At the end of this module delegates should be able to:

• Recognise and explain why there is a need for a change in making grief associated with pet bereavement acceptable
• Identify and evaluate the stages/ models of grief that clients may experience
• Identify how each stage of grief can affect how quickly a client will find resolution and how acceptance or a lack of it, affects ultimate resolution
• Recognise different types of grief; normal grief, anticipatory, complicated grief
• Identify what hindsight bias is and how it can prevent someone finding resolution
• Identify what role guilt plays in the grief cycle
• Outline the importance of identifying the role animals play in clients’ lives
• Evaluate how the strength of bonds between humans and animals can influence the strength of grief an owner may feel (theories of attachment Bowlby)
• Have an overview of the physical and psychological responses to grief and mourning
• Identify different types of Human and Animal relationships (HAB) and how they can cause intense grief responses
• Evaluate how you can help when an animal is grieving
• Evaluate why people with underlying mental health issues are far more likely to experience complicated grief
• Explain why we have a duty of care to both the animal and the client, including safeguarding issues
• Assess when and how to take the next steps in becoming a pet bereavement counsellor

At the end of the module delegate should be able to:

• Prepare themselves pre-euthanasia and be able to reflect and move forwards after a euthanasia
• Prepare and assist with euthanasia for a patient and be able to effectively allow, cope and process any personal feelings that come about as a consequence of the work using relevant support where needed
• Reflect on why dysthanasia occurs and what steps can be taken to avoid this situation
• Support and be emotionally responsive and resilient to a client based on that client’s own merit and circumstances. Support the client through their loss without appropriate self-disclosure where this is deemed appropriate to comfort and connect with the client
• Identify and recognise potential emotional triggers that may affect the way you work and when you are unable to handle a particular client as it mirrors too closely your own current or unresolved experience
• Identify a range of external sources of support and be able to direct clients to these where necessary
• Recognise when you need additional support, from colleagues, via clinical supervision, which may include external sources in some cases

At the end of this module delegate should be able to:

• Identify and accept the various reasons for a behavioural euthanasia
• Recognise the feelings and emotions a client may be experiencing and provide support
• Recognise that mental suffering affects a patient’s quality of life
• Identify where certain judgements may come from and why we may feel the way that we do
• Support a client pre and post behavioural euthanasia fully and appropriately
• Identify and be able to direct clients to external sources of support where necessary

At the end of the module delegates should be able to:

• Describe what compassion fatigue is and how it can affect themselves and others
• Identify the phases of compassion fatigue and outline each phase
• Evaluate and assess themselves and their colleague’s wellbeing
• Cite positive coping strategies for dealing with compassion fatigue
• Explain and identify the importance of promoting good mental health and wellbeing practices including proactive/longer-term coping strategies as opposed to quick fixes and a daily commitment as opposed to reactive to events after things build-up
• Demonstrate where to find help for themselves or a colleague if they are struggling and appreciate the different levels of help available from bibliotherapy and therapeutic life-style choices to more formal approaches such as psychological therapy