Why Dogs?
Studies have shown that Therapy Dogs...

Reduce stress and anxiety with a corresponding decrease in blood pressure, heart rate, and stress hormone cortisol

Increase “health inducing and social inducing” hormones such as oxytocin, dopamine and endorphins

Provide social support and motivation

Make therapy fun and engaging

Provide immediate feedback and opportunity for clients to practice skill sets and recalibrate

Destigmatise therapy
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose not to have a dog in a counselling session?
Of course. While we do see a significant 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.
How does it work with a dog in a counselling session?
Depending on the client, our Counsellor can lead sessions where our Therapy Dog takes a more passive role by offering their comforting presence, or lead more interactive sessions, where the client gets to participate in activities with our Therapy Dog. These activities are tailored to help the client gain perspectives related to the challenges that he/she faces. Our Therapist specializes in eliciting relevant learning outcomes through analogies that can be translated, and generalized to life applications.
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.
Are dogs also involved in the Psychological Assessments?
No, they will not be present for Assessments
How is this different from having a dog as a pet?
While any interaction with a sweet-natured dog can induce positive emotions, the dogs alone (especially untrained ones) are incapable of leading goal-directed interventions.
What exactly is Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) and what are its benefits?