. You do have the right and your feelings are normal & valid.
If it hurts, it matters and we are here to help you.
When Grief Feels Too Heavy
Grief is a natural response to loss, and it isn't something that needs to be fixed. Many people move through it with the support of friends, family, and community. But sometimes grief gets stuck, or it starts to feel like too much to hold.
It may be time to reach out for support if:
Months have passed and the pain feels just as intense, or is getting worse
You're struggling with daily things like work, parenting, or caring for yourself
You feel hopeless, or like life has lost its meaning
You're leaning on alcohol, substances, or other habits just to get through
The loss was sudden, traumatic, or complicated
You feel completely alone in your grief
You don't need to wait until things feel unbearable. Counselling can help at any point: right after a loss, years later, or while you're preparing for a goodbye you know is coming.
How Grief Counselling Can Help
Grief counselling gives you a space where you don't have to hold it all together. You can talk about the person you lost, say the things you never got to say, or sit with feelings that don't have words yet. Your counsellor won't rush you or tell you how you should feel.
In grief counselling, we can help you:
Make sense of what you're feeling and why
Work through guilt, regret, anger, or unfinished conversations
Find ways to honour and stay connected to what you've lost
Cope with hard days, anniversaries, and holidays
Rebuild routines and a sense of meaning, at your own pace
Process sudden or traumatic losses, sometimes with approaches like EMDR
Grief counselling isn't about moving on or forgetting. It's about learning to carry your loss in a way that lets you keep living, and slowly making room for joy again alongside the grief.
Grief Support at Thrive Collective
We offer grief and loss counselling in person at our Chilliwack and Abbotsford offices, and online anywhere in British Columbia. Our approach is warm, inclusive, and LGBTQ+ affirming, and we'll help match you with a counsellor who feels like the right fit for you and your story. If cost is a concern, we also offer low cost and sliding scale counselling options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grief Counselling
How long does grief last?
There's no set timeline. For many people, the most intense pain softens over months or a few years, but grief can resurface around anniversaries, holidays, or new life milestones. Feeling it again doesn't mean you've gone backwards. It means the loss still matters to you.
Is it normal to grieve something that wasn't a death?
Yes. Any meaningful loss can bring up grief, including a breakup, a pregnancy loss, a job ending, or a change in your health. These losses deserve the same care and support, even if others don't always recognize them.
What's the difference between grief and depression?
Grief and depression can feel similar, and they sometimes overlap. Grief often comes in waves and is tied closely to the loss, with moments of relief or even laughter in between. Depression tends to feel more constant and can affect how you see yourself and your future. A counsellor can help you understand what you're experiencing and what kind of support will help most.
What if I'm not ready to talk about it?
That's okay. You can go at whatever pace feels right. Some people start by talking about everyday stress or how they're sleeping, and come to the loss itself when they're ready. Your counsellor will follow your lead.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on you and what you're carrying. Some people find a handful of sessions helpful, while others prefer longer-term support. We'll talk with you about your goals and check in along the way.
Do I need a referral for grief counselling?
In most cases, no. You can reach out to us directly to book. Some extended health plans or programs may ask for a referral, so it's worth checking your specific plan if you're using extended health benefits.
Is grief counselling covered by insurance?
Many extended health plans in BC cover counselling with a Registered Clinical Counsellor or Registered Social Worker. Coverage varies, so we recommend checking with your provider. If you don't have benefits, ask us about our low cost and sliding scale options.
Can I do grief counselling online?
Yes. We offer online grief counselling anywhere in BC, so you can connect from home or wherever you feel most comfortable. Many people find it easier to open up from their own space, especially on harder days.
You Don't Have to Grieve Alone
There's no timeline for grief, and no loss is too big or too small to deserve support. Whenever you're ready, we're here to walk alongside you.
Reach out to get started. Call us at 604-705-4000 or send us a message through our contact page, and we'll help you find the right counsellor.
If you're in crisis or need to talk to someone right away, you can call the crisis line 24 hours a day at 604-951-8855 or 1-877-820-7444. In an emergency, call 911.