Animal-Assisted Therapy

Sometimes, it’s tough to trust humans…

… but it’s easy to trust a dog.

They won’t tell anyone your secrets.

They won’t yell at you or judge you for making a mistake.

A dog won’t give you a disgusted look or turn you away when you need a hug.

There’s no fear of rejection from a dog.

They offer constant and unconditional love and affection. No. Matter. What.

Coming to therapy can be a little scary at first, but having someone you know you can always count on can make a huge difference.

The presence of a therapy animal in treatment has been proven to help kids and teens experiencing depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, anger issues, behavioral problems, and many more!

Animals have a natural “calming effect” on those around them.

When it’s difficult for kids to open up and talk about their struggles, animals can provide the comfort needed to begin to trust and engage in sessions.

This phenomenon is caused by “mirror neurons.”

Mirror neurons are neurons in our brain that allow us to experience the feelings of those around us. They are also the basis for our ability to experience empathy.

When loving animals surround humans, our brains naturally allow us to “mirror” the animal’s calm nature.

Studies have shown that simply the presence of a therapy animal in the room can automatically decrease feelings of anxiety and stress.

If you are considering therapy for your child, incorporating an animal-assisted component into sessions will help your child open up and become more comfortable in the counseling setting.

Because why not play with a dog during counseling sessions?

Incorporating animal-assisted therapy will help increase feelings of trust and support throughout sessions.

Upon arrival to sessions, your child will be greeted by my registered therapy dog in the lobby – usually wearing a bow or a silly bandana.

After this initial meeting, clients always look forward to coming back.

The presence of a registered therapy animal in sessions has proven benefits such as…

Increased Trust and Comfortability

When it’s tough to trust people (or simply adults), a therapy dog can bridge that gap.

By choosing to trust the dog, children can also shift that trust to me.

Then we can work comfortably together to work toward your child’s goals.

Decreases Anxiety

Let’s be honest… sometimes, therapy can be tough.

Though we make it as fun as possible, talking about scary or anxious feelings can be uncomfortable.

Facing fears, processing negative thoughts, and talking through worries can feel strange.

With my therapy dog present, we can still work through your child’s big therapeutic goals, but sometimes it’s a little easier when we first switch the focus to Lyla (my therapy dog).

Kids are usually pretty surprised to hear that Lyla sometimes gets a little nervous when it’s storming. And that she feels sad when her toys are put away for the night.

Sometimes, we even talk about Lyla’s experiences while being in “therapy dog school,” and afterward, kids often find it’s a little easier to talk about their own school struggles.

Spike in Serotonin Levels (Happy Emotions)

Parents have often told me that their child’s face lights up when they arrive to see Lyla waiting for them in the lobby.

Many of my clients look forward to seeing “their friend” in sessions.

Several clients have drawn pictures for Lyla and take pride in her unconditional excitement to see them.

I’ve noticed that children who originally were the most worried about coming to therapy become the most excited about it each week because they love how Lyla is incorporated into their treatment.

Increased Sense of Social Support

Maybe you’ve noticed that animals have naturally become a big part of the human social circle.

When you see a commercial on TV, pets tend to be included within the family setting.

You may notice that dog parks have become the new playground.

From dog meet-up groups on social media to doggy daycares (complete with bus pick-up services), humans have welcomed pets into our social lives.

Because animals are now in our circle, when people experience acceptance from a therapy animal in sessions, they feel that same sense of social support (as if it were from a human).

With my therapy dog present, your child will always feel this sense of support.

Give your child the help they deserve.

Choosing treatment for your child just became a lot easier.

With increased motivation and excitement to work on their goals with their built-in “best friend,” you won’t have to force your child to come to therapy. Let’s all work together to help your child reach their full potential.

Call (901) 209-9454 today for a free 15-minute consultation!