Pet Loss & Grief Therapy
When a beloved pet dies, the grief is real.
The loss of a beloved pet can change the texture of everyday life. Their presence is woven into our routines, our homes, and our relationships. They may be a source of comfort, companionship, and a kind of connection that can be difficult to put into words.
Yet pet loss isn't always recognized as a significant loss. You may feel that others don't understand the depth of your grief, or that you should be “feeling better by now.” You might find yourself struggling with sadness, loneliness, guilt, or the ache of having such a familiar presence missing from your life.
Whatever your experience looks like, your grief deserves a space where it can be seen, heard, and honored.
When Loss Is Complicated
Grief can take many forms, and there isn't one right way to experience it. You may be grieving:
The death of a beloved pet and the absence of their daily presence.
Anticipatory grief as a pet ages, becomes ill, or begins to decline.
End-of-life decisions, including the guilt, doubt, and conflicting emotions that can accompany them.
A sudden or traumatic loss that leaves little time to prepare or say goodbye.
Life after loss, including adjusting to changes in routines, relationships, and a home that feels different.
Individual Therapy & Support Groups
Grief is deeply personal, and losing a beloved pet can bring up emotions that are difficult to navigate on your own. Individual therapy provides a dedicated space to explore your grief, make sense of complicated feelings, and work through the many ways loss can affect your life. Having the support of a therapist can help you process your experience and adjust to life after loss.
A support group offers something different: the opportunity to connect with others who understand the significance of losing a beloved pet. Sharing experiences with people navigating a similar loss can help ease the sense of isolation that often accompanies pet-loss grief. Whether your loss is recent or you've been living with grief for some time, the group offers an opportunity to share your experience and feel less alone.
I offer online individual therapy to clients throughout California and facilitate virtual pet loss support groups throughout the year.
Interested in individual therapy or an upcoming support group? Please reach out for more information. We can set up a complimentary 15-minute consultation to see which services best suit your needs.