One Health

Exploring pet-related themes can reveal emotional dynamics and enhance therapy.

Key Points:

• Many people form complex emotional bonds with their pets that reflect core relational patterns.
• Talking about pets can strengthen the therapeutic alliance and reduce client anxiety.
• Clinicians can gain valuable insights by examining challenges and dynamics in human-animal relationships.

 

Link to Full Article

Brining up the topic of pets can be a very effective starting point when building rapport with clients, coworkers, and others. In my conversations with professionals working in social services, many have let me know how great pet-related discussions are at serving as a gateway to deeper conversations about one's experiences and needs.

How has having pet-related discussions deepened your bonds with the people you work with?

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Kayla Anderson
Veterinary Social Worker
Program for Pet Health Equity
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At our VPHO (Vets of Pets of Homeless Owners) monthly clinics DVM and VSW students talk with families about their pets needs, which is mostly what the human family members need too. @Jaime Norris I know the the therapy dogs in the HABIT program have a way of getting people to talk without ever saying a word themselves. Just their presence gets folks talking about their pets or other family members pets. In our staff meetings I loved hearing about @Candice Hinkle's hermit crabs. 

@Kayla Anderson, you said, "Talking about pets can strengthen the therapeutic alliance and reduce client anxiety." Does it also help reduce the social workers possible anxiety? In animal welfare we OFTEN hear or live the sad pet stories. What do we do to not carry that emotion load with us, but still be able to assist the family?

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T' Fisher, Director of Operations
Program for Pet Health Equity
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