How Our New Office Therapy Dog Will Enhance Your Therapy Experience

This week, we welcomed a new furry friend into our office—a puppy we plan to train as our official therapy dog! The excitement is undeniable, and I'm eager to share how this little bundle of joy will enhance your therapy experience in meaningful ways.

Therapy dogs bring emotional support to people who need it. These specially trained and certified dogs often visit hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient therapy practices. They help create a warm and inviting atmosphere for everyone involved. With our new puppy, we aim to make your therapy sessions even more comforting and engaging.

What is a Therapy Dog?

A therapy dog is more than just a pet; they undergo extensive training to ensure they can provide emotional support effectively. These dogs are handled with care and are used to being petted and embraced by strangers. Their gentle nature makes them perfect companions, especially for those going through challenging times.

For instance, research shows that interactions with therapy dogs can reduce stress levels by up to 70% (NIH & American Institute of Stress). Having a therapy dog in our office means you can connect with a friendly, trained canine who helps you feel more at ease during your therapy sessions.

The Benefits of Having a Therapy Dog in Therapy Sessions

Emotional Support

One of the most significant benefits of having a therapy dog present during your sessions is the emotional support they provide. Dogs have a natural ability to sense human emotions, which helps lower anxiety and stress.

When you pet or cuddle with a therapy dog, your body releases oxytocin, often called the "love hormone." In a study, participants reported a 30% decrease in anxiety levels when interacting with therapy animals (NIH). This increase in feelings of happiness makes it easier for you to express yourself during sessions.

A Safe Space for Vulnerability

Therapy can sometimes feel intimidating, especially when tackling difficult topics. A therapy dog can create a relaxing and comforting environment, helping you feel secure.

The presence of a dog can help break down barriers, allowing you to open up about your feelings and thoughts. Many clients report that having a furry friend by their side makes it easier for them to share their experiences, leading to deeper connections during therapy.

Encouragement to Engage

For some people, the idea of attending therapy can be daunting. However, having a therapy dog can motivate you to participate more actively in your sessions.

You may find yourself looking forward to your appointments not just for the therapy itself, but also for the joy of interacting with our new puppy. According to a survey, 80% of clients who worked with therapy dogs reported feeling more engaged and committed to their therapeutic journey (NIH, 2023 & NIH, 2024).

Building Connections

Therapy dogs can also help strengthen connections between clients and therapists. The shared experience of interacting with a dog can foster a bond that enhances the therapeutic relationship.

When you and your therapist share moments with the therapy dog, it can lead to more relaxed and open conversations. This connection is crucial in your healing process as it encourages trust and understanding, essential components in effective therapy.

Training Our New Puppy

Training our new puppy to become a therapy dog is an exciting journey we are eager to start. The process involves teaching essential commands, socialization skills, and how to remain calm in various situations.

We will ensure our puppy is well-prepared to handle the unique environment of a therapy setting. This includes being comfortable around people of all ages and learning to respond positively to different stimuli.

Regular Socialization

Socialization plays a crucial role in our puppy's training. We will expose our pup to varied environments, sounds, and people to ensure they are well-adjusted and confident. This process will help our therapy dog feel comfortable in the office and during therapy sessions, enabling them to provide the best support possible.

Certification Process

Once our puppy completes their training, we will pursue certification as a therapy dog. This certification process includes assessments to ensure the dog meets the necessary standards for therapy work.

Certification validates our puppy's training and provides assurance that they are equipped to offer the support you need in your sessions.

What to Expect During Your Sessions

When you come in for your therapy session with our therapy dog, you can expect a warm welcome from our new puppy. They will greet you with a wagging tail and a friendly demeanor, setting a positive tone for the session.

You will have the chance to interact with the therapy dog throughout your time together. Whether through petting, cuddling, or simply enjoying their presence, this interaction can create a more relaxed atmosphere, allowing you to focus on your therapeutic goals.

A Unique Experience

Every therapy session will feel unique with our therapy dog present. You may find that the dog helps you express emotions that you've kept bottled up.

Whether you're feeling anxious, sad, or even joyful, our puppy will be by your side to share those moments, providing comfort and companionship during your journey.

Exciting Times Ahead

We are thrilled to introduce our new office therapy dog and can't wait for you to meet them! The benefits of having a therapy dog in your sessions are numerous, from providing emotional support to fostering deeper connections.

As we embark on this training and certification journey, we look forward to enhancing your therapy experience with the love and joy that only a furry friend can offer.

So, prepare for some tail-wagging moments and heartwarming interactions during your next visit!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy Dogs in Counseling

What is a therapy dog?

A therapy dog is a specially trained and certified canine that provides emotional support in settings like hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and therapy practices. Unlike service dogs, therapy dogs are trained to interact with many people, offering comfort, reducing stress, and creating a welcoming environment.

How can a therapy dog help during counseling sessions?

Therapy dogs help lower stress and anxiety, encourage relaxation, and make it easier for clients to open up during therapy. Research shows that petting a therapy dog can release oxytocin (the “love hormone”) and decrease anxiety by up to 70%. Their presence can create a safe, comforting space that supports deeper emotional work.

Are therapy dogs different from service dogs?

Yes. Service dogs are trained to assist one person with specific tasks related to a disability, while therapy dogs are trained to provide comfort and companionship to many people. In therapy sessions, a therapy dog helps foster emotional connection rather than performing physical tasks.

What benefits do therapy dogs provide in mental health treatment?

Therapy dogs can:

• Reduce anxiety, stress, and depression symptoms

• Provide emotional support and companionship

• Encourage engagement and participation in sessions

• Strengthen trust and connection between client and therapist

• Create a positive, welcoming environment for healing

What can I expect from sessions with a therapy dog?

When you attend a counseling session with a therapy dog, you may be greeted with friendly, calming interaction. You’ll have the opportunity to pet, cuddle, or simply enjoy their presence throughout the session. This can help you feel more at ease, focus on your goals, and leave with a sense of comfort and connection.

When will Lady, Lotus Bloom Psychology's therapy dog, be available for sessions?

Lady is still training, but once she's certified, she will be available on a limited basis. We'll share more details soon!