I offer pet loss counselling for clients in Ipswich, Woodbridge and the surrounding Suffolk area. Whether you are grieving the loss of a beloved dog, cat or other companion animal, counselling can provide a safe and supportive space to process your feelings and find a way forward.
Losing a pet can feel utterly devastating, and in some cases, as painful as losing a human member of the family. But sadly, the very real sense of grief and loss that pet owners feel is not always acknowledged or understood.
Well-meaning friends and family might advise you to buy another pet, saying it will help ‘fill the gap’ left by the furry friend you’ve lost. Or worse, others might dismiss your feelings altogether, saying ‘it’s just an animal’ and telling you to move on. Owners who have lost smaller pets such as hamsters or goldfish often feel their grief and sadness dismissed, as though the size of the animal determines its value, both on the planet and in our hearts.
When Grief Feels Overwhelming
But of course, that isn’t true. Pets – whether big or small in size – can have huge meaning for us. Pets can be a source of joy, companionship and unconditional love. They can give our lives structure and purpose, and help us find connection with others in the world. So when we lose our pet, it can hit very hard, and in some cases we might struggle to adjust, and find ourselves stuck in our feelings of grief and loss. Bereaved pet owners often speak of feeling ‘silly’ for not being able to move on after the death of their special companion, but deep feelings of grief and pain are no trivial matter, and pet loss counselling sessions with me sets no time limit on healing.
If you’re finding it hard to process the loss of a beloved pet, or perhaps you are wrestling with deciding what is best for a poorly animal and need to talk your feelings through, then I can help.
Trained in Pet Loss Support with animal welfare charity The Blue Cross, I know losing your pet can be profoundly distressing. I offer a space for you to share your feelings and to honour the relationship you had with your special companion.
Pet Loss Counselling for Woodbridge Clients
Although I am based in Ipswich, I regularly support clients from Woodbridge and across Suffolk. Sessions are available both online and face-to-face, making counselling accessible wherever you are based.