The Attachment to Companion Animals: The Implications for Counseling

Description: With many people considering a companion animal a member of the family, this presentation explores the attachment to companion animals, and its implications in counseling. This presentation also explores the implications of this attachment into a client’s counseling process; discusses the positive effect of this connection to animals on a person’s emotional and physical health; and ultimately, the genuine grief experienced at the death of the pet. Examples and recommendations will be given to acknowledge and honor a healthy connection with a beloved animal.

Presenter: Tracie Barton-Barrett, MS, NCC, LPC is a licensed teacher, Nationally Certified Counselor, and a Licensed Professional Counselor with counseling experience in the areas of grief, loss, depression, and anxiety, for civilians and those in the military. As the founder of Animals Connect Us, with a specialty in pet loss and a life-long animal lover, Tracie provides individual and group counseling and has presented locally and nationally on the subject of pet loss, and co-facilitates workshops across the country on compassion fatigue for those working in the animal care field. She developed and facilitated a monthly support group for the employees of a Maryland animal shelter and was featured on Baltimore’s NPR program as an expert on pet loss. She currently co-facilitates a pet loss support group for the clients at North Carolina State University Veterinary Hospital and she recently published an article in “Dog Living” magazine about pet loss. In addition, Tracie is also a Psychology instructor. She uses humor, while at the same time, places reverence on the connection between animals and people as a way to maintain and support an overall vision of physical, emotional, and spiritual health. While she is not teaching and counseling, Tracie enjoys spending time with her husband Daniel, their two cats, other people's animals, listening to good music, watching movies, and being active outside, enjoying nature.

RSVP: Please RSVP to Robin Forgione by email by Wed. February 18 to confirm seating. If your plans change prior to the luncheon and you cannot attend, please follow up with an email so that we can plan accordingly and have an accurate headcount for the restaurant. Please consider bringing a non-member LPCANC to hear about our association! Counseling Students are welcome to attend.