APLB Online Seminars
Petloss Counselor Training

For many years the APLB has been offering this unique 10-hour training program for pet bereavement counselors. Although such a curriculum would normally require a full semester to present adequately, this is specifically designed to give a pragmatic overview of all aspects of counseling, in our special field. Dr. Wallace Sife, the founder of the APLB and the author of The Loss of a Pet designed this seminar, and presents it, personally.

Unfortunately, there is no licensing anywhere for pet bereavement counselors. And we are proud that the APLB is the only organization in America offering this very much needed instruction. We are creating basic standards of excellence that desperately need to be established. Those who successfully complete the in-person seminars are awarded the official APLB certificate of training. Ten CE credits are also issued, authorized by NASW.

Because of the large demand for training we have designed this additional special online curriculum. Up until now, we had been giving these sessions only as a 10-hour course of instruction, in two days of actual classroom instruction. This is done every two years at our conferences, held in the New York City vicinity. Despite the large attendances at these in-person seminars, there are still many others who are at a disadvantage, geographically, and can not attend. Although several have already traveled from other countries and continents, that can be very expensive, as well as time-consuming. This new online course of instruction has the advantage that it can be taken with far less financial and time requirement.

As part of this curriculum we require the use of The Loss of a Pet: Third Edition as a course textbook, for constant reference and resource. Membership in the APLB is also a prerequisite. Tuition is $300, nonrefundable after the first week. We suggest that you join us and get the book, now, and be ready as soon as the next class begins. The Third Edition of The Loss of a Pet easily can be obtained by going to the Bibliography Page on our website, and clicking on at that title. You will be connected directly to Amazon.com, with the book already highlighted, for your convenience.

There are no formal requirements such as prior training or experience. Each person taking ths course will incorporate it in into his/her life as is seen fit, and what is done with it depends entirely upon the individual. Of course, as an APLB member you may always contact us for advice and help with your application. People in many different walks of life have found it invaluable.

Notice: this course is not for everyone. It requires reasonable skill in writing essay answers. And the participant should be comfortable with web browsing, creating user names, logging in, and other functions one might use while shopping or participating in online forums. If you need additional communication and clarification please feel free to contact Dr. Sife at sife@aol.com.

After each of the five sessions you will be given an essay assignment, based on that weekly instruction, as well as designated reading in The Loss of a Pet. At least 3–4 hours of careful reading and writing are required for this, each week. This must be completed no later than 6 PM (Eastern) Friday of each week, and Emailed to Dr. Sife at sife@aol.com for evaluation. Total commitment and diligence is required. Each session will begin on a Saturday, and if the assignment is not successfully completed and returned by the deadline, the enrollment will be terminated, with no refunds, extensions or appeals. After fulfillment, the highly regarded APLB Certificate of Training will be awarded and mailed to the trainee.

In addition to including each week’s posted online instruction, the homework assignments will be as follows:

Session 1 will include coverage of the first three chapters of The Loss of a Pet and an introduction to petloss counseling.
Session 2 will include chapters 4 through 9, the loss experience, and the stages of bereavement.
Session 3 will include chapters 10 through 12, an overview of Cognitive Behavioral theory, and children and petloss.
Session 4 will include chapters 13 through the end, and euthanasia.
Session 5 will test your skills as a petloss counselor, based on this course of instruction.

2010-2011 Schedule of Training Sessions