Archive: Around Town

The Coping With the Loss of Your Pet Group, a self-help, professionally facilitated gathering that has provided education about coping with loss and emotional support at no charge for more than four years, has reorganized.

Jane Baker Segelken, MA, MSW, who has been facilitating the group since its inception in 2005, will be joined by co-facilitator Cathie Simpson, Ph.D., an Ithaca psychotherapist who specializes in helping people get over grief, anxiety, and depression.

"Jane and I have known the despair of losing a beloved pet,” Simpson explained. It was wonderful for me to be able to talk about my loss in a safe and supported environment.”

Together they will offer the group on the 4th Tuesday of each month from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Simpson’s downtown Ithaca office at 316 Court Street in Ithaca. There is no charge for participation.

“The canine or feline with whom we’ve had a special relationship and shared our home is often a cherished member of the family,” said Baker Segelken. “When that companion dies, the grief we feel may be difficult to handle. One way to cope is by being with others who are also grieving a similar loss.”

Individuals who have experienced such a loss are invited to pay tribute to their pets and provide support to each other. “Jane and I have known the pain of losing a companion animal, and have both experienced and appreciated the experience of talking about the loss in a safe and supported environment,” Simpson explained.

The next group session will be held October 27 from 7 to 9 p.m. at 316 Court Street in Ithaca.

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