Grief Recovery Method (pet loss)
The only evidence-based
Grief Recovery program in the world.
An action-based, powerful, directed approach to healing from life's deepest heartbreaks.
If you have come to this page, you or someone you know has a broken heart because of the death or imminent loss of a pet.
Emotional pain is a normal and natural reaction to losing such an important life companion.
Grief that occurs with any emotional loss can be overwhelming and isolating.
Often, people find that those they usually count on for emotional support are at a loss when it comes to effective and meaningful assistance with the loss of a pet. Owners (guardians) often find that their emotional pain is discounted.
The advice frequently given to a grieving pet owner is to replace the pet immediately. While meant well, this suggestion does not address a broken heart over the beloved companion you just lost.
The problem is that grief is emotional and not logical. If you or someone you know needs support with the pain of losing a pet, know there is help. You are not meant to be on this journey alone. I am glad that you have found the courage to take action to begin the recovery process and restore the joyful memories of your loving pet.
Meet with Dr. Watson to learn if the pet loss program is right for you
5.00 Stars - ★★★★★
Although I am still sad at the loss of my dog Julie I have an understanding now of what I'm going through and am getting better every day. I would highly recommend it to anyone going through the loss of a pet or loved one. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
5.00 Stars - ★★★★★
The Pet Loss Grief program helped me work through my issues with the death of Lab, Mollie. She was my best friend, and I still miss her, but now I only remember happy memories.
My Pet Loss Journey
If you have had a chance to read my biography and work history (see below), you know how integral animals have been in shaping my personhood and identity. My earliest memories as a three-year-old are of our family dog and the fun I had playing with our neighbor's baby goats. I have been so fortunate to have been in the presence of many animal companions throughout my life. I learned to respect and take seriously the consistent and loving care my feather, fin, fur, and hair friends needed to thrive. I had close relationships with cats, dogs, fish, parakeets, hamsters, ducks, chickens, goats, and horses. I grieved the loss of all these creatures, some more than others, but saying goodbye was often very painful. I have completed unresolved grief work using the tools from this program on two animal relationships where I felt incomplete. My job was healing, and I believe it was transformational in allowing me to retrieve all the fond memories without the pain of what was incomplete.
In my early work life, I was employed as a veterinary technician. I gained a tremendous amount of insight into the human-animal bond. I quickly learned that there was very little support for people grieving the loss of their companions. People left our clinic without any place to turn and suffered in silence and isolation. I am thrilled to be part of a movement where the emotional pain of these unique relationships is recognized and addressed.
I am honored to be a part of your transformation journey in healing from losing your beloved pet.
The Grief Recovery Pet Loss Program
Grief Recovery Method for Pet Loss is designed to help the feelings unique to your circumstances. Dr. Watson is a certified Grief Recovery Method Specialist trained to use these tools with any loss, including pet loss. She has used these same tools to heal from her losses, including her pets.
The program is a step-by-step training that will help you discover and address things you wish might have been different, better, or more regarding the relationship with your beloved pet. Unfinished business often gets in the way of enjoying fond memories. Doing this work will allow you to say recover from losing your special companion, making it comfortable to build a relationship with a new pet if desired and when you are ready.
Purchase The Pet Loss Program and Begin Your Healing
Check Out This News Article About The GRM Pet Loss Program:
Get to Know Your Advanced Recovery Specialist
Jo-Ellen Watson
Ph.D., CLC, LCSW
I was born in Washington State and raised in a small town outside Walla Walla. My parents owned a family business and were involved in the life of our community. I learned the value of hard work and the importance of contributing to my school and hometown. I had animals to care for, gardening with my mom, enjoyed camping with my family, was active in girl scouts, Equine 4-H and became an accomplished rider. Unfortunately, my early childhood was tainted by the trauma of sexual abuse, which remained a family secret. Like many children from similar situations, I learned to cope by repressing painful memories. I tried to prove my value by excelling academically, socially, and in other activities, some of which were risky and unhealthy. I continued that pattern well into adulthood.
After receiving a BA in Sociology from Washington State University, I moved to Seattle, residing there for fifty years. I enjoyed the excitement of a large city and took full advantage of all the career and social opportunities. I continued to excel at my work and education endeavors, receiving advanced degrees, including years of additional training in health and mental health care. My careers equipped me with valuable skills and experiences, which I now draw on in my coaching, speaking, and training services.
Like many of you reading this story, I have experienced significant trauma and loss in my life. While professionally rewarding, my employment as a veterinary technician, ambulance EMT, social worker in a trauma unit, and later first responder mental health crisis worker took a personal toll. In my 30's, I experienced a life-threatening abduction and assault by a stranger. I escaped the situation without bodily injury, but coupled with my childhood trauma, I suffered from PTSD for years before receiving help.
I have benefited from the compassionate care of mental health providers, including a psychiatrist I worked with after the adult trauma. He told me he was impressed with my ability to repeatedly reinvent myself, evolving into a better, more robust version of myself. After one session, he exclaimed, "You are like the Phoenix Rising,"; hence the logo of my coaching services.
I share this part of my story so that you know I am able to understand the emotional pain of losses you may have endured and might currently be experiencing. While I may not know your experience exactly, I can relate to the feelings of confusion, isolation, and questions about what to do next. I also know that healing, transformation, power, and revitalization are within your reach. I found these through my work with The Grief Recovery Method.
