Animal-Assisted Therapy

Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT)

Animals are amazing cotherapists. They provide warmth, unconditional love and support in our lives. Including animals in mental health counseling sessions has provided my clients with emotional support while engaging in the self-reflecting, goal setting, and skill building that occurs in session. Research has shown that being with an animal reduces blood pressure, decreases stress hormones and increases positive neurochemicals such as oxytocin, endorphins, and dopamine.

Champ, my first rescue pit bull is a certified therapy dog since August 2012. He is sweet and gentle. Champ makes my clients feel more at ease and is a model of relaxation, mindfulness, and living an engaged and carefree life. If we could all be more like Champ, the world would be a better place!

Jacques, a rescue West Highland White Terrier, has been certified as a therapy dog since November 2018, shortly after his 1st birthday. He is alert and compassionate and loves to give kisses in the waiting room.

Mac, a rescue pit bull from North Carolina was certified as a therapy dog in March 2019. Mac is teaching me and my clients lessons about how trauma impacts dogs in similar ways it impacts humans. With professional training, love, and consistency, Mac is healing from his past and looking ahead towards a brighter future.

One or more of my certified therapy dogs is present in sessions.