The Therapeutic Impact of animals

Emotional regulation, when you strip away the academic language, is really just about learning how to ride the ups and downs of our feelings without being completely thrown off course. It’s something I’ve come to appreciate not just through theory, but through everyday moments, and surprisingly, animals have played a big part in that. I’ve noticed that being around animals has a way of softening things. There’s something about a dog bounding over to greet you like you’re the best person in the world, or a cat quietly deciding your lap is the safest place to be, that just settles the nervous system. It's not just in my head either, there’s actual science behind it. When we stroke an animal or even just sit with them, our bodies release oxytocin, which helps us feel calmer and more connected. At the same time, stress levels drop. It’s like our bodies are being gently reminded that we’re okay.

What I find most comforting is how uncomplicated animals are. They don’t ask you to explain your feelings or justify your mood. They don’t mind if you’ve had a bad day or if you’re not particularly talkative. They just show up, consistently. That kind of steady, non-judgemental presence can be incredibly grounding, especially for people who find human relationships overwhelming at times.

Spending time with animals also pulls you into the present moment without you really noticing. Walking a dog means you have to pay attention, to where you’re going, what they’re sniffing, how fast they’re moving. Even something as simple as watching fish swim or brushing a horse can be oddly calming. It gives your mind a break from overthinking and helps you just be, which is often exactly what’s needed when emotions start to spiral.

In more structured settings, like therapy, this connection becomes even more powerful. Animals can act as a kind of bridge, making it easier for people to open up or feel at ease. I’ve always found it fascinating how, for example, working with horses can help people become more aware of boundaries and trust, simply through how the horse responds to them. It’s subtle, but incredibly effective. There’s also something to be said for the role of caring for an animal. Having that responsibility; feeding them, walking them, making sure they’re okay, creates a sense of routine and purpose. It gently pulls you out of yourself, even on days when that feels difficult. In return, you get companionship, comfort, and, quite often, a reason to get out of bed.

Take Eddie and Patsy, for example (pictured above). Their pen sits just outside my counselling pod, and that’s very much intentional. They’ve become a bit of a gentle send-off for many of my clients, offering a welcome distraction and a small boost of feel-good energy as people leave their sessions and head back into their day.

Creating the right environment for counselling has always been really important to me, and this is a part of that. I’m very aware that the process can feel overwhelming, especially in the beginning or after a particularly emotional session. In those moments, even something small can make a difference. Seeing Eddie and Patsy trotting over to say hello (safely behind the fence, of course) often brings a sense of lightness and comfort. It doesn’t take away the vulnerability, but it softens it, just enough to help people leave feeling a little more grounded.

I think what I’ve come to realise is that emotional regulation doesn’t always have to look like hard work. Sometimes it’s as simple as sitting with a pet, taking a breath, and feeling a little less alone. Animals have this quiet, unassuming way of helping us find our balance again, no big interventions, no complicated conversations, just presence. And sometimes, that’s more than enough.