Well and good; but doesn't the poor *parrot* get awfully depressed?
(Have any UK 'Catters given the bird your woes? :)

BBC NEWS | UK | Wales |
Friday, 18 October, 2002, 13:21 GMT 14:21 UK

Parrot therapy for stressed workers

Businessmen suffering from stress are pouring out their troubles to a parrot at a Cardiff hypnotherapy clinic.

Doctor Raymond Roberts who runs the Capital Hypnotherapy Clinic, started the service as an experiment, but says it has become very popular.

"It all started when a client came in and said he needed to talk about some problems but felt he couldn't because he didn't want to divulge confidential information to anyone," said Dr Roberts. "I asked him if he would consider talking to Jesse instead. "I think he thought I was a bit crazy, but had a go and it was such a success. He came out of the session completely relieved because he had been able to talk about his problems without breaking confidentialities to anyone," he said.

Dr Roberts said since the service started two months ago he has been
inundated with people booking sessions with Jesse.

"I have been researching animal therapy for quite a while," he said.
"It is well known that stroking a cat or dog can help reduce stress.
So I wondered how it would work for people talking to an animal.
I decided to use a parrot because they would be easier to look after than a dog or cat."

The bird therapy sessions, which last about half-an-hour, cost £30.
"I take the clients into a room and use hypnotherapy to relax them," said Dr Roberts. "I leave them to off-load their problems to Jesse and when they come out they are much happier," he added.

Chris Sparks, who has businesses in marketing and promotion, was one of the first people to use Jesse.

"I was quite stressed out and wanted to talk it out, but didn't feel I could speak freely because it was about confidential business matters," he said.

"Dr Roberts suggested I speak to Jesse instead. I thought he was absolutely crazy at first and wondered if he was joking. But I went for it and it was marvellous. There has been a marked change in my attitude to things and I would definitely recommend it."

"I was able to unload all my burdens without breaking confidentiality," he added.

BBC Wales' Sian Richards