Understanding the Psychology of the Human-Animal Bond:
Dr. Marla Bennett, Licensed Psychologist and Founder of Soul Pet Companion
Animals change our lives, and losing them can change us even more. I’m a licensed psychologist with over twenty years of experience, and I specialize in the psychology of the human-animal bond across the lifespan: why we love our animals so deeply, how anticipatory grief and loss affect us, and how animals support our mental health across the lifespan.
What I offer:
Pet Loss Therapy
Compassionate grief counseling for clients in Florida.
Expert Psychoeducation Consultation in the US & Abroad for pet parents, veterinarians, animal wellness professionals, rescue teams, and organizations.
Writing
Weekly insights on my Substack and upcoming book.
Does This Sound or Feel Familiar?
Anticipatory grief
Guilt or second-guessing end-of-life decisions
Grief after euthanasia, sudden loss, or a traumatic death
Intense sadness, numbness, or loneliness
Changes in sleep, appetite, or focus
Feeling misunderstood or judged by others
Your Grief Is Real
The impact of pet loss can be minimized, leaving many people to grieve and struggle to move forward in silence. The bond you share with your animal companion is real, and so is your grief. I offer a safe space to process the relationship with empathy, validation, and expert guidance that meets you exactly where you are.
I support pet parents of all companion species, as well as veterinarians, vet techs, and animal rescue workers. Whether you’re grieving a soul pet, an emotional support animal, or a service animal, or contending with anticipation of loss in the future, I’m honored to help you.
Secure Telehealth
Sessions are held by secure, HIPAA-compliant video or phone, so you can receive specialized support privately and comfortably from home.
Meet Dr. Bennett
Dr. Marla Bennett is a licensed Florida psychologist with over 20 years of clinical and consultation experience in grief, trauma, and life transitions. Her work with the human-animal bond includes supporting military veterans with psychiatric service animals and contributing to a Florida Department of Corrections program pairing shelter dogs with inmate handlers. She has been a member of the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement since 2017 and volunteers with farm animal rescues, including Critter Creek Animal Sanctuary in Gainesville. Her own experience of loving and losing animal companions and raising her own therapy dogs shape the purpose of her life calling.
Reach out today to explore how Pet Loss Florida can help.
Pet Loss FL Blog
Pet Loss Florida…my own journey coping with pet loss and bereavement.
Understanding disenfranchised grief: The loss of a beloved pet
How we can learn mindfulness from animals and time with them
How the loss of a pet affects other family animal companions
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