Your pet isn’t just a source of comfort – they bring endless amounts of joy and unconditional love to your life while teaching you how to be present. Imagining a world without them feels impossible.
Unfortunately, the joys of having a pet are met with one downside that no one ever wants to accept – that one day, you’re going to have to say goodbye. Not only that, caring for your pet as they age can bring on waves of anxiety, anticipatory grief, and cause you to miss out on living your own life. And if your pet died unexpectedly or needed to be euthanized, the guilt and self-blame can feel crippling.
Whether you’re seeking support for pet-related stressors, trying to decide if pet ownership is right for you, or just lost your pet-best-friend and don’t know where to turn, I am here to help.
As a lifelong pet lover, I believe that the powerful bond you share with your most loyal companion deserves to be honored and celebrated forever.
In my practice, I use mindfulness, creative expression, cognitive behavioral tools (CBT), and self-compassion to help you navigate your unique grief journey.
My hope is that you’ll leave our sessions feeling more grounded and inspired to care for yourself as deeply as you would care for your pet.
And if you just lost your pet and don’t know where to turn, download my free guide: Self-Care After Losing Your Soul-Mate Pet.
These experiences are common for anyone who has ever loved and lost a pet:
I deeply understand the profound bond between animal lovers and their pets, and the unique challenges that come with grieving such a devastating loss.
My approach is warm and compassionate. I also use evidence-based techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), that will educate and empower you to navigate your grief journey with resiliency and strength.
Whether you believe in a greater power or not, there are ways to make meaning out of the profound love you have for your pet, even after they’ve passed.
If you don’t tend to your mental health amidst the loss of your beloved animal companion, you’re at greater risk of prolonging your grief or making choices you regret later on. Seeking therapy for pet grief and anxiety can provide much needed support and guidance during this extremely upsetting time.
Not ready to start therapy quite yet? Read the posts below to learn more about how to process your grief.
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Paige Rechtman, LMHC © 2024
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