Pet Bereavement Support Groups: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals |
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| Authors: | Chelsey L. Hess-Holden Christy L. Monaghan Cheryl A. Justice |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA;2. Student Counseling Services, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA;3. Student Counseling Services, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA |
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| 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. |
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| Keywords: | Adults community counseling counseling creativity in counseling group counseling mental health wellness |
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