Veterinary Social Work Services at VERG Brooklyn
About Veterinary Social Work Services at VERG Brooklyn
About
Support Groups
FAQs
Resources
In Memoriam
Register Here
Photo Submission Form
Veterinary Social Work Services at VERG is dedicated to providing emotional processing support throughout the veterinary medicine process. At the core of our value system is a deep respect for the human-animal bond, which is a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals, influenced by behaviors considered essential to the health and wellbeing of both. This bond enhances the mental, physical, and social health of people and animals alike. We align our services with these values by offering a variety of counseling and consultation services to animal companion caregivers and veterinary staff.
Those seeking Veterinary Social Work Services at VERG will find that they can receive support in a variety of areas, including:
- Navigating their pet’s quality of life assessments and challenging end-of-life decisions
- Facilitating communication with your animal’s medical team
- Free individual and/or group Caregiver Support for managing your animal’s chronic condition
- Being present before, during, and/or after euthanasia
- Free individual and/or group Pet Loss Support for grief and bereavement counseling
- Providing age appropriate resources on how to talk to your children about your animal’s illness or passing
- Providing mental health referrals and pet related community resources
Christine Galotti, LCSW
About Our Veterinary Social Worker
Christine Galotti, LCSW, VSW is a New York State Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Veterinary Social Worker, with extensive experience providing therapeutic support to a wide range of populations. Her clinical background includes work with students and their families, veterans, justice-impacted adults, individuals navigating substance use treatment, and members of the general outpatient population seeking mental health care.
A dedicated animal rescuer and advocate, Christine is deeply committed to supporting the emotional well-being of those who love and care for animals. In her role as VERG’s Veterinary Social Worker, she provides compassionate support to both clients and staff, with a focus on grief and bereavement, compassion fatigue, and the intersection of human and animal violence.
Christine holds a post-master’s certificate in Veterinary Social Work from NYU Silver School of Social Work, a program developed by her former professor and clinical supervisor, Dr. Katherine Compitus, DSW, LCSW-R, C-AAIS. As an independently licensed practitioner in New York State, Christine brings both professional expertise and personal passion to her work in veterinary social work.
Questions about Veterinary Social Work Services
What types of Veterinary Social Work Services will be offered at VERG Brooklyn?
Those seeking Veterinary Social Work Services at VERG Brooklyn will find that they can receive support in a variety of areas, including:
- Navigating their pet’s quality of life assessments and challenging end-of-life decisions
- Facilitating communication with your animal’s medical team
- Free individual and/or group Caregiver Support for managing your animal’s chronic condition
- Being present before, during, and/or after euthanasia
- Free individual and/or group Pet Loss Support for grief and bereavement counseling
- Providing age appropriate resources on how to talk to your children about your animal’s illness or death
- Providing mental health referrals and pet related community resources
What are the benefits of joining a support group?
Joining a group can help you strengthen your relationship and communication skills, reduce social isolation, and find your unique voice, especially when experiencing grief and navigating life transitions. Participants will:
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Realize they are not alone,
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Give and receive social support,
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Increase self-awareness, and
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Practice healthier ways of relating to others.
How long are the groups and where are they located?
Typically, a group runs for about 90 minutes per session. The support groups are virtual, and a Zoom link will be provided to those who sign up. If you received a confirmation email but have not received a link, please email clientsupport@vergbrooklyn.com.
Who can join the group?
Space is limited, and VERG Brooklyn clients will be given priority placement in the groups as well as a complimentary 45-minute individual Caregiver Support or Grief & Bereavement counseling session. If you are not a VERG client but would like to join a support group, please fill out this form.
Support Groups
A support group is a group of people with common experiences or concerns who provide each other with encouragement, comfort, and advice. We aim for our support groups to provide clients with opportunities to share their personal experiences and feelings, as well as coping strategies or firsthand information about diseases or treatments with each other. Our goal is to co-create an emotionally supportive community where you can feel safe to talk about your emotions and circumstances with others who understand your feelings and won’t judge or criticize you. We hope you also learn better coping strategies as you move through challenging circumstances.
Grief and Bereavement
The Grief and Bereavement Group serves VERG clients whose pet has passed away. This group meets twice per month to provide regular support and psychoeducation for those experiencing grief. This counseling service is complimentary, but space is limited. Registration closes at 1:00pm on the day of the meeting. Please register via the link below.
Caregiver Support
The Caregiver Support Group serves VERG clients whose pet has a chronic illness or condition. This group meets twice per month to provide regular support and psychoeducation for those experiencing caregiver-related stress. This counseling service is complimentary, but space is limited. Registration closes at 1:00pm on the day of the meeting. Please register via the link below.
In Memoriam
If you wish to share the life and legacy of your dearly departed animal companion, please submit this form and upload a photo here. By doing so, you give us permission to post your late pet’s first name and photo.
