Grief Counseling Services for VMTH Clients
As an additional service for the College of Veterinary Medicine,
Dr. Bergeron is able to provide grief counseling services for
clients of the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. This service
is intended to be short-term in nature, and is focused specifically
on issues related to grief and loss. If you are interested in
learning more about this service, please consult the following
brochure:
Download Grief
Counseling Brochure
Who provides counseling services?
Services are provided by Derek Bergeron, Ph.D., a licensed
psychologist employed by Texas A&M Student Counseling Service
who works in the College of Veterinary Medicine. Since services are
provided in a teaching hospital, professional students in the
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program and/or students in mental
health disciplines on the Texas A&M campus may also be involved
at times as a part of their training. For example, students may
observe or help in leading the pet loss support group.
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When can I utilize services?
Availability of services will depend on Dr. Bergeron's schedule.
Generally speaking, individual counseling will be available on
weekdays, typically during afternoons and evenings. Services are
not available during weekends or on an immediate basis. Counseling
will occur either within the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital
or in the CVM Satellite office.
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What services are offered?
Individual grief counseling is offered for individuals who have
experienced the loss of a companion animal, or who are facing
potential loss. This counseling is short term in nature, and is
intended to only address grief issues. Additionally, a pet loss
support group is an option that may be available depending on
current levels of interest.
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What should I expect?
If you are interested in individual counseling, contact Dr.
Bergeron and a time will be agreed upon for a first meeting. At
your first session you will complete brief paperwork that reviews
the nature of services and gathers some basic information. The
first session will also focus on reviewing your current status,
general history, and present goals. If it appears that you would be
better served by utilizing other referral services for longer term
issues, Dr. Bergeron will assist you in exploring potential
referral sources.
In regards to the Pet Loss support group, the aim is to provide
a time for individuals experiencing grief due to the loss of a
companion animal to come together and support each other, express
their grief, and honor the bond they shared. The hope is that the
group will help in facilitating the grieving process and make
adjustment to the loss of a companion animal less distressing.
Individuals participating in the group can expect to share stories
and memories, describe their feelings in response to their loss,
and offer advice and feedback to other members of the group. Active
participation in the group is encouraged, along with showing
respect to other members of the group and allowing time for others
to share their own personal experiences.
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How do I arrange an appointment?
If you are interested in utilizing counseling services, please
contact Dr. Bergeron either through email or phone to set up an
appointment:
Email: DBergeron@cvm.tamu.edu
Phone: 979. 845.0806
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Is it abnormal to mourn for a pet?
No. Humans and animals can develop intense bonds. This is
natural, as the relationship between humans and animals is mutually
beneficial. Numerous studies have documented the physical and
mental health benefits that companion animals can offer. Grief is a
natural response to any significant loss; therefore, it is very
common for humans to experience strong grief reactions to the death
of a beloved companion animal.
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What are the benefits and risks of
counseling?
Ordinarily, we expect counseling will have a positive impact on
clients and their concerns. Benefits may include decreased
depression, confusion, anger, or anxiety; grief feeling less
overwhelming; and increased acceptance of your loss. In regards to
risks, clients may experience some temporary discomfort when
addressing difficult issues such as the powerful feelings
associated with grief in counseling, although generally people feel
better in the long run when they address these issues.
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What are some helpful resources for grief
counseling?
If you are interested in other resources, the following listing
suggests some potential options:
Web Sites and Chat Rooms
Pet Loss Support Hotline Numbers
Ohio State University
Staffed by veterinary students
Available Monday, Wednesday, & Friday, 6:30-9:30 PM, ET
(614) 292-1823
Michigan State University
Staffed by veterinary students
Available Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday 6:30-9:30 PM,
ET
(517) 432-2696
Iams Pet Loss Support Resource Center
(888) 332-7738
The American Society for The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Stephanie LaFarge, Ph.D.
(800) 946-4646 pin #140-7211 and leave your number
Helpful Readings on Pet Loss
Especially for Children...
- Liss-Levinson, N. and Phinney Baskette, M., Remembering
My Pet, SkyLight
- Paths Publishing, 2007
- Rogers, F., When a Pet Dies, Putnam
Publishing, 1988
- Rylant, C., Cat Heaven, Scholastic, Inc., Blue
Sky Press, 1997
- Rylant, C., Dog Heaven, Scholastic, Inc., Blue
Sky Press, 1995
- Viorst, J., The Tenth Good Thing About Barney,
Antheneum, 1972
- White, E., Charlottes's Web, Harper & Row,
1952
Reading for Adults...
- Anderson, M., Coping With Sorrow on the Loss of Your
Pet, Peregrine Press, 1987
- Fitzgerald, H., The Grieving Child: A Parent's
Guide, Fireside, 1992
- Kay, T., To Dance With the White Dog,
Washington Square Press, 1990
- Kay, W., et al, Pet Loss and Human
Bereavement, Iowa State University Press, 1984
- McElroy, S., Animals as Teachers &
Healers, NewSage Press, 1996
- Montgomery, M. and Montgomery, H., A Final Act of
Caring: Ending the Life of An Animal Friend, Montgomery
Press, 1993
- Neiburg, H., et al, Pet Loss: A Thoughtful Guide for
Adults and Children, Harper and Row, 1982
- Sife, Wallace, The Loss of a Pet: A Guide to Coping
With the Grieving Process When a Pet Dies, MacMillan Pub.
Howell Book House, 1998
- Traisman, E., My Personal Pet Remembrance
Journal, Direct Book Services, (800) 776-2665, 1996
Audio CD
E-Book
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