Pet therapy and clinical hypnotherapy

In this article, I would like to explain how pet therapy and the use of animals in therapeutic practice can be combined with clinical hypnotherapy with dramatic effects. Dramatic in the sense that, whilst clinical hypnotherapy is hugely successful, powerful, and effective on its own and in its own right, the presence of a dog, per se, in a therapy session can significantly ease, relax, and calm a patient or client, and can also exaggerate the healing effects for certain clients.

What is pet therapy?

Pet therapy is the use of animals in a therapeutic process and/or setting to aid the therapy and healing process. It can be used for all age groups from very young to very old. Dogs are the most commonly used for pet therapy, but all sorts of animals can be used from horses to cats, and more.

Many people feel extremely anxious and nervous when attending therapy appointments. The presence of a friendly dog can ease the client into the session 

A well-trained therapy dog can calm a patient and put them at their ease. Moreover, when stroking, cuddling, and simply being next to a dog, clients can feel that there is someone there for them. 

Some clients find it easier to talk to an animal, to open up, and speak from the heart. A therapy dog offers no judgement or criticism. A therapy dog is simply there.

A therapy dog offers unconditional care and love and connects on a deeper level. 

There is no malice or ulterior motive from a dog. They are just there for you.

And so, in a therapy session, clients feel that they can be more relaxed and at ease. And that they can open up on a deeper level without judgement. In addition, when combined with clinical hypnotherapy, clients receive the benefits of two healing processes in one, connecting on a deeper level, and healing.

Pet therapy is used in Priory hospitals for anxiety, addiction, trauma, eating disorders and more. And pet therapy is becoming increasingly popular and widespread in healthcare settings, and is used for a variety of health issues and conditions.

Sometimes, when a client feels that there is nobody there for them, a therapy dog can change that thought in an instant.

Pets as Therapy is a UK-based charity and organisation that trains animals to be therapy pets to be used in schools, hospitals, healthcare settings, residential care homes, universities, prisons, community groups and more.

I am currently training my cocker spaniel puppy, Florrie, to be a therapy dog. Florrie will become my new assistant in clinic, working with me both in Harley Street London, and on Deansgate in Manchester helping my clients to heal, reset, and reach their goals.

Once fully trained, Florrie will be a fully certified and registered therapy dog. She will work with me in my private practice, as well as being present during online sessions too. And I'm sure one day she will have her pet passport to travel with me to clients around the world.

At nine months old, she is now well on her way to achieving great things! And I know that she will enable others to achieve great things too. We look forward to meeting you very soon.