Grief Support and Bereavement Coaching
Because your grief matters
At The Butterfly Vet, we are committed to providing support not only to our animal friends, but to their dedicated and loving families as well. As such, we are honoured to offer one-on-one virtual (Zoom) bereavement coaching to accompany you as you navigate the loss of your beloved companion.
Our bereavement coaching is open to all, at any point in their grief journey. It is our mission to provide an inclusive, non-judgemental, compassionate, and safe space where grievers can feel heard, validated, and supported exactly as they are. Our approach is rooted in empathy, active listening, and acceptance.
As your bereavement coach, Tara draws from her experience in end-of-life veterinary care, as well as her death doula certification and continuing education in grief and loss. She uses a companioning approach which focuses on being present with pet parents in their grief, finding ways to honour and navigate feelings rather than fix or eliminate them.
We have designed our bereavement coaching program to be flexible and customizable, and the number, length, and content of sessions can all be tailored to meet your needs. Sessions can consist of a range of practices and support modalities, and can include any of the elements below.
If you are unable to reach us or need additional help, please see our additional resources and contacts for grief support related to pet loss.
Sharing Stories
We invite you to share the unique story of your relationship with your pet. We provide unconditional support and validation as you talk about your journey, to the extent of your comfort. Remember, this space is exclusively for you, fostering an environment where your experience is honored and understood.
Wellness Practices
We chat about your daily wellness routines. We examine activities that bring you comfort and joy, whether a morning walk, cherished music, or a favorite comfort food. We explore examples of self-care activities, from relaxing baths to mindfulness practices, designed to protect your well-being during a challenging time.
Guided Centring Meditation
We embark on a soothing guided centering meditation. This practice can include visualizations to help you find calmness and remain present amidst the emotional challenges of grief, or even to reconnect with your beloved in your mind’s eye and in your heart.
Moving With Grief
Somatic Work and Journalling – Discover the usefulness of journalling and somatic exercises (for example, breathing techniques) in the grief journey.
Creating Comfort in Rituals – Learn about the significance of personal rituals, such as lighting candles, and explore a variety of daily activities that provide comfort.
Memorializing with Meaning – Explore ideas for creative memorialization of your beloved companion and their importance to you.
Gratitude and Reflection
We share heartfelt readings featuring poignant quotes related to grief and healing, from literature or poetry.
Loving Kindness Meditation
We conclude with a “loving kindness” meditation, guiding positive thoughts to specific individuals, starting with yourself and extending to others. We reflect on connection to your pet, your community, and your environment.
If you are struggling before, during, or after losing a beloved animal family member, please reach out. We can help.
Tara offers compassionate support in a role that can be described as a bereavement coach, grief doula or grief companion. She has obtained her Death Doula Certification and has received training from the Living Through Loss Counselling Society of BC. Following Alan Wolfelt's "Companioning" model, Tara uses a gentle peer-support approach without clinical counseling or therapeutic services, focusing on creating a safe space for emotions rather than diagnosis or treatment of mental health issues. Tara embraces the belief that grief is a journey, and those experiencing it don't require fixing, but rather someone to walk alongside them on the path, holding space and gently supporting them.