This past week has marked a significant milestone for our counselling practice, as we officially opened our doors with a focus on grief, bereavement, and loss.
It’s a theme that resonates deeply, one that many people associate primarily with the death of a loved one. However, I’ve come to realize that grief extends far beyond these heartbreaking moments. Throughout our lives, we encounter a myriad of non-death losses that can evoke profound feelings of grief and sadness.
During our first week, a thought-provoking question was posed to me: “Why did you choose to specialize in grief, bereavement, and loss?” As I reflected on this, it became clear that the path to this practice wasn’t so much a choice I made, but rather a journey that unfolded naturally—a calling that found me.
I often joke about writing a book titled My Little Book of Big Traumas. Each chapter would detail the significant, often overwhelming experiences that I have encountered throughout my life. At the time, each trauma felt insurmountable—like a tidal wave crashing over me. Yet, as I navigated these experiences, I began to understand the profound impact they had on my life, and how they shaped my desire to help others through their own struggles.
Grief is a universal experience, yet it can feel isolating. We may grieve the loss of a job, the end of a relationship, the dissolution of dreams, or even the loss of our own identity during challenging times. Each of these experiences carries its own weight of sorrow and requires space for healing.
As we opened our practice, it became increasingly apparent that there is a vast landscape of grief that needs to be explored and understood. In our work, we aim to create a safe haven where individuals can share their stories and navigate their feelings of loss—whatever form that may take.
Our goal is to foster an environment of compassion and understanding, where clients can feel heard and validated in their experiences.
As we embark on this journey together, I invite you to reflect on your own experiences with loss.
- What have you grieved in your life?
- How did those experiences shape you?
Remember, grief is not solely about death; it encompasses every facet of our lives.
I am grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside others in their healing journeys.
Together, let’s embrace the complexities of grief, honor our losses, and find hope in the process of healing.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us as we continue to grow and learn in our practice. Here’s to many more weeks of connection, healing, and understanding.
Mrs. Kimberley Vander Schelde
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