Wolfdog Therapy

 

A long history, a contemporary approach

Animal-assisted therapy has roots stretching back more than two centuries, but animals also have a fascinating place within the history of psychotherapy itself.

In the 1930s, Sigmund Freud regularly had his Chow Chow, Jofi, present during psychoanalytic sessions. Freud observed that her presence appeared to help some patients relax and communicate more freely, particularly children and adolescents. He also paid attention to Jofi's behaviour and responses during sessions. The Freud Museum records that Jofi was such a regular presence in the consulting room that Freud reportedly used her behaviour to recognise when the therapeutic hour was coming to an end. PubMed Central (PMC)

Several decades later, child psychologist Boris Levinson began documenting the therapeutic effect of his dog Jingles after noticing that the dog's presence helped him engage with a child who had previously been difficult to reach. Levinson's work in the 1960s became an important foundation for what we now recognise as animal-assisted psychotherapy. Sage Journals

Today, animal-assisted approaches are used across a range of therapeutic settings, including work with trauma and military veterans. In the United States, this has extended to programmes involving rescued wolves and wolfdogs.

At The Fenrir Clinic, Wolfdog Therapy develops this tradition within a contemporary psychotherapeutic framework, using the relationships, observations and emotional responses that emerge when working alongside these remarkable animals as material for therapeutic exploration.

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A different kind of therapeutic relationship

Wolfdog Therapy at The Fenrir Clinic brings psychotherapy into a different environment, working alongside specially selected wolfdogs as part of the therapeutic process.

Wolfdogs are highly observant, socially complex animals. They communicate largely through body language, respond to subtle changes in their environment and relationships, and do not rely on the social conventions that shape human interaction. Working alongside them can create opportunities to explore trust, boundaries, communication, emotional regulation, relationships and our responses to uncertainty in a way that talking alone sometimes cannot.

The wolfdog is not a therapist, nor is interaction with the animal the treatment itself. Sessions are facilitated by Fenrir Hannah Hanssen, a qualified psychotherapist, with the wolfdogs forming part of a professionally guided therapeutic experience.

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How does it work?

Sessions may involve observing or interacting with the wolfdogs, depending on the individual, the therapeutic goals and, importantly, the willingness of the animals themselves.

There is no expectation that a client must touch or directly interact with a wolfdog. Sometimes simply sharing space with and observing an animal can provide rich material for therapeutic exploration.

The welfare and autonomy of the wolfdogs are fundamental to the work. They are never required to interact and are always free to disengage.

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Who is it for?

Wolfdog Therapy may be particularly valuable for people who find traditional room-based therapy difficult, or who communicate and engage more comfortably through activity, nature or animals.

It may offer a different way of working with areas such as confidence, trust, relationships, boundaries, emotional awareness and regulation.

Sessions are individually planned and suitability is considered before wolfdog-assisted work begins.

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Sessions & Enquiries

With Fenrir Hannah Hanssen
In-person only | By prior arrangement

Wolfdog Therapy is not suitable for every client, and an initial discussion is required before booking.

Contact The Fenrir Clinic to discuss suitability, availability and fees.

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