About Yoshiko
Welcome
If you are navigating grief, loss, or a significant life transition, you are not alone.
My name is 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.
Based in Victoria BC, I support individuals moving through grief and other meaningful transitions, offering compassionate, client-centred counselling both in person and online across British Columbia.
My background also includes end-of-life doula training, which deepens my ability to walk alongside individuals and families through life’s most tender transitions. This integration of grief counselling, art therapy, and end-of-life care allows me to offer thoughtful, attuned support that honours your story and your pace.
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 therapeutic approach and the heart of the support I provide.
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, depth, and understanding. In my practice, we work together to honour your grief, mend the fractures of loss, and uncover beauty within your healing journey. My role is to offer grounding, steady grief counselling that allows you to move through loss with compassion rather than pressure or expectation.
At Kintsugi Grief Counselling, I believe that experiences such as the loss of a loved one, pet loss, pregnancy loss, or traumatic events all shape your unique story. These experiences do not diminish your worth — they transform it. I provide grief counselling and support in Victoria, BC and online across the province for adults (19+), creating a space where each person can find their own path to meaning, connection, and healing.
Land Acknowledment
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 related to human loss, pet loss, or the many quiet forms of living grief that arise through change. My approach to grief support integrates empathy, creativity, and gentle humour to meet you exactly where you are. Therapy is a collaborative and relational process where we explore your strengths, honour your emotions, and walk together toward healing and growth.
A core part of my work is the practice of witnessing — 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 when words alone may feel limiting. This combination often allows clients to experience deeper emotional insight, softer self-compassion, and renewed clarity.
Clients frequently share that they feel fully supported, safe, and understood in our work together. Many describe our sessions as a grounding space where they can explore thoughts, emotions, and memories without judgment. I am here to walk beside you with compassion, respect, and steady guidance as you navigate grief, rebuild meaning, and experience healing in your own time.
Let’s work together to begin your healing journey today.
