Olivia Van Den Heuvel, MSW Student
Hi, I’m Liv! My curiosity about both people and animals has shaped every step of my life and career. I studied Sociology and Global Studies at Carroll University and continued my education at Freie Universität Berlin, exploring how people connect, heal, and grow through shared experience.
I began my career in behavioral health, supporting individuals through anxiety, trauma, and recovery using CBT and DBT. Those experiences taught me that empathy and vulnerability are essential to healing and connection.
Today, I’m a mental health advocate at Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists and an MSW student at the University of Texas at Arlington. I support clients and staff through grief and healing, honoring the profound bond we share with our animals.
Alexa Bell, LCSW
Hi, Im Alexa! My path into social work began when I saw how meaningful it can be to have someone simply listen and show up during hard times. I earned my Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of the Incarnate Word and my MSW from UT San Antonio, where I focused on cultural humility and social justice—values that continue to shape my work every day.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at UT San Antonio’s rapid-access mental health clinic, where I support people healing from PTSD using evidence-based trauma therapies.
As a proud cat mom to Maxwell and Rocky, I know how deeply animals shape our lives. That bond inspired me to help create the Grief Relief Pet Loss Support Group, a space to honor and heal through shared love and loss.
Katherine Johnson, LPC Associate
My passion for understanding people and what shapes their experiences led me to earn my Bachelor’s in Psychology from Texas A&M–Corpus Christi and my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from UT San Antonio.
I provide psychotherapy at the Transitional Care and N.O.W. Clinics, supporting adults and youth through a wide range of mental health challenges. My approach blends CBT, CPT, WET, and DBT-informed techniques to foster a safe, compassionate space for healing and growth.
As a lifelong animal lover and cat mom to Binx, I bring that same empathy to the Grief Relief Pet Loss Support Group, helping others find comfort, connection, and healing through shared understanding.
Our Mission
To provide a compassionate, inclusive, and safe space for individuals grieving the loss of their beloved pets.
Our mission is to foster healing and grief relief through shared connection, understanding, and community support.
Our Values
- Compassion: We foster a safe, empathetic environment where grieving pet owners can share and process their loss without judgment.
- Inclusivity: Our group welcomes individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences of pet loss.
- Support & Connection: We value peer support and genuine understanding,recognizing that every grief journey is personal and unique.
- Confidentiality: What is shared in the group stays within the group. We prioritize and protect each participant’s privacy.
- Respect: We honor each person’s grief journey, holding space for different experiences, emotions, and healing processes
What to Expect
Intimate Group Sessions (First Wednesday & most Third Wednesdays)
- Welcome & Group Norms
- Brief educational topic on grief or coping
- Group discussion & sharing
- “Takeaway Nugget” — one reflection or tool to carry forward
Larger Group Sessions (Occasionally Third Wednesday)
- Welcome & Group Norms
- Psychoeducation topic on grief and healing
- Group discussion
- Closing reflections
Participation Guidelines
Attendance
- RSVP required via olivia@violetcrownvet.com
- Group capped at 20 (ideal 5–10 participants)
Respectful Communication
- Listen actively and without judgment
- Use “I” statements when sharing
- Avoid advice-giving or critique
Confidentiality
- What’s shared in the group stays in the group
- Recording without consent is prohibited
Behavior Expectations
- No hate speech or discrimination
- Offer content warnings for sensitive topics
- Stay present and minimize distractions
Support & Self-Care
- Participate at your comfort level
- Take breaks as needed
- Reach out to facilitators for follow-up or resources
Children & Teens
- Open to minors with parental consent
- Caregivers must provide supervision and support
- Consent form required acknowledging the group is not therapy
Continuing Support
Participants may contact the facilitators after sessions for follow-up or additional resources.
Supplemental materials, readings, and community resources are periodically shared to help support healing between sessions.
