My path to grief counselling began working in a vet clinic, where I witnessed firsthand the profound bond between people and their pets. I was particularly drawn to supporting families during emergencies and end-of-life care, recognizing the deep need for compassion and understanding during these difficult times.
This led me to pursue a Degree in Psychological Science and a Graduate Diploma in Counselling. I am an accredited counsellor with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). For the past eight years, I have worked as a dedicated counsellor, initially in crisis care addressing homelessness. For the last four years, my focus has shifted to helping individuals navigate the complexities of grief, particularly the loss of a beloved pet.
The unexpected passing of my young cat, Artemis, reinforced the profound impact pet loss can have. In our sessions together, I offer a safe and empathetic space for you to express your grief openly. We will work collaboratively to honor your pet’s memory, find meaning in your loss, and gently move forward, cherishing the unique bond you shared.
Fiona is currently on maternity leave until March 2025.
Counsellor and Veterinarian.
We lose a part of us when we lose a pet. There is never a ‘right’ time. It is heart-wrenching, and the grief and sense of loss can be so devastating that it becomes difficult to find enjoyment in everyday life without our pet by our side. It’s an overwhelming feeling of emptiness that may be unintentionally invalidated by other people as they try to comfort us using words such as “He/she had a good life”, or “Another fur baby is what you need”.
The added weight and responsibility of electing euthanasia to alleviate suffering may add doubt, guilt, and feelings of failure to our already fragile emotional state.
As an experienced veterinarian, qualified counsellor, and dedicated pet owner I ‘get’ you. I’ve supported many of my clients through this journey, and I’ve been there myself. Our sessions provide a safe, confidential and empathic place for you to explore your grief, and find meaning in the depths of your pain, one step at a time.
“The memories and paw print of a beloved pet remain in our heart and soul forever.” ~ Unknown
When we lose our beloved animal companions, we’re left with a profound emptiness—a hole in our hearts that can feel impossible to fill. The bond we share with our pets is unlike any other, built on unwavering loyalty, unconditional love, and a quiet companionship that fills our lives with warmth and joy. So, when it’s time to say goodbye, the pain can be overwhelming, and the heartache intense.
What makes it even harder is that those closest to us may not fully grasp the depth of that connection, leaving us to grieve alone, unsure of where to turn for support. Having experienced the crushing grief of losing my own pets, and as an experienced veterinarian and grief counsellor who has walked beside countless pet parents through the heart-wrenching decisions of palliative care and euthanasia, I deeply understand the complex swirl of emotions you may be feeling right now.
Please know that you don’t have to go through this journey alone. I’m here for you, to help you process the sorrow and find meaning in your pet’s life and loss. Your pet will forever hold a special place in your heart, and their memory will live on, a cherished part of who you are.
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened” ~ Anatole France
Our Pet Grief Counselling offers a gentle and supportive space for those mourning their cherished companions. In your time of heartache, we provide empathetic guidance, a listening ear, and a place to honour and heal. You are not alone in this journey; we’re here to offer compassionate support, helping you find solace and strength amid the pain of loss.
Counselling sessions are via Zoom or Telephone call. Sessions last 1 hour and are $125. Click here to get in touch.
Our pet loss support sessions are tailored to the individual needs of each client because we understand that grief is a deeply personal journey. It is recommended that you arrive to a session individually, as to in a couple or group, as each person’s grieving style is deeply unique, just as each person’s relationship with their pet is.
We'll organise a time that best suits your schedule for a Zoom or telephone call
Your one hour session with Hayley will be a gentle and supportive space to navigate your grief and provide you with tools for the future
Losing a cherished pet is a profoundly painful experience. Our animal companions possess a pure innocence and dependency that triggers a powerful protective instinct in us. When they depart, we often grapple with an overwhelming sense of helplessness and guilt. Their consistent presence in our daily routines gives us purpose, and their absence leaves an unmistakable void. We deeply miss their unwavering loyalty and companionship, which brought us immeasurable joy. Our pets are a constant source of love and daily happiness. When we lose a pet, it feels as though we’ve lost a piece of our heart, and grief becomes an inevitable tribute to the boundless love they shared with us.
The impact of losing a pet varies greatly because emotions are deeply personal. Some may anticipate the pain of their grief, while others may feel they’re prepared and will be okay. However, when the loss actually occurs, reality can be overwhelmingly different from our expectations. It’s akin to thinking you’re prepared for a storm, only to find yourself in the midst of a hurricane. Grief doesn’t adhere to a rulebook. Often, the profound love we hold for our pet reveals itself in the profound sorrow we experience. It’s a testament to the deep connection we share with our remarkable animal companions.
As a veterinary nurse, pet loss bereavement counsellor and somebody who has walked the path of pet loss themselves, I’ve intimately experienced the wide spectrum of emotions that accompany the end of life for our cherished animal companions. This is a unique grief, one that is often misunderstood, and my purpose is to offer solace and guidance to those traversing this often tumultuous journey. With the passage of time and the right support, those cherished memories can eventually be embraced with a heart brimming with warmth, replacing the hollow ache that once was.
Living through loss is painfully challenging. If the loss goes unrecognised by society, it can make the grieving experience feel even more overwhelming and extremely isolating. Unfortunately, this reality is all too common for pet lovers. Social support plays such an important part when moving through grief, so if we feel as though our loss is unacknowledged by the world around us, the grieving journey may be filled with shame and solitude. Anger and depression are two very normal stages of grief, however, these burning feelings and emotions may be even more intense if the bereaved feels as though they are unable to properly express their grief, and the legacy of their dear companion has been overlooked. Some people may do things differently to how they would truly like to during their mourning period, due to the risk of being made to feel “silly” or be laughed at or to be left feeling as though they are “being dramatic.” For example, some pet carers may avoid memorialising in their own personal way, or decide against holding the funeral service that they would like or even choose against arranging a private cremation with their companions ashes returned in a precious keepsake. Well-meaning friends and family may downplay the pain, saying, “it was just a pet” or ask you if you have plans to get another, as though the presence of another companion is all it takes to reverse your agony and fill the hole that your soul mate left. Our loved ones don’t like to see us suffer and these suggestions are often just their attempt to try and make things better. Regardless, their lack of understanding often adds to the sense of isolation. This general lack of being heard and understood can intensify the grieving process.
I know it doesn’t feel this way, but I assure you, you are not alone. Reaching out to pet loss support groups, talking with a pet loss counsellor, listening to podcasts or reading books about navigating through pet loss bereavement are some useful tools that can help you surround yourself with much needed loving support during your time of need.
Please do not hesitate to reach out for pet grief counselling or for an in-depth chat about ways to feel connected during disenfranchised grief.