When someone walks into their first equine session feeling nervous, it’s not just body language the horse is picking up on. There’s now scientific evidence that animals, including horses, can detect chemosignals—part of the odors released through human sweat that reflect emotional states like fear or calm.

By exploring the latest research on how our nervous systems interact—whether between humans or across species—Brenda aims to provide therapists with the knowledge to deepen their connections with clients and improve therapeutic outcomes.

Mental and physical health don’t operate in isolation; they influence each other in profound ways. Stress, anxiety, and emotional distress often manifest physically, whether through muscle tension, changes in posture, or even pupil dilation. But what do we do with this information as therapists? Understanding these real-time physical responses can provide deeper insight into a client’s emotional state and the effectiveness of our interventions.

Heart rate variability (HRV) plays a crucial role in emotional regulation and mental health. Research shows that higher HRV is linked to improved well-being, making it an important consideration for therapists. In this episode, Brenda continues the discussion on HRV, exploring how it connects to psychotherapy and how clinicians can integrate it into their practice.