Animal Assisted Therapy

Pickle enjoying some downtime from the office - all about the Work-Life Balance

We here at With You have a practitioner who, at times utilises an animal assisted therapy dog in appointments.

 Isn’t it just playing with a dog? I can do that at home!

As a psychologist, they will be utilising tools and strategies that are known to best support your/your child's needs and to reach your/their goals. These are evidence-based and reflect the ongoing commitment to professional development in psychology- just as any other psychologist here at With You. However, the introduction of a canine allows for the tools and strategies to be explored through the human-animal bond. This is just a fancy way of explaining the mutually beneficial relationship that develops between the client and the dog - which may allow for the goals to be reached more effectively. 

Typically, people feel more at ease in the presence of a dog, and a sense of security can develop during this process. It can also allow for in-the-moment learning opportunities such as social skills (depending on goals). Of course, it cannot be guaranteed and can also depend on how you/your child tends to feel towards dogs. 

How is an animal assisted therapy dog different from an Assistance/Service dog?

Assistant/Service dogs are trained in specific skills that assist their human in day-to-day tasks, which are varied, such as in the way that a dog may assist someone who is vision impaired. 

An animal assisted therapy dog is a canine who has an existing relationship with the therapist in the room. Ultimately, the therapist is delivering the evidence-based intervention, for example, cognitive behaviour therapy, and through the facilitation of the human-animal bond, explores the psychoeducation and skill development of CBT. 

While the field of research specifically in this area is new, there is a great deal of research on the positive effects the presence of a dog and the development of a relationship of unconditional positive regard can have on an individual. Preliminary research is supporting this in the therapy field, helping individuals and families meet their goals more effectively.   

Animal Assisted Therapy and the presence of a therapy dog can offer a broad range of benefits:

Decreased experience of anxiety in the therapy room. Lowers blood pressure.

It can help to reduce any resistance to attending.

Support a less stressful, non-judgemental environment.

Reduces physical pain.

Increases mental stimulation.

It can provide a much-needed distraction from the stress of working through emotionally overwhelming situations.

Reduced experience of loneliness.

Opportunities for in-session learning, such as social skills and observation of emotional states.

Clients experience a secure attachment from which they can explore psychological content.

Higher levels of engagement.

It can allow for improved well-being through the natural release of “happy” hormones”. 

We Look Forward to Meeting You in the Waiting Room :)