Pet Bereavement Support Groups: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals

ABSTRACT

Companion animals are becoming increasingly important in society. Pets have been recognized for their vast contributions to human lives, including emotional support, social support, health benefits, and connection. However, society does not recognize the significant loss associated with losing a pet, which can contribute to bereaved pet owners feeling isolation and shame as they cope with the loss of their beloved companion. Mental health professionals must be aware of this disenfranchised grief and creatively expand their services to provide support and advocacy for bereaved pet owners. This article includes a framework for clinicians to establish a pet loss support group in their community.

KEYWORDS:

• Adults
• community counseling
• counseling
• creativity in counseling
• group counseling
• mental health
• wellness

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Chelsey L. Hess-Holden

Chelsey L. Hess-Holden is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist working as a Graduate Assistant for the Student Counseling Services housed at the College of Veterinary Medicine and a PhD Candidate in the Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology & Foundations at Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi.

Christy L. Monaghan

Christy L. Monaghan is a Staff Psychologist and Coordinator of Clinical Services and Training working full-time for the Student Counseling Services housed at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi.

Cheryl A. Justice

Cheryl A. Justice is an Associate Professor and School Counseling Program Coordinator within the Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology & Foundations at Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi.