The Third on Four

Domesticated animals have become partners in therapeutic spaces over the years. The way we view them shifts between using them as objects and collaborating with them by their choice.

A similar shift also occurred in psychoanalytic theories: from drive theories involving one person and objects at their disposal, to intersubjective theories of two people in the room. The presence of a living being in the therapy room creates an endless array of complexities along with infinite therapeutic opportunities.

The goal of the course is to provide an in-depth perspective from a psychoanalytic viewpoint on the presence of the “third on four legs” in the therapy room, and case studies of therapy with the presence of animals from these perspectives. During the course, students will present clinical case studies through which we will practice the therapeutic approach.

At the end of the course, participants will receive a certificate of completion from Wind Chimes Association and The Human and Animal Institute.