Animals, like children, are always responding to their environment, human and otherwise. So, when I work with an animal, I also work with the humans present in its daily environment.
I believe that often we don't fully understand the degree to which we are connected with and effect one another, whether the "other" is an animal, a tree, a bacteria or another human. And, we very often underestimate the "work" our animal companions are doing to help us grow and change...to teach us. It is not uncommon for an animal's symptom to be either directly or indirectly related to a change that is needed in ourselves and/or our family (which can include other animals).
So, in working with an animal, to ask them to change also means asking their human environment to change, too. Because as one shifts, so do the others. And in order to sustain the desired changes, it requires a cooperative effort.
Here's an example:
A person brought her dog for a session because the dog had been limping on and off for some time. We began the session by working with the dog.
When I say working with the dog, I mean we have begun a process of offering it essences to facilitate change. Because animals don't typically have the mental blocks that can slow this process down, the effects are immediate and often very strong. So, we give the animal time to process the change and while doing so, I encourage the person (or people) to notice what is happening for them simultaneously. Because of how energy works, as one individual discharges and realigns, then the same is also required of the other. It is as if, in that moment, a new way of relating emerges, based on alignment and balance rather than on coping and old strategies.
Soon into the dog's rebalancing process, it is clearly time for some work with the human. As a result of the change her dog friend was willing to make, the person was able to enter into her own story, and with support of the essences, myself and her dog, was able to clear up some historical patterning and move her energy into current time dynamics.
We finished the session with some more essences for the dog and I sent them home with an essence combination that they would share. The dog's symptoms never returned and the person was able to move through her life with a renewed clarity, strength and vitality.
Here's a second example of how a family dynamic can unfold:
I had been working with an elderly dog and his human family. It was clear that soon this dog was ready to make his transition out of his body and on to the next assignment. However, his family wasn't exactly ready to let him go. When I arrived at their home, I set myself up in the living room and the dog came and sat with me. One by one, the family members assembled in the living room. Once all the humans were gathered, the dog got up and left the room for the remainder of the session. I believe he was fully cognizant of the fact that his people needed some support to get them ready for his passing and he had done his part to gather them to do just that. So, I worked with the humans and helped them prepare for this significant family transition.
I feel incredibly lucky to facilitate this kind of family dynamic and am often moved to tears at the beauty that unfolds before me.
Some situations where my work with you and your animal might be of assistance:
