This training will be provided by Linda Harper, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist in the Chicagoland area for 40 years. She has facilitated WINGS, the pet loss support group for the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association, for the past 20 years. She specializes in working with those struggling with the unique challenges of the human-animal companion bond, including pet loss and illness, cumulative grief and trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout. Linda offers individual and group workshops and consultations via Zoom. Additionally, she has presented at veterinary and animal welfare conferences throughout the country. She is the author of four books, including The Power of Joy in Giving to Animals. Linda lives in Palos Park with her husband, Mario, and their furry, four-legged family.

In this presentation, attendees will gain an understanding of the qualities and dimensions of the human-animal bond that contribute to the depth of grief experienced. They will be introduced to a mindfulness-based approach with a proactive teachable tool to guide their clients through a healthy healing process.

Specifically, attendees will:

1. Identify symptoms commonly experienced in pet loss
2. Learn the factors that contribute to deep grief, including what may potentially impede the healing process
3. Understand the importance of the initial telling of the story
4. Explore the proactive healing tool, “Honor Feelings, Reframe Story,” to help clients manage and cope with their feelings, thoughts, and reactions both in and out of the therapy session
5. Be able to apply this approach to specific pet loss experiences, including accidents and trauma, veterinary limitations or errors, terminal illnesses, and euthanasia for behavioral, medical, or financial reasons

Advanced registration is required | Virtual presentation, meeting link will be provided after registration is complete. *Certificates of completion will be emailed to those who are present and successfully complete the presentation survey/quiz.

Andersonville Psychology is approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation as a continuing education sponsor for Licensed Clinical Psychologists (license #268.000125), Licensed Professional Counselors/Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (license #197.000350), and Licensed Social Workers/Licensed Clinical Social Workers (license #159.001572).

Presentation by Linda Harper, Ph.D | drlindaharper.com