Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT)

For the past 9 years I have incorporated pet therapy in my practice with the help of my yellow lab, Jolie. Pet therapy has been shown to reduce stress, increase rapport and help clients become more cognizant of emotional reactions and support resiliency in individual and group sessions. Jolie is certified as a Canine Good Citizen. She is calm, kind and very loving but if you are allergic or prefer for her to not be part of your session we can discuss those options.

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) plays a significant role in aiding individuals to cope with anxiety and depression. By offering unconditional love and support, animals — often dogs, — help decrease levels of stress and anxiety in patients. The presence of an animal can increase the levels of oxytocin in the brain, which is a hormone associated with happiness and relaxation, thereby promoting a sense of calm.

For the past 9 years I have incorporated pet therapy in my practice with the help of my yellow lab, Jolie. Pet therapy has been shown to reduce stress, increase rapport and help clients become more cognizant of emotional reactions and support resiliency in individual and group sessions. Jolie is certified as a Canine Good Citizen. She is calm, kind and very loving but if you are allergic or prefer for her to not be part of your session we can discuss those options.

I utilize Animal Assisted Therapy and Animal Assisted Interventions. During COVID-19, since I am seeing clients entirely through telehealth, I welcome your pets into session to help you cope. I also use many metaphors involving the animal world to help you see different perspectives. When it is again safe to return to in-person sessions, my animals (golden retriever and kenyan sandboas) look forward to greeting you.

In 2017 I completed a post-graduate training program in Animals and Human Health through the University of Denver School of Social Work. I incorporate Animal Assisted Interventions into my clinical work whenever it is indicated for best treatment. Most recently I have been including my Canine Animal Partner, Eben in sessions focused on anxiety, mindfulness, or PTSD. Both feline partners are now retired. Animals only join clients who are interested.

I am currently getting certified in Veterinary Social Work and use my dog, Oliver, in therapy.

My training is in Human-Animal-Environment Interaction in Social Work. This includes training on how the human-animal bond can assist in healing, learning life skills, and developing secure attachments.

I offer Animal Assisted Play Therapy to children to help with a variety of issues, including low self esteem, depression, anxiety, attention and learning difficulties, and poor social skills, to name a few. It primarily focuses on the child's strengths while also addressing his or her life challenges. While all of my therapy during the Covid-19 crisis is provided online, this particular form of therapy needs to be done in the office. I will resume offering it once it is safe to do so.

If we are fortunate enough to work together in person, I have a Standard Cockapoo therapy dog who attends all of my sessions (when the client wants the animal in the room). Denali was trained as a puppy to work with my clients either at their feet, next to them or on their lap. He is hypo-allergenic and does not shed. Many a client has found comfort and companionship with Denali.