Canine-Integrated Therapy

Therapy with a Four-Legged Co-Therapist

Combining evidence-based counseling with the calming presence of a trained therapy dog

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What is Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT)?

Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a therapeutic approach that intentionally incorporates animals into the counseling session to support emotional, behavioral, and mental health goals. Guided by a trained therapist, interactions with an animal can help foster connection, reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and create a greater sense of comfort and safety during therapy.

In my practice, Animal-Assisted Therapy involves working alongside my trained therapy dog, Mama, to enhance the therapeutic experience when appropriate.

Canine-integrated therapy can be helpful for people experiencing anxiety, stress, trauma, grief, life transitions, or anyone who feels a strong connection to animals and may benefit from a more relational and comforting therapy experience.

Relationships shape how we experience ourselves and the world around us. For many people, a relationship with an animal can provide a unique experience of trust, consistency, and unconditional acceptance.

Through interactions with a therapy dog, clients may have opportunities to explore themes related to attachment, caregiving, boundaries, communication, and emotional connection. These experiences can often serve as a bridge to deeper conversations about relationships in everyday life.

The bond we build with animals can teach us about compassion, vulnerability, responsibility, and connection—skills that often extend far beyond the therapy room.

Mama, a trained therapy dog, lying on a bench during an animal-assisted therapy session for mental health counseling.
Mama, a trained therapy dog, lying on a bench during an animal-assisted therapy session for mental health counseling.

Meet Mama, Mamasita, Piggles, Piggly Wiggly, Certified Good Gurl

Mama is a trained therapy dog who can join sessions as part of canine-integrated therapy services.

While Mama won’t be providing talk therapy (but wouldn’t that be amazing tho?), she helps create a warm, welcoming environment where clients can feel more comfortable, grounded, and connected. For some people, having a dog nearby can make it easier to open up, navigate difficult emotions, or feel more regulated in sessions.

Mama’s role in sessions will always be guided by the needs and comfort level of each client. Some clients may enjoy actively interacting with her, while others may simply appreciate her quiet (sometimes snoring) presence in the room.

What does a therapy dog do?

TLDR; they bring the vibes

  • Person holding a therapy dog’s paw during an animal-assisted therapy session, illustrating safety, trust, and emotional connection.

    Creates a Sense of Safety

    For many people, animals feel less intimidating than humans. Mama’s calm and goofy presence can help clients feel more comfortable, relaxed, and open during sessions.

  • Therapy dog interacting with a client outdoors, representing emotional growth, attachment, and healing through the human-animal bond.

    Supports Emotional Growth

    Through interacting with Mama, clients may explore trust, attachment, nurturing, boundaries, and connection in a safe and supportive environment.

  • Person cuddling a therapy dog, demonstrating comfort, emotional support, and grounding during animal-assisted therapy.

    Provides Comfort & Grounding

    Whether she’s participating in an activity or simply resting nearby, Mama can help clients stay present, regulated, and connected during difficult conversations.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Canine-integrated therapy can be helpful for people experiencing anxiety, stress, trauma, grief, life transitions, or anyone who feels a strong connection to animals and may benefit from a more relational and comforting therapy experience.

  • Not necessarily. Canine-integrated therapy is always based on your comfort level, goals, and clinical needs. Some clients may choose to have Mama present regularly, while others may prefer traditional talk therapy sessions.

  • That’s completely okay. Participation is always optional. We’ll discuss your comfort level before incorporating Mama into sessions, and there is never any pressure to interact with her.

  • No. Mama is not the therapist—I am. Her role is to support the therapeutic environment through her calming presence and the unique benefits of the human-animal bond.

  • Your wellbeing comes first. If you have allergies, sensitivities, or other concerns, we’ll discuss them during the consultation process and determine whether canine-integrated therapy is a good fit.

Wondering if Canine-Integrated Therapy Might Be A Good Fit For You?

1

Reach Out

Schedule a consultation to discuss what’s bringing you to therapy and whether canine-integrated therapy feels like a good fit.

2

Consultation

We’ll discuss your goals, comfort level around dogs, and whether Animal-Assisted Therapy feels like a good fit.

3

Meet Mama

If it’s a good fit, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside Mama, my trained therapy dog, as part of your healing journey.

Ready to Meet Mama?

Sometimes having a friendly four-legged companion nearby can make therapy feel a little safer, warmer, and easier.

Let’s explore whether Animal-Assisted Therapy is the right fit for you.

Schedule a Consultation
Gallery Image 3: Therapy dog relaxing on a blanket, demonstrating the calm presence animals can bring to counseling.
Gallery Image 1: Mama, a trained therapy dog, resting peacefully during an animal-assisted therapy visit.
Gallery Image 5: Therapy dog resting comfortably on a couch, supporting a warm and welcoming therapy environment.
Gallery Image 2: Close-up portrait of Mama, a certified therapy dog supporting canine-integrated therapy sessions.
Gallery Image 4: Mama lying on her back with paws in the air, showcasing the playful and comforting nature of therapy dogs.