Any other counselors here? Needing support.

Hey there, I’m brand new. I’ve browsed before but not posted. I’m a Christian counselor and struggling tonight. One of my clients abused and killed their pet today. I decided I had a moral responsibility to report them to authorities and have done so. I let them know I would be doing so and things got heated. It was traumatic for everyone and I’m struggling tonight. I’ve now lost two clients and I hurt for them(husband and wife). I asked their pastor to check in on them, without giving any information. I feel so heartsick.

Hi Counselingrannie. I'm not a counselor, but I was a psychology major in college if that counts. Talking to somebody that listens is what helps though so I think this is a good anonymous outlet. You acted professionally and did the right things in an unfortunate situation. Reporting the abuse can lead to help and perhaps prevent further escalation or a shift in the target like potential later domestic or child abuse. I love animals and hurting one of God's creatures is a sad thing. You kept their confidentiality in not giving details to their pastor and obviously still care about their well-being if you asked him to check in on them. Someone else might have given up on them and let them walk away, but here you are still torn about the whole ordeal. I'm sorry things turned out that way. I hope they receive the counseling or help they need elsewhere or if God wills it that they return. I pray that God works on their hearts and they come to understand that you were only doing your job. That you do care about them, but you couldn't just ignore something of that magnitude. *virtual hug*

You did the right thing. It is animal abuse. I pray the authorities handle this appropriately so that future abuse can be prevented.

i studied postgrad.counselling theory. i ran out of money to do a masters though.
your issue highlights the difficulty of counselling. the job can be very tough. Traumatic in fact. maybe Im lucky i didnt become one.
re your issue:
surely they knew the rules before they sought your counselling?
maybe they didnt know you have a responsibility to pass on such information.
I feel for you . and to think someone would torture and kill my dog is horrendous.
some people are not fit to own pets.