About Beth Bigler, GC-C, PGSS-C

Companion animals have ALWAYS mattered to me.

I can’t remember a time when they weren’t in my life and my heart.

From my first crimson Betta fish, Freddy, to my first mammal, Jordan the gerbil (named after my favorite “New Kids on The Block” crooner), to my first cat, Madonna (I’m sensing a naming theme here), to my first “adult” cats, Arnie and Zelda, to the countless pups I have received slobbery kisses from…

I have always appreciated the deep bond and profound love between people and animals.

I have benefitted from the joy, acceptance, and unabashed friendship a companion animal brings, and I’m grateful for all the gifts the animals in my life have brought me.

I, too, have grieved my soulmate pet.

And I did not know if I would survive it.

The anticipated and eventual loss of my soul mate cat, Arnie, led me to seek out my own pet loss grief support, which profoundly aided my healing. It was lifesaving and transformative.

In the middle of that process, I had the opportunity to help a stranger at the vet’s office who was faced with an unexpected euthanasia decision. I realized that I wanted to help others integrate loss into their lives and empower them on their grief journey.

Some of my education and training…

I hold degrees from New York University (BFA) and Goddard College (MFA), and I have over 20 years of experience in film, including writing, development, and production.

I am currently an instructor at New York Film Academy in their screenwriting and producing departments and have garnered numerous awards and recognitions for my writing and work in the entertainment industry.

I am also a private writing coach in various genres and specialize in helping writers tell the stories they need to tell. My clients and I have found that our journey of love and loss with our companion animals is useful for telling other stories we’ve always wanted to tell.

Finally, I am a Certified Grief Counselor and Certified Pet Loss Grief Support Specialist by the American Academy of Grief Counseling. I am also a proud member of the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement.

It’s my mission to put all my education, training, experience, intuition, and compassion to its best use – to help you navigate your sorrow and bring relief to your spirit.

When I’m not doing grief counseling…

I love cooking, gardening, singing karaoke, teaching classes, and giving tarot readings.

I enjoy spending time in and around water, kayaking, and being around wild whales and dolphins.

I also read poetry, watch documentaries, and have dance parties with my toddler and my cat, Zelda!