Course description
Pet Loss and Bereavement Support Advisor Online Accredited CPD Course
Module 1: The Client Journey: Providing Exceptional End-of-Life Support
Key learning Objectives
•Understanding what constitutes exceptional end of life support
•Be able to look at different types of bond and how we can relate these to our clients
•To fully understand how to adapt our care and support with our clients who have special needs.
Module 2: How the Veterinary Team can help?
Key learning Aims and Objectives
•Understanding the important role of the Pet Bereavement and Loss Advisor in veterinary practice
•An overview of counselling and emotional support skills.
•How can we assess client support needs to ensure that client support is exceptional?
•Guidance on effective communication and listening skills at this sensitive time. What to say and what not to say
•Identifying how to support each other within practice and managing compassion fatigue.
•Guidance on how to approach the subject of payment with sensitivity at this time.
•Be able to review and advise on remembrance, rituals and client support resources available.
Module 3: Grief and the Bereavement Process
Key Learning Aims and Objectives
•To understand fully the 5 stages of grief
•A detailed look at different types of grief and how to identify these in our clients.
•To identify how children are affected by the loss of a pet
•To identify and understand grief in surviving pets
•To identify how elderly clients are affected by the loss of a pet and address their specific needs
My name is Carrie Ball and I am a Pet Bereavement Counsellor.
In 2001 I completed the diploma of companion animal bereavment counselling. Since then I have achieved a Level 3 certificate in Pet bereavement and a diploma in counselling skills. I am also a Level 2 Veterinary Care Assistant and i started working in veterinary practice in 1999.
I have seen many pets come and go. The expected and the unexpected losses, the horrific accidents and terminally ill patients. I decided after witnessing my first euthanasia, that I never wanted anyone to feel so sad, lost and abandoned again.
The loss of a pet, no matter how big or small is like losing a relative or a close friend. It can be a very lonely time, and I aim to be the person that 'gets it' and truly understands.
I wrote an open letter to that first Dog. 'Dear Little Brown Dog' and can be found on Wordpress, by my company, Carrie Ball, Pet Bereavement Counselling. Do take a look, it was written from the heart and was the reason why I became a Pet Bereavement Counsellor.
I want to help you to help and fully support your clients. All too often veterinary clients are sent away with bare minimum of support, and I aim to change that.