The Overlooked Bond: Why Mental Health Professionals Should Ask Questions about Pets

Client-Centred Approach: What if Pets are Part of the Story?

Pets have become an integral part of people’s lives, with some having stronger bonds with their pets than with their siblings and other family members. Some individuals even feel more empathy toward animals than toward humans.

According to a survey, for nearly 90 per cent of Canadians, pets are not only family members but also an essential source of emotional support.

As researchers interested in the psychology of human-animal relationships, we believe that given these findings, it is crucial to understand how the relationship with pets shapes people’s routines, self-perceptions, emotional states, and ability to cope.

Asking pet-related questions can be particularly relevant for mental health professionals seeking a deeper understanding of clients’ family dynamics. Exploring the role of pets in a client’s life can offer valuable insights into factors shaping their well-being.

Client-Centred Approach: What if Pets are Part of the Story?

Using a client-centred approach, mental health professionals should understand and validate clients’ perspectives. The goal is to work with clients to understand what shapes their experiences, worldview, strengths, and support systems.

Unlocking Deeper Insights in Therapy

There are several specific ways that pet-related questions can influence the direction of therapeutic interventions.

Help Clients Feel More Comfortable

Asking pet-related questions can provide a sense of familiarity and comfort. This, in turn, strengthens the therapeutic alliance and creates an inviting atmosphere.

Create Trust

In general, building rapport with clients can create a foundation of trust. This makes it easier for them to share difficult and personal information. Discussing the dynamic between a client and their pet can help them feel more comfortable addressing sensitive topics. Nearly 90 per cent of women experiencing domestic violence report mistreatment of their pets.

Offer Insights on the Client’s Strengths and Resources

Pets can provide support in several ways. For some people, spending time with their pets during moments of stress can alleviate feelings of anxiety and loneliness. For others, the presence of a pet facilitates engaging in social and physical activities.

Help Identify Sources of Stress

The relationship with pets is complex, and can fluctuate. Pets with behavioral or health issues may create significant social barriers, reducing social interactions and heightening negative emotions in owners. Also, the inability to afford veterinary care can undermine a person’s well-being.

The Missing Piece

Pet-related questions are not just a trivial detail. The structure of families has evolved. As we work toward more holistic and empathetic therapeutic approaches, exploring the presence of pets in people’s lives is a critical step to fostering an environment of acceptance, openness, and trust.

Conclusion

By exploring this bond, mental health professionals can strengthen therapeutic alliances. They would also learn about essential aspects of a client’s emotional life, their strengths, and challenges. Simple questions like "do you have a pet at home?" and "how would you describe the role of your pet in your life?" can help strengthen connections with clients. These questions create opportunities for deeper engagement and promote a practice that is client-centred, inclusive, and aligned with the evolving configurations of families.

FAQs

Q: Why is it important to ask pet-related questions in therapy?
A: Asking pet-related questions can provide a sense of familiarity and comfort, create trust, and offer insights on a client’s strengths and resources.

Q: How can pet-related questions influence the direction of therapeutic interventions?
A: Pet-related questions can help identify sources of stress, offer insights on a client’s emotional life, and provide opportunities for deeper engagement.

Q: What are some examples of pet-related questions that mental health professionals can ask?
A: Some examples include "do you have a pet at home?", "how would you describe the role of your pet in your life?", and "how does your pet affect your daily routine?"