Pet Bereavement Counselors:
Massachusetts
There are literally hundreds of people who are now counseling in pet bereavement, and it is not possible for the APLB to register them all. Some hesitate to be listed in any directory, others are first discovering the benefits of this wonderful service, and many more are still unknown to us. We welcome all new applicants to contact us directly by mail or online at aplb@aplb.org. This listing is arranged according to geographical location. We are pleased that every counselor registered here is a member of the APLB.
Peabody and Salem
Natalie Femino, MA, LMHC
564 Loring Avenue
Salem, Massachusetts 01970-4276
Phone:
(978) 745-8311
Website:
www.nataliefemino.com
I have worked as a counselor for 25 years, focusing on health and wellness for body, mind, emotions and especially, spirit. One area in which I specialize is pet loss, which includes coping with ill, lost or dying animals. I share my home with cats and dogs, work with animal advocacy agencies, and I am establishing an animal sanctuary in my town.
The loss of an animal can be equal to or greater than the loss of a human. As a counselor, I am merely a guide or witness to aid in the process of grief, healing and re-discovery. We all grieve in our own way and time: there is no formula. I encourage clients to draw on their intuition and inner wisdom to process their feelings. Sharing those feelings with someone who truly empathizes allows healing to begin.
Stoneham
Cheryl M. Nahas, MA, LMHC, LSW
Pet Loss Bereavement Counseling Services
220 Central Street #9
Stoneham, Massachusetts 02180
Phone:
(781) 438-1425 / (781) 475-0309
Email:
CherylTXSt@aol.com
As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Social Worker, I have counseled clients for over 26 years in both clinical and homecare settings. My private practice focuses on pet advocacy and bereavement,coping with life transitions and losses, depression, anxiety and stress management techniques.
I offer a supportive, holistic approach along with effective insight-oriented and behavioral therapies.This allows the client to learn the gentle art of letting go, accept the loss, honor their animal companion’s legacy and and integrate fond memories of theirloving petinto one’s continuing life. In addition to receiving comfort and guidance through the grief stages of pet loss, clients can also explore the milestones in their lives and how their animal companion has impacted their life’s journey.I believe in the strong spiritual connection; that animals teach us wisdom and strength by showing us how to live and how to die with simplicity, innocence, love and dignity.
Consultations and counseling sessions are made available primarily in the client’s home where the sanctuary and bond is greatest and where the healing process truly begins. Specialized bereavement counseling and support is also provided for those with disabilities who are coping with the loss oftheir Service or Assistance Animal.
Sutton
Leslie Barry, MA, LMHC
176 Worcester Providence Turnpike (Route 146 South), Suite 203
Sutton, Massachusetts 01590
Phone:
(508) 581-8797
Email:
lsl_brry@yahoo.com
I have been an established mental health provider in the Blackstone Valley for over 10 years and have facilitated the grieving process for clients in varied situations and circumstance. As a pet owner and as a person involved in area animal rescue groups, I understand the complicated emotions associated with pet loss and have great respect for the bond that you have shared with your pet. As a licensed mental health counselor, I understand the of education and self-care for animal care professionals and the reality of compassion fatigue and I have received specialized training in this area. My specific training and experience in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is beneficial in the most complicated of cases associated with pet loss and bereavement.
Inspired by theories that embrace the interconnectedness of mind, body and spirit, I teach coping strategies and life management tools. I believe in empowering clients to overcome present and future obstacles to healing and I take the time to understand people in the context of how they wish to live their everyday lives. I offer a sliding fee scale in a comfortable, confidential private practice setting. I have found that most people can expect to find relieve in 2 to 3 sessions. In cases involving underlying clinical issues it may be possible to bill private insurance if symptoms meet the insurance criteria for “medical necessity”.