Navigating Bereavement, Complex Loss & Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD)
Grief is a natural, deeply personal response to loss, yet it often leaves us feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and unsure of how to move forward. In a culture that frequently expects people to "bounce back" quickly, carrying the weight of profound loss can lead to intense emotional fatigue, anxiety, and disorientation.
Loss takes many forms, from the death of a loved one, partner, or pet, to the loss of a career, health, or significant life transition. Furthermore, navigating loss associated with Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) brings unique emotional, ethical, and relational complexities for both patients and their families.
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) in Vancouver, I provide a compassionate, non-judgmental, and affirming space to help you honor your grief, process complex emotions, and find a path forward at your own pace.
Areas of Grief & Loss We Address
Grief does not follow a linear timeline or a fixed set of stages. I support individuals through various forms of grief and life transitions:
Key Areas of Support:
Loss of a Loved One or Partner: Processing bereavement, sudden loss, or long-term illness with space for all the complex feelings that arise.
Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) Support: Compassionate guidance for individuals considering or undergoing MAiD, as well as family members, partners, and caregivers navigating pre-loss anticipatory grief and post-loss bereavement.
Disenfranchised & Ambiguous Loss: Honoring losses that aren't always recognized or validated by society, such as the end of non-traditional relationships, identity shifts, or estrangement.
Anticipatory Grief: Navigating the anxiety, sadness, and emotional strain that occurs while caring for a terminally ill family member or preparing for a significant transition.
Pet Loss & Major Life Transitions: Providing validation and support for the profound loss of a companion animal, career shifts, or major life changes.
Therapeutic Approaches to Grief & MAiD Support
I integrate gentle, evidence-based frameworks tailored to your emotional needs and personal values:
Person-Centred & Humanistic Therapy: Offers an empathetic, non-judgmental container where you can speak openly about your loss, guilt, anger, or relief without fear of criticism.
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT): Helps you carry painful emotions gently while gradually reconnecting with meaning, memory, and personal values.
Compassion-Focused & Somatic Practices: Teaches gentle nervous system regulation tools to manage the physical symptoms of grief, such as exhaustion, tightness, and overwhelming emotion.
Meaning-Making & Narrative Therapy: Encourages you to honor the story of your loss, process lingering questions, and integrate the memory of your loved one into your life.
What to Expect in Our Sessions
A Gentle, Unhurried Space: You are invited to bring your raw emotions—whether that means crying, sitting in silence, or expressing anger, without pressure to "fix" how you feel.
Navigating MAiD Logistics & Emotions: For those involved in the MAiD process, we hold space for difficult family conversations, ethical or emotional questions, and intentional goodbye planning.
Honoring Your Process: We work collaboratively to help you manage daily functioning while honoring the bond and memories associated with your loss.
Rebuilding a Path Forward: Over time, we focus on helping you carry grief alongside a renewed sense of purpose, self-compassion, and connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you provide support before, during, and after a MAiD procedure?
Yes. I work with individuals contemplating or approved for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) to offer emotional support and legacy work, as well as partners, family members, and friends who are experiencing anticipatory grief or navigating life after a loved one's MAiD transition.
Is grief counselling covered by extended health insurance in BC?
Yes! As a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), my services are covered under most extended health plans in British Columbia. An itemized receipt with my RCC registration number will be issued after each session for straightforward insurance reimbursement.
How do I know if I need professional grief counselling or just time?
There is no "wrong" way to grieve, and time alone doesn't always heal deep wounds. Professional support can be helpful if you feel stuck in overwhelming shock, guilt, or isolation, or if grief is significantly interfering with your ability to sleep, work, or care for yourself.
You Don't Have to Carry Loss Alone
Grief can feel heavy, but you don't have to navigate it in isolation. Reach out today to schedule a confidential session or phone consultation.
Session Fee: $170 per 50-minute individual session
Format: Online Video Counselling across BC
