Pet Loss Counselling

North of Sydney and the Central Coast

The very special bond that we have with our pets gives us a pleasure that is hard for the non pet owner to understand. The companionship and devotion that they give without any demands gives us a deep seated happiness. Our pets give obedience and respect and the bond that is developed within that loving relationship is for some people deeper than they might experience with another human being.

For so many the companion animal becomes more than a pet and that deep emotional bond means that they respond to our feelings and would seem to understand when we need comfort. So when we lose our beloved pet it is like losing a family member, often it takes time to come to terms with the loss. Family members and friends may find it hard to be supportive or sympathetic because they do not really understand that a relationship has been lost or the depth of that loss.

Grief is an individual experience and how we cope with it will vary. It is important that grief is worked through and whilst the beloved pet will never be forgotten there comes a time when those intense feelings of loss become more bearable. Where there has been little opportunity to talk about the feelings involved the owner can become stuck in that grieving process. At this point there is a need to talk to a therapist who is able to empathise with the loss and who can help the owner to work through the grief.

I feel this is an area which is not well understood or provided for in normal counselling services. Having experienced the loss of a special pet I offer this extra service to help those who are feeling lost in their grief.