Animal-Assisted Therapy

Animal-Assisted Therapy

There are many benefits associated with working with therapy animals. Research has shown that incorporating animals into therapy can offer a wide range of emotional, behavioural, and relational supports, including:

• Improving motivation and engagement in the therapeutic process • Providing a sense of safety, comfort, and emotional support. Dogs often offer unconditional acceptance and positive regard • Promoting relaxation — studies show that interacting with animals can help lower blood pressure and heart rate while increasing oxytocin (often called the “feel-good” hormone) • Supporting the development of frustration tolerance and healthy anger management skills • Enhancing focus and attention • Increasing self-confidence and self-esteem through experiential learning • Bringing playfulness, humour, and joy into sessions • Encouraging the development of empathy, nurturing behaviours, responsibility, and skills such as patience and forgiveness

Taylor will always ask whether you or your child would like Winston to be part of the session. Participation in animal-assisted therapy is always voluntary and optional.

Reference: Chandler, C. (2024). Animal-Assisted Therapy in Counselling (4th ed.). Routledge