About Pet Loss Grief Counseling
We love our animals so much…
When we lose them or face that possibility, it can be one of the hardest things we’ve ever gone through.
Is this where you are now?
“My pet has just received a terminal diagnosis. What can I possibly do to prepare?”
“The loss I am experiencing is more painful than any I have experienced.”
“The people in my life don’t understand the depth of my sorrow.”
“I feel guilty about re-homing a pet.”
“I just experienced an unexpected and tragic loss.”
“I’m grappling with behavioral euthanasia.”
“I don’t know how to go on without my beloved.”
You might not see it right now, but…
It is possible to recover from the loss of your companion animal.
If you anticipate a loss, it is possible to prepare for and give your beloved a peaceful and loving death. Your remaining time with your animal will be quality-filled and meaningful. You will be able to show up with strength and compassion as you face this difficult transition.
If your loss has occurred, it is possible to find peace without nagging thoughts of guilt, regret, anxiety, and aimlessness.
There will be a time you can sleep through the night again, even without the familiar weight, fur, scent, and breath beside you.
There will be a moment when you can walk the same hiking trail you once did daily with your dog and not be flooded with depression.
You will be able to push past the multi-cat litter in the grocery store without cringing that you are no longer a multi-cat household.
It is possible to re-connect with the world while cherishing memories of your beloved pet.
It takes time, effort, and belief that you can give yourself the care you deserve – the kind of care your animal would want for you.
Here’s how grief counseling can help…
I am here to walk the road with you, validating your feelings as a nonjudgmental and supportive listener. While we work together, you will be heard, seen, and affirmed.
This is your safe space to grieve, mourn, and adjust to your loss. You can give yourself permission to cry, scream, question, and share your deepest pain in confidence.
Together, we’ll use a blend of different approaches, creating a path for your grief that’s as unique as your bond with your animal.
We’ll honor the relationship you had with your pet and the depth of your loss. We’ll explore your concerns and emotions, and you’ll receive practical tools and exercises to help you cope and adjust to your loss.
We’ll also support your self-care – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually – during this difficult time.
I believe in the power of YOUR strength…
… to guide you through your feelings.
Because you are here, I know you know how to love. Love is powerful. Love doesn’t disappear. Love can propel a force within you to push through your pain.
You know how to embrace joy. You know how to laugh. You know how to be supportive, nurturing, and comforting. You have done all these things with your companion animal, and you will be able to locate those places within yourself again.
You have built a deep and impactful relationship with your companion animal over many years. You know how to be patient, tender, and connected. You will offer that same compassion for yourself as you journey in grief.
You have been given gifts from your animal that are instilled deep in your soul.
These gifts and all the many strengths you gained from being in such a life-changing relationship will be things we will lean on together as we help you recover from your grief and adjust to your new reality.
About Me
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!
Let me partner with you through these tough times…
I know you’re hurting right now. Grief is a painful, difficult thing… but you don’t have to go through it alone.
All you have to do is reach out, and you’ll get an engaging, approachable, compassionate professional with the experience to help. Receiving support before, during, or after a loss can radically change the pace at which you recover and your ability to adjust to life without your animal companion.
My grief counseling style is warm, affirming, practical, and creative. Often, my clients say I become their best friend as they go through their loss.
I would love to talk to you to see how I can help…
Reach out to me today, and let’s schedule your free consultation: (310) 703-3990.