I often find myself wondering about the actual benefits of a therapy dog. Does my dog really HELP my clients? Or do I just really love bringing my dog to work with me?
So, I did some further research. And every article pointed to the former question with an astounding YES. And, well, in my opinion, an astounding YES can also be the reply to the latter with no research required. Here’s what I found (and already knew, if I’m being honest)…
Therapy dogs help lift your mood while decreasing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Socialization improves, while anger lessens significantly. Self esteem has even been noted to improve with the presence of a therapy dog.
For the most part, therapists, clinicians and researchers report that the presence of the animal prompts the body to release serotonin, prolactin and oxytocin. These are hormones that generate relaxation and stress reducing responses. The release of these hormones can lower symptoms of depression and sadness, and ultimately support strong mental wellness.
Yes, PLEASE!
The BEST news is that Vervewell has a therapy dog. Her name is GumBeaux (yes, I’m from Louisiana). I rescued her from a breeder when she was 11 months old, after learning she had received no love, nurturance or training in her first year of life. I packed her up and got her OUT of there! She is now a licensed therapy dog who receives a lot of daily (hourly) TLC from me, the kids in the schools where she is invited to frequent, and my therapy clients in my office at Vervewell. I am a lucky one keeping her company as often as I do. She lifts MY mood, my serotonin, prolactin and oxytocin, hands down. I also get the thrill of watching GumBeaux light UP when she is loved and nurtured by the humans who surround her in just one day “at the office”.
GumBeaux and I are currently welcoming new clients in my Vervewell office. Our hours are after 5pm on weekdays, and Saturday mornings. She and I would love to meet you and assist with a great start to the New Year.
Please contact me: [email protected]
or call/text at 817-694-5939
I offer a free 15-minute consultation, and can get you scheduled promptly.
I can’t wait to hear from you,
Casye LeRay
LPC Associate under the supervision of Beth Clardy Lewis, LPC-S
Here are some more fun facts I picked up in my therapy dog research:
- Therapy dogs were used as early as WWII (they would visit recovering soldiers)
- The first formal therapy dog program was established in 1976 by Nurse Elaine Smith
- The simple act of “petting”, hugging, or patting a dog can help lower risk of stroke, seizure and heart attacks. This also helps soothe patients and lower their stress and anxiety.
