Can grief counseling
help me?
People who have lost a pet need to talk and express their grief. At times, family members and friends, who have not understood the strength of the bond between you and your pet and/or have never experienced such a bond themselves, seem to be very unsympathetic. In this case, it is very important for you to find someone who does understand.
There are certain circumstances which can intensify one's grief, at times causing symptoms which therapists term 'complicated grief'. Your pet might have shared a significant event or person in your life (an ex- or deceased spouse, for example). Or the pet's loss might bring up anger or depression from other life tragedies or losses.
Perhaps you cannot understand the circumstances of your pet's illness and/or death or you feel guilt about decisions you have made, despite knowing that you did the best that you could under the circumstances.
If the pleasure of your life has significantly diminished and you seem not to be recovering from the loss of your beloved companion, consider contacting me. I would like nothing more than to help you be able to move on and experience joy again. I am now able to see a very few number of individuals for bereavement counseling during evening hours.
Support groups, pet loss hotlines and books on pet loss can also help tremendously.
University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine Pet Loss Support Hotline: 352-294-4430
(Their website has some very helpful information for you to peruse: smallanimal.vethospital.ufl.edu/client-services/pet-loss-support/)
Alachua County Crisis Center (phone hotline and individual counseling at no charge): 352-264-6789
Recommended reading: Betty J. Carmack Grieving the Death of a Pet.
There are certain circumstances which can intensify one's grief, at times causing symptoms which therapists term 'complicated grief'. Your pet might have shared a significant event or person in your life (an ex- or deceased spouse, for example). Or the pet's loss might bring up anger or depression from other life tragedies or losses.
Perhaps you cannot understand the circumstances of your pet's illness and/or death or you feel guilt about decisions you have made, despite knowing that you did the best that you could under the circumstances.
If the pleasure of your life has significantly diminished and you seem not to be recovering from the loss of your beloved companion, consider contacting me. I would like nothing more than to help you be able to move on and experience joy again. I am now able to see a very few number of individuals for bereavement counseling during evening hours.
Support groups, pet loss hotlines and books on pet loss can also help tremendously.
University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine Pet Loss Support Hotline: 352-294-4430
(Their website has some very helpful information for you to peruse: smallanimal.vethospital.ufl.edu/client-services/pet-loss-support/)
Alachua County Crisis Center (phone hotline and individual counseling at no charge): 352-264-6789
Recommended reading: Betty J. Carmack Grieving the Death of a Pet.
