Pet Loss Counselling
Support For The Loss of Your Pet
Help with Losing a Pet
A pet often becomes a significant part of one’s life. Pets show constant and unconditional love, and they are often considered a part of the family. Pets accept us, and provide love, companionship, joy, and comfort during difficult times. Since this bond is so strong, this loss can result in intense feelings of grief. These feelings are normal and should lessen with time, but if they persist, counselling can often help.
If there is a serious illness or accident, or a decision about euthanasia must be made, feelings of guilt, uncertainty, confusion, and remorse can occur. Euthanasia is an extremely difficult decision to make, and can be devastating for some. It can also be difficult for others to understand this type of grief, and how intense the emotions can be.
As an animal owner myself, I understand the unique bond that can develop between humans and animals, and how this is not always understood by everyone. I will help to guide you through the grief process, and offer you tools to manage the distress that is being experienced. This process can help you to move forward in a safe and caring environment, in a way that works for you.
Questions on Counselling
How do I know if I need counselling?
Sometimes we need to seek help from a trained professional to work through problems that we are encountering. You may need counselling if:
- you are feeling overwhelmed, and your problems do not seem to improve despite your best efforts
- you are having difficulties in your relationships
- it is difficult to carry out your daily routine, performance at work is affected, relationships are strained, or you are not feeling like you are coping effectively
- You are using alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex, or other means that are negatively affecting your life
- You feel unhappy or hopeless
What can I expect in a first session?
During the first session, paperwork is completed as well as a functional assessment. I will ask about your concerns and what has brought you to therapy. Once all information has been gathered, goals for therapy and a treatment plan can be discussed.
How do I know if it’s the right fit for me?
You should feel comfortable with your psychologist and be able to discuss personal information. It is important to have a good rapport with your psychologist and feel at ease with him/her.
In order to determine if we are a good fit for each other, I offer a free 20 minute consultation.
How long are sessions?
Sessions are 60 minutes in length, which includes admin time (i.e. payment, booking next appointments, etc). Longer sessions may be arranged in 15 minute segments.
How many sessions are required?
Therapy is individual to each person and the amount of time required is dependant on several factors. Some of these factors include the nature of the concerns brought to therapy, complexity of the issues, amount of work completed outside of sessions, and motivation to change.
What is the cost?
The Fee Schedule recommended by the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta is a guideline for setting fees for services. My fees are set using this schedule as a guideline. You can access this fee schedule on the Psychologists’ Association website at www.psychologistsassociation.ab.ca.
My fee for individual sessions is $220/hour.
Alberta Health Care does not cover the cost of psychological services. However, I will issue a receipt for fees paid, and if you have an insurance plan, this may be submitted to your insurance company for full or partial re-imbursement.
Live Your Best Life
I can support you in finding the path to health and healing.