BIRP Note Example: Grief After Losing a Pet

Quill generated this note with AI from the summary that was provided. The therapist can then copy-and-paste the note into their current EHR platform.

Behavior:
Client shared grief following the loss of their dog, stating, "It feels like a part of me is gone." They explained that their pet had been a constant companion for years, and its absence has left a void. Client expressed feelings of guilt, wondering if they could have done more for their dog during its final days.

Intervention:
The session lasted 45 minutes. Therapist discussed the deep grief often felt after losing a pet and normalized the client’s feelings of questioning their actions. Therapist reassured the client that they made the best decisions they could at the time. Explored ways to honor the pet’s memory, such as creating a memory book or planting a tree, and emphasized the importance of allowing themselves to feel grief as part of the healing process.

Response:
Client appeared uncertain about starting memory projects but agreed that it might help them find peace. Client engaged in discussion and demonstrated understanding of the importance of processing grief rather than suppressing it.

Plan:
Client will reflect on their relationship with their pet and decide if they want to create a keepsake or ritual in memory. Follow-up session scheduled for next week to assess how they are managing their grief and to explore further coping strategies.

Client Session Summary:

Here's the summary of this client session. Remember, Quill does not record the client session. A therapist would provide a summary (like the one below) after the session is over.

In today’s 45-minute session, the client shared their grief following the loss of their dog. They said, "It feels like a part of me is gone," explaining how their pet had been a constant companion for years and how its absence has left a void. We discussed how grief can be felt deeply after losing a pet, as pets often become family members. Client expressed feelings of guilt, wondering if they could have done more for their dog during its final days. We talked about how normal it is to question what could have been done differently, but I reassured them that they made the best decisions they could at the time.

We also explored ways to honor their pet’s memory, such as creating a memory book or planting a tree in their yard. The client seemed uncertain about starting these projects but agreed that it might help them find some peace. We discussed the importance of allowing themselves to feel the grief rather than suppressing it, as this is part of the healing process. Client’s homework is to reflect on their relationship with their pet and decide if they want to create a keepsake or ritual in memory. We’ll follow up next week to see how they’re managing their grief.

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More About BIRP Notes:

From even more examples, to an overview of the format in general, to templates, to a cheat sheet, here's everything you need to know about BIRP notes.