Loss and grief counselling has been added to the support offered by Envision Counselling and Support Centre.
"Dating back to our needs assessment in 2008, we recognized there was a need in the southeast for counselling in this specialized area. We have been attempting to find a way to offer it within our programming structure for a long time," said Christa Daku, Envision Executive Director. "The Family Intervention program currently offers counselling to families who are experiencing personal life challenges and crisis in many areas."
Envision typically sees families who are experiencing marital/relationship break-down, blended family issues, child and parent conflict, high risk adolescent behaviours, and any other significant change or loss within a family that creates a high degree of stress.
"We see loss and grief counselling as the perfect fit for our Family Intervention program," said Daku. Loss and grief can be categorized in many different areas and reaches all demographics. Commonly, loss is associated with death however it also encompasses many other areas of a family's life.
The loss of health, pregnancy loss and fertility issues, caregiver issues, employment loss, war related loss, and violent crimes and victimization are all areas where a family may experience grief.
"If one member of the family experiences a trauma, such as witnessing a horrific accident, it may eventually impact the whole family in the future," said Daku.
By offering this programming Envision will be able to provide a preventative measure to long term effects, such as depression
Daku said Envision would also like to provide support to the newcomer population who may experience loss when they move to Saskatchewan.
"There are many challenges that encompass moving to a new country and leaving supports, family, employment and stability behind. Fitting into a new culture would be challenging for anyone," said Daku.
The Loss and Grief counselling program can offer newcomers connections to local community resources, but more importantly, provide non-judgemental support for those who may be having difficulty coping.
Daku encourages people experiencing feelings of loss or grief to call one of the Envision offices.
Services are available in Estevan at 306-637-4004, Weyburn at 306-824-8821, and Carlyle 306-453-2405 and Oxbow. For additional information, visit the website at www.envisioncounsellingcentre.com.
