Animal Assisted Therapy
ABOUT Animal Assisted Therapy
Research has shown that simply petting a dog can regulate breathing and decrease stress hormones while increasing oxytocin, a hormone associated with affection and bonding. For those who would benefit from this interaction, we provide a feeling of calm, warmth and soothing through our therapy dog, Freddie.
What are the benefits of a therapy dog?
Our therapy dog, Freddie, is loving, and affectionate providing you with a feeling of positive unconditional regard, acceptance and comfort in sessions. There are a variety of reasons that Freddie may be present for a session:
- Providing comfort for those with a history of trauma
- Allowing children to feel more relaxed and engaged in sessions
- Exposure therapy for those with dog phobia
In order to support you in reaching your goals, we utilize a variety of resources and sometimes that may mean a visit from Freddie.