About Grief and Counselling with Yoshiko
Welcome, I'm Yoshiko Nonaka.
(she/her)
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, and a Professional Art Therapist with the Canadian Art Therapy Association. As an experienced grief counsellor in Victoria, I specialize in grief and loss, offering compassionate, client-centred counselling in Victoria and across BC online. I have also completed end-of-life doula training, which supports my ability to walk alongside individuals and families through life’s most tender transitions.
Healing Through Grief Counselling: Practice Philosophy
The name “Kintsugi” (金継ぎ) comes from the Japanese art of mending pottery with gold or silver, highlighting cracks instead of hiding them. Kintsugi celebrates resilience, beauty, and strength in imperfection. This philosophy reflects my approach to support for grief and loss.
Just as Kintsugi transforms pottery into something more meaningful, grief can also be a process of healing and growth. Each painful experience becomes part of your story, adding resilience and depth. In my practice, we work together to honour your grief, mend the fractures of loss, and uncover beauty within your healing journey.
At Kintsugi Grief Counselling, I believe that challenges such as the loss of a loved one, pet loss, pregnancy loss, or traumatic events all shape your unique story. These experiences don’t diminish your worth — they enhance it. I provide grief counselling in Victoria and online across BC for adults (19+), creating space for each client to find their personal path to healing.
Land Acknowledgement
Kintsugi Grief Counselling operates on the traditional lands of the Lekwungen-speaking peoples, including the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, and the W̱SÁNEĆ people. I honour their enduring relationship with this land and strive to create a counselling space rooted in respect, connection, and care.
About my Approach
I am passionate about supporting individuals navigating grief, whether human or pet loss. My approach integrates empathy, creativity, and gentle humour to meet you where you are. Therapy is a collaborative process where we explore your strengths and walk together toward healing and growth.
I deeply value the role of witnessing in therapy — holding space for your story and ensuring you feel truly seen and heard. Alongside traditional talk therapy, I incorporate art therapy, offering a holistic way to explore and express emotions.
Clients have often shared that they feel fully supported and safe, with a non-judgmental space to explore their thoughts and feelings. I am here to walk beside you with compassion, respect, and steady guidance toward healing and meaningful change.
Let’s work together to begin your healing journey today.
