Support from a fellow animal lover who really gets the depth of the human-animal bond.
ONLINE THERAPY FOR PET LOSS & ANIMAL CAREGIVERS BASED IN CHICAGO, SERVING IL, MI, & WI
As someone who has loved countless pets throughout my life, volunteered in animal welfare for 13+ years, and fostered hundreds of dogs in my home, I understand that most people’s view of human-animal relationships doesn’t scratch the surface of how meaningful these bonds can be. That’s why I specialize in helping people whose love for animals impacts their daily lives and giving them the space to feel without judgment or minimization.
I provide support to people who…
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Maybe you…
Are struggling with overwhelming grief, sleepless nights, a loss of appetite, or not knowing how to go through your daily routine without them.
Keep replaying their last moments, searching for what you could have done differently or feeling angry at those who were involved in their care.
Feel misunderstood by the people around you who don't seem to get why this loss is hitting you so hard, leaving you feeling isolated in your grief.
Aren’t sure how to move forward—whether that means honoring your pet’s memory, finding ways to cope, or even considering another pet in the future.
Feel an emotional void that nothing seems to fill, as if a piece of your life is missing.
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Maybe you…
Love your pet, but their behaviors leave you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and questioning if you’re doing the right thing.
Are frustrated by the judgment and advice from people who don’t understand what you’re going through, especially when they suggest giving up your pet.
Feel isolated, struggling to relate to other pet owners who don’t have to plan their lives around their pet’s needs or behavior challenges.
Have lost patience with the ups and downs, wondering if things will ever get better or if you’re stuck in this cycle forever.
Sometimes take out your stress on the people around you, not because you want to, but because carrying this weight alone is exhausting.
Feel a mix of love and resentment—loving your pet deeply but grieving the easier, more carefree life you thought you’d have together.
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Maybe you…
Feel like you’re constantly running on empty, giving every ounce of yourself to the animals in your care with nothing left over for yourself.
Carry the weight of every loss, every tough decision, and every moment where you did your best but it still wasn’t enough.
Are exhausted by the unrealistic expectations—there are never enough resources, time, or hands to do the work that needs to be done.
Feel like no one outside of this field understands what you’re going through, and traditional advice about “self-care” feels impossible to follow.
Catch yourself snapping at others or shutting down emotionally because there’s nowhere safe to put the frustration, grief, and stress.
Keep saying yes to just one more case, one more rescue, one more shift—because if you don’t, who will?
If you have questions about any of these services, I’d be happy to answer them on a free consultation call.
HOW WE’LL WORK TOGETHER
Giving you the space & understanding to work through your very real feelings about the animals in your life.
Therapy with me isn’t about following a rigid process or trying to “fix” emotions—because grief, stress, and love for animals aren’t things that need fixing. Instead, it’s about creating a nonjudgmental space where you can process your experiences in a way that makes sense for you.
Whether you’re navigating the loss of a pet, struggling with the challenges of a reactive animal, or feeling the emotional toll of working in animal welfare, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Together, we’ll explore what healing looks like for you, whether that means finding ways to honor a pet’s memory, learning how to bond with the animal you have, or building a support system that understands what you’re going through.
Beyond individual therapy, I also offer spaces where people can connect with others who truly understand their experiences, including…
Pet loss support groups – A safe space to process grief and honor your pet’s memory with others who understand.
Anticipatory grief groups – Support for those facing the impending loss of a pet due to age or illness.
Workshops for pet parents of behaviorally challenged animals – Helping you navigate the emotions of loving a pet who struggles.
Support for animal professionals – Therapy, crisis response, and training to help those in animal welfare manage the emotional weight of their work.
Emotional support animal evaluations – Assessments for those seeking certification for their pet as an emotional support animal.
If you have questions about any of these services, I’d be happy to answer them on a free consultation call.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THERAPY FOCUSED ON THE ANIMAL/HUMAN BOND
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Absolutely. Pets aren’t just animals—they’re family, routines, comfort, and unconditional love. Losing them can leave a hole that others might not understand, and that can make grief even lonelier. If you’re struggling with pet loss, therapy can give you a space to process the grief without judgment and figure out how to move forward while still honoring the bond you had.
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I work with veterinarians, volunteers, foster pet parents, and people with pets who challenge them daily. Whether it’s compassion fatigue from the work you do, the heartbreak of rescue work, or the frustration of loving an animal that doesn’t fit the “perfect pet” mold, I get it. You don’t have to figure out how to navigate it alone.
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I’ve spent 13 years volunteering in animal welfare, I’m a Certified Pet Grief Counselor, and I have firsthand experience with what it’s like to love a “problematic” pet. I understand the frustration, the guilt, and the deep love that comes with caring for animals—especially the complicated ones. I don’t just talk about this work, I live it.
