07/09/2018
Do you have an emotional support guinea pig? How about a goat or llama or chicken?!
I get a few calls a month from people asking about emotional support animals! Most of them are reporting symptoms of anxiety and are looking for a letter to allow their animals to fly with them or live with them with no extra fee. If you have seen a news story about people flying with their chicken, you might feel skeptical and wonder if ESA’s or emotional support animals are truly effective treatments for Anxiety. The answer is, “sometimes”!
I do write letters for people recommending they be allowed an emotional support animal. These people are my ongoing clients. Their symptoms from their mental health disorder like autistic spectrum disorder, generalized anxiety disorder or major depressive disorder are long term, ongoing and significantly reduce their ability to function on a day to day basis. However, it is important to know that not all my clients with these disorders qualify for my recommendation for an ESA. It s on a case by case basis.
I do think most people benefit from having a pet. However, there is a difference between the benefits of having a pet and saying that a pet has a therapeutic effect on a psychiatric disorder like anxiety.
Pet owners are found to be healthier on a number of psychological dimensions and measures of well-being, like self-esteem, and they were less lonely and introverted.
But this does not necessarily mean that having a pet will significantly reduce serious anxiety or depression. I help each client create a multi-faceted plan that is specific to them!
For example, working with me on reducing symptoms of anxiety could utilize a number of techniques such as:
Anxiety reduction techniques (breathing, questioning problematic thoughts, positive self-talk, self-hypnosis).
Stress reduction activities (meditation, music, getting in motion, gratitude perspective).
Commitment to learning and using breathing, stress reduction or relaxation techniques daily.
Identifying issues in your life that might be contributing to your anxiety and spending time figuring out how to address said issues.
Take a hard look at your diet, sleep and exercise and working on needed adjustments.
Become educated about whether supplements, over the counter medication or prescribed is appropriate to help you reduce anxiety.
Kaleidoscope Inside Counseling provides psychotherapy and evidenced based information and education about relaxation, exercise, sleep, a good diet, reduction of environmental stressors. The relief you can get from utilizing these powerful little adjustments is awesome and often inspires further growth such as a happy healthy shift to a lifestyle and schedule that is a match for your nervous system!
I hope you and your furry, fluffy, feathery or scaly friends have a wonderful week!! Remember to hel them stay cool in this warm summer weather.
Warm Regards, Lynn Talmon LMFT 949-258-7737