Animals as the co-therapist

Connection with animals can lower stress and help regulate the nervous system; this often happens just by being around them. When our nervous system feels safe, we are more resourced to do the work of therapy. These creatures give us insight and empathy for our own animal selves. The experiences with the animals tend to have familiar themes that come up in our lives- chickens navigating a pecking order, or having a “flight” response. The goats may be “butting heads” and the goat kids might slip under the fence are navigating boundaries.

Connection with animals can lower stress and help regulate the nervous system; this often happens just by being around them. When our nervous system feels safe, we are more resourced to do the work of therapy. These creatures give us insight and empathy for our own animal selves. The experiences with the animals tend to have familiar themes that come up in our lives- chickens navigating a pecking order, or having a “flight” response. The goats may be “butting heads” and the goat kids might slip under the fence are navigating boundaries.