Sandy Vanderveen, GRMS

I have called the Comox Valley home for most of my life. I am an Advanced Grief Recovery Method specialist who supports individuals and groups as they work through grief caused by a death, divorce, pregnancy loss, unexpected pregnancy, relationship breakdown, past trauma, mental health struggles, loss of health, and many other loss events. Grief is the common thread in all of these losses. As a GRM specialist I support those in their grief recovery journey as they identify the areas where grief is holding them back from joy, and as they move from pain and isolation towards acceptance and peace. The Grief Recovery Method is an 8 week action-orientated program designed to support participants as they complete the pain, isolation and loneliness caused by a loss of any kind, with emotional support and guidance provided at each step in the journey. Support groups are available in a one-on-one or group format, and can also be attended remotely via zoom. Upon completion, participants are empowered with the tools to process future grief and loss events as well, as these are common human experiences. Helping Children with Loss is a 4-week educational program designed to teach parents, caregivers, and those who work with children how to assist those in their care who are experiencing unresolved grief from a loss of any kind, including divorce of parents, pet loss, moving, pandemic grief, death of a close family member, loss of safety and trust, or any of the many other losses that children and youth may encounter in their lives. This program teaches adults how to empower children and young people with positive and effective methods of resolving grief.