By Nicole Vykoukal, LCSW My dog and me on my wedding day, where he served as our ring bearer. “She was like my child.” “He was my best friend.” “She was family.” When someone is grieving an animal, they may reach for a familiar relationship to help another person understand the hurt. I hear this often in my work with pet loss. Sometimes the comparison feels right. Sometimes the person says it and then pauses, as if it still hasn't captured who their animal was to them. You ma

Nicole Vykoukal, LCSW Austin pet loss support counselor I was honored to contribute to a thoughtful and moving story by Stephanie Federico for KUT's ATXplained series about the Pet Rest Cemetery in Pflugerville, Texas. As a psychotherapist specializing in Austin pet loss support and grief, I shared insights into the deep emotional bonds we form with our pets and how their loss can profoundly impact us. Stephanie's story explores not only the fate of the cemetery but also the

Austin pet loss support When life gets tough, it’s easy to feel like you’re the only one struggling. However, feeling isolated or believing that no one can help you is not just emotionally painful. It’s a significant risk factor for developing conditions like acute stress disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This highlights just how important it is to reach out and connect with others when we’re going through difficult times. Human beings are wired for connectio

Your best friend, your furry soulmate, your devoted companion is gone and your heart is broken. Know you’re not alone in struggling with...

Nicole Vykoukal, LCSW Our fast-paced world can take us away from the instinctual and inherent wisdom we hold within. Many of us are stressed, anxious, depressed, and overwhelmed. Set aside time to connect with nature and be free from phone or computer distractions. Being in nature and approaching time outside with a sense of curiosity may help you connect with a sense of wonder, discover your inner sacred knowing, find you primal wisdom, and increase your resilience. Tips for

Did you know that loss can trigger depression? It’s true. A significant loss, such as the death of a loved one (including your companion animal), could trigger symptoms of depression. You can suffer from both depression and bereavement simultaneously. A double whammy. Symptoms of depression can include:​ Weight loss or weight gain Increased agitation or irritability Tired or loss of energy nearly every day Exaggerated feelings of guilt or worthlessness Less able to concen

Celebrating the holidays without your best friend hurts. These tips won’t take all your emotional pain away, but they can help you cope and

The holidays can be a time of cheer, sharing gifts, and gathering with family and friends. However, for many people the holidays bring sadness, loneliness, and reflection of lost loved ones, including pets who were family members. On long, winter, holiday evenings it is common to struggle with loneliness and miss your deceased furry companion. Here are 3 tips for surviving the holidays after the loss of your pet. 1. Compassionately allow space for feelings, thoughts, and ques

Thanksgiving is here, and it can be a psychologically and emotionally complex holiday for many. You may feel an array of emotions including loneliness, grief, joy, envy, guilt, and even anxiety. One thing is certain, the holidays bring stress (even if the stress is anticipation and excitement). Consider implementing three self-care practices today. First, practice abdominal breathing. Inhale slowly through your nose as your belly expands and exhale slowly through your mouth a

From years of experience working with people facing adversity, crisis, and trauma, I can tell you loss is one of the most trying human experiences. Difficult losses include losing a job, health related losses, a relationship ending, and the death of a loved one. For many, the death of a beloved companion animal hits the hardest because we have deep, unique, and unconditional bonds with our companion animals. Here are 5 tips that can help you through the loss of your loved one

I have compiled a list of ways to memorialize your beloved companion animal when they die. These suggestions have come from my own experience with pet loss and countless others’ suggestions for remembering and honoring their lost loved ones. Create a space Make an altar or space honoring your companion. The altar can include your pet’s favorite items (cat nip, toys, pet beds), photographs of your companion, flowers and other items you find relevant to honoring your loved one

Find inner peace through meditation with your best friend. Practicing mindfulness by focusing on your senses, allowing your dog to serve as an anchor to the present moment, can reduce stress and help you feel calmer and more grounded. When you’re feeling tired, overwhelmed, stressed or flustered you can use this meditation to connect to more grounded, peaceful and centered states of being. Don’t worry about doing this perfectly. The key is to bring present moment awareness to

A Lesson from My Dog The Morning Walk I was in my mid-twenties and in graduate school. On a breezy spring morning, my dog Lucy and I were out for our usual walk when we came across a white plastic bag caught in some vines and billowing in the wind. Lucy went on high alert. Her ears perked, her nose twitched, and she locked eyes on this strange object. When the bag rustled in the breeze, the hair on her back stood up and she began barking. I tried to keep walking, but she was