Grief and Loss - Pets Family Systems

Grief and Loss - Pets

Grief and loss of a beloved pet can be as traumatic as that of a human loved one, whether the pet had to be euthanized or died of natural causes. However, society tends to pour scorn on the fact that someone would publicly display their grief. In turn, the pet owner would try to hide the fact that they are grieving and that causes even more stress, which in turn delays the healing process.

Pets often become a part of the family and play a crucial role in the lives of their caretakers. They tend to soothe the emotional and physical healing processes of humans like nothing else can. Therapists understand that, and that's why they now make counselling services available to pet owners who are experiencing grief and loss.

It is common to feel pain, grief and depression at the death of your friend and confidant. A therapist who offers grief counselling for pet owners going through the loss of a beloved pet will have an empathetic approach to your emotions. He or she will help you discover practical ways in which you can deal with your emotions.

Communication is important, while expression is the key to healing. Whether you decide to opt for individual counselling or group therapy sessions, you will find that you are better able to deal with the loss of your dear pet with the help of therapy. It will help you work through your emotions of anger, loss and depression and in return, you will be able to also help other people who are going through the same experience.

If you are looking for a counsellor or psychologist who offers grief and loss issues therapies or counselling to address the loss of your pet and related issues, you may want to search the directory to find a professional whose approach will suit you best.

Family Systems

Family Systems therapy is a type of counselling specific to helping interpersonal relationships within a family system. Family Systems counselling is facilitated by marriage and family therapists who work with the various family combinations, including siblings, couples, parent and child, or step families.

The principle of family systems counselling is to help each individual to first learn to understand his or her own emotions, and how to manage interpersonal relationships effectively, as that influences all future relationships. Once family members understand themselves and the emotional system within the family, it is easier to be flexible in relationships with family  members, marriages, community, school and other relationships.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Family Systems Therapies, please browse our list of practitioners below..

Note: You may narrow your search by selecting more than one filter below.

Christopher Conley

M.A., RCC
Sessions are available by phone or Zoom Pro online/video.  Grove Centre's mission as a respectful member of the community, is to support children and families within home, school and community... Read more

Dianne Gilmour

M.A., RCC
I understand how difficult it can be to even start the process of looking for a counsellor that fits your needs.  It is a huge investment emotionally and financially and I am happy to offer a free 30 minute... Read more

Lola OpacicLunot

M.S.W., RSW
If you're contemplating counselling, see it  a positive step towards addressing any challenges or issues you might be facing. Counselling can offer numerous benefits, regardless of whether you're dealing... Read more

Martha Isabel

M.A., RCC
You have important work to do in therapy, so a good fit is essential! I come to this meaningful work through my own emotional challenges. I know how it feels to be lost, depressed, anxious and in need of support as I... Read more

John Boland

M.Ed., CCC
John Boland has been a counsellor/psychotherapist for 40 years and brings to his practice a wealth of experience in the areas of individual and couples therapy as well as many years working with children and youth. He... Read more

Ann Downie

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Ann meets people from a position of warmth, compassion, openness and curiosity. She has a deep commitment to connect and work alongside individuals and families to develop an authentic, trusting relationship, and offers... Read more

Bob Bircher

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Bob is a very experienced counsellor and has spent his working life helping people solve problems, make good decisions, set necessary boundaries, and improve communication. His counselling philosophy is very practical,... Read more

Nicole McLeod

M.A., RCC
Relationships can be the most inspiring, supportive, energy boosting, places for us to thrive. They can also dominate our thoughts and feelings 24/7 when they suck! Know what I mean? You can’t get a thing... Read more

Sandy Boon

M.A., RCC
IN PERSON AND SECURE VIDEO-CONFERENCE AND TELEPHONE THERAPY AVAILABLE Although not all of the last 30 plus years of Sandy's professional career has been spent exclusively practicing therapy, Sandy has... Read more

Sharon Southey

M.A., RCC
Sharon Southey is a skilled professional with a nursing background, who has been counselling people since 1992. She likes to work with individuals who are teenage or adult, families of all types and couples,... Read more

Ishtar Beck

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
I believe that healing is possible. In the therapeutic space, I aim to provide a supportive space for you to grow as an individual and in your relationships. You will be attentively listened to. You will find... Read more

Lisa Voth

MC, RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
Three common things I hear: you have some understanding of why something happens intellectually but that doesn't stop it from happening or feeling bad. you can't figure out why you keep... Read more

Melissa MacNeill

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
Life can be hard. Relationships can be really hard. It's natural to feel overwhelmed, powerless, hopeless, anxious, and depressed when one of our important relationships is going poorly. When we get stuck, and don... Read more

Rachel Moxham

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
My relational and feminist approach to counselling emphasizes the mutual formation of people through their relationships. With it, I support you in finding your own self in the tangle of relations with friends, family,... Read more

Johanna Simmons

M.A., RCC
I believe that families are the foundation of any society. As parents you create the future through your children. Occasionally we encounter challenges and need some encouragement to overcome these. I can provide... Read more