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Therapy for Pet Grief 

Compassionate Pet Grief Counseling Services 

One of the main reasons I entered the profession was because I felt there was a hole in the field for therapists who specialize in pet bereavement. This is certainly a disenfranchised category of grief and one that not enough therapists understand. I won't pathologize your sadness. Losing someone you love is hard. Period. 

 

The manner in which you grieve is strongly dependent on the relationship you had with your pet. I firmly believe that the human-animal connection can be as meaningful as that with another person. Pets often know us better than friends do. They provide us with unconditional love on a day-to-day basis. When they're gone, there is an energy that is missing from the household. Their death can re-activate a flood of other buried fears, emotions, and guilt. When grief is not normalized, shame and depression often follow.

 

The circumstances around their death may also be difficult to endure. Perhaps you had to make the decision to euthanize and you are experiencing intense feelings of guilt?  Maybe you suffer from depression and your dog provided you with routine, a sense of purpose, and 

connection to your neighborhood. Grief over a pet, like that of a human, is as complicated and unique as you are.

 

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I provide Pet Grief Support for...

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  • Intense Depression Activated by Death or Loss of a Pet

  • Anticipatory Loss

  • Euthanasia & End of Life Decisions

  • Elderly Pet Loss

  • Runaway or Lost Pets

  • Loss Through Divorce or a Separation

  • Traumatic Loss

  • Early or Unexpected Loss of Young Pets

  • Disenfranchised Grief by Friends & Families

  • Unexpected Attachment to Animals Raised for Meat Consumption (Livestock, 4-H, FFA)

  • Veterinary Professionals (Vicarious Trauma & Compassion Fatigue)

  • Loss through rehoming / aggression issues

  • Terminal Illness

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Losing a pet is a deeply personal experience, and as a pet grief counselor, I am here to support you in navigating your emotions and finding healing. My services are tailored to help you process the loss, whether it was sudden, anticipated, or connected to complex circumstances. Together, we will honor your pet's memory and build a pathway to understanding and acceptance. Reach out today to connect with a dedicated pet grief therapist and start your journey towards recovery. 

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About

Marina Resa LMFT

I was initially inspired to pursue a degree in psychology when I recognized a significant gap for qualified pet grief counselors. The back-to-back deaths of my own pets, coupled with the absence of mental health professionals offering the necessary services when I was seeking support, motivated me to go back to school and fill this void.

 

After earning my master's degree from Antioch University and obtaining my LMFT license, I had the privilege of being mentored by Dr. Wallace Sife, the author of "Loss of a Pet" and founder of the Association for Pet Loss & Bereavement (APLB). I later became a board member and co-creator/instructor of the Pet Loss Grief Specialist course.

 

Currently, I offer online therapy to grieving pet parents across California and provide coaching services globally.

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Contact

 

San Luis Obispo                       

3940-7 Broad St. #196

San Luis Obispo​, CA

93401

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Los Angeles

10801 National Blvd.
Suite 437
Los Angeles, CA 90064

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Tel: 323-686-1010​

marinaresa@gmail.com

Marina Resa, MA LMFT #106655

I look forward to working with you!

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