When a Companion Dies: Understanding Pet Loss and Its Intersection with Prolonged Grief

OVERVIEW

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

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. Brianna is dedicated to increasing clinical awareness of pet grief and supporting individuals navigating disenfranchised and prolonged grief experiences.

Target Audience: health and mental health professionals, graduate-level students, and those who work closely with bereaved people, like hospice administrators, clergy, and support group facilitators.

FEES

The webinar is free to attend. Registration is required using the free general admission link.
A $30 fee is required for the available continuing education add-on and certificate of completion.

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).

Note: Non-NYS social workers, marriage and family therapists, and mental health counselors should check with their state licensing board. Many states have recognized our continuing education programs, as we are at a CSWE-accredited institution and part of a regionally accredited university.

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 disability@columbia.edu and the Center for Prolonged Grief at training@complicatedgrief.columbia.edu at least 10 days in advance of the event.

If you have a question or concern about a workshop, non-receipt of a certificate, or another issue related to the Center for Prolonged Grief’s continuing education programming, please email training@complicatedgrief.columbia.eLMHC, PGSS-C