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Pet Bereavement Counselling
Grief is a many-layered thing. Unfortunately, we are not a grief-literate society when it comes to the death of a person, let alone the death of a beloved companion animal. One of the hardest aspects of pet bereavement is the feeling of ‘disenfranchised grief’ as, sadly, all too often the death of an animal is not viewed as a legitimate experience of bereavement. This can feel compounded when our expression of grief is met with phrases such as “it was just a dog / cat / animal”, along with “you can get another one”. These loaded comments, often intended to support, diminish the depth of the relationship we hold with our companion animals, while simultaneously invalidating the complex and overwhelming emotions we are attempting to navigate - without the comfort and connection of the relationship our companion animal. |
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The human-animal bond is often described as unique. All relationships are, of course, but what sets aside the bond between humans and companion animals is the unconditional nature of it: the experience of genuine unreserved love. The depth of this bond is scientifically supported through research into the neurobiology of the connection humans have with dogs and cats. Our physical bond with animals has scientifically been shown to release dopamine, raise serotonin levels and produce oxytocin – all of which have a beneficial impact on our psychological stability by decreasing stress and anxiety, and improving our physical and emotional well-being.
Our companion animals are intimate parts of our daily lives as our motivators to get up and moving each day; in return, they are our constant companions offering us comfort and unconditional love. Adjusting to the altered routines of our daily life with our companion animal and the purposeful focus they created in our days can be a challenging emotional dynamic. Especially when their death has been unexpected and sudden, or after a long period of managing medical issues. The complexity of these emotions can feel particularly raw if we have been in the position of arranging euthanasia. While it is the greatest act of love we can facilitate, to prevent any further pain or suffering for them, we do so knowing the devastating emotional toll it is for us once they have died.
I have had the privilege of sharing my life with companion dogs and cats; I empathise with poignant emotions of adapting to life after their death. Your world has been altered in a way you did not want or anticipate. What you need is time, compassion and patience to adapt to the reality of a life without your companion animal. I provide a caring, supportive and empathetic space for you to grieve your companion animal.
FEES
Pet Bereavement Therapy cycle of 4-sessions £220 (50-minutes per session)
- The fee includes the planting of a remembrance flower of in honour of your companion animal, which you can watch bloom @lilysfriendshipgarden with a £20 donation made to the animal charity of your choosing in your companion animal's name.
- I donate 20% of the total session fees to Pariah Dog Koh Samui Rescue and Shelter in honour of my Thai companion dogs.
Our companion animals are intimate parts of our daily lives as our motivators to get up and moving each day; in return, they are our constant companions offering us comfort and unconditional love. Adjusting to the altered routines of our daily life with our companion animal and the purposeful focus they created in our days can be a challenging emotional dynamic. Especially when their death has been unexpected and sudden, or after a long period of managing medical issues. The complexity of these emotions can feel particularly raw if we have been in the position of arranging euthanasia. While it is the greatest act of love we can facilitate, to prevent any further pain or suffering for them, we do so knowing the devastating emotional toll it is for us once they have died.
I have had the privilege of sharing my life with companion dogs and cats; I empathise with poignant emotions of adapting to life after their death. Your world has been altered in a way you did not want or anticipate. What you need is time, compassion and patience to adapt to the reality of a life without your companion animal. I provide a caring, supportive and empathetic space for you to grieve your companion animal.
FEES
Pet Bereavement Therapy cycle of 4-sessions £220 (50-minutes per session)
- The fee includes the planting of a remembrance flower of in honour of your companion animal, which you can watch bloom @lilysfriendshipgarden with a £20 donation made to the animal charity of your choosing in your companion animal's name.
- I donate 20% of the total session fees to Pariah Dog Koh Samui Rescue and Shelter in honour of my Thai companion dogs.
