Transpecies Therapy

In Seibert's An Elephant Crackup?, psychologist Gay Bradshaw proposes the idea of a "trans-species psyche" between man and elephant. This innovative notion is backed by the analogous domestic structures of each animal. From the social classes to burial rituals and advanced communication, Seibert humanizes the elephants to reinforce the unification of both souls. Now, sanctuaries, such as the Sheldrick Trust in Kenya, are exploiting this relationship. The rehabilitation of elephants is proving beneficial for all parties involved.

This companion assisted rehabilitation transcends the human-elephant relationship. Elephant therapy entails, "both a sense of safety and a freedom of choice--both mainstays of human trauma therapy--as well as continual social interaction" (Seibert 536). However, other forms of transpecies therapy include convicts and horses. While it may seem that the convicts must learn to deal with the unruly, wild mustangs, it can be said that the horses must learn to deal with the contumacious convicts. These relationships are, as Bradshaw described, "the beginning of a mutually benefiting interspecies culture" (538).