When a Companion Dies: Understanding Pet Loss and Its Intersection with Prolonged Grief
This presentation explores the psychological impact of pet loss and its clinical significance within grief counseling. While often minimized or disenfranchised, the loss of a companion animal can elicit profound emotional responses that, in some cases, meet criteria for prolonged grief. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of pet grief as a valid and complex bereavement experience, learn to recognize when it may evolve into prolonged grief, and explore evidence-informed strategies for assessment and intervention.
Learning objectives
1. Identify the unique features of pet loss grief, including disenfranchised grief, attachment dynamics, and sociocultural factors that influence bereavement outcomes.
2. Differentiate between normative grief responses and prolonged grief, with attention to how prolonged grief may manifest following the loss of a companion animal.
3. Apply clinically appropriate intervention strategies to support individuals experiencing pet-related grief, including cases that meet or approach criteria for prolonged grief.
About the Presenter
Brianna Laricchia, LMHC, PGSS-C, is a licensed mental health counselor in New York and a certified pet grief support specialist. Brianna’s work focuses on grief and bereavement, with particular expertise in the emotional impact of companion animal loss.
Fees
The webinar is free to attend. Get your Zoom link to join here.
To purchase the 1 CE Add-On, scroll to the bottom of this page and click on "Register".
Continuing Education
American Psychological Association
The Center for Prolonged Grief at Columbia School of Social Work is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Center for Prolonged Grief maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Note: Many state boards recognize the APA approval. Please check with your state licensing board.
New York State Education Department
- NYSED Board for Social Work recognizes the Center for Prolonged Grief as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers (#SW‐0727).
- NYSED State Board for Mental Health Practitioners recognizes the Center for Prolonged Grief as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists (#MFT-0080) and licensed mental health counselors (#MHC-0104).
- NYSED State Board for Psychology recognizes the Center for Prolonged Grief as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists (#PSY-0150).
Refund Policy
There are no refunds for this event.
Special Accommodations and Grievance Policy
Columbia University makes every effort to accommodate individuals with disabilities. If you require disability accommodations to attend an event at Columbia University, please contact Disability Services at 212-854-2388 or [email protected] and the Center for Prolonged Grief at [email protected] at least 10 days in advance of the event.
If you have a question or concern about the webinar or related to the CPG's continuing education programming, please email [email protected].