Diana Sebzda – Pet Loss Grief Counseling Trained Professional

Outline

Client Grief Education:
How Pet Loss Grief Differs from Other Grief

• How pet loss is often minimized by others
• Why typical support systems may be unavailable
• Unrealistic expectations about the grief process

The Role of Attachment in Pet Loss Grief:
Why Understanding Pet Bonding is Key to Compassionate Counseling

• History of the human animal bond
• Three types of pet bonds counselors need to know
• The economics of pet bonds
• Cultural and familial norms of pet relationships

The Disenfranchised Grief of Pet Loss:
Strategies to Help Clients Grieve Without Fear of Judgement

• How to help clients understand the nature of a disenfranchised grief
• Strategies to help clients externalize grief thoughts and feelings
• How to find like-minded supports for clients
• Techniques for educating clients and others on what is appropriate in grief

Anticipatory Grief:
Helping Clients with Pets Nearing the End

• Understanding anticipatory grief
• The role of pet parent and caregiver
• How to help clients develop a trusting relationship with their veterinarian
• Palliative care vs. Hospice care issues

Euthanasia in Pet Loss Grief:
Effective Interventions for Trauma and Guilt

• Strategies to help clients cope with trauma, anger, guilt and regret
• Teach clients to use a caregiver journal to name and express feelings
• Positive self-talk exercises to help clients heal

Mourning Rituals to Help Clients Cope with Pet Loss

• Role of religion and belief in spirit
• How clients can make a special place to honor and remember pets
• The role of the veterinarian or pet memorial park
• Continuing bonds to provide comfort and support
• Use linking objects exercises to reduce the trauma of loss

Group Therapy:
How to Create and Lead Pet Loss Support Groups

• Group types — closed or open, self-help or educational
• Implementation and marketing strategies for your group
• 3 ways to quickly build trust and rapport with group members
• How to ensure group safety