In this deeply personal episode of the CBT Coaching Podcast, Dr. Barry explores the pain and complexity of grief after losing a beloved pet. Drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy principles and his own experience losing his cherished golden retriever, Sadie, he discusses why pet loss hurts so deeply, how grief affects our thoughts, emotions, body, and nervous system, and why this loss is often misunderstood or minimized.

Listeners will learn compassionate, practical ways to cope with grief, navigate guilt and deep sadness, understand the non-linear grief process, and gently move forward without letting go of love. The episode also offers grounding tools, self-talk strategies, and guidance on community support, memorials, and readiness for another pet.

This episode is a reminder that pet loss is real loss, grief deserves c ...