​Animals within our sessions

If you are an animal lover, you might be keenly aware of how intuitively animals can resonate with human emotions. In the past, my beloved pets – two dogs and two cats – played a unique role in my counselling sessions. They would often 'volunteer' their presence, offering comfort, a playful distraction, or a calming influence to my clients. Animals have a natural ability to sense when a person needs affection or a playful interaction, making them excellent companions for stress relief and emotional support. Nevertheless it remains entirely your choice to engage with them.

Although my cherished pets have crossed the Rainbow Bridge, their presence significantly enriched the therapy sessions. They were more than pets; they were like co-counselors. Joya, Buddy, Soraya, and Tiger provided not just comfort, but also important cues and insights into the therapeutic process. Their interactions often brought forth 'pearls' of wisdom or themes that we could explore and integrate into our sessions.

Looking ahead, I plan to once again integrate the gentle presence of animals into my practice. The idea is to welcome new animal companions in the future, continuing this unique aspect of my counselling approach. The empathetic and unspoken bond between animals and humans is a powerful tool in therapy, offering comfort, eliciting emotions, and facilitating a deeper connection to oneself.
​
Incorporating animals into Gestalt Therapy aligns beautifully with the therapy's emphasis on holistic healing and mindfulness. Their presence can help clients feel more at ease, grounded in the present moment, and open to exploring their emotions and experiences.
​
Whether you are an animal lover or simply open to experiencing the unique comfort they provide, you can look forward to the possibility of having these compassionate companions as part of your journey towards self-discovery and healing in future sessions.