Pet Grief Support in Flower Mound, Coppell, Grapevine, Southlake, and Las Colinas, TX

Integrating Veterinary Social Work for Compassionate Care

Author: Mikayla Jacob, LCSW-S, LISW, Founder and Director of Clinical Services at Sentient Path PLLC
Date: January 21, 2025

Introduction

Losing a beloved pet can feel overwhelming. Many of us form deep emotional bonds with our companion animals, and saying goodfbye can be just as heartbreaking as losing a close friend or family member (Archer, 1997). However, pet grief is often overlooked or minimized, leaving individuals to cope alone. In Flower Mound, Coppell, Grapevine, Southlake, and Las Colinas, Texas, our practice offers specialized pet grief therapy and group support led by a team that includes a therapist trained in Veterinary Social Work (VSW). We accept Aetna insurance for our pet grief groups and provide cash pay options to ensure that compassionate care is accessible and affordable.

What Is Veterinary Social Work?

Veterinary Social Work (VSW) is an emerging interdisciplinary model of care that addresses the complex emotional, social, and mental health aspects of human-animal relationships (International Association of Veterinary Social Workers [IAVSW], 2022). According to Sutton-Ryan (2022), many individuals first seek professional interaction—not with a social worker—but in veterinary spaces. By embedding social work services there, VSW increases access to much-needed support, including pet grief counseling.

VSW practice highlights four core areas:

1. Grief and Loss (including companion animal loss)

2. Compassion Fatigue and Mental Health of Veterinary Professionals

3. Evidence-Based Animal-Assisted Interventions

4. The Link Between Interpersonal Violence and Animal Abuse

Recognizing these connections is crucial, especially given that 70% of U.S. households have at least one pet (American Pet Products Association [APPA], 2022). When a pet dies, the resulting grief can be significant and, at times, disenfranchised—meaning society doesn’t always acknowledge or validate it (Walsh, 2009).

Meet Our Therapist Trained in Veterinary Social Work: Angela Corley, LMSW

One of our pet grief groups is led by Angela Corley, a therapist with extensive training in Veterinary Social Work. Angela has experience supporting individuals and families through the challenges of pet loss, using evidence-based interventions that address both the emotional toll on pet owners and the potential secondary stress on veterinary professionals.

Why VSW Matters for Pet Grief

• Holistic Approach: By understanding the human-animal bond, a VSW-trained therapist like Angela Corley can integrate relevant emotional, social, and relational factors into each session.

• Validated Experiences: VSW professionals acknowledge that pet loss is a major life event, deserving the same level of care as other forms of grief (Sutton-Ryan, 2022).

• Community Education: Angela’s role also includes providing resources and education to veterinarians, vet techs, and others in the local pet care community, fostering a broader network of empathy and support.

Understanding Pet Grief

Pet grief often mirrors the stages of human grief:

1. Shock/Denial

2. Anger

3. Bargaining

4. Depression

5. Acceptance

Yet, cultural or societal stigmas can leave bereaved pet owners feeling isolated or misunderstood (Zilcha-Mano et al., 2012). Through pet grief therapy, you can process these emotions in a safe space, knowing your pain is real and valid.

Individual Counseling Benefits

• Safe, Confidential Environment: Discuss your grief at your own pace.

• Personalized Coping Strategies: Learn mindfulness techniques, journaling, or memorialization activities to honor your pet.

• Focused Support: Address any feelings of guilt or regret, common after the loss of a companion animal.

Group Therapy for Pet Loss

For many, shared experience can be a powerful catalyst for healing. Our pet grief support group offers:

• Collective Understanding: You’ll meet others who empathize with your loss, reducing isolation.

• Mutual Learning: Hearing how others cope provides new strategies and insights.

• Guidance from a VSW Specialist: With Angela Corley’s background, the group benefits from a therapist trained to integrate the human-animal bond into therapeutic interventions.

Why Veterinary Social Work Is Crucial for Pet Grief

• Holistic Integration: VSW recognizes that mental health, veterinary care, and the human-animal bond are interlinked (Sutton-Ryan, 2022).

• Preventing Disenfranchised Grief: VSW-trained therapists validate the depth of your relationship with your pet.

• Support for Veterinary Professionals: Veterinary teams experience high rates of compassion fatigue; VSW can mitigate these stressors (Nett et al., 2015).

Insurance and Payment Options

We strive to make pet grief counseling as accessible as possible:

• Aetna Insurance: Our practice accepts Aetna, streamlining the process for insured clients.

• Cash Pay: For those without insurance or who prefer self-pay, we offer flexible options to ensure you receive quality care.

Serving Flower Mound, Coppell, Grapevine, Southlake, and Las Colinas, TX

Our team is dedicated to supporting local communities across the DFW area. Whether you opt for in-person sessions or telehealth, we tailor our approach to meet your needs. You’re never alone in this journey; we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Taking the Next Step

1. Reach Out: Schedule a consultation to discuss individual counseling or group therapy with our Veterinary Social Worker.

2. Validate Your Feelings: Remember that losing a pet can be just as impactful as losing a human loved one.

3. Join Our Pet Grief Group: Share your experiences, learn from others, and gain professional insights from Angela Corley.

4. Continue the Conversation: Pet grief can be a long process. Allow yourself the space, time, and support to heal.

Conclusion

Pet grief is real, deeply felt, and deserving of professional care. With Veterinary Social Work training and a compassionate approach, our practice is uniquely equipped to help you navigate this challenging time. Contact us todayto learn more about our pet grief therapy options, including Aetna coverage and cash pay alternatives. Let’s honor your beloved companion together and set you on a path to healing and hope.

References

American Pet Products Association. (2022). APPA national pet owners survey. https://www.americanpetproducts.org/pubs_survey.asp

Archer, J. (1997). Why do people love their pets? Evolution and Human Behavior, 18(4), 237–259.

International Association of Veterinary Social Workers. (2022). IAVSW website. https://veterinarysocialwork.org/

Nett, R. J., Witte, T. K., Holzbauer, S. M., Elchos, B. L., Campagnolo, E. R., Musgrave, K. J., Carter, K. K., Kurkjian, K. M., Vanicek, C., O’Leary, D. R., Pride, K. R., & Funk, R. H. (2015). Prevalence of risk factors for suicide among veterinarians—United States, 2014. MMWR: Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report, 64(5), 131–132.

Sutton-Ryan, A. (2022). Awareness of veterinary social work in veterinary professionals capstone project. University of Tennessee Veterinary Social Work Certificate.

Walsh, F. (2009). Human-animal bonds I: The relational significance of companion animals. Family Process, 48(4), 462–480.

Zilcha-Mano, S., Mikulincer, M., & Shaver, P. R. (2012). Pet in the therapy room: An attachment perspective on animal-assisted therapy. Social Work, 57(2), 165–177.

Book Review Part 1: The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt

Edited August 20, 2024

I found myself browsing my Audible recommendations and realized I had skipped over this book. Excited to start my journey of reading and tracking new books and important data/research in my field, I decided to give it a listen. From the moment I started, I found it difficult to stop. Each break in my day became an opportunity to dive back into Haidt's insights, and the book quickly filled my thoughts.

Overview of the Premise

In The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt explores the troubling rise of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges among today’s youth. Haidt, a respected social psychologist, delves into the ways technological and cultural shifts have fundamentally reshaped childhood, leading to what he describes as a "great rewiring" that is contributing to a widespread mental health crisis.

Key Themes and Insights

1. The Impact of Social Media

Haidt presents compelling evidence linking the rise of platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat with an increase in anxiety and depression among teens. These platforms foster a culture of comparison and superficial connection, where children and teens are constantly exposed to idealized images of others’ lives. This exposure can lead to feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, and self-doubt, contributing to the growing mental health crisis.

2. The Critical Need for Outdoor Play

A key point in Haidt’s analysis is the importance of outdoor play in childhood development. He contrasts the benefits of a "play childhood" with the downsides of a "phone childhood." Outdoor play is not just recreational; it is a vital part of developing physical health, creativity, and problem-solving skills. It provides children with opportunities to engage in spontaneous, unstructured activities that foster resilience, independence, and social skills.

In a "play childhood," children learn to navigate the world around them, build relationships, and handle conflicts face-to-face, developing crucial interpersonal skills. In contrast, a "phone childhood" often isolates children, tethering them to screens where social interactions are filtered through digital platforms, limiting their ability to engage in real-world situations.

3. Navigating Spontaneous, Face-to-Face Interpersonal Conflicts

Haidt emphasizes the importance of children learning to handle spontaneous, face-to-face interpersonal conflicts. In outdoor play, children regularly encounter situations where they must negotiate, compromise, and resolve disagreements with peers. These experiences are essential for developing emotional intelligence, empathy, and conflict resolution skills.

In contrast, when children spend more time on their phones and less time interacting directly with others, they miss out on these vital learning experiences. Online interactions, often devoid of non-verbal cues and immediate feedback, can lead to misunderstandings and a reduced capacity for managing real-world conflicts.

4. The Safety of Outdoor Play vs. Navigating the Web

Haidt also challenges the common perception that keeping children indoors and online is safer than allowing them to play outside. He argues that the dangers of navigating the World Wide Web and social media—exposure to cyberbullying, predatory behavior, and harmful content—can be far more insidious and damaging than the relatively low risks associated with outdoor play.

Haidt advocates for a return to a more traditional childhood, where children walk to school, explore their neighborhoods, and engage in outdoor activities with friends. These experiences not only promote physical health but also teach children how to navigate their environment and develop a sense of autonomy and self-reliance.

Strengths and Critiques

Haidt’s book is a well-researched and thought-provoking exploration of the mental health crisis among today’s youth. His data and case studies provide a compelling argument that the rise in mental health issues is a systemic problem rooted in societal changes.

One area of improvement is in its accessibility for specific audiences, particularly those who would benefit most from its insights—teachers, educators, community leaders, and parents. Developing smaller, targeted reference guides with key recommendations tailored to these different stakeholders could make Haidt's insights more practical and easier to implement. These supplemental guides could provide Haidt’s concrete strategies for each group:

• Teachers and Educators: Incorporating more unstructured play and social interaction into the school day, recognizing and addressing signs of anxiety and depression, and fostering environments that support mental well-being.

• Communities: Creating safe spaces for children to engage in outdoor play, promoting community events that encourage face-to-face interaction, and supporting local initiatives aimed at reducing screen time.

• Parents: Establishing boundaries around technology use, encouraging outdoor activities, and fostering open communication about the emotional impacts of social media.

• Teens: Offering peer-led initiatives that raise awareness of the risks of social media, encouraging participation in outdoor activities, and providing resources for managing stress and anxiety.

By offering these targeted guides, the book's valuable insights could become more actionable and accessible to those who need them most.

(edited August 20, 2024)

The Importance of This Work for All Stakeholders

The Anxious Generation is not just an academic exploration but a vital resource for everyone involved in the upbringing and education of children. Parents, schools, communities, professionals who advise parents, and those who guide children and teen services must read and review this work. Haidt’s insights are crucial for understanding the profound impact of modern life on young minds and for developing strategies to mitigate these effects.

The importance of this book cannot be overstated. As we navigate a world increasingly dominated by digital interactions, it is imperative that we recognize the consequences for our children’s mental health and well-being. Haidt’s work provides a clear-eyed analysis of the challenges we face and offers a call to action for all stakeholders to create environments that support the healthy development of our children.

Conclusion

The Anxious Generation is a crucial read for anyone concerned with the well-being of today’s youth. Jonathan Haidt’s exploration of the "great rewiring of childhood" offers deep insights into the ways in which modern life is shaping the minds of the next generation. By emphasizing the need for outdoor play, face-to-face interaction, and a return to a more grounded, less screen-focused childhood, Haidt challenges us to reconsider how we are raising and educating our children. This book is not just a diagnosis of a problem but a call to action to reclaim the essential elements of childhood that foster healthy, resilient, and well-rounded individuals. It is a must-read for parents, educators, and all who play a role in guiding the next generation.