Pet Bereavement Counselors:
New Jersey

Deborah Antinori, MA, RDT, NCC, NBCCH
Director, Davison Counseling Center
97 Lyons Place
Basking Ridge, New Jersey 07920

Phone: (908) 766-0110
Fax: (908) 766-2451
Email: PetLossAudio@worldnet.att.net
Website: www.PetLossAudio.com

Trained at NYU in Drama Therapy and Psychodrama, Deborah utilizes an eclectic blend of creative/expressive therapies to address the unique needs of each pet loss client: Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization) & Reprocessing (for trauma, disturbing memories), Pesso Boyden System Psychomotor (“inner child” work), and traditional counseling. Recently produced audiotape “Journey Through Pet Loss”, is a personal, therapeutic and artistic treatment of the subject of pet loss. Presents at conferences and speaks locally on pet loss and the human-animal bond.

Diana Favazza, LMSW
Hoboken, New Jersey 07030

Phone: (917) 921-5672
Email: DFavazza@Optonline.net

I am a Certified Pet Loss and Bereavement Counselor, having successfully completed the APLB Certificate of Training. I am also a Licensed Masters Social Worker since 1990, with an MSW degree in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. My 20-plus years of social work experience includes facilitation of individual/group psychotherapy, client advocacy, critical incident stress debriefing and crisis intervention, assisting survivors impacted by the September 11 tragedy.

I am a lifelong animal lover and animal advocate and have had the pleasure of sharing my household with many animal companions. As a result of my own experiences as a caring pet parent and my clinical experience, I offer compassionate and confidential short-term counseling in a supportive environment to help you cope with Pet Loss/Anticipatory Pet Loss. Flexible appointment times are available.

Nancy Saxton-Lopez, LCSW, DCSW
6 Prospect Street, Suite 3C
Midland Park, New Jersey 07432

Phone: (201) 447-1409
Email: NSaxtonLopez@csmpc.com

I am a licensed clinical social work with a MSW from NYU and a Certificate in Family Training from the New Jersey Center for Family Studies. I have now been in the behavioral health field for over 20 years — and experience in bereavement and trauma for 15 years — from participating in the implementation of a bereavement and trauma response in a community hospital emergency room to founding The Animal Bereavement Center in 1990. I have co-led the Companion Animal Loss Support Group at St. Hubert’s Giralda, in Madison, since 1990. I have spoken at various conferences (Association for Death Education and Counseling, and the New Jersey Veterinarian Association), as well as multiple workshops and seminars. I treat individuals, couples and families around grief and loss, helping individuals to heal, using their own unique strengths.

Beth S. Kane, MSW, LCSW
1310 Hooper Avenue
Toms River, New Jersey 08753

Phone: (908) 910-9353
Email: bsk1052@gmail.com
Website: www.KaneCounseling.com/

Beth is a licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years experience, working in health care, and has spent half that time in the mental health setting. Starting her career by working with individuals with chronic, severe medical illnesses, she went on to work in the hospice setting, helping individuals and their families cope with the issues of grief and loss. She recognized the need for this same type of support for grieving pet owners as well. She has successfully completed the APLB Certificate of Training. The focus of her practice is on helping pet owners who are caring for pets who have chronic medical illnesses as well as those who are experiencing pet loss and bereavement. Although she favors cognitive behavior therapy in her practice, she tailors each individual’s treatment based on his/her unique needs.

Beth has also experienced firsthand what it is like to provide loving care to chronically ill pets, as well as having to make the final decision to release them. She will offer you a warm, compassionate and accepting environment while you navigate through these very difficult times.