Losing a pet is an incredibly emotional and vulnerable time. For many of us, our companion animals provide a sense of comfort, love, and connection. We value their unique personalities and the incredible joy they bring to our hearts. Grieving this relationship and their role in our lives is a huge task, something that society often disregards. In reality, pet grief is a valid and real experience, something that deserves immense care and attention.

Holiday traditions can bring up the pain of loss, even years after a loss, and in turn, bring up mixed emotions from sadness to anger. The most important thing you can do while grieving during the holidays is to give yourself permission to feel however you feel, acknowledge and accept your feelings and be gentle with yourself. Try not to push memories or feelings away. Grieving is working through feelings and emotions.

The first thing to mention is that group therapy is not for everyone. Group therapy can be very beneficial to those who are in the right space for this type of therapeutic intervention, even more helpful than individual therapy. However, there are things to be aware of in ourselves when choosing to join a group.