The Heart Behind the Practice
Growing up on a hobby farm, I was always surrounded by animals—pets were an extension of my family. Needless to say, I intimately understand the heartache of saying goodbye to a beloved companion. This deep bond is why I’ve chosen to specialize my counselling practice in pet loss grief.
In my own healing journey, I discovered something unexpected: while grieving the loss of my father and surrogate grandfather, and a relationship, all at once, unprocessed grief about some of my childhood pets resurfaced. I came to realize that pet loss can be a portal to deeper healing. For many of us, our pets were our safe place growing up—their love reached the most tender parts of us, including our inner child. When we lose them, it can stir layers of past grief we may not have fully processed.
This is the lens I bring into my practice.
I believe in cultivating a warm, trusting therapeutic relationship, where safety and compassion are the foundation. I take the time to understand your personal bond with your pet and the unique shape your grief takes. Many people have told me they appreciate my down-to-earth, non-judgmental approach—which remains at the heart of how I support others.
Grief is personal. And so is healing. I'm here to walk with you, wherever you are on that path.
Hello, I’m Amanda
Although many who know me—clients, friends, and loved ones alike—call me Faynixe. You’ll see both names throughout this site and in our conversations. While I use Amanda in professional settings (in accordance with my accrediting body’s guidelines), Faynixe is a name that’s been held with love for many years. Please feel free to use whichever name feels most comfortable to you.
Mission
“My long-term vision is to create a small animal sanctuary that thoughtfully integrates grief counselling with animal companionship. A place where rescued animals can live in peace—and where, in time, some may play a gentle role in supporting the healing of others. While still in development, this vision reflects the heart of my work and the values that guide it.”
Grief may stay with us in different ways, but we can learn to carry it with love and find a way forward.
In addition to using evidence-based modalities commonly employed in grief counselling, I provide support and guidance before, during, and after the transition of a pet’s life. My role is to help honour the human–animal bond and support its continued significance, even after loss.
As a registered counsellor and certified pet bereavement specialist, I work with individuals navigating the unique and often complex terrain of pet loss. This experience of grief is deeply personal and frequently under-recognized. My intention is to normalize this journey, creating space for it to be acknowledged with the same compassion we extend to other forms of loss.
I recognize that each person's relationship with grief is their own. There is no universal path to healing. The type of loss, the nature of the bond, and the way we express sorrow all vary widely. Over the years, I’ve observed a lingering discomfort in our culture when it comes to publicly mourning our pets. Many forgo rituals or commemorations that might otherwise support the healing process. Yet these gestures—however simple—can be essential in making meaning of loss and finding a way forward.
Faynixe Chartrand, RTC-C
“The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again.”