Grief Support Agreement

updated April 2026

My Role & Approach

I am Hana Mäkinen, a Certified Grief Specialist & Educator (trained by David Kessler). I offer compassionate, peer-based support and education for those experiencing grief, loss, life transitions, changes in physical ability, aging, and the end-of-life journey with animal companions. My role is to walk alongside you as a supportive peer, space holder, and educator, providing a safe and sacred space where your experiences are honoured, witnessed, and supported.

What My Services Offer:

  • Peer-based support and education, not clinical, professional therapy, counselling, or clinical mental health services.

  • Guidance for navigating the emotional, spiritual, and practical aspects of loss, including anticipatory grief, compassionate death planning for your pet, and preparing yourself or your family.

  • Support after a loss or through major life changes, including changes in physical ability or aging.

  • Holding space for you if you feel alone or have nowhere else to turn in your grief, always offering compassion and nonjudgment.

  • Opportunities to discuss questions for your veterinarian about hospice care, palliative options, or compassionate euthanasia.

  • Resources, reflections, and, when appropriate, messages from your animal to help you feel supported, seen, and connected.

Important Clarification:My services are offered strictly as peer-based support and education, and do not create a regulated healthcare, therapeutic, or veterinary relationship. I am not a licensed professional, such as a doctor, psychologist, social worker, or veterinarian. By working with me, you are not entering into a relationship governed by laws, standards, or regulatory bodies for health professionals, therapists, or veterinarians.

I do not diagnose, treat, or provide medical, psychological, veterinary, legal, or financial advice.

If you need clinical, therapeutic, medical, or veterinary care, I will encourage you to seek support from a licensed professional and can provide referrals where possible.

I honour your unique beliefs, culture, and relationships, and will never offer guidance outside my scope or pretend expertise in areas I am not familiar with.

Confidentiality

Your personal information and the content of our sessions will be kept strictly confidential and will never be sold or shared with any third party.

Sessions may take place via Zoom (audio or video), phone, email, or in person, where possible. While I take all reasonable measures to protect your privacy, 100% confidentiality cannot be guaranteed due to the nature of electronic communications.

Limitations & Risks of Distance Support

While distance support can be deeply effective, technical issues (such as internet disruptions or unauthorized access) may occasionally occur. I cannot guarantee uninterrupted, error-free service.

What I Can and Cannot Promise

I do not guarantee specific outcomes or “healing” from grief. Grief is not something to be fixed; it is a process you learn to carry and integrate as you move forward. My commitment is to walk alongside you with compassion and presence, and to share useful tools that help you find moments of peace, strength, and connection, both within yourself and with your beloved animal.

From my own journey with loss, I know that with support, faith, hope, and love, it is possible to grow alongside grief and continue to feel the bond you share with your pet.

Consent

By ticking the box in the intake form and/or continuing to use my services, you confirm that you have read and understood this agreement and voluntarily consent to receive peer-based grief and end-of-life support from Hana Mäkinen under these terms