For many of us, dogs play a significant role in our lives, helping us through difficult times and making the good times even better. At my practice, I talk to many clients who appreciate the dogs in their lives.

Having a dog in session is a type of therapy that involves an animal with specific characteristics becoming a fundamental part of a person’s treatment. Therapy with a dog present is designed to improve the physical, social, emotional, and/or cognitive functioning of the patient, as well as provide educational and motivational effectiveness for participants. It can be provided on an individual or group basis. During therapy with a dog, therapists document records and evaluate the participant’s progress.

Therapy with a dog present is associated with improving outcomes in autism spectrum symptoms, medical difficulties, behavioral problems, and emotional well-being.Some of the mental health benefits include:

• Increase verbal interactions among group members.
• Increase attention skills (i.e., paying attention, staying on task).
• Develop leisure/recreation skills.
• Increase self-esteem.
• Reduce anxiety.
• Reduce loneliness.
• Learn to trust.

Therapy Practices With Dogs

Using dogs in the therapy process adds another dimension to what can be done during a therapy session. Animals, particularly dogs, heighten motivation and relaxation and are a great reinforcer. Dogs are an excellent example of the value that an animal adds to therapy.

The benefits of this type of therapy lies in its goal-oriented approach, which aims at improvement of a specific individual in social skills, verbal skills, range of motion, attention span, etc. by using animals or pets. It is always supervised by a healthcare professional, who decides all the specifics of the therapy, including duration of each visit.

Therapy using dogs is often utilized in counseling and psychotherapy, with individuals, groups, families, and even couples counseling. To learn more about my psychotherapy and marriage counseling practice located in San Jose, California. please click here.