Certified Grief Therapist
Compassionate Therapy for Pet Loss in Missouri and Kansas
Feeling the Weight of Your Loss? You're Not Alone.
Losing a beloved pet is a unique and deeply painful experience. Pets aren’t just animals—they are family members, companions, and sources of comfort. When they pass, it can feel like an overwhelming void that no one quite understands. The grief you’re feeling may come in waves—unexpected tears, a sense of emptiness, or an overwhelming sadness that doesn’t seem to go away. I understand the depth of pain that comes with losing a pet. I’m here to offer compassionate support, so you don’t have to face this grief alone.
Here are three common struggles people face when grieving the loss of their pet:
"I can’t stop crying, and I don’t know why." Losing my pet has left me with an ache that feels endless, and sometimes the tears come without warning, even in places where I least expect it.
"I keep thinking about the little things we used to do together." The memories of our walks, snuggling on the couch, or even just their presence in the room keep flooding my mind, and it’s hard to focus on anything else.
"I feel so alone—like no one understands how much this hurts." People don’t seem to get it. They say, ‘It’s just a pet,’ but they didn’t have the bond I did with them. I feel like I’m carrying this pain by myself.
These feelings are common and valid. Losing a pet is a deeply personal loss, and it's important to acknowledge the pain and grief that comes with it. Your emotions are a natural part of the healing process, and at Sara Wilper Therapy, we’re here to help you work through them.
How Pet Loss May Be Showing Up in Your Life
Grief after pet loss isn’t just about emotional pain—it can affect your daily life in unexpected ways. Some common signs that pet loss is affecting your day-to-day functioning include:
Difficulty concentrating or staying focused: I find it hard to focus on work, my hobbies, or even day-to-day tasks. My mind keeps drifting to memories of my pet.
Avoiding reminders of my pet: I find myself not wanting to look at photos or videos of them, because it feels too painful.
Changes in routine: Without my pet, I feel like I’ve lost a part of my daily routine. It’s hard to get motivated or get back to normal life.
On a deeper level, the loss of a pet can cause emotional and physical symptoms that are harder to ignore:
Persistent sadness and emptiness: I feel like there’s a hole in my heart that no one can fill. Even doing things I used to enjoy just doesn’t seem the same anymore.
Physical symptoms of grief: Sometimes I feel physically drained or tense, like the grief has settled in my body. It’s hard to shake the feeling of heaviness.
Relationship struggles: My grief sometimes causes tension in relationships with family or friends. They may not fully understand the depth of the bond I shared with my pet, which can make me feel more isolated.
These reactions are normal and part of the grieving process. Your grief is valid, and it’s important to allow yourself the time and space to heal. You don’t have to go through it alone—support is available.
Healing After Pet Loss: Techniques That Work
At Sara Wilper Therapy, I use proven therapeutic techniques to help you process and heal after the loss of your pet. Here are some of the methods I use to support your journey through grief:
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): This therapy helps you process painful memories and emotions tied to your pet’s loss, so you can start to heal.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy: This practice helps you stay present in the moment, reducing the overwhelm that comes with persistent grief and emotional pain.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps identify and challenge the negative thought patterns that may be keeping you stuck in your grief, promoting healthier ways to cope.
Narrative Therapy: By telling your story, you can create meaning and perspective around your loss, helping you to reclaim control and understanding of your grief.
Expressive Therapy: Journaling, art, and movement can provide a safe outlet for the complex emotions that come with grieving the loss of a pet.
These techniques are designed to meet you where you are in your grief journey, offering tools to help you move forward at your own pace.
Why Online Therapy for Pet Loss Grief
Grieving the loss of a pet can be emotionally exhausting, and sometimes it can be difficult to find the energy to leave home. Online therapy provides a convenient and effective solution for those grieving the loss of a pet:
Convenience: With online therapy, you don’t have to worry about commuting or taking time away from your home. You can access therapy from the comfort of your own space, whenever you need it.
Privacy: The loss of a pet is deeply personal, and online therapy offers a private, secure space where you can explore your grief in a confidential environment.
Accessibility: Whether you're in Missouri, Kansas, or Arizona, online therapy is available to you—ensuring you can get the support you need, no matter where you live.
Consistency: Online therapy allows you to stay consistent with your sessions, without interruptions from travel or life changes, ensuring a steady path toward healing.
Online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy, providing you with the same compassionate, professional support from the comfort of your own home.
Grief after the loss of a pet can feel isolating, but taking the first step toward healing is the bravest thing you can do. If you’re ready to begin the healing process, reach out today for a free consultation or to schedule an appointment. Together, we’ll work through your grief and help you restore balance and peace in your life.
I understand the depth of your grief and works alongside you to help you find peace and healing. Whether you’re struggling with the immediate pain of loss or facing long-term grief, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact Sara Wilper Therapy via phone or fill out the contact form on the website to get started. You don’t have to go through this alone—help is here.
