Animal Assisted Therapy

Working with animals for therapeutic reasons is not a new concept. The first recorded instance of animal therapy actually dates back to the 18th century. Animals are used in a variety of settings to help patients with a variety of issues.

How Animal Assisted Therapy Can Help Your Mental Health

Working with many types of animals has been proven to be extremely beneficial in many ways. It has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood and energy levels, and decrease pain and anxiety.

My Approach to Integrating Animal Assisted Therapy Into Session

I am using my dog, Tondo, who is an official therapy dog, to help clients in a variety of ways. Working with a therapy dog can help lift spirits and lessen depression, decrease feelings of isolation, encourage communication, provide comfort, decrease anxiety, and create motivation for faster recovery.

Things to Consider

Animals can be unpredictable. Tondo has trained to be an Animal Therapist since 9 weeks of age. However, he is a dog. He might teethe, shed, or be otherwise disruptive while he’s in the office. Whether or not he is actively “working”, he will most often be present in session (in his kennel or out loose, up to you!).