CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN COUNSELING
Mary Seelbach, LCSW
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FORGOTTEN GRIEF: MOURNING THE LOSS OF A PET

Coping Strategies to Help Your Grief and Celebrate Their Memory
When a pet dies, whether suddenly or after a lingering illness, you may find yourself awkwardly apologizing to others for your sudden bursts of tears or unshakable blue moods.  You may silently admonish yourself for not being able to save your beloved companion's life.  You may vow to "never again get another cat or dog."  After all, you reason, why endure another painful loss?  The following are strategies that may help you recover from the death of a pet.



1.  Give yourself permission to grieve.  Denying these natural emotions can elevate stress and physical fatigue and can even suppress healing.
 
2.  Seek out friends and family members who share your compassion for animals.
 
3.  Dismiss and ignore comments from individuals who may trivialize your loss.
 
4.  Recognize that your departed pet is one of a kind who can never be replaced.  When you are ready to have a new pet, embrace them for their uniqueness and avoid comparing them with previous pets.
 
5.  Treat yourself well.  Eat nutritious meals and get ample sleep and exercise.
 
6.  Never say "Never again."  Avoid declarations such as "I will never get another pet."  These statements hinder healing.
 
7.  Ritualize the pet's death through a ceremony or memorial service.
 
8.  Spend time recalling happy memories of times that you shared with your pet.
 
9.  Consider writing a letter to or from your departed pet.  Seeing these words printed on a page can help in your bereavement process.
 
 
Could Talking to a Pet Bereavement Counselor Help?
I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with an office in Lexington, KY.  I have become interested in working with families and individuals overwhelmed by the anticipated loss or actual loss of a beloved pet.  The loss of a pet can be one of the most painful losses.  The unconditional love of a pet can be healing--and its removal can be devastating.  Sometimes, the loss of a pet can trigger deep unresolved grief over other losses and you can be at risk for depression.  A caring, supportive therapist can be of great benefit at this time.  This is where I hope that I may be of help.
 
I am committed to scheduling clients as quickly as possible when they call or email for an appointment.  I offer convenient times including Saturday mornings.  My standard session for an individual or couple is 50 minutes.  Most people complete counseling in less than eight sessions.  You are welcome to continue longer or come back for a "check-in."
 
Counseling does not have to be expensive.  I will gladly negotiate an acceptable payment solution so that you can receive the help that you need.  I accept most insurance plans.
 
Phone counseling is also available for pet bereavement.
 
Call (859) 351-5166 or see contact information below.