Grief & Complicated Grief Counselling in Maple Ridge, BC

Grief is a natural response to loss. It may follow the passing of a loved one, the end of a relationship, changes in health, identity shifts, or the loss of a hoped-for-future.

Grief does not move in a straight line. It can include sadness, anger, longing, relief, guilt, numbness, or moments of unexpected calm. There is no single “right” way to grieve.

When Grief Feels Persistent or Stuck

For some people, grief becomes more complicated. The pain may remain intense and unintegrated long after the loss. You might feel frozen in time, preoccupied with what happened, or unable to move forward in ways that feel meaningful.

Complicated grief can include:

  • intrusive memories or images

  • difficulty accepting the reality of loss

  • persistent guilt or self-blame

  • strong anger or unresolved conflict

  • emotional numbness or shutdown

  • feeling disconnected from others

You may appear functional in daily life while internally circling the same emotional terrain.

When Grief & Trauma Intersect

Some losses are sudden, traumatic, or layered with unfinished relational dynamics. If the nervous system experienced shock, helplessness, or unresolved attachment rupture, grief can become entangled with trauma responses.

In these cases, the body may continue reacting as though the loss is happening in the present rather than to the past.

A Trauma-Informed Approach to Grief

“Letting go” or moving on are not the goal of grief therapy. Instead, we work on integrating the loss, allowing the nervous system to metabolize it, at a pace that feels safe.

At Healing Quest Counselling, grief work may include:

Grief changes you. Therapy can support you in carrying the loss without being immobilized by it.

Looking for Grief Counselling in Maple Ridge?

If support with nervous system stabilization, acceptance, and meaning sounds like a good fit, we’d be glad to connect.

Reach out today