AAT Archives - Your Mind Matters

How can a therapy dog benefit me in my sessions?

laura on 01/05/2022

“A dog has no use for fancy cars, big homes, or designer clothes. A water logged stick will do just fine. A dog doesn’t care if you’re rich or poor, clever or dull, smart or dumb. Give him your heart and he’ll give you his. How many people can you say that about? How many people can make you feel rare, and pure and special? How many people can make you feel extraordinary?

John Grogan, Marley and Me

Remember how some offices would have “Bring your dog to work day!” and you would feel so excited at the thought of having your best friend join you at work for the day? I’m very fortunate that for me, every day at work is “Bring your dog to work day”. That’s because in my role as a clinical psychologist at Your Mind Matters, I am joined by my best friend, Luna. Luna is my five-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever, who is a certified therapy dog. This means that, not only do I get to enjoy the benefits of owning a dog in my personal life, but I get to see the impact she makes with each and every client.

What is a therapy dog?

Therapy dogs, as well as other animals such as cats, rabbits and horses, are used as part of Animal Assisted Therapy. Animal-assisted therapy, or AAT, involves a situation where an animal is assisting a therapist to reach a specific goal with a client. Many different types of therapies can utilise an animal, such as Psychology, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy, to name a few. It is important to note that therapy dogs have a different role to service dogs (Guide dogs, seizure alert dogs etc.), and do not have the same rights or training as service dogs. Despite this, the role of a therapy dog is one of significance, and can make all the difference to therapeutic outcomes.

What are the benefits of having a therapy dog in my sessions?

Dogs are great at engaging individuals, and are usually highly motivated by social contact. This makes them the perfect addition to a session, and in my experience, often when children and adolescents know that they get to “play” with Luna in the session, they are much more motivated to attend. By having Luna in the sessions, a calm space is created and clients know they can let their guard down and feel comfortable, in a non-judgmental space. Luna is a very excitable dog, and makes every single person feel so welcome. She is often able to identify a client’s emotional state, and give them what they need in that moment. For example, if a client is feeling sad and cries, Luna usually recognises this and attempts to comfort the person, by either leaning in close to their face, or will place herself close enough for a pat. It is also helpful having an excitable dog in session, as I use this to teach children about different “Zones of Regulation”. For example, if Luna is in the “yellow zone” (excitable, moving too fast, not focussing), children identify this and help Luna get into the “green zone” (calm, ready to learn), which in turn they learn to apply to themselves. Having a therapy dog in session also assists clients who are not comfortable with making eye contact, as there is something else to focus on in the room.

What are some of the health and psychological benefits of owning a dog?

Studies have shown that individuals who own a dog report less depression, and greater coping skills with things such as grief and loss. Research also shows that playing with a dog increases our dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin levels, which all affect our mood. Dog owners are also more likely to be active, and they force us to socialise, thus increasing our social connectedness. For our little ones, studies have shown growing up with pets may strengthen their immune system resulting in less risk of allergies. It also teaches children a sense of responsibility when they are asked to help care for their pet.

These are just some of the many benefits of pet ownership, but it is important to note that the decision to own a pet is a big one, and each individual or family should weigh up the pros and cons for their individual circumstances.

If you think AAT is suitable for you, or you’d like to know more information, please contact our reception team on 9802 4654.

References

https://leadthewayinstitute.com.au/home/

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/mood-boosting-power-of-dogs.htm

https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-are-the-health-benefits-of-pet-ownership/

https://www.signaturehealthinc.org/blog/blog-feed/the-correlation-between-dogs-and-improved-mental-health/

This blog was written by Johana Xanthopoulos, Clinical Psychologist at Your Mind Matters.

Johana works with a range of clients, including children and adolescents. Working previously in an early childhood intervention setting, Johana has skills and experience working with a range of childhood disorders, particularly Autism Spectrum Disorder. Johana’s other special interests include anxiety and depression. She has also completed Animal Assisted Therapy training with her dog Luna, who you may see in our office.

Johana is fluent in English and Greek.

Animal-assisted therapy at Your Mind Matters Psychology Services

laura on 03/08/2020

Animal-assisted therapy, or AAT involves a situation where an animal is assisting a therapist to reach a specific goal with a client. Many animals can assist in a therapeutic environment, such as dogs, cats, horses, and even rabbits! Research has shown that there are many benefits to animal-assisted therapy. The most consistent improvements have been found in the following four areas: autism spectrum disorder, particularly with social interactions, medical difficulties, behavioural problems such as verbal resistance and compliance with rules, and emotional wellbeing (anxiety and depression). And best of all, dogs are not judgemental. You could be having a terrible day, and a dog will still love you and seek your attention, no matter what. They will also keep all of the things they hear in your session a secret!

My dog, Luna, who is a three-year-old Labrador Retriever started working with me in October 2019, when she received her therapy dog certification. Since then, I have been fortunate enough to see how much she has made a difference for our clients in session in many different ways. Here are some ways having a therapy dog in session has assisted my own clients. Luna has helped with engagement and attendance. Many children and adolescents we see find comfort in her presence, and would otherwise not engage in psychology sessions at all, or would do so with great difficulty and resistance. Luna is a very excitable dog, and this has proven to be very useful for emotion regulation. As the therapist, I often draw parallels between Luna’s emotions and behaviour, and how the child feels when walking through the door, and children will usually help Luna regulate herself, by doing so themselves. Finally, in session, I have been able to practice social skills and assertiveness with children and adolescents by using Luna on the receiving end, as this is often less confronting for a shy individual. Some individuals also simply prefer to have an animal in session, as they find eye contact and a one-on-one environment confronting, and the presence of an animal provides comfort.

It is important to know the different types of working dogs. For example, as mentioned above, Luna completed training which allows her to use the title “Therapy Dog”. This means that Luna is allowed to come to work with me every day and help me in therapy sessions. Luna wears a vest to help others identify what her role is. Wearing a therapy dog vest also signals people that she is a friendly dog, and that she has been trained to deal and cope with some potentially stressful situations. Often people get confused and think that being a therapy dog gives Luna the legal right to public access, such as shopping centres and movies. However, this is strictly something only service dogs, also known as assistance dogs are allowed to do. Other working roles taken on by dogs include emotional support dogs, companion dogs and facility dogs.

It’s always important to ask any dog owner if you can pat their dog, before getting too close, and this is especially important for little kids. If you see Luna in the waiting area at Your Mind Matters, she would love to say hello (but be sure to check-in with me first to make sure it’s ok!)

References

Nimer, J., and Lundahl, B. (2007). Animal-assisted therapy: a meta-analysis. Anthrozoos 20, 225–238.

https://leadthewayinstitute.com.au/home/

This blog was written by Johana Xanthopoulos, clinical psychologist at Your Mind Matters.

Johana is fluent in English and Greek.