Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy

Our office supports animal-assisted therapy practices. Please be aware that at any given time, there may be one or more specially trained therapy dogs present in the office. If you have allergies and/or specific fears or concerns around the presence of therapy dogs, please let me know as soon as possible.

Meet CHESNEY, a 2-1/2 year old female yellow labrador retreiver ready to work with you!

Animal-assisted therapy can provide both mental health and medical benefits. The presence of a therapy dog can help increase trust and safety in a therapy room, which can help move the psychotherapy process along much faster. Peer reviewed studies support the benefits of therapy dogs in helping to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, attachment disorders, and many other mental health and nervous system dysregulation issues.

Studies confirm that seeing and touching animals can trigger positive physiological changes, including higher levels of serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin. A reduced baseline cortisol level is another benefit.

Note that Chesney is in the office part-time and may or may not be present during specific session times. If you have a preference either way, I will do my best to accommodate you so that you get the absolute most out of your therapy work.