Neurodiverse-affirming
Grief & Loss Counselling

Learning to grow through the pain

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Jess Holtslander

MSW, RSW, RCC, Advanced Certified Grief Recovery Specialist

We are all human and, as humans, we all experience loss and change. With any loss or life change comes conflicting emotions.

Grief, or conflicting emotions, can result from losing a loved one, losing a pet, changing careers, moving to a different city/country, getting married, having a child, losing a child… the list goes on. There are about 40+ common life events that involve loss, and then there are intangible losses — losing a sense of safety, losing trust, losing faith, or losing hopes, dreams, and expectations.

Grief can also take many forms. It can be profound love that causes unbearable pain, loneliness, and isolation. It can feel like longing for something you never had. It can show up as resistance to unwanted change. It might feel like anger and resentment. It can even appear in our bodies in different ways, similar to stress and trauma.
Regardless of the form your grief takes, it’s normal. As a guide, I’m here to help you navigate your grief journey.

About

I started Sun & Clouds Counselling after completing my graduate education at UBCO and receiving advanced training at the Grief Recovery Institute. Prior to that, I worked with individuals of all ages who had neurodevelopmental disabilities, disorders, and/or mental health challenges – most commonly Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and Anxiety – in their academic and vocational pursuits.

Now, I work with people who: 

  • have a suspected, recent, or late diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or ADHD
  • have a partner and/or a child who has Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or ADHD
  • are grieving for various reasons (e.g., life change, chronic illness or disease, loss of a loved one) 
  • want to become more comfortable with their uncomfortable emotions

Aside from grief, loss, neurodiversity, and mental health, my other areas of focus include shame and guilt, attachment, and family dynamics. My approach is collaborative, warm, client-centered, and truth-centered.

What you can expect from our time together:

  • space to share your story, your pain, and your loss(es) as I listen and learn how I can help
  • time to acknowledge pain and loss while discovering ways of moving through grief
  • tools to help you process and see your experiences, losses, and relationships in a new way
  • support to find hope, purpose, meaning, and joy in life again

Fees

Complementary Consultation (15 minutes)

Consultations can be in-person, over the phone, or virtual to address any questions/concerns you may have about the services provided.

Individual Counselling Sessions (60 minutes) — $150 + GST

Sessions can be in-person or virtual for adults as well as adolescents.

Grief-Focused Couples Counselling Sessions (75 minutes) — $185 + GST

Sessions can be in-person or virtual for couples grieving together.

Accepted Methods of Payment

For virtual sessions, e-transfer is the only accepted method of payment. If in-person, there is also the option of using debit/credit card. Please check with your insurance provider as I do not offer direct billing; Registered Social Workers (RSWs) and Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) are covered under many health benefit plans.

Contact

To get in touch, you can call me at 250-808-9424 or fill out the form below:

Book Appointment