Seeking Professional Help: When and How to Find a Pet Grief Counselor
The loss of a beloved pet can be a profoundly emotional and challenging experience. For many, pets are not just animals; they are cherished members of the family. When grieving the loss of a pet becomes overwhelming and affects your daily life, seeking professional help in the form of a pet grief counselor can be a valuable step toward healing. In this article, we'll explore when and how to find a pet grief counselor, and we'll provide contact information for counselors in both Canada and the United States.
When to Seek a Pet Grief Counselor
There are certain situations and factors that may specifically warrant seeking the assistance of a pet grief counselor. One such circumstance is experiencing a traumatic loss, such as a sudden accident or the unexpected death of a pet. Traumatic losses can often lead to more complex and intense grief reactions. Additionally, if you were particularly dependent on your pet for emotional support, companionship, or as a service animal, the loss can be especially challenging to navigate.
Other points to consider include multiple losses in a short period, unresolved grief from past pet losses, or if you're finding it challenging to manage daily life due to the overwhelming grief. In these situations, a pet grief counselor can offer specialized guidance and support tailored to your unique needs, helping you process your emotions and move towards healing.
Intense and Prolonged Grief
If your grief over the loss of your pet is intense, prolonged, or interferes with your ability to function in daily life, it may be time to seek professional help.
Preexisting Mental Health Challenges
If you have preexisting mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, the loss of a pet can exacerbate these conditions. Professional guidance can be beneficial.
Isolation and Withdrawal
Feeling isolated from friends and family, or withdrawing from social activities, can be signs that your grief needs professional support.
Complicated Grief
Some individuals may experience complicated grief, which can include feelings of guilt, anger, or difficulty accepting the loss. A counselor can assist in processing these complex emotions.
Contact Information for Pet Grief Counselors:
Please note that this list provides contact information for pet grief counselors in both Canada and the United States.
These listings are provided for information only and they are not recommendations or endorsements. Please contact these professionals directly for more information about their services, availability, and to discuss your specific needs related to pet grief counseling.
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Canada:
ALBERTA:
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Calgary: Joanna Card, Registered Psychologist
Address: Suite 200, 2003-14th St NW, Calgary, AB, T2M 3N4
Phone: 403-554-6305
Email: joannacard@shaw.ca
Website: Joanna Card Counselling -
Calgary: Alex Guidotti
Location: Calgary, Alberta T2X3T8
Email: forzapsychology@gmail.com
Website: Forza Psychology -
Calgary: Straja Linder King, Spiritual Directions Centre
Address: 1407 10th St. SW, Calgary AB T2N 1B9
Phone: 403.383-0070, 403.210-2802
Email: strajalk@me.com
Website: Strawberry Moon Counselling -
Gwynne: Lyndell Drever, Sacred Hearts
Location: Online/phone counseling
Phone: (780) 608-6337
Email: lyndell@dreverag.com
Facebook: Sacred Hearts -
Strathmore: Caroline Tarkowski
Location: Strathmore, AB T1P 1S7
Phone: (403) 629-5191
Email: instilledchangecounselling@gmail.com
Website: Instilled Change Counselling
Note: Offers virtual individual and group counseling to anyone who has experienced pet loss.
BRITISH COLUMBIA:
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Langley: Laurel Horn, MA, RCC
Location: Langley, BC
Phone: 604-802-6959
Email: lhorn@telus.net
Website: Daybreak Counselling
Note: Offers support, counseling, and seminars. -
North Vancouver: Helen Whitehead Counselling
Address: 224 Esplanade West North Vancouver, BC, Canada
Email: info@helenwhitehead.ca
Website: Helen Whitehead Counselling -
Vancouver: Melanie Yearow, RPC, Melanie Yearow Counselling Services
Address: #200-1892 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC
Phone: 604-730-5002
Email: melanieyearow@gmail.com
Website: Melanie Yearow Counselling Services
Note: Offers phone & Skype counseling. -
Vancouver Island: Juli Wild
Email: info@wildflowerhealing.com
Website: Wildflower Healing
Note: Offers phone & Skype counseling.
NOVA SCOTIA:
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Dartmouth: Nancy Blair, Nancy Blair Counseling
Location: Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Phone: (902) 223-3151
Email: nancyblaircounselling@gmail.com
Website: Nancy Blair Counseling
ONTARIO:
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Ridgeway: Chantale Denis, New Beginning Counselling Services
Address: 355 Ridge Road N, Ridgeway, Ontario, Canada
Phone: 289-214-1574
Email: newbeginning.counselling@gmail.com
Website: A New Beginning Counselling -
Natasha Tutt (she/her), MSW, RSW
Email: natashatuttmsw@gmail.com
Phone: (647) 707-7877
Website: Natasha Tutt MSW
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United States
Florida:
Dr. Bennett, Licensed Psychologist Ariel Counseling & Consultation
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Address: 450 S. Orange Avenue, Orlando, Florida, 32801
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Office Phone: (407) 204-9720
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Email: info@arielcounseling.com
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Website: www.arielcounseling.com
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Dr. Chris Norman, RN, BA, BEd, MEd, PsyD PAWS 4 GRIEF
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Address: Florida, 33401
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Office Phone: (310) 895-3922
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Email: cfanorman@gmail.com
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Website: www.paws4grief.com
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Rachel Shirley, Certified Professional Coach, Certified Pet Loss and Grief Companion
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Address: Pet Loss Counselors / Specialists, Florida, 34997
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Office Phone: (561) 234-0823
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Email: Rachel@rachel-shirley.com
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Website: www.rachel-shirley.com
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Home Phone: (561) 234-0823
Colorado:
Beth Gustin, MA, NCC, LPC, EMDR Certified, CGCS Transitioning Through Change, PLLC
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Address: 8774 Yates Dr. Suite 110, Colorado, 80031
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Office Phone: (303) 335-9059
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Website: www.transitioningthroughchange.com
Bernadette Pivarunas, PhD Radical Healing
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Address: 2001 S. Shields Street, Building D, Suite 203, Colorado, 80526
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Office Phone: (970) 236-6317
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Website: radicalhealingllc.com
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Ohio:
Brenda Brown, MA, FT Grief About Pets
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Address: 1303 W. Maple St. NW, Suite 103-Family Care Counseling office, Canton, Ohio, 44720
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Office Phone: (330) 415-8879
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Email: brenda@griefaboutpets.com
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Website: www.griefaboutpets.com
Virginia:
Craig Wilt, MA, MEd, CT, CBT, PLGS-APLB Hospice of the Piedmont
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Address: Warrenton / Culpeper, Virginia
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Office Phone: (540) 718-5323
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Email: craig.wilt@hopva.org
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Website: www.hopva.org
Leslie Greenberg, Ph.D. in Psychology Richmond Neuropsychology
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Address: 4713 Harvest Glen Way, Glen Allen, Virginia, 23059
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Office Phone: (804) 833-3567
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Website: RichmondNeuropsychology.com
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Connecticut:
Christiana Treglia, APLB Certified 2012 Cornell University Veterinary Specialist
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Address: 880 Canal Street, Connecticut, 06902
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Email: info@cuvs.org
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Website: cuvs.org
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Pennsylvania:
Deborah Massey, LSCW, CAS
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Address: 422 Evergreen Drive PO Box 190, Honey Brook, Pennsylvania, 19344
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Office Phone: (484) 722-8191
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Website: Seekingwhatmatters.com
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DONNA CARLSON, Certified Equine Gestalt and Grief Coach Donna Carlson Coaching
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Address: 144 Middle Creek Road, Pennsylvania, 19525
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Home Phone: (610) 331-6643
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Email: donna@4healinghoofs.com
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Website: donnacarlsoncoaching.com
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Texas:
Dr. Christine Henry, Ph.D., NCC Therapy For Pet People
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Address: Virtual, Texas, 77094
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Office Phone: (832) 380-4850
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Email: henry@therapyforpeople.com
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Website: www.therapyforpetpeople.com
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New York:
Janet Zimmerman, LCSW-R
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Address: New York Pet Loss Support Services, New York
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Phone: (631) 643-6205
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Email: support@nypetloss.com
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Website: www.nypetloss.com
Day Cummings, Licensed Clinical Social Worker / RN Circle of Daughters, Inc.
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Address: 5138 South Park Ave, Unit S 8, New York, 14075
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Office Phone: (716) 507-6281
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Email: Momsspirit@aol.com
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Home Phone: (716) 507-6281
Arizona: Gretchen Bickert, APLB Certified, AHG Certified
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Address: Arizona, 85201
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Mobile Phone: (602) 570-3375
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Home Phone: (602) 570-3375
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Email: ursus88@gmail.com
California:
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Julie Austin, Psy.D.
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Address: 655 Redwood Highway, #655, Mill Valley, California, 94941
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Office Phone: (415) 272-4515
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Email: julie@drjulieaustin.com
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Website: www.drjulieaustin.com
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Jennifer Breslow, LCAT, LPAT, ATR-BC Art Therapy & Psychotherapy in NYC
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Address: 244 Fifth Avenue, #L252, New York, 10001
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Office Phone: (646) 481-5228
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Website: artpsychotherapynyc.com
Maryland:
Robyn Zeiger, Ph.D., LCPC, LPC
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Address: Robyn Zeiger, Ph.D., Pet Loss Counselors / Specialists, 10300 Sweetbriar Parkway, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20903
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Office Phone: (301) 445-7333
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Email: drrobynzeiger@aol.com
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Website: drrobynzeiger.com
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Fax: (301) 445-5046
Alaska:
Shannon Basner, ACCBC from IAABC, Pet Loss & Bereavement Counselor, Cat advoCATe
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Address: Mojo's Hope, 2440 E Tudor Rd PMB 896, Anchorage, Alaska, 99507
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Email: mojoshope@gmail.com
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Website: www.mojoshope.org
Missouri:
Michelle Filippi-Robb, Licensed Professional Counselor
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Address: Breakthrough Behavioral Care, LLC, St Charles, Missouri, 63301
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Website: www.breakthroughbehavioralcare.com
Illinois:
Linda Harper, Ph.D. clinical psychologist
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Address: Consultants in Applied Psychology, 11900 Southwest Highway, Suite 201, Illinois, 60464
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Phone: (708) 227-5330
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Email: linda@drlindaharper.com
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Website: www.drlindaharper.com
Minnesota:
Lisa Havelin, MA, LMFT
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Address: Lisa Havelin Counseling, 572 Lincoln Ave. #11, Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55102
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Phone: (651) 230-4035
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Email: lhavelin9345@gmail.com
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Website: www.lisahavelin.com
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Tennessee:
Michele Burgner, MSSW, LCSW
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Address: Michele E. Burgner, MSSW, LCSW, 2200 21st Avenue South, Suite 229, Nashville, Tennessee, 37212
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Phone: (615) 969-3664
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Email: michele@micheleburgner.com
New Jersey:
Nancy Saxton-Lopez, LCSW, DCSW, VSW
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Address: Nancy Saxton-Lopez/The Pet Loss Companion, 85 Hopper Avenue, Waldwick, New Jersey, 07463
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Phone: (201) 638-7404