Testimonials
Tara and Alice
“Thank you for this. It’s so profound. I couldn’t have survived this without you. I am so appreciative of all of the gifts you’ve given me. I can’t thank you enough ❤️.”
Tara
May 2024
Emily and Dukey
When Dukey died, it was the greatest pain I have ever experienced. Marian not only helped me to work through that pain, but she also showed me that it was possible (and okay) to be happy again. I will forever be grateful and feel so lucky to have found such a knowledgeable and compassionate person in such a difficult time.
Much love,
Emily
November 2021
Jill and Sara
“I honestly do not know what I would have done if Marian Silverman did not come into my life. My grief and guilt over the loss of my sweet, beautiful and young Sara was enormous after her unexpected death. I was drowning in tears, guilt and sadness. I was so lucky to find Marian. Marian is kind, loving, wise, honest and truly understands being an animal lover. She gently helped dry my tears and give me peace in my heart. I am forever grateful for our sessions and everything she has taught me. A true gem, thank you Marian.” (in honor of my pretty, sweet girl Sara)
John and Jagger
“Thanks for your guidance and encouragement during a very difficult time. You’re good at what you do 😉 ”
Ron and Henry
“You have been such a gift to me in helping me during these difficult times and I can’t thank you enough. I will commit myself always to honoring Henry and do what I can to keep getting better.”
“You are a blessing and a great asset to people who are suffering. Like I told you many times, you are responsible for me getting better during my difficult times when Henry passed away. Also the visitation was a big comfort too.”
Ron and Henry
Laurie and Kaiser
“I want you to know how much I appreciated your help when I was in such a low place with losing Kaiser. You understood and gave me hope. You were a beacon of light. I try to focus on the blessing of having had him in my life. There will never be another like him. I miss him every day. Thank you for your kindness and love. I feel lucky to have met you.
Love, Laurie
Dana’s Jelly and Fries
Every so often in life, there are times you need some extra support, in fact there are times where that is crucial. If you are an animal lover/owner, their loss can be devastating and affect many parts of your life, sometimes all. I found Marian during that first time to really work through losing my first love/dog and I returned to her with my second. Knowing she was there was/is invaluable and like a net that catches you and helps you get clear while showing the truth and gift of the matter. I had read her book and Marian has become an expander through her strength, warmth, candidness and way she has dedicated her life and work from her own journey, in turn directly helping me and many others with open ears and arms. I am grateful for her presence in this world in all the ways she is here.
Thank you Marian
Dana
Jan. 2020
Beth and Arnie
I came to Marian for anticipatory grief work because my beloved soulmate, Arnie, was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer and given a grim prognosis. I did not know how or if I would survive his death. From the moment I started working with Marian, she gave me concrete, practical tools to help me handle my overwhelming circumstances. She also helped me re-frame the experience from one of total tragedy to one of opportunity. She even helped me strengthen my relationship with my other cat! When Arnie responded to treatment and had more bonus time than expected, I found it even more useful to continue my work with Marian because she was able to help guide me through the “when will the other shoe drop” feelings and the anxiety of not knowing what was coming next.
I describe Marian to everyone I send her way as a “national treasure.” Her comfort, non-judgement, safety, experience, wisdom, and useful strategies that can be put in place immediately, no matter your situation, are the very best support someone can have who is facing such a devastating loss.
Beth Bigler
Cindy’s Samantha and Tabatha
Your words and compassion are in my heart. You do so much for all of us. I’ve had so many breakthroughs because you’ve made it ok to grieve.
When my cat, Tabatha, passed away at 19 1/2, I was heartbroken. I had lost all of my four cats in less than three years, and I was devastated. The grief was unbearable. My first session with Marian was so healing, and I felt such a kinship with her right from the start. She understood and empathized with my pain, as she has lost so many animals herself, including a cat named Tabatha! Marian had me light a candle for each of my cats, and we blessed them and said a prayer. She encouraged me to write, and I have now written three shows about my cats. It was the most healing thing I could have done to embrace the life I had with my cats and honor the love they gave me. Marina’s support, love and compassion is immeasurable. I only wish I found her earlier. Thank you, Marian, for all that you do to make it ok for us to grieve the loss of our pets and not judge ourselves for that pain. You taught me to deeply appreciate the life I had with my cats, and to honor myself for the bond that we shared.
Cindy D’Andrea
Erica and Misty
I wanted to say that I have gotten so much from your wonderful workshops and from all the lovely people in the group, and I feel that at this time, I can move on with what you and everyone has taught me during the pet loss process. I am so grateful and thankful for the wonderful experiences and knowledge that you have shared with me. You are such a blessing and wonderful soul Marian.
Erica 9/27/17
Stella and Mirja
There are no words that can adequately describe the value of Marian’s bereavement counseling for people who have lost their beloved pets. It’s not an easy thing for most people to talk about and yet the feelings must come out in order to move on. Marian has a gentle and loving way to help people share their deepest feelings, joys and guilt about the loss of their beloved four legged friend. There is happiness and perhaps even another four legged friend in the future for those going through the incredible sadness of the loss of their friend but it is so important for these feelings to come out and be shared with others especially a counselor like Marian whose gentle and kind words will hasten healing.
Mirja Bishop, November 3, 2016
Cassandra and Steve’s “Bella” and “Cha Cha”
Marian- I can’t thank you enough for your wonderful love and support during this time of devastating loss. Love, Cassandra
Both Cassandra and I can’t thank you enough for that wonderful group session yesterday. Cassandra told me that some of the insight you provided was life changing, especially the part about the “Gratitude” each day while the pets are still living.
Adela and Gracey
I felt such a sense of communion today at your group, especially with you
I look forward to being in your beautiful presence again soon. Love, Adela
Marian creates a safe space in which you can feel understood, accepted and guided in how to care for yourself and find a path onward in life after the death of your companion. I contacted her before my Gracey died, and from the moment she wrote back, I knew she was someone who had experienced loss and could feel my pain with her heart, instead of ” therapizing” me, as many therapists do. She is a rare and precious type of therapist!
Ann Marie and Pashi
Pashi and I are good now.
I just needed to hear someone
tell me what you did to help set me free from my grief.
Lyn and Buddy
Marian Silverman is my safe harbor. She came into my life at a time when no one else understood the grief and sadness I was going through after my “kitty” of 18 1/2 years passed away. Everyone in my life expected me to “get over it” and move on. Besides, he was “just a cat”. I was there 18 1/2 years ago when Buddy opened his eyes, and I was alone with him when he died at home. He was a huge part of my life, indeed, my very soul, and it’s an understatement to say I miss him. Marian has helped me to understand what I’m going through, that I’m not going crazy, I’m just grieving, and that’s okay. She has given me the understanding that I needed to be able to weep openly and allow myself all the time that I need to work through this sadness. She has given me tools to apply when I need to find my way through this catastrophic loss. I will never, ever be “over” it, but I will be able to stand a little stronger, love a little better, and someday help others who are going through the same thing. She has my love and my utmost respect.
What can I say, when my heart is so full? I was so exhausted when I came home, I just had to take a nap. It felt so good to be able to cry with someone I could trust, and know I wouldn’t be judged.
Susan and Chi Chi
Marian helped me so much after the passing of my beloved dog, Chi Chi, the chow chow. Chi Chi was truly the love of my life. After she left this planet too soon (which was inevitable as she was suffering from several diseases), I was devastated, depressed, unable to function. Marian understood my pain, and acknowledged it. She really helped me to work through my grief, and with the support of others experiencing the same loss, she guided me to a place where I was ready to move on. I highly recommend Marian Silverman when one is grieving the loss of a much loved pet.
Brittany and Azul
Azul passed away on April 7, 2013 at 12 years old. Azul, you were the best friend I’ve ever had. I love you in the deepest part of me. Thank you for your beautiful spirit and extreme love. Ours is a bond that will continue. Marian is an amazing, wise person who understands the intense grief over a beloved pet. I thank her for her incredible, healing words and support.
Thank you Marian.
August 26,2013
I was looking forward to sharing my experience about spreading some of Azul’s ashes which I did yesterday here in Arizona. I went to 2 special forest spots where I used to hike with her all the time and I communed with nature and meditated and talked with Azul. It was a really beautiful experience. I was teary and missing her and all these memories of our many hikes in this forest over the years came back, but it was a liberating experience to be in the forest alone and spread her ashes. She belongs in the forest that she loved. She was such a free spirit. She loved to race through the forest. She lived for those hikes and also for me. Her love was so amazing. She watched my every move and I adored her. I miss my girl, but I have healed so much since the early aftermath of her death.
Brittany
Jessica and Romeo
“Marian helped me with the loss of my dog, Romeo. She is kind and helpful. She has insight and wisdom. She will help you process your grief and share with you your memories and growth.”
Jessica Martinez
Inge and Carmen
After the recent passing of my bunny friend Carmen, I came across Marian’s information as I was leaving the vet’s office. Since I have a history of depression, I knew I needed help to get through this loss. Her passing was a tremendous blow and I didn’t know where to turn.
On the second day after her death, I called Marian to schedule an appointment. We had an instant connection. She even offered to see me that same evening as she heard that my grief was very fresh and raw. In our sessions together, Marian gave me the tools to deal with the guilt, void and sadness. She gave me many useful tips on how to care for myself and my emotional health by sharing some of her own experiences and allowing me to express the hurt that was kept inside. Her very personal approach, attention to detail and genuine care made the difference between feeling completely lost and having a guiding hand through the process of grief.
I also participated in her pet loss workshop and found that the exercises and guided meditations were able to reach a level of feelings that I thought I had dealt with.
I can highly recommend working with Marian. She and her lovely animal family will make all the difference in the world in a time of need.
Tricia and Raskie
Marian I want you to know I finally went to sleep early and was able to sleep. I feel much better now because thanks to you I have a plan on what I need to do for self healing and do not need to guess or apologize for my grieving of my canine child–Raskie boy.
I agree with you that I am blessed “because I realize my Raskie was a blessing and will continue to be a blessing for me.” I don’t see the whole big picture yet? But I’m confident I will, in the near future. I will put your suggestions in action.
Thank God for creating animals and for equipping souls like you. I believe you serve your purpose on this earth and know its destiny when our hearts are forever changed ?. I’m hurting deeply but thankful that I have a soul which has been created to bond with animals. Again thank you for your kindness and overall comfort. It was pleasure to meet you, and I know my Raskie loved me and it’s okay to mourn him.
RIP Sr. Grand-Champion- Raskie (12/98-10/12)
Love, Tricia
October 31, 2012 Los Angeles, California
Riza and Maya
Thank you for your kind message, and for opening up your lovely home for the bereavement workshop. I felt deeply moved by the experience, and it was vital for me to read my feelings aloud to honor Maya, and the life we shared together. It was so challenging to find such a support group here in L.A., and I cannot tell you how deeply I appreciate your service — you are filling a great need.
Sandra and Maven
This is what is needed. This is a source of knowing, and a validation of being. Out of what feels like a dark abyss to many….It is a nurturing light.
When maven left I called you. I knew you knew. Nobody else that I know…….knows this place…….or what to do with it. Nobody.
Thank you for your heart and soul. Because that is what you show up with. You always have….It is who you are.
And, it is awesome.
My love,
Sandra
Cathy and Ella
Marian: I don’t know what to say. I think that Ella brought you to us, then and now. First you got us started on our journey of working as a therapy team, something that brought both of us great fulfillment. Now you are here for this last, most important step in our journey together and with words of wisdom like no one else could give me. I’m going to print off your email and will read those words a hundred times before Monday, and afterwards as well…
You helped me immensely during Ella’s illness and when she died (and before that, of course, when you trained us as volunteers at UCLA’s People-Animal Connection). I still have your emails and still can’t read them without crying. Part of it is the fact that I will miss her forever but a lot of it is because you have such a way of getting to the heart of what it feels like to go through the process of saying good-bye.
Cathy Tsao Former volunteer with Ella, UCLA People-Animal Connection
Puppy raiser and breeder caretaker, Canine Companions for Independence
Laura and Yogi
After 1 1/2 years of intense grieving for my dead best friend Yogi, I contacted Marian. She made me think of him again, and even harder, made me write about how important he had been in my life. I fought this with all of my being. And yet, now I feel less guilty and not quite so sad. Marian truly understands the components of bereavement and does not trivialize any of this. I still missYogi, but now I understand that this is good. Marian says that it demonstrates that I am a compassionate human who loved a cat so much. She says that this is a good thing.
1 /14/2012 I had lots of time to think about the workshop on my way home as I was stuck in interminable traffic. The most important thing that I realized was that, somehow, I felt more at peace about my relationship with Yogi. I was glad for the chance to talk and write about him with strangers whom, I had no doubt, loved their pets just as much. I listened intently to them and know that they heard and acknowledged me.
Marian: you created an accepting and safe environment. This is the work that you were meant to do, and I hope that you get many more clients. There is nothing that you should change about it. I would have paid a lot more than you charged and thought that I got more than my money’s worth.
Laura Jacobs, PhD., RVT