Supporting a child or family member who identifies as a therian

A Thrian — someone who feels a deep spiritual or psychological connection to a particular animal—is important. Here are some ways to approach this situation with understanding and care:

1. Educate Yourself

Learn About Therianthropy: Understanding what it means to be a therian is crucial. Research the concept, read about others’ experiences, and seek out reliable sources. Therianthropy is often misunderstood, so being informed helps you approach the topic with empathy

2. Open Communication

– Create a Safe Space for Dialogue: Encourage open discussions where your family member can express their feelings without fear of judgment. Ask questions to understand their perspective, but be respectful and avoid making them feel uncomfortable.
– Validate Their Identity: Acknowledge their feelings and experiences as real and valid. Even if you don’t fully understand, it’s important to respect their self-identification.

3. Support Their Exploration

– Encourage Healthy Exploration: Support them in exploring their therian identity in ways that are safe and positive. This might involve creative expression, such as art, writing, or participating in online communities where they can connect with others who share similar experiences.
– Set Boundaries When Necessary: If certain behaviors might lead to harm or social difficulties, discuss them openly. Establishing guidelines that prioritize safety while respecting their identity is key.

4. Address Social Challenges

– Prepare for Social Situations: Discuss how they might navigate social settings, especially in environments where their identity might not be understood or accepted. Role-playing conversations and offering advice on how to respond to potential negativity can be helpful.
– Advocate for Them: If they face bullying or discrimination, be prepared to advocate on their behalf. Schools and social groups should be safe spaces for all children, including those who identify as therians.

5. Seek Professional Support if Needed

– Therapists or Counselors: If your child is struggling with their identity or facing emotional challenges, consider seeking out a therapist who is knowledgeable about or open to discussing therianthropy. Therapy can provide a space for them to explore their feelings in a supportive environment.
– Family Counseling: If the situation is causing tension within the family, family therapy can help everyone communicate better and understand each other’s perspectives.

6. Respect Their Privacy

– Confidentiality: Allow them to decide when and how to share their identity with others. Pressuring them to keep it secret or to “come out” can be harmful. Respect their wishes regarding who knows about their identity.

7. Celebrate Their Unique Identity

– Encourage Individuality: Recognize and celebrate their uniqueness. Being a therian is just one part of who they are, and supporting all aspects of their identity will help them feel loved and accepted.

8. Connect with Other Parents or Support Groups

– Find a Community: Seek out support groups or online forums where other parents of therians share their experiences. This can provide you with additional resources and support as you navigate this journey together. The chances are they have all the same, worries, concerns and fears as you do.

9. Be Patient

– Understand It’s a Journey: Identity exploration is a process that can take time. Your family member may go through various stages of understanding themselves. Be patient and supportive as they continue to learn and grow.

10. Emphasise Unconditional Love

– Show Love and Acceptance: Above all, remind them that they are loved unconditionally. Your acceptance can provide them with the confidence and security they need to be true to themselves.

Supporting a therian family member requires understanding, open-mindedness, and a willingness to learn and grow together. By fostering a supportive environment, you can help them thrive as they explore their identity.

We have created a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) guide for friends and family of therians. This can help foster understanding and support for individuals who identify as therians. Click here to visit the FAQ page