How to Cope with Grief: Expert Tips from a Vancouver Therapy Clinic
Written by: Gather & Ground Wellness - Vancouver Counselling Clinic
Grief is one of life’s most universal yet deeply personal experiences. Whether it stems from the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or another major life change, grief can feel overwhelming and isolating. At its core, grief is not something to “get over,” but rather something to move through. Healing does not follow a linear path, and each person’s journey is unique.
At a Vancouver therapy clinic that specializes in grief support, clients are often reminded that while pain may never fully disappear, it can become more manageable with time, care, and the right tools. Below are expert strategies and perspectives that can help guide anyone navigating the complex process of grief.
1. Allow Space for Grief
The first step in coping is to recognize grief as a natural response to loss. Too often, people feel pressured to suppress their emotions or “stay strong” for others. However, burying feelings can delay healing and even intensify emotional pain. Creating intentional space to acknowledge sadness, anger, confusion, or even moments of relief is important.
Some find journaling helpful, while others prefer talking with a trusted friend, counsellor, or support group. The key is permission—granting oneself the right to feel without judgment.
2. Understand the Many Faces of Grief
Grief is not a single emotion. It can show up as shock, guilt, fatigue, irritability, or even physical pain. People may also experience “anticipatory grief” before an expected loss, or “complicated grief,” which lingers and disrupts daily functioning.
Recognizing these variations allows individuals to better understand what they are experiencing and to realize they are not alone or “broken.” Acknowledging the multifaceted nature of grief normalizes the experience and helps set realistic expectations for healing.
3. Lean on Routines and Structure
Loss can disrupt daily life, leaving people feeling unmoored. Re-establishing structure, even in small ways, can provide a sense of stability. Simple practices such as waking up at the same time each day, preparing balanced meals, or taking regular walks can create anchors in a time of uncertainty.
While it may feel difficult at first, structure reminds the body and mind that life continues, offering comfort and predictability in the midst of emotional turbulence.
4. Prioritize Physical Self-Care
Grief takes a toll not only emotionally but physically. Sleep disturbances, appetite changes, and lowered immunity are common. Supporting the body is essential to support the mind.
Gentle exercise such as yoga, swimming, or walking outdoors can help release tension and improve mood. Nourishing meals and adequate rest are equally important. While self-care may feel like a luxury during difficult times, it is truly a necessity for healing.
5. Find Healthy Outlets for Expression
Grief often creates an energy that needs to move somewhere. Healthy outlets can prevent that energy from becoming bottled up. Creative practices such as painting, writing, or playing music provide safe ways to channel difficult emotions.
For some, mindfulness techniques such as meditation or breathwork can help ground overwhelming feelings. For others, speaking aloud—whether to a therapist, trusted loved one, or even in a private voice recording—creates a release. The method matters less than the act of giving grief a voice.
6. Connect with Community and Support
Grief can feel profoundly isolating, yet connection is one of the strongest antidotes. Sharing experiences with those who have gone through similar losses can be deeply validating. Many therapy clinics in Vancouver offer group counselling sessions where individuals can find comfort and solidarity.
Beyond formal groups, reaching out to family and friends for practical help—such as sharing meals, childcare, or simply companionship—can lighten the emotional load. It is important to remember that asking for help is not a weakness; it is an act of self-compassion.
7. Practice Gentle Patience with the Process
Healing from grief rarely follows a neat timeline. Some days will feel lighter, while others may feel unexpectedly heavy—even years later. Setting aside the idea that there is a “right” way or time to grieve allows more freedom and compassion in the process.
Rather than aiming to “move on,” it can help to focus on “moving forward.” This shift acknowledges that grief does not erase love or memories, but it does allow life to keep unfolding in meaningful ways.
8. Seek Professional Guidance When Needed
While grief is a natural part of life, there are times when professional support can make all the difference. If daily functioning feels impossible, if emotions remain overwhelmingly intense over time, or if coping leads to harmful behaviors, counselling may be the next step.
Specialized therapists provide a safe and structured environment to process grief, offering tools tailored to individual needs. Whether through one-on-one counselling or group therapy, professional guidance can be a powerful resource for navigating the long road of healing.
A Final Word on Healing
Grief changes people—but it does not need to define them. By allowing space for emotions, caring for the body, leaning on community, and practicing patience, it is possible to find light even in the heaviest times.
At a Vancouver therapy clinic, counsellors often remind clients that grief is not something to be fixed; it is something to be honored. With support and compassion, grief can gradually transform from an unbearable weight into a softer presence—one that coexists with growth, resilience, and the possibility of joy again.
Phone: 604-418-8827
Email: hello@gatherandground.ca