When I describe my counselling approach to people as having a particular focus on human animal interactions, the next question always seems to be ‘What does that mean’? or, ‘What the heck is that?’
In a supportive and therapeutic context, HAI is broadly represented in:
- emotional support (eg. companion animals)
- trauma management (eg. therapy dogs)
- for practical assistance (guide dogs, helpers/fetchers)
- disability support (horses/equine therapy).
Even domestic companions (pets) have a significant health and wellbeing impact on their custodians and owners in terms of companionship, staving off loneliness, providing schedules, structure and exercise, comfort and unconditional love and positive regard.
A number of animals provide tactile and physical comfort as well as opportunities for people to show affection and care, but even fish and insects can lower blood pressure and help people be more calm and able to manage symptoms like pain and mood disorders.
Some counsellors and therapists may occasionally ask about whether you have a pet, and others provide direct contact such as equine therapy, which may or may not suit your needs. A big difference in my approach to counselling is my focus on animals as part of the context of your presenting issues – hence, ‘client centred, animal-informed practice.’ My practice has you, the client, front and centre of my attention and engagement, within a broader context of how animal-related issues might be affecting you.
For instance, you:
- may have some unresolved grief from the loss of someone close to you, followed by the loss of a beloved pet, which have combined to overwhelm your coping strategies
- might have left a damaging relationship and feel guilty about pets left behind
- there may be some trauma-related issues that affect your confidence with and around animals
- are experiencing isolation or loneliness and looking at ways to make life more enjoyable and purposeful.
I look forward to exploring with you how your unique and shared experiences with animals can be better understood and helpful to your issues. Please contact me for an appointment.
