PET LOSS SUPPORT
Compassionate Support for Healing Hearts: Pet Loss Grief Support with Light after Loss
A pet loss specialist supports and guides individuals experiencing or anticipating loss, helping them navigate complex and overwhelming emotions. They create a safe, non-judgmental environment for clients to express feelings, develop coping strategies, and facilitate healing through various educational and therapeutic methods.
Meet Louise Griffey, a compassionate and experienced Certified Pet Loss Grief Specialist dedicated to helping you navigate the complex emotions of losing a cherished animal companion. Losing a pet can be a heart-wrenching and isolating experience, and Louise understands that the bond between humans and their pets is unique and profound. With a warm and empathetic approach, Louise will walk beside you on your journey of healing and recovery, providing support, understanding, and guidance as you grieve and come to terms with your loss.
Louise combines her extensive knowledge in Advanced Grief Recovery with a deep love and respect for animals to create a safe and nurturing environment for clients to process their grief. She is committed to helping you honour your pet's memory and find solace through a variety of educational and therapeutic methods.
Reach out to Light After Loss today and let Louise help you transform your pain into a loving tribute to your beloved furry, feathered, or scaled family member.
We need to heal before we can love another
The most common advice that is offered to pet owners is to replace the loss with a new pet. It is rare that a friend would ever tell someone who had lost a human family member that the best way to deal with the situation is to “go out and get a new one,” yet they will suggest this to a grieving pet owner without a second thought. These friends and family members forget that a beloved pet is a “real” family member!
Why is it good to speak to a Pet Loss Grief Specialist?
Safety: Confidentiality creates a safe and trusting environment, allowing you to openly share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgement, criticism or analysis.
Honesty: Knowing that your conversations will remain private can encourage you to be more honest and authentic, facilitating deeper self-awareness and personal growth.
Emotional Relief: Sharing your emotions and concerns in confidence can provide relief from stress, anxiety, or emotional burdens, leading to improved mental health and well-being.
Professional Guidance: Speaking with a trained professional in a confidential setting, such as an Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist, allows you to receive expert advice and support in a compassionate environment.
Personal Empowerment: Engaging in confidential conversations can help you develop coping strategies and resilience, empowering you to navigate challenges and make informed decisions about your life.
Support Is Available
The Grief Recovery Method® is an evidence based method to help those experiencing grief to deal with the emotional pain in a safe and helpful way. The Grief Recovery Method has been tried and tested with countless success stories.
For centuries people have suffered grief with no education or specialised services to turn to. Thanks to the Grief Recovery Method® people now have the tools, education and support to deal with life's toughest experiences.
Benefits of Pet Loss Grief Support
Emotional Support: A pet loss grief specialise provides a safe, non-judgmental space for you to express and process your emotions, helping you navigate the complex feelings that accompany the loss of a beloved pet.
Grief Education: The grief specialist can help you understand the myths, misinformation and facts about grief and provide insight into the unique aspects of pet loss. This knowledge can empower you to better cope with your emotions and recognise that your feelings are valid and normal.
Coping Strategies: A pet loss grief specialist can teach you effective coping strategies, practical tools and skills you can utilise throughout your life. You will also learn about self-care practices and creative outlets for expressing grief.
Guidance in Honouring Your Pet's Memory: The grief specialist can help you explore meaningful ways to memorialise your pet, such as creating a memorial, holding a ceremony, or engaging in acts of kindness in their memory, which can contribute to healing and closure.
Connection and Validation: Grieving a pet can sometimes feel isolating, as others may not fully understand the depth of your bond. A pet loss grief specialist validates your emotions, fostering a sense of connection and compassion, which can help you feel less alone during this challenging time.
Common Pet Loss FAQs
How to Cope with Losing a Pet?
Coping with pet loss involves acknowledging and expressing your grief. Give yourself permission to grieve, understanding that your feelings are valid. Reach out to supportive friends or family members who understand your bond with your pet. Consider joining a pet loss support group or seeking professional help from a pet loss grief specialist. Engage in self-care by practising mindfulness, exercising, and maintaining a healthy routine. Memorialise your pet through creative outlets or acts of kindness, which can honour their memory and help you find closure. Remember, you can heal your heart, so be patient with yourself throughout the process.
Why is Losing a Pet so Painful?
Losing a pet is painful because the emotional bonds formed with a pet often exceed the bonds formed with other people in a person's life. Many people never think of them as pets but rather as very special companions, best friends or family members. A pet is a confidant with whom you can share everything without fear that they will repeat it to others. The love experienced with a pet is often expressed as unconditional love and acceptance. When a pet dies, disappears or must be given away, the loss can be devastating. The major problem pet owners face is how pet loss is often an unrecognised type of grief by society. It is frequently the case that friends and family members do not realise the depth of this emotionally misunderstood loss. They are with us through life's ups and downs, and their loss can leave a significant void. The grieving process can be further complicated by feelings of guilt, responsibility, or the need to make difficult end-of-life decisions.
How Long Should You Grieve After the Loss of a Pet?
The grieving process for pet loss is highly unique and individual and can vary greatly in duration. Factors such as the depth of your bond, the circumstances surrounding your pet's death, and your personal coping mechanisms can all influence the length of your grieving period. Some people may find solace within weeks or months, while others may take a year or more to come to terms with their loss. It's important to remember that there is no set timeline for grief and to give yourself the space and compassion needed to process your emotions. Seek support from friends, family, or a pet loss grief specialist to help you navigate this journey.
What can I expect if I sign up for the Pet Loss Support Program?
We will meet online through the Zoom video platform, once per week over the course of 6 weeks. During each session, you’ll be welcomed into a confidential, non-judgmental space where you’ll be expected to share the truth of your story as it happened to you. You will also be expected to complete weekly reading and homework assignments. From me, you can expect open ears and an open heart ready to receive your story. I’m also available to answer any questions you may have while you walk through the program.
