CHARLOTTE – Recently, we expanded our online Pet Grief Group to include a second monthly meeting so we can offer more options for pet parents who are struggling with grief and loss. This meeting is on the first Tuesday of each month and starts at 7:30 am. Dr. Clarice King is the counselor who leads the new meeting. We recently interviewed her and are excited to introduce her to everyone through a 3-part interview series. Part 1 we will share this week and Part 2 & 3 of our interview with her will be published in the following weeks. 

Dr. Bonilla: What was your journey that led you to becoming a counselor? 

Dr. King: I felt called to this work. I have been counseling now for over 20 years and have worked with people of all ages. From little ones to adults, in all different settings.  I definitely feel more grateful each day for having found this. I do believe this is part of my vocation for life. It is just part of me now.

Dr. Bonilla: What is your “why” for what you do? 

Dr. King: The why behind what I do is I feel very humbled to sit across from someone whether it is a 3-year-old or 60-year-old. I am grateful that I have learned skills and training to create an atmosphere where the client feels safe enough to put whatever is out there. That they are safe from judgment. Sometimes it is the only time someone can share something that they are not shut down or told to stop. I can hold that space for people. That is truly a gift. As a kid, I found people interesting and truly loved to listen. I would find people telling me things even before I was a professional counselor. I took a psychology workshop in high school and was like this is what I want to do.

For more information about our monthly FREE online Pet Grief Group meetings, please visit the group’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/thepetgriefgroup

Passionate Paws Animal Hospital is a proud member of the Union County Chamber of Commerce.