Navigating Pet Bereavement: Understanding, Healing, and Remembering Together

Overview

Join us for a compassionate and insightful workshop on pet bereavement, hosted by Griefline and Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust, and facilitated by experienced Grief Counsellor, Candice Mace. This workshop delves into the intricate layers of grief associated with losing a beloved pet, providing participants with valuable insights, coping strategies, and avenues for healing. 

Details

Throughout the session, we will explore the fundamentals of grief, with a particular focus on disenfranchised grief and its profound impact on the mourning process when it comes to losing a pet. Understanding the unique challenges and complexities of pet loss across various stages of life will be discussed, shedding light on the diverse experiences individuals may encounter. 

One significant aspect we'll address is the trauma associated with making the decision to euthanize a pet. We'll navigate this difficult reality of pet ownership, acknowledging the emotional weight it carries and offering coping mechanisms tailored to individuals' attachment strengths. 

Moreover, the workshop will provide a safe space for participants to bring forth challenging emotions like relief and guilt, fostering open dialogue and communal support. Candice Mace, drawing from her own lived experience, will guide participants through mindfulness exercises to help navigate these emotions and foster self-compassion. 

Additionally, we'll explore the concept of continuing bonds with our deceased pets, offering practical tips for memorialising and honoring their memory. From creating memorials to engaging in rituals that celebrate the life of our pets, participants will discover meaningful ways to keep the spirit of their beloved companions alive. 

Whether you're currently navigating the grief of losing a pet or seeking to support others in their journey, this workshop promises to provide invaluable insights, healing strategies, and a sense of community for all participants. Join us as we embark on a journey of understanding, healing, and remembering together. 

Location

The Centre for Care and Wellbeing is located in Springvale Botanic Cemetery. To help you navigate to the location of the event, click on the following link to access Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sKp4bz...

Free event

This workshop is free of charge, but donations to support our ongoing efforts in providing compassionate support to those grieving the loss of a pet would be greatly appreciated. 

About the facilitator Candice Mace

Candice brings personal experiences with grief to her work, igniting a deep interest in clinical psychology, particularly in the realms of grief, loss, and trauma. Passionate about assisting individuals facing prolonged grief disorder, complex grief, pet loss, and other forms of disenfranchised grief, Candice creates a nurturing and collaborative counselling environment. Drawing from person-centered and trauma-informed cognitive-behavioral approaches, she empowers clients in their grief journey. With academic credentials including a Bachelor of Psychological Science and a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), Candice is currently pursuing her Doctor of Psychology (Clinical Psychology), demonstrating a dedication to scholarly advancement. Her research efforts, recognised with accolades, focus on grief and hold potential for practical applications in public health. Motivated by her own experiences of loss, Candice advocates fervently for compassionate support during times of grief, emphasising its pivotal role in healing and personal development.