Pet loss support
Companioning a beloved animal through old age, sickness, or death isn’t something we are built to bear on our own
We can be kind, strong, intelligent, and resourceful individuals and still there will be times when we need other people to support us, that’s just how we’re built…. and this is one of those times.
Realizing your companion animal is reaching the end of their life, or receiving a difficult diagnosis can be shattering. Having another human to walk with you is vital.
I am here to do just that. Every person and every animal is a unique expression of life. Our journey together honors the uniqueness of your bond and supports you establishing a plan for the best way forward. End-of-life experiences can be painful and difficult—our work provides ways for you to move through them in an authentic, resilient way that allows you to be truly present for your animal in this time when they need you most. I deeply respect the painful things that bring people to seek support, as thresholds that offer the potential for healing, connection and purpose, and work to cultivate that optimism while also honoring the suffering that leads to such transitions.
Background
I am a licensed therapist with a specialty in the human-animal bond, specifically studying and practicing with people who consider an animal to be part of their family system. My training, in part, was working in the Veterinary Social Services department at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center, where I supported people who were bringing their beloved animals there for advanced diagnostics and treatments.
My work there included supporting people in developing non-medical end-of-life treatment plans and decision-making, euthanasia support, and pet loss bereavement and grief support. I am uniquely qualified in this area and have highly specialized training in these aspects of the human-animal bond.
I have worked in a variety of settings as a mental health professional including clinics, hospitals, and in private practice. I have specialized training in: grief and bereavement, anxiety, depression, forgiveness, sensorimotor training for the treatment of trauma, trauma informed care, mindfulness based training (including mindfulness based stress reduction, meditation, and somatic practices). I come to this work honestly, as a person profoundly drawn to animals since I was born, my most significant and powerful relationships have been with my beloved animals. I, just like you, have had to face the unthinkable grief of losing them. For me, it has been my connection with both my human and non-human loved ones that have seen me through. I am here to do that very same thing for you.