The Dogtor will see you now: Why a furry therapist is good for your mental health

 
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Lamiat Sabin15 June 2012

Over half of British people talk to their pets to ease stress, a survey said today.

85 per cent of all cat and dog owners talk to their animals about relationships, work, family and finance, according to a study by insurer More Than.

When asked why they talk to their furry companions, 59% of those surveyed said it was because they fear they will be judged, embarrassed or at risk of sparking conflict if they share their feelings with their human peers.

A fifth of pet owners use their cats and dogs to rehearse job interview answers and 12% use them to practise their wedding vows.

Respondents said by speaking aloud in front of a pet first, they could organise their thought processes and work out exactly what they want to say to relieve worry and stress.

Relationship psychologist Corinne Sweet said: “Pets don’t judge, talk back or complain. Instead they listen well, have open minds and faces and enable their owners to freely unburden themselves.”

More Than is holding the first-ever “Dogtor’s Surgery”– offering members of the public one-on-one therapy sessions with a canine psychiatrist.

Janet Connor, Managing Director for More Than, said: “While pets might not be able to speak or have the foggiest what’s being said to them, they are looked upon as faithful companions whose loyalty and affection is unwavering.

“The majority of Brits don’t see their pets as substitutes for people, but more as silent friends who they can turn to whenever they need to organise their thoughts or de-stress after a hard day.”

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