ABSTRACT
Continuing application of evidence-based approaches to animal companion loss, Chapter 6 suggests both cognitive behavior therapy and its emotionally focused cousin, dialectical behavior therapy, as effective options when cognitive distortions and destructive behaviors may follow the stressors associated with animal companion loss. Both are evidence-based for depression and anxiety and have been applied to bereavement issues. Cognitive behavior therapy focuses on analysis of thoughts in order to correct cognitive errors or distortions leading to negative self-perceptions that may worsen depressive symptoms. Dialectical behavior therapy focuses on managing dysregulated emotional states, which may also maintain negative self-perceptions and urges to engage in maladaptive behaviors. As guilt is a frequent and persistent symptom following animal companion loss, guilty thoughts may prolong grief’s resolution if not examined and corrected based on facts, rather than solely emotional triggers. In addition, both models are didactic in their introduction of interventions and skills to manage faulty meaning-making conclusions resulting from negative self-schemas or emotional interpretive domination. Two case studies are introduced, utilizing each model and demonstrating the potential efficacy of their approaches. Again, the supplemental benefit of the Animal Companion Bereavement Questionnaire in helping clarify specific triggers to negative thoughts and destructive behaviors is reviewed.
