What is the difference between 'normal' counselling and pet loss grief counselling?

Normal counselling and pet loss counselling are essentially the same, offering essential grief services to help individuals, both adults and children, understand and cope with their feelings of loss. At My Everything Pet Loss Grief Counselling, we recognise that grief doesn't distinguish between human or pet relationships, emphasizing the importance of addressing and processing these emotions in a supportive environment.

How many sessions will I need?

The amount of sessions you may need will be determined by your individual healing journey.  For some clients one session results in a deeper understanding of pet loss grief, leading to a good outcome.  For other clients, it may take many sessions, or even weekly sessions while deep in grief to start feeling like you can cope with the loss of your beloved pet.  As there is no timeline to grief, this is very much a personal matter to be decided at your discretion.

What happens if I completely break down?
Speaking candidly, most clients undertaking any form of grief counselling do break down.  This is normal and certainly a very human reaction to loss.  Breaking down, releasing emotions and allowing yourself to fully participate in your own grief is all part of the mourning process.  At My Everything Pet Loss my aim is to hold that safe space for you to grieve - grieve in your way.   I have designed my clinics particularly the Penrith Cottage to be a warm and homely atmosphere that lends itself to healing and harmony.

Can I get a health fund rebate?

Yes, there are quite a few medical funds that are issuing rebates for counselling. As a registered counsellor with the ACA, I am able to provide rebates to the funds listed on the home page.

How long will my grief last?
There is no real answer to this question.  Grief is such a personal journey.  My own belief is that grief cannot be cured,  ignored,  or pushed away.   Grief demands you honour its presence.

My professional opinion is that we learn to grow around the grief.  We learn new ways to process, new ways to remember and if we are lucky, we learn to smile because our beloveds were here and we were blessed enough to share a part of our lives with our ever loyal companions.

Will I ever be able to get another pet?
For most clients the short answer is always a no in the initial stages of grief.  Our hearts are so profoundly wounded, our minds so very confused and our thoughts all over the place (normal grief reactions), that it would seem like a betrayal to even think of another pet at this time.   

For some people the hurt and grief associated with pet loss means that they cannot ever bear the heartbreak again.  For others, after time, the gap that was left in our lives means that we are ready to love again.  Opening your heart to welcome another pet often signifies an important turning point. 

In general, most people know when the time is right, for others, a little ray of sunshine lands on our door steps in the most unusual or unexpected ways.  Some consider this a message or a blessing from our pets who are no longer earthside. 

If you have any questions you'd like answered, please send me an email

WORDS OF COMFORT AND SUPPORT FOR PET LOSS GRIEF

The Ladies of Light Gallery

The League of Extraordinary Gentleman Gallery