There is a new type of therapist: A therapy dog
By: Courtney Tomaszewski, LMHC
A therapy dog is like a furry superhero in the world of mental health. These amazing pups are trained to offer comfort, support, and a whole lot of love to people who might be feeling down or stressed out. No matter how you’re feeling, just spending time with a therapy dog can work wonders. They have this magical ability to make you feel better just by being there, wagging their tails and giving you cuddles. Whether you’re struggling with big emotions or facing a tough time, therapy dogs are there to lend a paw and help you feel happier and more at ease healing wherever they go.
These special dogs undergo rigorous training to develop their gentle demeanor, obedience, and socialization skills, enabling them to interact safely and effectively with people of all ages and backgrounds. Unlike service dogs, which assist individuals with specific disabilities, these trained dogs focus on providing emotional support and companionship to anyone in need. Therapy dogs can help with a range of symptoms and disorders including:
- Anxiety;
- Depression;
- Trauma;
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Learning Disabilities; and
- Chronic Pain
Through their wagging tails, warm cuddles, and non-judgmental presence, therapy dogs bring joy and comfort to countless lives, leaving paw prints of positivity and healing wherever they roam.
If you are interested in learning more information on therapy dogs, see the link below: