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Animals as the Third in Relational Psychotherapy: Exploring Theory, Frame and Practice

Editor : Jo Silbert, Editor : Jo Frasca

Reviews and Endorsements

Animals as the Third in Relational Psychotherapy is a fascinating, well-researched book, with many beautiful clinical stories, proposing that an animal presence offers unique therapeutic opportunities, including the possibility of affection without ambivalence, selfobject functions, a transitional space, and a meeting of affects. I highly recommend this book. - Beatrice Beebe, PhD, Clinical Prof., Columbia Univ. Medical Centre.

This courageous, touching text extends considerations of the therapeutic frame and relationship beyond the dyad and takes it to a new and innovative level which sanctions the inclusion of animals within the therapeutic space. By thoughtfully integrating their clinical reflections of the animal presence in the room with insightful contemporary Relational thinking and practice, the authors move us readers from old sentimental narratives regarding animals to a new, more substantial theoretical position. The text thus highlights how psychotherapists can represent themselves in broader, transparent and authentic ways while adding to the potency and breadth in our professional work. This is an important contribution to our field as well as being a wonderful informative read. - Elana Leigh, Relational Transactional Analyst, Supervisor and Trainer.

Thomas Ogden refers to a third subjectivity unconsciously co-created by the therapist and client, "which seems to take a life of its own in the interpersonal field between them", which is where therapy takes place. The presence of an animal in the therapy setting, adding a third participant into the therapeutic setting, expands this interpersonal field and therefore provides further opportunities for deep relational work. The book Animals as the third in relational psychotherapy: Exploring theory, frame and practice beautifully analyses the contribution of animals to the patient, the therapist, and the psychotherapy process. - Nancy Parish-Plass, Chairperson, Israeli Association of Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy.