Companion animals play an important role in our lives. They provide us with unconditional love, support and share our ups and downs. We consider them our family; our children, siblings, friends, and confidants. When this special bond is broken and our beloved pet dies, grief can be a painful yet very natural and necessary response to loss.

Sometimes grief can be overwhelming and during these times it can really help to talk to a professional who understands and appreciates the importance of the human-animal bond and the grief and trauma that can arise when we lose our companions.

I provide confidential and evidence based support for bereaved pet owners, volunteer and professional animal caregivers. I provide a warm and non-judgemental approach and will give you the safe place you need to tell your story.

I have a Bachelor of Arts with honours in Psychology, a Masters in Counselling and Psychotherapy, and a PhD with a specialisation in psychology (human-animal interactions). I have worked in the animal industry for over 20 years where my roles varied from veterinary nurse to animal welfare researcher. I have lectured and tutored psychology and human behaviour for over 7 years and, as an adjunct research fellow at La Trobe University, I regularly present my work at international and national conferences and publish in peer reviewed journals.

I value the importance of ongoing professional development and have also achieved my training as a compassion fatigue specialist (therapist), mindfulness trainer, and have a certificate in animal bereavement. I am a member of the Anthrozoology Research Group, associate member of the Australian Psychological Society and Psychotherapists and Counselling Federation of Australia.