Forever Loved • A Pet Loss Grief Support Group

Losing a beloved pet is devastating but you don't have to go through it alone. Find comfort, connection and peace in this 6-week grief group co-led by a Licensed Psychotherapist and Canine Behavior Consultant who both have years of experience navigating this difficult kind of loss.

Who is this class for?

This class is designed for anyone who has lost, or is facing the loss, of a pet. Whether your pet was just diagnosed with a serious illness, is approaching the end of their lifespan, or has been separated from you, our Forever Loved group was created with you in mind. We have walked in your shoes and we get it. Losing a pet by death or other event is heartbreaking and often isolating and lonely. This group will cover everything from planned, expected loss to unexpected loss including euthanasia related to age, illness or behavioral issues.

We created this community to share our stories, move through our grief, and discover our beloved pet’s legacy.

Prerequisites:

• 15 min. Intake Call

  Everyone begins with a 15 minute phone call with Emily Winslow, the class’s co-facilitator and a Licensed Psychotherapist, to answer any questions you have and to ensure this group class will meet your needs.

Package details:

• 1.5 hour class per week

• 6 classes total - $295

  Scholarship opportunities available! Please inquire during your Intake Call

• Each class takes place at Clickstart Dog Training Academy in Lake Forest

• For humans only. Please leave pets at home.

What to expect:

• We'll hold space for each other to:

  Share the stories of our pets and be heard by others who truly get it

  Understand why it hurts so much

  Express your grief however feels natural for you

• You’ll learn:

  Evidence-based strategies to help integrate the loss

  That you’re not alone in your grief

• Expert speakers & facilitators:

  • Emily Winslow, a licensed psychotherapist

  • Cassie Pestana, a certified canine behavior consultant

  • Dr. Sydney Pokard, a local veterinarian and owner of Fauna Veterinary Collective

  • Darcy Stewart, a certified yoga instructor and death doula

  • Liv Healy, a certified canine behavior consultant with a masters in fine art

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More Details

Resources

After each class, you will receive a follow-up email with optional weekly activities to support your grief journey in-between group sessions.

Leader Qualifications

Emily Winslow, LMFT45260 has over 18 years of experience leading support groups as a licensed psychotherapist. She specializes in grief, trauma and attachment and brings both personal and professional experience with different types of pet loss.

Cassie Pestana, BA, CBCC-KA, KPA-CTP has walked through difficult choices with clients over the last 10 years and has significant empathy and understanding for all levels and expression of grief.

All of our expert speakers and facilitators are uniquely qualified to speak on their subject matter including euthanasia and quality of life discussions as well as healing through movement and creativity.

Class setup

Each 1.5 hour class will consist of a carefully facilitated round chair discussion as well as a lesson led by licensed psychotherapist or other guest speaker.

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FAQs

• How do I know if this class will help me?

  Start with a phone call with Emily to learn how this class can benefit you and what to expect from a grief group environment. Schedule your Intake Call at this link.

• Are there scholarship opportunities available to help with the cost?

  Yes. Please let Emily about your need for financial assistance in your Intake Call.

  While we strive to compensate those professionals contributing their time and expertise to this class, we do not want the cost to be a barrier of entry for anyone who could benefit from this class.

• How many students are in the class?

  Minimum enrollment is 3-5 and we cap the class at 12-15 students.

• I haven't loss a pet before but worry about it already, can I still benefit from this group?

  Absolutely. This class is designed to address anticipatory grief.

• What happens if I can't make it?

  There are no makeups for this class so please consider your schedule carefully before enrolling.

  Once you sign up, if you are unable to make any of the classes, you are welcome to reschedule your entire reservation. While we don’t offer refunds, we do our best to remain flexible and ensure your purchase is risk-free.

• How do I donate to the scholarship fund?

  Thank you for your generosity. Here is the link to support our scholarship fund.

Have more questions before signing up?

Schedule a free Intake Call!