Grief and Loss
Grief is often a neglected topic and a misunderstood emotion in our society. It has become part of our life that gets swept under the rug, forgotten about, or given time lines. And yet, the grief process, the path you may be on with your own grief, is part of being alive, a natural and important part of your journey as a human being.
We all lose people and things in our lives that we grieve. Your loss might be a death of a loved one, a separation or divorce, loss of a job, a disability or grief around what didn't happen for you. If we neglect our grief, and the mix of emotions that come with these losses, then we are missing out on the opportunity to discover parts of ourselves, and an opportunity to grow and heal in healthy ways. Other areas in our lives may also suffer, if we don't tend to our grief with compassion.
I feel it's our human right, as well as our profound opportunity to get to know this human experience called grief. And, we're not supposed to do this alone. It's important to have some compassionate, grounded support as you navigate your way through this time of loss.
Everybody has resources, and as a body-centered counsellor, I also like to emphasize that every body has resources. Sometimes we need external support to find them, remember them and start using them in helpful ways. I am skilled and honoured to sit with folks as they explore their losses, transitions, and grief, so together, we can move towards wholeness.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor, with a focus on somatic and mindfulness practises, within a trauma-informed approach. I gently invite clients towards healing their mind, body, and emotions towards making meaningful connections that can lead to new insights, skills and ways of being with themselves in more nourishing ways.
I work with individual adults and families both indoors at my office, online, and outdoors at inspiring places.
If you or someone you love is grieving or navigating some challenges you are welcome to book a free Meet and Greet to see if I'm a good fit for your needs at this time.
About the Author
Vanya Laporte is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), Certified Hakomi Practitioner, and Internal Family Systems therapist based in Victoria, BC. She weaves together mindfulness, somatic therapy, and deep nature connection to help clients find their way back to themselves.
More from the journal
Highly Sensitive and Deeply Feeling: Making Sense of a Nervous System That Notices Everything
What if your sensitivity is not a flaw to be managed, but a way of being wired that has its own intelligence — and its own care needs?
Grief Doesn't Follow a Map: Honouring Loss at Your Own Pace
Grief is not a staircase you climb. It is a landscape you learn to live in. If you are months or even years past a loss and still find it surfacing, there is nothing wrong with you.