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What Takes Place During Counselling?

Many people seek counselling to process experiences, thoughts and feelings, as well as learn strategies to manage various challenges. Conversations are used as a platform for discovery and growth, enabling individuals to overcome barriers that can hinder them from leading happier lives. Discussions can reveal blind spots, identification of mindsets and behaviours that can benefit from change. Evidence based techniques are used to equip individuals with tools to better manage emotions, adapt thought patterns, transform their lives and thrive.

Counselling provides a safe environment for individuals to speak with an independent and unbiased third-party, where the Counsellor or Therapist can help individuals make sense of how they feel by unraveling intertwined emotions and thoughts. This process empowers clients with greater clarity and objectivity in making decisions that can lead to life changing outcomes.

Who Can Benefit? 

Image by Jerry Wang

Children

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Adults

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Couples

Image by Mike Scheid

Families

  • How is this different from traditional talk therapy or counselling?
    The goal of the conversations that take place during talk therapy/counselling are similar to Animal-assisted Therapy. The only difference is that sessions will be conducted with the presence of a comforting Therapy Dog or include activities that are facilitated together with a Therapy Dog.
  • Can I choose not to have a dog in a counselling session?
    Of course. While we do see a difference in how the Therapy Dog helps our Counsellor build rapport more easily with the client, we understand that not everyone appreciates having a Therapy Dog in a counselling session. Clients can always choose traditional talk therapy instead.
  • How is this different from having a dog as a pet?
    While any interaction with a sweet-natured dog can induce positive emotions, the interaction on its own does not equip an individual with coping strategies and a different mindset to navigate through life's challenges. Qualified and experienced mental health professionals that lead the sessions use evidence-based psychological techniques that help individuals process challenges, identify and adapt thought patterns that have a negative influence on their behavior and emotions.
  • How many counselling sessions are required typically?
    This varies for different individuals. Some clients achieve their goals within 5-10 sessions, while others take a much longer time. We have also got clients that choose to check in with us regularly even after their emotional/behavioural goals have been achieved.
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