From Psychology to Paws

My Journey into Naturopathy and Healing with Animals Animal Talk Magazine (In-Publication), Barbados, 2025

By Philippa Williams

For over a decade, I walked beside people in their healing. Now I walk beside animals too—often alongside people.

A Quiet Passion Grows in the Background

My naturopathy journey began not with a career change, but a quiet curiosity and a lifelong bond with animals.

In fact, my name—Philippa—literally means "lover of horses." And fittingly, I’ve had horses in my life since I was six years old, and dogs faithfully by my side since the age of seventeen.

Before becoming a psychologist and naturopath, I spent years immersed in another form of embodied connection: as a professional dressage rider and trainer. That work taught me the language of movement, rhythm, non-verbal communication—and, above all, listening. Deeply.

Transitioning into psychology and healing work wasn’t a departure from animals—it wove deeper into what I already knew: the body remembers, the nervous system speaks, and healing flows when we partner with nature.

In 2024, I formalised this calling by training as a Naturopath, for which I am now qualified and registered with the Complementary Medical Association. But in truth, I’d been living the principles of natural, integrative health for years.

Animals at the Heart of My Healing Work

Animals have been both companions and co-healers in my life. I’ve supported dogs through arthritis and anxiety with herbs, hydrotherapy, and emotional care. I’ve watched horses with chronic inflammation—sometimes given little hope by veterinarians—recover mobility and vitality with natural remedies, time, and patience.

Their sensitivity, their trust, their embodied truth—it continues to teach me more than any textbook ever could. It’s one of the reasons why I believe so deeply in naturopathy for animals, grounded in both evidence and empathy.

My Approach: Where Nature Meets Neuroscience

As a trauma specialist, I understand the physiological underpinnings of stress, pain, and dysregulation. My naturopathic approach honours this by blending:

• Evidence-based nutrition and herbalism

• Emotional and nervous system care

• Environmental and lifestyle changes

• Deep respect for the animal’s autonomy
  

Whether I’m supporting a rescue dog’s anxiety or a laminitic pony’s pain, I consider the whole being—not just the symptoms.

Practical Naturopathic Tips for Pet Owners

Everyday Foods That Heal

• Turmeric: Natural anti-inflammatory for joints, both orally and topically (use with a smidge of black pepper and coconut oil).

• Pumpkin: Soothes digestive issues —too much can trigger a yeast reaction. The seeds are anti-parasitic (crush them!).

• Sardines: Rich in omega-3s for skin, brain, and heart. Use sparingly due to mercury and heavy metal content. (Reach out for detox protocols for humans/animals.)

• Apple Cider Vinegar (raw, organic): Digestive pre/probiotic support, anti-inflammatory, and useful topically in wound or parasite treatments. (Reach out for more info!)

• Coconut oil: Great for skin health, energy, and immune support (orally and topically).

  
  

Always introduce new foods in small amounts and consult your vet or naturopath.

Hydration: The Overlooked Healer

• Add bone broth or coconut water to meals. Use with care—overuse of coconut water can disrupt potassium and sodium levels, potentially triggering a health crisis in both animals and humans. I recommend Sole water as a safer mineral support, but please contact me directly for personalised advice.

• Offer lukewarm herbal teas like chamomile, ginger or mint.

• Check hydration via the skin pinch test or by inspecting gum moisture.
  

 Laminitis Support Protocol (Equine)

Laminitis presents in the feet, but originates in liver and systemic imbalance. From a naturopathic perspective, it’s not just a foot issue—it’s a liver and digestive issue, an inflammatory condition, and a systemic stress signal.

Support includes low-sugar feeding, soaked hay, liver and circulatory herbs, and stress reduction—fear and isolation worsen symptoms. Common medications like Danilon and Phenylbutazone—similar in function to ibuprofen or paracetamol—act on brain receptors to dull pain and inflammation but can also increase the liver’s toxic load whilst causing secondary issues in the gut. While they offer short-term relief, they don’t address the root imbalance and may hinder and worsen long-term recovery.

I’ve personally rehabilitated horses that veterinarians had recommended be put down—restoring not just their hooves, but their vitality, comfort, and will to live. With the right naturopathic support, I’ve seen equines regain strength, emotional stability, and even resume work in gentle, therapeutic environments. If you’d like guidance on how to support a laminitic horse naturally, I’m happy to help.

Walking Beside Our Animal Co-Therapists: Ethics in Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy

My work extends beyond physical health—it includes equine and canine-assisted psychotherapy, where animals support deep emotional healing.

But this work must be approached with profound ethical care.

Freedom, Consent, and Agency

• Horses and dogs I work with are never 'used'—they are collaborators.

• We work at liberty: no force, no ropes, full choice.

• Animals receive rest days, extra foraging, peaceful spaces, and emotional check-ins.

• I watch closely for subtle stress signals and adjust or pause sessions as needed.

• Living by the mantra that both humans and animals should be benefiting positively from these interactions.
  

Trauma Work Requires Training

The non-verbal connection between humans and animals can access deep, pre-verbal trauma memories. This work can be life-changing—but also destabilising if not held safely.

That’s why:

• I believe only qualified, licensed, trauma-informed practitioners should facilitate this work.

• Our field is becoming increasingly regulated, which is vital for integrity and safety.

• Duty of care includes the client, the animal, and the therapeutic space.
  

More than we can verbalise occurs in the meeting of two nervous systems—this is highly skilled work that requires proper training to ensure it is conducted safely and ethically.

What’s Next?

I now offer naturopathy consultations for people, dogs, and horses, as well as regular, equine and canine-assisted psychotherapy and supervision.

I’ll be sharing free resources, tips, and professional updates throughout social media and email.

If you’ve received support from me or one of my animal co-facilitators in the past, I’d be so grateful for a testimonial to help build this next chapter.

Now Booking: Naturopathy Consultations for Dogs, Horses & Humans

Whether managing chronic issues or boosting vitality, I offer tailored naturopathic care—integrating psychological insight and working collaboratively with veterinary professionals to ensure safe, ethical support.

Special Offer for new clients

Get 25% off your initial consultation by quoting:AT25

Let’s create a path to natural healing—together.

Final Words: A Path of Purpose

This is more than a new chapter—it’s a return to something ancient, intuitive, and true. Healing happens when we listen deeply and honour the whole being.

Thank you for walking this path with me.

With love, Philippa Williams Psychologist | Naturopath | Clinical Supervisor Complementary Medical Association Profile