Elm Pet Bereavement Counselling

30/12/2024

I stumbled across this picture and it really resonated. Grief for whatever reason has no time limit and nor should it.
Grief, as with all deep emotions, is unique to the individual..
Anyone who feels they need to 'get through' grief or 'just get on with it' are, in all likelihood, suppressing that emotion.
Grief and loss, whatever the reason, needs to be heard and felt. Grieving is hard work and there are no shortcuts.
If you are struggling with your grief please get in touch. Counselling can help. I offer a safe, non judgemental space for you to explore that grief and loss, whether recent or not, and whatever else it may have triggered.
Please get in touch. I am here to sit with you in this journey. Confidentially and with empathy and understanding.

16/09/2024

I have attached below the link to my counselling
Page on Psychology today.

This page contains more info about me, my experience and qualifications.

As an owner of 7 labradors I have experienced my own losses of many different pets over the years and the experience of coping with the loss whilst often feeling misunderstood as to the depth of my grief.

If you are struggling with the loss of your pet or facing that loss please do get in touch to see if I can help.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/416203

16/09/2024

I have attached below the link to my counselling
Page on Counselling Directory.

This page contains more info about me, my experience and qualifications.

As an owner of 7 labradors I have experienced my own losses of many different pets over the years and the experience of coping with the loss whilst often feeling misunderstood as to the depth of my grief.

If you are struggling with the loss of your pet or facing that loss please do get in touch to see if I can help.

My name is Erica and I specialise in pet bereavement counselling. I particularly focus on addressing the often-overlooked grief that comes with pet loss. This grief can be devalued by family, friends, work & society which triggers shame &/or secrecy.

31/08/2024

Finally this is addressed in an article! The hidden grief of pet loss. Pet bereavement counselling can definitely help. Please get in touch to discuss further.

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/article/2024/aug/15/the-surprising-shame-of-pet-loss-you-are-supposed-to-think-humans-are-more-important-than-animals?CMP=fb_gu&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1HxwegSc0QzOwpPMQFoZ3ygnJTI_xXSduJmOXwCLaWI19J85iSjOt89wc_aem_fV-dO8U9bFpghVWWegj46w =1724061319

Pets provide solace, support and sometimes unconditional love. Yet, when they die, much of our grief remains unspoken

27/08/2024

This is so important to remember. The goodbyes are incredibly hard but remember all the love you have them & they you.
Anyone struggling with the grief of the loss of their pet or facing the loss, per Elm Pet Bereavement Counselling can help. No judgement just your space to grieve.

20/07/2024

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As a pet lover and owner, and therefore, of course, a human who has lost a pet, I can really identify with the grief at the loss of our pets and the grief/fear at the thought of it.

I also have experienced the mixed support of others who don't necessarily understand the loss of such a unique relationship. No matter what the pet, however big or small, the loss is real. I understand this grief and pet bereavement counselling can really help. Please contact me if you feel this support can help.

It doesn't matter when the loss happened or even if the loss hasn't happened yet, pet bereavement counselling can really help.

Sessions can be face to face or via zoom.

11/07/2024

As a pet lover and owner, and therefore, of course, a human who has lost a pet, I can really identify with the grief at the loss of our pets and the grief/fear at the thought of it.

I also have experienced the mixed support of others who don't necessarily understand the loss of such a unique relationship. No matter what the pet, however big or small, the loss is real. I understand this grief and pet bereavement counselling can really help. Please contact me if you feel this support can help.

It doesn't matter when the loss happened or even if the loss hasn't happened yet, pet bereavement counselling can really help.

Sessions can be face to face or via zoom.

16/06/2024

Erica Monks - Elm Pet Bereavement Counselling, Counsellor, Sandwich, CT13, 01304 808360, My name is Erica and I specialise in pet bereavement counselling. I particularly focus on addressing the often-overlooked grief that comes with pet loss. Many people, including employers, may devalue this grief,...

31/05/2023

https://theconversation.com/profound-grief-for-a-pet-is-normal-how-to-help-yourself-or-a-friend-weather-the-loss-of-a-beloved-family-member-195099

To lose such a friend is not just to have sudden hole where they used to be. There are constant reminders of time spent together, threads in the tapestry of daily life left ragged and loose.

06/12/2022

This is a useful read for anyone struggling with grief and loss this Christmas. X X ❤️

A Personal Perspective: Do whatever works—just be sure to have a plan.

08/11/2022

This is so very true x X

10/05/2022

Update- after a lot of thought I finally decided to cancel my website. All contact can be done through FB messenger, text and of course email (new email as above).

I can still be found on 'The Counselling directory' and 'Psychology today'.

Please do contact me if you would like to book a session or discuss it.

I currently have some availability so please do get in touch.

Take care, Erica

04/05/2022

Introducing the new counselling room.
It's a really lovely space.

I thought it maybe helpful for anyone thinking of face to face sessions knowing this will be the lovely space you will be in, may help make that initial contact.

Please don't hesitate to get in touch via messenger, text, phone or email.

07780 605218
erica.elmcounsellingservices@gmail.com

18/04/2022

See below a little info about me and what I offer.
I offer pet bereavement counselling as this loss is so often minimised. As an animal lover, I have experienced this loss. It is a loss often minimised with words such as "it's only a pet".

No grief needs to be hidden or minimalised. I therefore decided to undertake an additional course in pet bereavement to support all pet lovers who, like myself, love their pets and grieve when they lose them.

05/12/2021

This is so very true. Grief for a pet-any pet- is so real and needs to be acknowledged. X X

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03/12/2021

The 2nd - 8th December is National Grief Awareness Week.

If you need support, don't be afraid to reach out 💚

Find a counsellor on our Accredited Register: https://nationalcounsellingsociety.org/counselling-directory

09/11/2021

The importance of all pets cannot be underestimated and the grief when we lose them ♥️

“I wanted to share my story to show how incredible and special guinea pigs are. They are more than “just a guinea pig.” The size of an animal does not matter, it’s how they impact our lives and help us in ways no one else can. This is Butterscotch, I got her as a baby guinea pig in 2012. What I didn’t realise when she came into my life was how she’d save me and how we had a special bond that no one will ever take away or understand.

I was bullied at school and diagnosed with anxiety, depression and autism. When I was getting bullied, after school I would walk home and go into my bedroom to see Butterscotch. There were a lot of times I would break down crying with her beside me. She would curl up next to me and lick my tears away. I would tell her about all the things that were happening at school and how I felt. It felt like she just understood. She was my best friend, and still is even though she’s no longer here. My anxiety got really bad and I wouldn’t leave my bedroom. I just couldn’t take life anymore. What kept me going was Butterscotch. She needed me and I needed her.

In 2018 she started to show worrying signs of not being okay. I took her to the vet and found out she had bladder stones. She was on medication for 6 months before we put to sleep. That was the hardest decision of my life. Before she had the anaesthetic she came over to me and rested her head on my arm. It felt like she was telling me it’s okay and thank you for looking after me. She wanted me to be happy and carry on. I kept pushing forward and I had to keep telling myself Butterscotch wants me happy, she doesn’t want me crying as she would hate that.

People will say she was “just a guinea pig,” but she wasn’t. People don’t realise how intelligent guinea pigs are. How much happiness and comfort they can bring you. If it wasn’t for Butterscotch I wouldn’t be here right now. She got me through the hardest period of my life and I’m forever thankful to her. I still miss her terribly and that will never change. I just know that she’d want me to carry on and remember all the amazing memories we had.”

Thank you for allowing us to share your story Louise. Incredibly brave to be open about your darkest days and hear about the importance of your relationship with Butterscotch. It is inspiring - and something many here will relate to. Thank you Butterscotch for the wonderful love and devotion you gave x

18/10/2021

This is so very true and that relates to any pet small or large X X X ♥️
https://www.facebook.com/169785949711296/posts/4546943748662139/

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30/08/2021

This is so true and I can definitely relate to that loss and pain. X

10/06/2021

This made me quite emotional. X the grief for the pet we lost whilst have the healing of the new pet ❤️

01/03/2021

"There should be no shame in grieving for our pets". This is true what ever the pet.
The loss I felt when my Rat Sooty died was a feeling as valuable and as painful as when my dog Odie died.
There can be a judgement at the loss of a pet. But loss and grief are loss and grief.
I offer a safe space where any loss can be shared and where grief can be felt. Do get in touch if this resonates with you. ♥️

I know that losing a pet is not the same as losing a person but a loss is a loss.

27/11/2020

Such an emotional picture. Can you relate? I know I can. Please do get on touch if this is something you are dealing with. X X ♥️

06/07/2020

Deciding whether the time is right to euthanize your pet is one of the hardest decisions you will ever have to make. The guilt and the grieving that follows is almost as difficult.

06/07/2020

Euthanasia is such a painful decision to make, managing the grief you feel before and after. Counselling can help you understand your grief around this as well as the many other difficult emotions euthanasia can trigger.
I am here to support you with this.

Struggling with the grief, loss, and guilt of putting a pet to sleep? Here, we offer several ways to cope with the grief, loss, and guilt of euthanizing a pet.

06/07/2020

Losing a pet and the grief that follows is unique to us all. This is a useful article to read.
If you are struggling with the loss of your pet then do please get in touch, to talk to some one who understands that loss. Counselling can help.

Losing a beloved pet can be extremely painful. While there's no right or wrong way to grieve, there are healthy ways to cope with your loss.

23/05/2020

This resonates with me deeply. X

20/05/2020

I wanted to share this article again incase anyone missed it. As a pet owner, I have experienced losses as we all have. It's a vital part of loving a pet that we will have to say goodbye. This article highlights the painful loss and how it is so often overlooked. It is a grief that needs to be worked through and processed. If you are struggling then do please get in touch. I understand the pain.

The importance of the pets in the lives of people stems from that unconditional love that they give us, that commitment to us and eagerness to spend every moment with us, even though we were absent from their lives for only two minutes, they will impatiently wait for us to enjoy in our company. To.....

15/04/2020

This applies to the loss of any pet x x

24/03/2020

What worrying times for everyone right now! To confirm - I am still open for new, ongoing and returning clients, though sessions will be via telephone or zoom (secure skype). Please don't hesitate to contact me if I can help at anytime. Take care x x

13/03/2020

Loss of cats (and other pets) are often overlooked in favour of dogs. All losses are important and all grief needs to be felt and supported. X

Cats are beloved parts of our families but when they pass away we are left managing grief and many other emotions that can be hard to process.

13/03/2020

Remembering your pet in your own special way is so important. Counselling can help explore this and the grief and loss x x

Honoring your pet's memory can be a wonderful way to celebrate a lost life. Learn are seven ways to remember your pet.

13/03/2020

What a great but emotional article x x

Handling the death of a beloved pet is never easy, but grieving is an important part of recovery. Learn about grief in pet owners and how to cope.

19/02/2020

This article talks about pet loss and what our dogs mean to us. This is so true x x

Dogs are literally a man’s best friend. I remember when my cousin’s dog died if was so hard for the family to come to accept the fact that his presence and positive energy would no

28/01/2020

I can relate to this. Can you? Get in touch if you need to talk with some one who understands.

The importance of the pets in the lives of people stems from that unconditional love that they give us, that commitment to us and eagerness to spend every moment with us, even though we were absent from their lives for only two minutes, they will impatiently wait for us to enjoy in our company. To.....

23/12/2019

This is a touching post. I have a candle for my pets who are no longer with me. Always special and loved.❤️ Please get in touch if you are struggling with your own loss. ❤️

26/11/2019

This is so true. My heart is made up of lots of pets (not just dogs).

26/11/2019

This is so true. I can relate to this when I think of my losses. Can you? If you are struggling with pet loss then please do get in touch with Elm pet bereavement counselling. Contact details above.
X x
https://www.facebook.com/206743359447382/posts/2665313886923638/

Ask any pet owner about their pet and theyll say how amazing and awesome having a new best friend is. Pets are the perfect company. Theyre always happy to see their owners. Whether theyre gone for five minutes or five hours, their pets will be waiting eagerly at the door to welcome them home. They.....

24/11/2019

An emotional picture that reflects the loss of our pets that go across the bridge ❤️❤️