Pet Loss & Bereavement

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for children and adolescents impacted by traumatic events including Pet Loss and Bereavement. It includes parents or caregivers in the process as trauma is healed in safe relationships. As a components-based treatment model, it has distinctive steps that incorporates trauma-sensitive interventions with cognitive, behavioral, family, and humanistic principles and techniques.

TF-CBT has proved successful with children and adolescents (ages 3 to 18) who have significant emotional problems (e.g., symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, fear, anxiety, or depression) related to traumatic life events, such as pet loss. It can be used with children and adolescents who have experienced a single trauma or multiple traumas throughout their lives.

A season of TF-CBT ranges from 12 to 45 sessions depending upon the complexity of the traumatic grief event, caregiver support, and treatment engagement.

Jacquelyn Broadus is certified in TF-CBT.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy that assists clients in challenging negative thoughts of self and the world in order to adjust overwhelming emotions and decrease unwanted behaviors. It is more goal-oriented and problem-focused to develop more effective ways of coping with life’s difficulties. It emphasizes the present over past events and traumas.

CBT has been effective for grief such as Pet Loss and Bereavement. Numerous research studies suggest that CBT leads to significant improvement in functioning and quality of life.

CBT is generally short-term, ranging from 5 to 20 sessions.

Jacquelyn Broadus is trained in CBT.

During REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, our bodies naturally heal themselves and sort out the day’s activities. When distressing or traumatic events happen, our brains do not know where to store such distressing information. This leaves us feeling overwhelmed and unbalanced while increasing our stress.

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based form of therapy that utilizes right/left or bilateral stimulation (BLS) to accelerate the brain’s ability to process and heal an upsetting memory, thought, or phobia. With EMDR, the BLS recreate REM brain activity while you are awake so that you can intentionally focus on distressing events. BLS can include directed eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones that signal the right and left sides of the brain to rebuild connections, get troubling memories unstuck, and help make meaning from the events. EMDR is not hypnosis. You are completely conscious and awake during the process and will be adequately prepared before starting.

EMDR is effective for the treatment of Pet Loss and Bereavement as it addresses complicated grief as well as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, phobias, panic attacks, anxiety disorders, stress, disturbing memories, challenging life events, and crisis events. EMDR can be adjusted to fit the needs of different ages.

While some experience positive effects in just a few sessions, others may need more sessions, especially if there is complex trauma or more than one disturbing life event. For this reason, there is not a set range for the length of treatment as it varies upon what each individual needs. Sessions typically last from 60-90 minutes.

Jacquelyn Broadus is certified in EMDR and a member of EMDRIA, an international association of EMDR practitioners.

EMDR Recent Traumatic Event Protocol (R-TEP) is a specialized adaptation of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and was designed specifically for addressing recent traumatic events such as Pet Loss and Bereavement.

R-TEP is used when an individual has experienced a recent traumatic incident and aims to intervene quickly to prevent the development of more severe symptoms, such as PTSD. It typically involves fewer sessions compared to standard EMDR therapy and focuses on processing the recent traumatic event and associated distressing emotions. The protocol follows a structured format, similar to the standard EMDR approach, but with a more targeted focus on the recent trauma and its immediate impact. R-TEP may include elements such as imaginal exposure, cognitive restructuring, and bilateral stimulation (BLS) to help the individual process and integrate the traumatic experience more effectively.

Jacquelyn Broadus is EMDR certified and EMDR R-TEP trained.

The EMDR Group Traumatic Event Protocol (G-TEP) is a specialized adaptation of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy designed to address trauma or crisis events experienced by groups of people rather than individuals. This can be utilized for families or veterinary professional teams who are experiencing complications with Pet Loss and Bereavement.

The goal of the 90-minute group is to lower levels of distress and to increase resiliency. During the session time, members never talk about the traumatic or disturbing events. This allows space for those where confidentiality is important and for those who may not yet have words for what they have experienced. It also protects others from vicarious or secondary trauma. Two therapists lead the G-TEP group through 8 EMDR stages. Members sit safely alongside each other while working on their individual distressing events.

The 8 EMDR steps include: (1) Managing Stress, (2) Identifying the Start of the Difficult Time, (3) Creating a Good Memory Resource, (4) Choosing Positive Thoughts for the Future, (5) Increasing Distance from the Disturbance by Processing, (6) Assessing Overall Stress, (7) Containing and Closing, (8) Follow-up Options.

Overall, the EMDR Group Traumatic Event Protocol (G-TEP) offers a structured and systematic approach to addressing traumatic grief within group settings, providing support, validation, and healing for all participants affected by collective traumatic experiences.

Jacquelyn Broadus is EMDR certified and EMDR G-TEP trained.

A grief support group for Pet Loss and Bereavement is a type of therapeutic setting where individuals who have experienced the loss of a beloved pet come together to share their experiences, emotions, and struggles related to their grief journey.

The group provides a safe and confidential space where members can express their feelings, thoughts, and experiences without fear of judgment or criticism. Confidentiality is emphasized to foster trust and openness within the group. Meetings are structured and may follow a specific agenda or topic for discussion, although there is often flexibility to allow group members to share what is most pressing for them at the time.

Grief support therapy groups offer an invaluable resource for individuals navigating the complex and challenging process of grieving, providing them with a supportive community and the tools they need to heal and rebuild their lives after pet loss.

Jacquelyn Broadus is trained to lead therapeutic support groups.

Various expressive interventions can be added, adapted, and applied to evidence based models in order to meet a client’s needs and to reach treatment goals. Aspects of play therapy, sandtray therapy, expressive arts therapy, and Animal Assisted Interactions can be included in therapy sessions when appropriate.

Jacquelyn Broadus has training in various expressive arts interventions and is a registered therapy animal team with Cody.