Many of you who know me are aware that my friends have always been animals. As a child, I had a duck who was my ride-or-die companion for years. I always thought I would become a veterinarian, but instead, I pursued counseling because I wanted to advocate for those who felt they could not advocate for themselves. I became the person who would befriend those who were often marginalized. I would walk them to school, sit with them in the cafeteria, and do my best to make them feel worthy.
We now understand that our self-worth can often be undermined during our early years, especially in elementary school. All this to say, while my downtime was spent with my friends "Peter," my duck, and "Big Boy," my dog, I also took on the role of an advocate. I stood up against bullying in school, sometimes in ways I'm not proud of: I bullied the bullies. Yes, I know that’s surprising. Nonetheless, those experiences fueled my passion for psychology rather than animal science.
After 20 years in the field of clinical counseling, I discovered animal-assisted psychotherapy, which allowed me to merge my two passions. I began researching programs that offered training and certification, eventually connecting with Linda Chassman Cradock at the Barking CAAT Ranch and Animal Assisted Therapy Programs of Colorado. We exchanged emails for a few years before I embarked on this new journey. I completed a three-day intensive training course at the ranch and didn't want to leave. I bonded with several new friends, one of whom was Wally.
While I could recount my interactions with animals throughout my ___ years of life, today I want to focus on the wellness aspect because today is "Wellness Wednesday."
Canine-assisted psychotherapy in a counseling setting can have profound wellness impacts on individuals. Here are some key benefits:
Emotional Wellness
The presence of therapy dogs can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Petting a dog releases oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and stress relief, and decreases cortisol, a stress hormone. This emotional support fosters calm and well-being, making it easier for individuals to open up and engage in therapy sessions.
Social Wellness
Therapy dogs can act as "ice-breakers," creating a non-judgmental atmosphere that encourages social interaction. For individuals with social anxiety or communication difficulties, therapy dogs can help build confidence and improve social skills. This increased social interaction can lead to stronger relationships and a sense of belonging.
Mental Wellness
Therapy dogs provide unconditional support and reliable comfort during emotional distress. They can help individuals regulate their emotions, providing a healthy coping mechanism for stress and anxiety. This emotional regulation contributes to improved mental health and overall well-being.
Physical Wellness
Interacting with therapy dogs can promote physical activity, such as walking or playing with the dog. This physical engagement can improve cardiovascular health, boost immune function, and increase energy levels, all contributing to overall physical wellness.
Spiritual Wellness
The bond formed with therapy dogs can evoke a sense of purpose and meaning. This connection can be deeply spiritual, providing solace, gratitude, and a sense of belonging. Spiritual wellness is nurtured through these meaningful experiences and reflections.
Intellectual Wellness
Engaging with therapy dogs in structured therapeutic activities can enhance cognitive engagement and mental stimulation. Learning about animal behavior, participating in activities, and developing problem-solving skills can all contribute to intellectual wellness.
Overall Wellness
By addressing multiple dimensions of wellness—emotional, social, mental, physical, spiritual, and intellectual—canine-assisted psychotherapy supports holistic well-being. It creates a balanced approach to health that recognizes the interconnectedness of these dimensions and fosters overall human wellness.
You can explore the book for more information on the benefits of canine-assisted psychotherapy.
"Animal-Assisted Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Clinician’s Guide" by Linda Chassman and Ellen Winston, available at Purdue University. or Amazon. Additionally, you can read the insightful article by Linda Chassman on Psychology Today. It was a blessing to share with you today. If you are interested in participating in animal-assisted psychotherapy services you can search for certified human-animal teams by going to Pet Partners. In addition, if you are interested in the certification program, reach out to Linda Chassman Craddock. Although my partner and I are not certified yet, we are in the process. Meet my co-worker Stewie...
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