The Loss of a Pet...

Research on the bond of attachment validates what pet lovers already know; that the bond we share with our pet(s) can be even stronger than the bond we share with people. When we lose our best friend, is it any wonder that we feel emotionally devastated? Talking about your loss with a therapist individually or in a support group is a positive step toward healthy grieving. Grieving is a time when one needs to feel supported and understood.

The Support Group is facilitated by a licensed therapist with specialized training in grief, loss, and bereavement. You are invited to attend no matter when your pet passed (days or years ago) or, if your pet has recently been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Support Groups comply with all nine of the American Veterinary Medical Association Support Group guidelines. Attend and honor your special friend on his/her birthday, annual anniversary, or holiday. A sliding scale fee is available for those with a financial hardship. Cash, credit cards, and checks accepted.

Follow the link learn more about Pet Loss Counseling or Support Group Sessions with Andrea Keith.

About Andrea Keith

Andrea Keith, LMFT, CEAP, CAMF is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in individual adult, child, couples, and family psychotherapy, and maintains a private practice in both Irvine and Newport Beach, CA.

  • Certificate in Grief, Loss, and Bereavement
  • Certified Anger Management Facilitator (CAMF)
  • Certified State Domestic Violence Victim-Survivor Advocate
  • Probation-Approved Domestic Violence Batterer Intervention Group Facilitator

Andrea is a practical, interactive, compassionate therapist. Her treatment approach is to provide emotional support and practical feedback to help clients resolve current problems and long-standing patterns. She incorporates a blend of conventional and alternative approaches, drawing upon a variety of styles and techniques to incorporate what will be most helpful for each client. Whether cognitive-behavioral or eclectic-blend therapy style is utilized, Andrea works with sensitivity and compassion. Andrea works with each client to help them build on their strengths to identify, work through, and achieve life goals and positive behavioral changes.


Education
  • Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy ~ M.A., MFT
  • Master of Arts in Human Behavior ~ M.A., BH
  • Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science ~ B.A., BS

To learn more about Andrea Keith, please visit her website

Other Counseling Options

Children's Counseling If your child is behaving differently following the loss of your pet, he/she may need and benefit from professional assistance. Consult for expertise on how to talk with your child about your pet’s passing. Please call me at (949) 650-2442 or contact me for more information or to make an appointment.

4-Week Workshop Four sessions, 1-1/2 hours. Learn about yourself; find healthy ways to deal with your loss; move toward healing. Connect with other grieving pet lovers; build a support network. Psychoeducational information is provided to assist in understanding the grieving process. Experience a creative art project as a means to promote and facilitate healing. No prior art experience necessary. Pre-registration is required. Workshop includes the same participants for all four sessions. $300 includes all workshop fees and art materials. $75 deposit required with reservation. Limited seating. A sliding scale fee is available for those with a financial hardship. Cash, checks, credit cards accepted. Call me at (949) 650-2442 or contact me to make your reservations.

"There Is Hope" Workshop Are you in pain and feel you’ll never love again? Are you wrestling with the decision of when to adopt a new pet? Is your family ready, but you’re not? Are you wondering about getting the same breed? Color? Do you think you’re “replacing” your pet? Or being disloyal to your pet? Come to this workshop and discover that there is hope. Ask and discuss all the questions you’ve been pondering. Call for more information or to make your reservation. Pre-registration is required with a $50 deposit. A sliding scale fee is available. Cash, credit cards, and checks accepted. 1-1/2 hour session.