Companion Animal Loss
Whether you refer to them as a pet, a fur baby or a companion animal (defined as a domesticated animal that humans keep as part of the family unit), pets are an integral part of Australian family life (two thirds of Australian homes have at least one companion animal). The loss of your pet can be a devastating time and often those around us aren't able to fully understand the special bond you've shared with your pet.
There are a number of ways in which you might lose your pet, they may die through an accident, old age, sickness or have had to be euthanised. They may have got lost or run away, been stolen or you've had to surrender them for a some reason.
Pets give us unconditional love and support, so when we mourn their death or loss, the emotional pain can be extreme. This is where grief and loss counselling can be beneficial - to give you a safe place to discuss your feelings and emotions without feeling judged or misunderstood.
Resources
This brochure from The Pet Loss Support Page, answers some common questions and gives insight into grief surrounding the euthanasia of your companion animal.
This brochure from the National Association for Loss and Grief (NSW) Inc provides an outline of the grief reactions associated with the loss of an animal.
​
This brochure from The Pet Loss Support Page, answers some common questions and gives insight into grief surrounding the euthanasia of your companion animal.
Pet Loss Grief: The Pain Explained Dr Sarah Hoggan (TEDxTemcula)
The grief of losing a pet is crushing; and yet it is too often minimised. This talk explains why the pain of pet loss is different and why it is valid. Dr. Hoggan has been an emergency veterinarian for over 20 years. Many people meet her on the worst day of their life; when their pet is injured, when no else is available, and when it is time to say goodbye. Her career of dealing with critically injured pets, and their frantic families, gives her a compassionate perspective that only comes with experience and helping many animals to have a soft goodbye.
Home Visits
There are times in our lives when we just don't want to go out! When you are grieving everything can seem hard.
​
Why see a counsellor at home
-
Save time
-
No parking
-
No waiting rooms
-
No interruptions from other clients
-
You choose the temperature of the space
-
You have access to all the comforts of home
Preparing for your home visit
-
Make sure you have a private space and you've let other members of the household know not to interrupt you!
-
Ensure dogs and other pets are safely secured
-
Have everything you'll need close at hand - tissues, a cuppa, pen, journal or notepad
Counselling Fees
and Terms of Service
-
We are a fee for service practice, a 50 minute consultation is $145
​​
-
We have appointment times from 9am-8pm Monday-Saturday
​​
-
Payment is required at the time of your appointment and can be made via Debit or Credit Card (Visa or MasterCard)
-
You do not require a referral or Mental Health Plan to access services
-
Services are not currently eligible for rebates through Medicare or private health funds
​​
-
There is no minimum or limit to the number of sessions you can have
​​
-
Our counsellors hold current ACT working with vulnerable people registration