This blog post is part of a series exploring the value and benefits of spending time with horses and other animals, including within a therapeutic environment. See our previous post: Why Horses for an introduction to, and overview of what the expect from, this series.
A growing body of research indicates that interactions and relationships with animals can have a wide range of positive impacts on our physical, emotional, mental and social well being, development and health. Numerous studies have discovered that we humans experience more rapid recovery rates after surgery, higher levels of self esteem and empathy, lower levels of anxiety and even better communication in our marriages; all as a result of having a positive relationship with an animal. Other researchers have discovered that simply the presence of an animal – without the need for any interaction – can create many of the same effects. (For an overview of what the research shows about the human animal bond, see our previous blog post in this series: Why Horses: The Healing Power of Animals)
The focus of this post is to understand WHY these benefits arise through having a positive relationship with, or simply by being in the presence of, an animal. We will discuss three key explanations and ways of understanding the research findings. These are not ‘either or’ explanations but rather support, reinforce and help explain each other.
The Biophilia Hypothesis
Some researchers explain this in terms of our biology. The hypothesis of Biophilia (derived from the Greek words for life and loving) speaks to our evolutionary need to be and feel close to nature, and provides a reason for why our bodies and psyche just seem to know that when all is well with the animals, all is well with us. According to biophilia, all humans have a biologically based attunement to animals and nature. Because we evolved in nature alongside animals we have been shaped to pay attention to them. As hunter gatherers we observed animals to assess the safety of our environment. If they are calm, then we know that all is well. Biophilia suggests that it is because of this genetic attunement that our brains function better and our nervous systems relax when we are around animals.
Providing the Conditions required for Healing and Growth
We could also explain the research findings from another angle. Carol Rogers, founder of Person Centred Counselling, described three conditions that are required for emotional healing and wellness to arise:
Genuineness (Congruency), Unconditional Positive Regard, and Empathy.
Psychology Today defines these conditions as follows:
1) Genuineness or Congruence: therapists carry no air of authority or professional superiority but, instead, present a true and accessible self that clients can see is honest and transparent.
2) Unconditional positive regard: therapists are non-judgmental to convey their feelings of understanding, trust, and confidence that encourage their clients to make their own decisions and choices.
3) Empathy: therapists understand and accept their clients’ feelings
As much as human counsellors and wellness workers may strive to provide and meet these conditions I can’t help but believe that animals, including horses, do this so much more naturally and effectively. Added to this is the reality that many people, especially those who have had challenging experiences with people, are more ready and able to believe and receive these conditions from an animal, than they are from a person. Time and again I meet clients who struggle, at least initially, to accept and perceive the existence of these conditions with and from me; yet they are frequently able to receive and experience them from and with my horses.
There is just something about animals that exudes congruency, unconditional positive regard and empathy
Animals are naturally authentic and it would simply not occur to them to present any sort of professional facade. In short, they are genuine and congruent.
Animals often seem to be more able to see and accept us ‘just as we are’ without judging us based on what we may have done, what we look like, or where we have been in life. This speaks to Unconditional Positive Regard. In terms of a child’s developmental and attachment needs, Dr. Gordon Neufeld would describe this as the ‘invitation to exist in my presence, just as you are”. Which is something I believe we all need, regardless of age.
Finally, Carl Rogers described empathy as follows:
‘If I am truly open to the way life is experienced by another person…if I can take his or her world into mine, then I risk seeing life in his or her way…and of being changed myself, and we all resist change. Since we all resist change, we tend to view the other person’s world only in our terms, not in his or hers. Then we analyze and evaluate it. We do not understand their world. But, when the therapist does understand how it truly feels to be in another person’s world, without wanting or trying to analyze or judge it, then the therapist and the client can truly blossom and grow in that climate’.
Animals are unlikely to ‘analyse, judge or evaluate’ what they sense in us, and when I am with them I often feel understood in a way that is sometimes hard to describe or put words to, but is certainly reflected in what I hear from my clients regarding their relationships and interactions with animals.
While some of the above would be challenging to show in quantitative research it is supported by a vast body of anecdotal evidence and is consistently reflected in the qualitative research.
Providing the conditions of true play
Closely linked to all of the above is the hypothesis that some interactions and relationships with animals can provide the conditions for true play. This is a longer topic which first requires a discussion of what we mean by true play, so will be the focus of a subsequent article in this series.
The Social Lubricant Effect
The human animal bond research also indicates the existence of the ‘Social Lubricant Effect’. This refers to an inherent perception that people with animals are simply better people. Most of us are more likely to interact with a person who has an animal with them, and are more likely to trust those people. It seems very likely that this is, at least in part, a result of the Biophilia hypothesis, which would indicate that the social lubricant effect would likely only be effective if the animal in question is calm and appears to feel safe with us.
If all is well with the animals, all is well with us.
There is danger in this – it is after all the same dynamic that pedophiles use to lure children into their vehicles – and whether we are aware of it or not we are using this dynamic to overcome people’s defenses; defenses which may be in place for good reasons. I strongly believe we have a moral and ethical responsibility to move slowly and respectfully in this area; to honour that someone’s trust is a precious gift and should be treated accordingly.
However, when drawn upon responsibly, ethically and carefully this aspect of human and animal nature can help create the conditions defined by Carl Rogers in a wide range of environments. From and within this context we can continue to draw on the various benefits of the human animal bond to help ourselves and those we care about and work with.
Our next post will explore the motivational aspect of animals, including the power of animals to encourage people to seek help, to inspire hope in the future and to help us find the courage to reach out to each other.
I look forward to learning more about the research and horses.
I find even walking the dogs people are more willing to engage and trust you. I always have young kids come up and ask if they can pet the dogs, and adults will smile and say hello. When I walk without the dogs nobody makes eye contact.
Looking forward to further articles in this regard and around the piece on true play and one of the things rhat resonated with me.from this article was animals being non judgemental and how many times I’ve heard that from clients already of being around the horses – ‘I’m not being judged’
Here is a link to an article on play: https://healinghooves.ca/horse-play-in-a-pandemic/
Thank you for this great context and keywords; this will really help me better explain the importance and value of partnering with animals! I am really blessed to work for a company that allows me to bring my canine partner to work several times a month and it is amazing to me the immediate and noticeable difference I see in the youth I work with.
Genuineness, unconditional positive regard and empathy – three of my favourite things! As I have moved more towards a Ray Hunt/Tom Dorrance training method with my horses and continue along the path of Radical Acceptance in my meditation practice, I am continually reminded of the importance of these three terms for myself, our horses and those we will work with.
I love learning about research that backs up what we are learning! This explains it in a clear concise way!
I’m looking forward to this!
“an invitation to exist in my presence, just as you are”… is an inspirational goal in non judgement – something we humans have created barriers around.
This quote really stood out to me as well Elizabeth! There is something really powerful there and I think you’re right, we’ve lost our way a little bit in that regard.
Great summary Sue!
There is so much to learn about why animals can be such a valuable presence in therapeutic settings. I particularly agree with the need to move slowly and respectfully while always being aware that having animals in the therapy room/area lowers defenses in our clients (and ourselves) and that there are ethical and clinical implications. Looking forward to seeing how this plays out in more detail in the Focus training week 2.
I wholeheartedly agree with the conditions of healing and growth. If those aren’t in place, then of course the client would feel more guarded and possibly even defensive. There’s definitely a difference between a casual/friendly interaction and one that is therapeutic where the facilitator must put aside their own biases at times to support the client in a safe and empathetic manner.
This is great Sue! Looking forward to this. As human beings we always need to work at having unconditional positive regard and empathy. We continually analyze and judge throughout our day. This we have learned through our life experiences and people. Animals are pure and open which is natural. This will be fun one.
I love that you point out that although the animals earn the trust initially we must not take it for granted and ensure we are honouring the gift of trust that is being presented.
Hi everyone,
Learning about some of the theoretical underpinnings of the “why animals?” question is a welcome reminder of some psychoeducation that clients may benefit from.
As I am navigating beginning conversations with clients about EFW, some individuals with less animal exposure and those who may be new to equine facilitated wellness or animal assisted therapy have been inquiring about the rationale for such approaches. I am noticing how providing psychoeducation about theoretical underpinnings of EFW and AAT appears to spark curiosity in many of my clients to contemplate a radically different modality of treatment.
That being said, sometimes I notice I feel a bit fumbly delivering the psychoeducation, however I believe with time and practice my delivery will become smoother as my confidence increases!
Warmly,
Kim
For many, there are few opportunities to be our genuine authentic selves. Spending time with horses and other animals is a gift that allows us that grace to be.
I agree Nanette!
I am learning more and more that the horse is the one who is doing most of the work, instinctually, and I need to sit back and allow things to happen naturally.
Looking forward to further articles in this regard and around the piece on true play and one of the things rhat resonated with me.from this article was animals being non judgemental and how many times I’ve heard that from clients already of being around the horses – ‘I’m not being judged’
I find it interesting when we see a happy animal, we feel that its owner is also happy and a caring individual that provides for the animals care. We feel that animals have no judgments on us and can feel that connection more easily. Thank you for bring this awareness!
In reading this line, I felt a lightness, like a load lifted off: the ‘invitation to exist in my presence, just as you are”. And the more deeply I think about it the more powerful it becomes. And how being in the presence of a horse can get us, and clients there, effortlessly.
This concept struck me too that we need to accept that ‘people’s defenses may be in place for good reasons’. We need to believe and trust people’s intuition as we are in no place to judge. And this can be mirrored by observing a horse showing defensive behaviours. …and to honour that someone’s trust is a precious gift and should be treated accordingly 🙂 I enjoyed this article.
great reflections Judy!
Social Lubricant Effect- never heard this term before but I love this.
considering this through the lens of attachment, polyvagal theory and all of the neurotransmitters at play here. Our connection with animals lowers our guard, thus creating vulnerability while at the same time offering the safety and comfort of an unconditional relationship. This softening and trust already starts with just the visual experience the “awe” or joy or gathering of hands on a first glimpse of our animal friends.
I like how you name both the lowering of the guard while also offering safety. Both are so necessary. In later trainings we explore the risks that AAT can present when people’s guard is lowered too much too soon – i.e. before there is enough actual and/ or perceived safety. Lots to consider!
Time and again, from very early on I learned that most people find it very difficult to “step into someone else’s world” and could see how often they would cope with that by reshaping what they heard or saw to fit a narrative that made sense in their world. Its why 2 people can observe, or be part of an event, side by side, and yet experience it completely differently. Or how someone can make a simple statement that gets completely altered because the person hearing needed to make it fit into what makes sense for them. I had never quite made the connection to its root being “fear of change”. Though this is at risk of sounding cliché and simplistic, it is so true that if the world had the ability to be truly empathetic “step into someone else’s world” it would be an entirely different place.
I also very much appreciated the reminder that people often do have defenses place for good reason. Often those defenses are there not only for just protection of emotions, but often they were developed as a means of survival. I love the way you described how important it is to move slowly and carefully with the precious gift of trust.
great reflections Jennifer!
This is incredible to read about. I have never heard of the biophilia hypothesis, but it makes sense that there would be a connection between our own anxiety levels (or lack of) when in the presence of animals. We also take in information from our environment, and it is interesting to read that how the animals are might affect how we feel in our environment. The moment I started working with horses, I felt like they were the embodiment in so many ways of Carl Roger’s person-centred therapy. I often remind myself to be more like a horse – be slow, be present, be aware of the subtle feelings under the surface of what a client might be saying. I think the social lubricant effect of animals is a powerful reason to include them in therapy, especially when traditional therapy has not worked for clients or when clients are resistant to therapy.
I had not heard of the biophilia hypothesis before either! It sure makes sense though! It helps me to understand why I feel more secure with a dog on our acreage! If all is well with our dog, then I feel secure. I also tend to feel more comfortable with people who care for animals. This article really does a great job of explaining why that is! Thank you Sue!
yes – this concept makes so many things make sense!
Interesting reminder on trust, and defences and “our guard” or our intuition. Can’t wait to learn more…..thx The analogy to pedophiles is uncomfortable to me…..
It is uncomfortable, I agree. But I do think it’s important for us to be aware of the potential for risk in this area too.
It is frightening that what can be used for good also can be used for evil. Reading how a pedophile uses animals to overcome peoples defenses really makes you realize how leaning the proper way is so important. “Someone’s trust is a precious gift” really is an important thing to think about throughout our learning.
Yes, this is a sad but important aspect to be aware of. While the pedophile is an extreme example, harm can sometimes be done in this field without intent (and/ or with the best of intent), thus recognising our responsibility in this and moving cautiously when defenses are lowered is incredibly important. We explore this in more depth during focus training.
The non-judgement that the animals provide is so beautiful. Thank you for this insight. I feel that is one of the biggest things I want to bring to others is that opportunity to be in the presence of an animal and feel that unconditional acceptance they bring.
and that is such a huge gift to share with people!
The Biophilia hypothesis is incredible.
I agree Robin – it makes so much sense!
Very well written article. I look forward to reviewing the research in more depth. I have been so fortunate to have animals in my life (dogs, cats, horses and now goats) and I see the transformation when friends and family come to my farm. I see their anxiety and worry “slide off of them”. As a new goat Mom to two rambunctious and snuggly boys, I can say that people are immediately drawn to their optimism, play and genuine affection for people. They feel safe and are immediately willing to share and open up. I am a teacher, and I often share my silly goat videos with them at the start of class. Animals immediately transform the energy in the room.
I love how you are drawing on the power of play in this Brittney! We explore the importance and role of play at focus training but also have a blog post with some of the highlights if you’d like to take a look now: https://healinghooves.ca/horse-play-in-a-pandemic/
Providing conditions for healing and growing…being attuned to the animals…I feel these to be true, without needing the scientific data!
The Biophilia Hypothesis. In other words, an Amazing Grasp of the Obvious. 🙂
I love it when the opportunity arises to read and explore what you know to be true yet see it in proven research and science, it is an incredibly satisfying experience.
I really enjoyed this article. It is a great reminder to be careful with people’s defences as they are there for a reason! Thanks Sue
I think it is very true that when it comes to animals, humans often feel safety, positive regard, and empathy quicker than they would with people. I think this is an idea that is very important to remember in our work and why working with equine partners in therapy can be so important for clients. Just by reflecting on my own experience being around animals, I find it much easier too to let my guard down when I am around them as I also very quickly can feel safe and a sense of calm
This is all so true. I have seen many (poor) children who have completely lost control in school settings. I would take my big lab to the child and simply have him lay down at a safe distance near the child. In the majority of cases, the child would immediately calm, and inevitably end up hugging my dog.
Humans innate connection to animals is truly amazing!
I really appreciate how you refer to starting off with your dog at a distance with no contact at first. This is safer (including for the dog) for so many reasons, and there is research that shows that simply having a friendly dog in the vicinity can help a person regulate. I believe the animal can actually be coregulating the person, although that is certainly not the whole process. Then, once the child is more regulated, contact can happen in a way which is safe for all.
In the safety section of our exploration training we go through a bunch of scenarios and one of these is a client arriving dis-regulated and wanting to ‘cool off’ by riding your horse. We explore the dangers inherent in allowing this to happen (including both the obvious physical risks and also the emotional risks for the horse, client and their relationships) and safer ways to approach such a situation.
Thanks for this post Sue. While I appreciate the ‘research’ and ‘naming’ of processes, it is the actual experiencing that I focus on. I find that many of my clients are ‘heady’ and want to understand ‘why’, however, it often is not as helpful as simply experiencing “it” whatever that “it” is. Of course, the inherent risk in this is that the experience can be overwhelming, so as Facilitators, my equine partner and I must be in tune and attuned!
Hi Michelle! I totally agree that if someone gets stuck in the cognitive aspects of all of this and never experiences any of it emotionally then much is being missed. Yet, to facilitate this work safely and effectively (and also to explain it to funders, parents etc) I find it helpful to have a solid understanding of the why. So, I would suggest that, for the client, staying with the experiential and emotional experience can be wonderful and the ‘why’ needs only be added if they are curious and if it doesn’t end up becoming a distraction from the other aspects of the work. But for facilitators I would suggest having both pieces is ideal.
This reminds me of why ‘peer support’ works so well at getting people to open up. Reduced sense of judgement that can often be felt within the counselor/client dynamic. Animals as well can certainly help break down the walls that are often up to protect people from hurt but also can block out help.
Biophilia – when I get caught in the trap of believing that without a 1/4 million dollar indoor arena, white board fences, and a 5 star retreat centre, even though I live in such a peaceful, wide-open 105 acres surrounded by trees, ponds and nature at my doorstep, that I don’t have much to offer.
I think of my “paid accountable work” as a victim services coordinator, and the stark, cold, sterile building (rural RCMP detachment) that houses my office, along with all of the police members and staff who experience daily trauma and secondary trauma. How very simple it would be to bring in elements of nature in all of these cold, unwelcoming, and human-made environments to connect us to the healing power of nature. I am excited about the possibilities of exploring Biophilia in more depth and finding ways to help others experience the benefits. I think of a simple fountain in my office, with images of nature and animals, and encouraging others to embrace the small changes we can all make.
Great points Carol! Often it’s simply being outside in nature – without any need for a fancy barn or arena – that can offer the most, especially to people who live and work in cities or towns and maybe don’t get to experience this very often. Incorporating small pieces of this into other environments is a great idea too!