Carmela Sanchez-Arreola, PhD
Doc Mela is a pioneer in the practice of Pet Grief Counseling in the country. She holds a PhD in Family Studies, a Master's in Guidance & Counseling, and a BA in Psychology, and draws on that background to address issues such as depression, anxiety, and grief. Her services include Wellbeing counseling, individual and group psychotherapy, and pet grief therapy. Her particular specialty is the Human-Animal Bond, and she actively promotes pet therapy in schools and workplaces. She completed an online Pet Grief seminar through the American Counseling Association, and in 2022 she presented her dissertation on the Human-Animal Bond experience and Family Wellbeing at the Philippine Veterinary Medical Association Conference. Doc Mela's connection to animals extends well beyond her practice: she and her husband, a horse doctor, care for a myriad of pets at home, including rescued dogs and cats, tortoises, parrots, a red iguana, horses, and fish.