Grief and Loss Counseling People can feel grief not only over someone’s death, but over life transitions, separation, divorce, etc. Loss affects us all throughout our lives in many ways. We grieve many losses. Working through grief is one of the hardest things we experience in our lives. There is a reason why it is called work – it is hard! But it is not impossible. Grief counseling can help you understand what is normal and what is not. Grief counseling can help you survive the difficult moments and rejoice with each step of healing. Grief counseling can help you make it when you’re not sure you’re able. Contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Healing from grief can be made easier if you know what to expect and can share your feelings with others who have gone through similar experiences. This is what happens in pet loss counseling. I will not discount your emotions about your animal companion. I will not discredit you for feeling as you do. Instead, I will help you to work through your grief to a new place of healing. The following quote reflects feelings many people have after a cherished companion animal dies. Even though it talks about a dog, the same feelings apply to any animal we feel strongly about. Perhaps it will be meaningful to you:
For more information and resources regarding pet loss and other losses, you may find these locations helpful:
Methods and Techniques Utilized To help clients deal effectively with life stresses, I use a style that encourages clients to both think about and experience their life experiences in a new way. Sessions are based on finding a solution that meets your needs. Most treatment plans are short-term rather than extended, but we base the length of time we meet together on your need and desire. I often work with a carefully screened and trained dog (animal-assisted therapy) to further the therapeutic process. I received my Masters Degree in clinical social work (MSW in counseling) from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, TX, in 1987. I am licensed as an Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with the State of Washington. I also have my national credential with the Academy of Clinical Social Workers (ACSW). Fees and Billing My standard fee for a 50-minute intake session is $100 and follow-up sessions are $85. People who pay on the same day as their appointment are given a discount and pay $65. I work with Uniform Medical Plan and First Choice Health, as well as APS and Concern Employee Assistance Plans. As a matter of courtesy, please give me a minimum of 24 hours’ advance notice to cancel an appointment. That allows me to schedule someone else who is waiting into your slot. If you do not show up for a scheduled appointment, you will be billed at the same rate as if you had attended. Confidentiality I may share information with other counselors during professional consultation sessions, and this is bound under confidentiality. Your client record is confidential. I must have your signature releasing me to give information about you to someone else, including another healthcare provider. However, if you share information that leads me to believe that you might commit a crime or harm yourself or someone else, I am bound by law (Washington RCW 18.19.180 1-6) to disclose that information to authorities. In addition, your contact information may be shared with a collection agency for non-payment of account. “Counselors practicing counseling for a fee must be registered or certified with the Washington State Department of Health for the protection of the public health and safety. Registration of an individual with the department does not include a recognition of any practice standards, nor necessarily implies the effectiveness of any treatment.” (WAC 246-810-031) Before coming in for your first appointment, please download my Disclosure Form and History Form, and bring the completed forms with you to your appointment. If you plan to use insurance to pay for your counseling sessions, please print the Authorization for Insurance Payment read it carefully, and bring the completed form with you to your appointment. Contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment. |
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