Animal Loss and Grief Support Professional
Program of Study:
Online Studies and Teleclasses on
How to Cope with & Heal from the Loss of a Pet
Welcome from Teresa Wagner and Carol Schultz
Purpose of the Program
Why a Program of Study?
Who Should Attend?
How is This Different from Other Pet Loss and Grief Support Programs?
Are Classes Live or Online Studies?
How Do I Register? How Do I Obtain a Certificate of Completion?
List of Classes in the Program (11)
WELCOME
The established trend of the last decade of offering online studies, teleclasses and webinars has changed the face of educational instruction everywhere. Though nothing will ever replace the unique intimacy of in person workshops, distance learning allows us to participate in far more educational opportunities due to reduced time and money required for travel. Our Animal Loss and Grief Support program is online studies, teleclass based which allows for maximum participation of those with a desire and interest in learning about how to cope with the loss of a pet.
For people who love animals profoundly, losing them to physical death is one of the most poignant, sacred and often emotionally devastating life passages they may ever experience. Our grief at these times deserves to be honored with acknowledgment of the legitimacy of our loss, and to be supported with great love, tender compassion and empathic skill. The experience of pet loss has been disenfranchised far too long. Everyone who experiences the loss of a deeply beloved animal deserves the same acknowledgement, loving support and opportunities for compassionate, competent professional help that is typically available to people who lose human loved ones. This program was designed to provide this for grievers and to teach others to provide it with confidence and competence.
The issues of how to cope with the loss of a pet, healing our own grief and helping others with their healing from loss have been a passionate focus of my work for over two decades. After significant healing from a traumatic loss in my own life, I offered my first pet loss workshop in 1986 to a small group of just five people. Since then I have had the privilege of working with thousands of people in my private practice and workshops who have gone through the journey of losing their animal loved ones. The curriculum and the classes I’ve designed and teach in this program are based on the combined wisdom of these wonderful souls--the people and their animals--who’ve trusted me with their stories and pain, the professionals in the field of psychology and spirituality who specialize in grief from whom I have learned, and the accumulation of my own experiences of loss and healing grief. Other faculty in the program include veterinary and animal communication professionals dedicated to support people through pet loss and grief (full bios for each are available with a quick click in relevant class descriptions below).
Carol, Founder of the Animal Spirit Healing and Education Network
Teresa, Guiding Faculty Member of Animal Loss and Grief Support Program
Love and Blessings,
Teresa Wagner
PURPOSE of the PROGRAM
To provide the opportunity for people who have beloved animals in their family and for professionals who serve animals and people in their practice to have a variety of in depth, professional caliber classes available with the convenience of online studies and teleclasses to help them learn how to cope with the loss of a pet,understand and more deeply heal from loss, understand the animals’ perspectives, and to compassionately and competently help others.
WHY A PROGRAM OF STUDY?
To provide a robust and comprehensive program of professional competency development involving 55 hours of training, leading to a certification of completion for those who wish to build or augment their knowledge and skill base in the field of animal loss and grief support, which in turn will help more grievers receive a high level of competent and effective support.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Classes are for both all animal lovers who have interest in any of the individual classes and for professionals wanting to build or add to their knowledge and skill in this field. For professionals and lay people alike, individual classes can be taken as desired. Though prerequisites apply to some of the higher level classes, one does not have to enroll in the program of study to take a class. ??Classes are open to and appropriate for all those who love animals as well as animal communicators, healing arts professionals such as flower essence and aromatherapy practitioners and energy healers, veterinarians and other veterinary staff, animal shelter and rescue group workers, trainers and behaviorists, pet sitters, dog walkers, pet loss support group facilitators, therapists who want to learn more about pet loss, as well as friends and family members who want to fully support their loved ones who are grieving or caregiving.
HOW IS THIS PROGRAM DIFFERENT FROM OTHER ONLINE STUDIES, TELECLASS BASED PET LOSS & GRIEF SUPPORT PROGRAMS?
There are three ways this program is unique:
1. The program is by intention a holistic integration of psychological and spiritual principles.
Just as many people may become stressed when attempting to integrate western and holistic veterinary information, opinions and recommended treatments which are sometimes at odds, so too can grievers become confused by literature or classes on how to cope with the loss of a pet that are exclusively or predominately either psychologically or spiritually based. This is especially true when authors or teachers entrenched in one view criticize or discount the other view as if it has no merit whatsoever--leaving emotionally distressed, vulnerable grievers wondering what to believe and what might help them.
A foundational belief in this program is that the most effective, satisfactory and long lasting approach to healing grief is an integrative and comprehensive one--one that includes both grounded psychological support and exploration of the spiritual aspects of death, loss and grief including relevant holistic healing modalities.
There is perhaps never a more compelling time in our lives on earth that arouses questions about our spiritual beliefs than the impending or actual physical death of a loved one. To exclude issues of spirituality in classes about pet loss would be limiting and incomplete. On the other hand, to assume that strong spiritual beliefs in an afterlife and the ongoing life of our loved one’s spirit means there is no emotional grief work to be done and need not be covered in grief healing education would also be a limited and incomplete view. Grief is both an emotional and spiritual process. When grieving we need loving and practical support for our emotional pain as well as support to explore our spiritual beliefs and how they may be impacting our healing. Psychological and spiritual principles and resources are presented in these classes, with great respect for both.
2. Values are not imposed in this program.
Each journey of loss and grief is different, each grievers’ needs unique, and the resources and philosophies most suited to help each of us varies. Based on a client-centered, empathy-based approach to counseling and healing, class information is shared and exercises offered in the classes to support participants to make their own decisions and to clarify and feel more comfortable with their own values.
A foundational belief in this program is that choices and beliefs surrounding end of life and grief are deeply personal and sacred, and, that it is highly inappropriate and unethical for anyone supporting others through loss to attempt to impose their personal moral beliefs.
What we teach in the skill based classes in grief support is how to compassionately and non-judgmentally support others’ values and decisions and their explorations thereof, however similar or different others’ values may be from our own.
3. The program is comprehensive and in depth
Classes in the curriculum cover the journey from end-of-life hospice care and decision making, physical death, understanding and healing our own grief, effectively helping others through loss, and understanding the animals‘ perspective throughout. The full program includes over 55 hours of class time, case studies and mentoring/coaching plus the time required for field work for those pursuing certification. Class content far exceeds superficial review of the topic. Each class covers the related subject material in breadth and depth, while also focusing on practical application and resources for continued value and tools beyond the completion of a particular class.
ARE THE CLASSES LIVE TELECLASSES OR ONLINE STUDIES?
Most of the classes are available live and also on demand. The availability of on demand participation allows you to take classes at your convenience when live class dates do not fit your schedule. All on demand classes include the full recording from a live class and all handouts.
HOW DO I REGISTER?
Registration is managed through the Animal Spirit Healing and Education Network (ASN) on their web site. You will see an “Enroll Now” or “On Demand” button at the top or bottom of every individual class description page when you are on the ASN site (you will see links to each class below).?
HOW DO I OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION??
By completing all classes, field work, case studies and mentoring/coaching sessions. Click here for details.
CLASSES IN THE PROGRAM (11)
The class titles and brief descriptions are listed below. Course title links will take you to more detailed course descriptions and registration information for both live and on demand participation in a class. Instructor links will take you to facilitator bios.
Animal Hospice from the Perspective of the Veterinarian, the Animals and their People
with Dr. Karen Randall, Carol Schultz and Kristen Thompson 4 hours GS115
Providing hospice care to our animal companions is a path of compassion, connection, and growth. Join us for this very special class as a panel of professionals share their expertise, insights, and perspectives from years of client support and integrative hospice care for our beloved animal family members. You will receive guidance for both practical issues of physical care and the emotional and spiritual aspects of providing hospice care with your animal loved ones. You'll hear stories about real people and animals and the journeys they have experienced, as well as specific guidelines and tips to help you through the sacred time of hospice with your beloved animals.
Understanding and Preparing for Euthanasia
with Windi Wojdak, RVT 4 hours GS110
As animal caretakers we will almost certainly be faced at some point with decisions regarding the care of seriously ill animals in our family, or, supporting friends, loved ones or clients in this situation. Whether due to aging, chronic illness, acute injury, or tragic cases of severe behavior problems, most of us will at some point be presented with euthanasia as an option in the care of a beloved animal. Having an understanding of how euthanasia works before we are faced with the decision can significantly reduce the emotional stress at the time of decision making or during the experience of the actual euthanasia process. When we are working hard to remain emotionally present with our animals during end-of-life periods, it can be enormously helpful to have this information and education ahead of time about what to expect and how we can best make decisions regarding euthanasia.
Animals' Perspectives of Death, The Other Side, and Coming Back
with Teresa Wagner, MS 4 hours GS102
This teleclass is ideal for anyone who wants to hear stories from the animals to enhance their understanding about the diversity of what is possible in death, the other side, and coming back—directly from the perspective of the animals' souls. This is not a class on the dogma of any particular religious, spiritual or metaphysical belief system. You will not be told things about death and afterlife as it if they are the ultimate, final or exclusive truth. You will hear stories offered as information to help you clarify your own beliefs, and to be inspired by the animals themselves. If you would like to hear stories from the animals to add to your understanding about the mystery of souls coming to and leaving the earth, this teleclass would be appropriate for you.
Finding the Grace in Grief
with Teresa Wagner, MS 1 hour GS101
When we suffer a great loss, pain is inevitable. Though there is no magic wand to avoid the pain of grief, there is much we can do to support the healing of our pain, including being open to the energy of grace. The state of grace is the other side of pain. As different as these two energies may be, they do exist simultaneously. When the heart is broken open, it is not just pain that results from the breaking, but the possibility for growth of the heart as it heals. This introductory talk offers four distinct strategies, each with several practical resources, to help us in finding the grace in grief. THIS IS A FREE CLASS.
Legacies of Love: Healing From the Loss of Your Animal Loved One
with Teresa Wagner 8 hours GS103
Teleclass series, 4 weeks. The overall objective of this intimate and experiential class is to provide in depth opportunities and tools for those who have lost their animal loved ones to heal their hearts and use the crisis of loss to grow. This facilitated group process--augmented by over 70 pages of handouts-- gently and lovingly provides participants with an opportunity to express their grief, understand their grief, and explore many strategies to heal their grief hands-on, with ample opportunity for active discussion and sharing. This class provides opportunities to look intimately and in depth at our loss and grief, to feel closer to the spirit of our animal loved ones in spirit, and to identify and cherish the gifts and legacies they have left us.
Grief Support Skills: Effectively Supporting Others Who Grieve
with Teresa Wagner 8 hours GS104
Teleclass series, 4 weeks This in depth, experiential class covers both concepts important to understanding the grief healing process and the qualities and skills needed to effectively support others. A Grief Support Competencies Profile created from a competency analysis study conducted by Teresa Wagner while working at a hospice serves as a reference and self assessment tool in the class. Skills of empathic listening and empathic questioning are reviewed and practiced, as are concepts and exercises in the areas of: why animal loss is different; self disclosure for helping professionals; specific issues of boundaries for helping professionals; intimate self awareness of our motivation to help; knowledge of grief support resources; specific do’s and don’ts when supporting grievers.
Flower Essences for End of Life, Caregiver Stress and Healing Grief
with Teresa Wagner 4 hours GS120
Learn what flower essences are and how to use them to support the sacred transition of death, the grieving process, and caregiver & grief support roles. Death from the physical body is one of the most sacred periods of time on earth. Yet it also often brings tremendous emotional pain to those of us who grieve the physical loss of loved ones, intense stress to those of us in caregiving roles, sometimes uncertainty for those of us wanting to provide support to those who grieve, and a great desire for a peaceful death experience for our loved ones. Flower essences provide us with gentle yet powerful healing energy to support both our loved ones and ourselves for the transition of death, grieving, caregiving and supporting others.
Aromatherapy for End of Life, Loss and Grief
with Tresa Laferty 4 hours GS125
Pure, medicinal grade essential oils are bottled energies directly from Mother Earth, and animals fully and deeply resonate with these magical substances. During the process of dying our whole beings need to be lovingly supported with the energies of the Earth so the transition between the worlds can be experienced in the most sacred way. There are many essential oils that will lend their loving support to you and your animal as you both prepare for this transition. We will explore the proper oils to use for this preparation time while honoring the deep connection we have with our animal friends. The final class segment of this series will be an interactive session full of experiences we’ve had using these essential oils. We will provide a safe, supportive discussion where you can ask questions specific to your situation.
Essential Counseling Skills for Animal Communicators, Healing Arts Practitioners & Those Who Provide Grief Support
with Teresa Wagner, MS 10 hours MS230
This workshop is appropriate for both professionals and students of animal communication, any healing arts fields, and those in grief support roles. The concepts, issues and skills covered in the workshops are applicable to communication with both humans and animals.
The workshop is about the conscious integration of basic yet powerful counseling skills into our work in animal communication, healing and grief support. When strategically and intentionally applied, these skills allow us to bring the best of what our souls have to offer to serve others. Compassion and love alone do not heal if the helper lacks empathic inquiry into the client's story and empathic response to their stories and feelings, and merely imposes tools and beliefs of their own. It is the skillful expression of empathy, along with compassion and love, that offers a haven of safety and understanding for another's heart to heal and emerge in wholeness. This workshop provides an opportunity to learn very specific empathic skills to bring the power of our love, compassion and expertise alive to serve the clients we care about so much.
It's not about becoming a therapist. It's about learning time tested concepts, skills and ethics from the field of therapy--skills and competencies which research has shown to have an extremely positive impact on the growth of clients--and applying them to our grief support and healing arts work.
Compassion Fatigue and Burnout
6 hours Not currently scheduled
Compassion fatigue is the unique form of stress experienced by people helping or treating others who are are in trauma. It is different from ordinary stress and burnout in that its cause is always related to caring or exposure to others' crisis or pain. To prevent and heal compassion fatigue, we must learn how to give ourselves the same mercy and compassion we give the animals, and we must be continually self aware to the symptoms of compassion fatigue and maintain a commitment to self care. In this class we thoroughly review the symptoms of compassion fatigue including completion of a self assessment and explore a wide variety of techniques of coping, building resiliency and healing.
Ethics for Animal Care Practitioners
with Kristen Thompson 3 hours BM101
Overview and facilitated discussion of key ethical considerations when working as a practitioner with animals and their people. This two-part course focuses on both personal and professional ethical considerations such as: integrity, beliefs, honesty, intention, permission, respect, confidentiality, responsibility, boundaries, professionalism, business & promotional practices, continuing education
and self care.
Case Studies 4.5 hours
There are 8 total case studies required to earn your certificate of completion in the Animal Loss & Grief Support Program. The case study work helps integrate your learning experiences and get feedback on your work.
You may also want to explore classes in animal communication and healing with additional Animal Spirit Education and Healing Network teleclasses, webinars and online studies.
Additional Grief Support Resources from Teresa Wagner:
• How to Cope with the Loss of a Pet Products: Books, CDs, Prayer Flags, Memorial Candles, Flower Essences
• Consultations on grief support and animal communication
FREE:
• Dozens of web site pages on Comfort and Healing in Your Time of Grief;
Grief Support Skills--Helping Others Through Grief
• Teresa’s Articles on Loss and Healing Grief
• Animals in our Hearts Blog Postings on Pet Loss and Grief
• Animals in our Hearts Facebook Page on Pet Loss and Animal Communication
• Clients’ articles on loss and grief
• Finding the Grace in Grief Teleclass (when signing up for our newsletter via this link you will receive the one hour recording of this class)