Understanding Grief When a Pet Dies N559

Course Summary

Understanding grief when a pet dies, its impact on individuals, and therapeutic approaches to support grieving pet owners is a growing part of clinical and therapy management. A profound bond exists between humans and companion animals or family pets. The various manifestations of pet grief (emotional, psychological, physical, and behavioral), and the unique challenges associated with pet loss, such as disenfranchised grief and decisions about euthanasia, are discussed. Therapeutic communication, coping strategies, and support plans are essential when treating pet grief.

Course Format

Homestudy

Course Syllabus

• Introduction
  • Understanding Pet Grief and Its Impact
  • Disenfranchised Grief
  • Therapeutic Approaches to Supporting Grieving Pet Owners
  • Practical Interventions and Resources
  • Takeaway Points for Clinicians and Therapists

Authors

Susan Depasquale, MA, MSN, PMHNP-BC

Susan DePasquale is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Her current practice is with families, youth and adults who have mental illnesses in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including telepsychiatry for Montana, Washington and Wisconsin communities. She completed her Masters of Art in Political Science at the University of Victoria, British Columbia, Masters of Science in Nursing at Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, Washington with a focus in neurogastroenterology and the Post-Masters of Science in Nursing at the Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana with a focus in psychiatry. She has worked with small and rural healthcare teams in British Columbia and the Northwest Territories, Canada, and in teaching and research hospitals such as Providence Health and Virginia Mason Medical Center Digestive and Liver Disease Departments in Seattle. Since 2012, she has been actively involved in online continuing education program development for nurses and health teams.

William Cook, PhD

William Cook, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist who worked for 15 years in private practice in Montana before leaving his practice to work full time as the Director of CE4Less. He earned his doctorate degree from Texas A&M University, and focused much of his psychology practice in the area of child and family counseling, as well as psychological testing. Dr. Cook likes new challenges, foreign traveling to Africa and areas of Europe and the near East, scuba diving, running, music, and spending time with his family.