Loss & Therapy

“It seems to me, that if we love, we grieve. That’s the deal. That’s the pact. Grief and love are forever intertwined. Grief is the terrible reminder of the depths of our love and, like love, grief is non-negotiable.”
― Nick Cave

Our relationship with our pets is profound and can define some of the most special and precious moments of our lives. When we lose or have to face the potential prospect of losing a loved one, understandably we can experience an array of confusing and disorientating emotions ranging from anger and sadness to guilt and shame.

Everyone experiences grief in their own way. There is no one size fits all to therapy; fortunately, I am well placed to offer a flexible and tailored approach to address your emotional and wellbeing needs. As both a qualified counsellor and low intensity cognitive behavioural therapist with years of professional experience within the NHS, I can help you to navigate the emotional complexities which come with losing your best friend.

My aim is to offer a safe space to not only enable you to express your loss but also help to make sense of those emotions and provide you with the opportunity to honour the bond you shared and move forwards with your life recognising those significant and unique memories framed within a positive light.

You are not alone:

Therapy is all about relationship, offering the opportunity to express your raw emotions. Curiously, when training as a therapist one of the first things you’ re taught is to offer the “core conditions”: empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence (being real). These “core conditions” are the ideal circumstances to create a safe environment to enable us to be who we truly are. What other relationship do you know that offers this? Our pets. Our pets are not just pets they are our best friends and family: they love us unconditionally, are remarkably empathic and enable us to be ourselves. They offer us those same “core conditions”, and that is truly incredible. This is why our bonds with them are so enduring and special. Sometimes, other people can dismiss this; however, I will not only offer you a space to express your special relationship, I can also teach you to express it's significance to others. Having delivered communication training, I can offer you insight in identifying positive relationships and how to help others understand and respect the loss you are going through.

Why choose Black Dog Pet Bereavement?

Firstly, I am a firm believer and passionate about the significance of the bond between us and our pets. It is unique and profound. I have spent the past four years creating a secure dog park with the aim to facilitate dogs’ sensory enrichment and mental wellbeing.

Secondly, I have a high level of training within a variety of therapeutic disciplines. I will offer you a safe space to open-up, explore and process your emotions; whilst, at the same time, not being afraid to challenge and offer practical strategies to promote your wellbeing when you are ready.

Within the NHS, understandably, concurrent psychological therapeutic treatment- more than one therapy at any one time- is not allowed. This is because of the potential for a lack of focus and mixed messages. However, there have been many occasions when I have met people who could benefit from both counselling and cognitive behavioural support. If this is managed within the framework of working with a single therapist trained in each discipline- this can offer a comprehensive solution and something uniquely supportive and holistic.

I have years of experience meeting people and establishing the best and most appropriate care pathway whatever their mental health concern or presenting difficulty. Enabling the right intervention in the right order is fundamental to improved wellbeing, and I will support you along the path of grief, finding ways to help you manage your heartbreaking loss whilst respecting and remembering your best friend.

- Andy.