Dogs Influence the Evaluation of Psychotherapists - Essay Sample

Introduction

Dogs are among the most common pets around the world. They are known to be the best man's friend. According to research, a companion animal's presence helps a great deal in the reduction of stress, encourages interaction among human beings, and generally enhances how humans are perceived. As a result, dogs and other pets, in general, are useful therapeutically. Self-disclosure is a vital aspect during a therapy session. It is the process of revealing personally intimate thoughts, feelings, and information and is, therefore, the basis of psychotherapy. According to studies, a companion animal's presence during a psychotherapy session has been seen to facilitate the therapy process and help strengthen the client-therapist relationship, hence a better evaluation result.

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Save 25%

Animal Companions

Animal companions are known to be ‘’social lubricants'', that is, they enhance social interactions among human beings. This means that they make human beings look nicer, kinder, and more efficient, approachable. This plays a massive role in enhancing a therapist's image, making the client more at ease and more willing to open up to issues. Dogs also create a more relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for clients. As a result, they are more comfortable at disclosing issues and hence a better evaluation. They also help in building trust between the client and a therapist. Trust is a significant factor, and it facilitates the self-disclosure process. They have also shown to facilitate the development of a positive sense of self.

Furthermore, they have an impact on reducing anxiety and depression at significant rates. Most clients go to experience high levels of anxiety and depression before they seek professional help. The presence of dogs, according to studies, has shown to play a significant role in the reduction of anxiety levels as well as depression. Also, dogs have a physical impact based on the therapy session. An interaction with therapy dogs leads to an improvement to the cardiovascular health, resulting to patients requiring less medication. The presence of dogs also promotes the release of hormones which elevates moods. Other benefits of the inclusion of dogs in therapy sessions are that they can provide companionship and comfort. They can also be an excellent way to divert unpleasant thoughts or situations. Also, they can lessen resistance and expedite the development of a relationship in the therapy process. They can also make people feel comfortable in new and unfamiliar situations.

Conclusion

In summary, dogs have a significant impact on the evaluation of psychotherapists around the world. This is evident in the factors mentioned above, including aiding in one's self-disclosure. This is done by enhancing a more relaxed and comfortable environment, enhancing trust between the client and therapist, and enhancing social interactions between people. They also help reduce anxiety and depression levels. It has also been seen to have a positive impact on physical therapy. Therefore, dogs and other companion animals' use is highly advised due to the several benefits discussed above. The use of dogs psychotherapeutically should be highly encouraged as the positive results that come with it are evident, as discussed above. This leads to an improved evaluation of psychotherapists and, as a result, a better diagnosis of the client. In the end, it makes the world a better place to live in. Dogs have indeed proven to have a significant impact on the evaluation of psychotherapy. Therefore, I highly recommend the use of animal companions such as dogs dugs during the psychotherapy.