Grief is an experience that touches every individual at some point in life. Whether it is the loss of a loved one, a change in personal circumstances, or an unexpected transition, grief manifests in complex and deeply personal ways. For many people in Comox, finding a safe and supportive space to process this pain is essential, and this is where professional grief counselling plays an important role.

Grief is a natural response to loss, yet for some, the process becomes unusually prolonged and deeply disruptive. This is known as complicated grief, sometimes referred to as prolonged grief disorder or persistent complex bereavement disorder. In Comox and across British Columbia, many people experience complicated grief without realising that what they are enduring goes beyond typical mourning.

Not all grief comes from death. Sometimes loss takes a form that is harder to explain, harder to validate, and harder for others to recognise. This is what experts call ambiguous loss. Unlike the grief that follows bereavement, ambiguous loss can arise from situations such as divorce, job loss, infertility, or even the gradual fading of a relationship due to illness.

Grief is one of the most universal human experiences, yet it often feels isolating and overwhelming when it touches our lives. Whether it is the death of a loved one, a sudden loss, or a significant life change, grief unfolds in ways that can be deeply personal. For people in Comox and across British Columbia, having access to compassionate support and clear guidance can make an immense difference. One of the most recognised frameworks for understanding loss is the concept of the “stages of grief”.

One-on-one therapy, also known as individual counselling, offers a confidential space for self-exploration, emotional support, and lasting change.

Learn how feminist counselling supports clients by addressing power, identity, and social context. Ideal for women, LGBTQ+ folks, and anyone seeking inclusive care.

Online therapy is here to stay — but does it really work? This post breaks down research, benefits, limitations, and how to know if virtual counselling is right for you.

Discover how somatic therapy helps process trauma by working with the body, not just the mind. Learn techniques and benefits of this powerful approach.

A compassionate guide for new clients on what their first therapy session looks like — from intake questions to emotional safety and therapeutic pacing.

Explore whether grief counselling could help you after loss. This post guides you through key emotional signs and reflections to know if you're ready for support.

Gestalt therapy focuses on present-moment awareness, integration, and relational patterns. This post explores its history, techniques, and client benefits.

A look at queer-affirming couples therapy — including how it differs from traditional models and why inclusive language, identity safety, and shared values matter.

Learn how clinical supervision in counselling helps therapists grow professionally, navigate complex cases, and maintain ethical, self-reflective practice.

Explore the core goals of existential therapy, including meaning-making, freedom, authenticity, and how it supports clients during life transitions and emotional crises.

Whether you're facing divorce, grief, or identity shifts, therapy for life transitions helps you stay grounded and intentional through periods of uncertainty and change.

Counselling is a process where a variety of concerns can be discussed, such as career indecision, anxiety, stress, loss, anger, depression, substance abuse, eating disorders and relationship issues. Your first session with a counsellor is called an “intake”. The purpose of the intake is to help you identify your counselling goals and to explore what referral options might be appropriate for you at this time.

The BCACC requires Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC) who use Social Media to have a Social Media Policy. This document outlines my office policies related to use of Social Media. Please read it to understand how I conduct myself on the Internet as a mental health professional and how you can expect me to respond to potential interactions that may occur between us on the Internet.

Please read this Statement of Understanding carefully. Be sure to ask me to explain anything you do not understand or that you may have concerns about.

Elisabeth van Assum Counselling believes that counselling services should be accessible to everyone. As such, I am committed to providing a friendly, safe, and welcoming environment for all, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic situation, religion or ethnicity.