What led you to explore and write about cow cuddling therapy?
Dr. Simplejit Kaur Dhanoa: The idea stemmed from a sincere desire to explore low-cost, accessible, and culturally rooted approaches to mental health. My observations of stray cows wandering aimlessly through streets without care or companionship deeply affected me. I saw not just neglected animals but also an opportunity—what if these calm, nurturing beings could become co-healers? Cows, revered in many traditions for their gentle energy and sacred presence, seemed uniquely suited to support emotional healing. Their calmness, warmth, and quiet wisdom sparked the idea of cow cuddling as a therapeutic modality. I envisioned a practice where humans and cows could support one another in mutual healing. This combination of compassion, cultural relevance, and emotional connection led me to explore this concept academically and spiritually. It became clear to me that this was not just an academic endeavor but a calling to bridge compassion with clinical insight. That journey eventually culminated in developing a structured model of cow-assisted therapy rooted in both tradition and modern psychology. Interestingly, when Shubham came to me with the idea of pursuing this as a PhD topic, it resonated with my own values and interests—we connected instantly. The alignment of purpose made this research journey even more meaningful and heartfelt.
What challenges did you face while researching this emerging field?
Dr. Simplejit Kaur Dhanoa: Cow-assisted therapy is still a relatively unexplored field, so the journey came with numerous challenges. Scientifically, there was a lack of established literature or validated frameworks to build on. Gaining the trust of participants for an unconventional therapy also required sensitivity and care, which led to the inclusion of rapport-building sessions. Training cows was equally challenging—they’re naturally gentle but not automatically sociable with strangers. Through patient, positive reinforcement, they gradually adapted. Ensuring a peaceful, clean, and safe environment was essential not just for the participants but also for the cows’ well-being. Every element had to be curated with intentionality to create a truly healing space. Additionally, securing ethical clearance and building interdisciplinary collaborations was a time-intensive but crucial step. These challenges, while demanding, ultimately helped strengthen the scientific and humane foundations of the project.
How do faith and science come together in cow cuddling therapy?
Dr. Simplejit Kaur Dhanoa: In this therapy, faith and science beautifully coexist rather than compete. Faith offers emotional and spiritual grounding—especially for those who culturally revere cows as symbols of nurturing and tranquility. Many participants report feeling a sense of calm and safety even before understanding the science behind it. At the same time, scientific studies are beginning to validate these effects, showing reductions in cortisol levels and improved mental well-being from animal-assisted interactions. The therapy illustrates that belief and data can align—trust in the therapeutic bond and emerging evidence together form a holistic foundation for healing. This integration makes the therapy both spiritually meaningful and empirically credible. It’s a rare but powerful example of ancient intuition being affirmed by modern inquiry.
Can you share a powerful case that shows the impact of cow cuddling therapy?
Dr. Simplejit Kaur Dhanoa: One of the most touching cases involved a participant dealing with severe anxiety and emotional isolation. Initially hesitant, she eventually opened up during a session where she gently leaned against a cow’s body. She later shared that the cow’s quiet stillness made her feel seen and safe in a way she hadn’t experienced in years. Over multiple sessions, her sleep improved, her social comfort grew, and she began to express her emotions more freely. It wasn’t just therapy—it became a spiritual reconnection with herself and with nature. The cow’s presence, non-judgmental and calm, offered the kind of healing space words often fail to provide. Her transformation became a case study in the handbook, inspiring further exploration into the emotional intelligence of animals. It reaffirmed that healing is possible when we are truly held—sometimes, quite literally.
How does cow-assisted therapy differ from equine or canine therapy?
Dr. Simplejit Kaur Dhanoa: Cow-assisted therapy offers a distinctive therapeutic experience marked by stillness, depth, and calmness. While equine therapy involves active engagement like riding or guiding and canine therapy brings playful, high-energy interactions, cow therapy invites grounding and presence. Cows are large, warm, and peaceful beings who bring a sense of safety through physical closeness. Their non-demanding nature allows individuals to interact at their own pace. In cultures where cows are sacred, the emotional bond can be even more profound, giving the therapy spiritual resonance in addition to psychological benefits. It’s less about action and more about being. The slow rhythm of a cow’s breath often sets the tone for deep relaxation and mindfulness. That makes cow therapy particularly effective for those needing a gentler, less stimulating approach to healing.
How do cultural views of cows influence their role in therapy?
Dr. Simplejit Kaur Dhanoa: Cultural perceptions significantly shape how people engage with cow therapy. In India and other cultures where cows are revered as maternal figures and symbols of abundance and peace, their presence in therapy is met with deep respect and openness. This cultural reverence enhances trust and the therapeutic impact. In agricultural societies, cows are seen as dependable companions, adding to their emotional resonance. Even in non-religious Western contexts, people perceive cows as gentle and intelligent, fostering a sense of connection. These cultural associations make the therapy feel both familiar and profound, strengthening the human-animal bond that is central to healing. The symbolism of the cow as a caretaker resonates universally, regardless of belief systems. This shared recognition opens the door for culturally sensitive and spiritually enriching therapeutic experiences.
Can cow cuddling therapy be adapted to urban settings?
Dr. Simplejit Kaur Dhanoa: Definitely. While traditionally associated with rural environments, cow cuddling therapy has great potential in urban settings through creative adaptation. Urban farms, community sanctuaries, and green spaces can host therapeutic programs, offering a breath of calm in city life. Mobile therapy units could bring cows to parks, wellness events, or even corporate offices for mental wellness days. Collaborations with zoos, educational centers, and mental health clinics can further extend reach. With proper planning, training, and ethical considerations, cow therapy can become a deeply grounding urban wellness practice—helping city dwellers reconnect with nature and themselves. As urban mental health challenges rise, the demand for nature-based and emotionally grounding interventions will only grow. Cow therapy could be a beautiful way to bring rural wisdom into city life.
What ethical concerns should be considered in cow-assisted therapy?
Dr. Simplejit Kaur Dhanoa: Ethics are at the heart of cow-assisted therapy. First and foremost, the well-being of the cow must be protected. They must not be forced into interactions and should be trained with kindness and patience. Each cow’s temperament should be respected—some may be more inclined to bond with humans, while others may prefer space. Clean environments, adequate rest, and regular health checkups are essential. Equally important is the informed consent of human participants, who must understand what the therapy entails. Ethical therapy also requires transparency, ongoing feedback, and adaptability to ensure it remains safe, respectful, and nurturing for all involved. Practitioners must treat cows not as tools but as co-therapists with agency and dignity. Embedding these principles into practice ensures the integrity and sustainability of this unique modality.
What would you say to someone skeptical about cow cuddling therapy?
Dr. Simplejit Kaur Dhanoa: I welcome skepticism—it means a person is curious and cautious, which are both healthy traits. Cow cuddling therapy may sound unconventional, but many transformative therapies once faced doubt. I invite skeptics to explore the research, read real-life experiences, and even try a session themselves. The connection one feels with a cow isn’t something easily explained; it’s something felt. The sense of safety, calm, and emotional release often surprises first-time participants. You don’t need to believe immediately—just bring an open mind. Often, the most unexpected practices bring the deepest forms of healing. Over time, experience speaks louder than assumptions, and many skeptics become advocates after their first authentic encounter.
What do you hope readers take away, and how do you see this therapy evolving?
Dr. Simplejit Kaur Dhanoa: I hope readers come away with a renewed sense of curiosity about the natural world and its capacity to heal. Cow-assisted therapy isn’t just about animals—it’s about restoring balance between humans and nature, and within ourselves. I envision the therapy growing through deeper research, community-based programs, and integration with mental health services. Urban adoption, policy support, and culturally aware frameworks will shape its evolution. Most importantly, I hope this therapy reminds people that healing can be simple, sacred, and shared—that sometimes, all we need is the quiet company of a gentle soul to begin our journey back to peace. The future of this therapy lies in collaboration across disciplines, where tradition and innovation meet for the greater good. And in that union, both cows and humans can find renewed purpose and connection.
