Animal-Assisted Therapy Overview
Canine-assisted therapy might be a fit for you.
Do you love dogs? Does being around a “chill” dog help to make you feel relaxed? Do you enjoy enthusiastic greetings from a canine friend who sees your return to the office as a reunion with a treasured pack member? Do you enjoy petting dogs, having a dog lean against you, or even sitting on your foot? With your permission, of course!
If so, canine-assisted therapy with an animal present might be for you!
Meet Riley
Riley began working with Dr. Elizabeth Carr in December 2015. His job in the office is as a therapy dog and as a facility dog. Our facility dog, Riley, greets our visitors as they relax in our waiting room and wait to see their therapist. Riley’s training includes sensing which people are “dog lovers” and which are not, inviting a pet from those who might be so inclined, and giving space to those who are not. He continues to perfect his “dog lover radar.”
When Dr. Russell Carr joined the practice, Riley was also thrilled to attend his sessions! Riley loves the addition of seeing the children and teens that Dr. Russell Carr cares for in his work at the practice.
In therapy sessions with the Drs. Carr, Riley welcomes clients into the consultation room, shows some love as they get seated, and then goes to his resting area as instructed before the session begins. At times, if he and the client BOTH desire, he may return to the client for pets during the session, but he knows to stay in his spot if needed to let the therapist and client focus on the conversation. The Carrs understand that both the animal and the client have needs that must be respected. Riley will never be forced to interact with clients or asked to do anything he is uncomfortable doing.
Meet Winnie
Winnie is our therapy dog-in-training. We welcome Winnie and her therapist handler, Elsy Estrada, LCSW-C, to our animal-assisted therapy team! Winnie is a Golden Retriever and a student in Animal-Assisted Play Therapy. As such, she attends sessions with Elsy to learn the ropes of this extraordinary therapeutic modality. Winnie enjoys getting pets, treats, and belly rubs. She wants you to feel comfortable during your session, and she is committed to doing everything possible to help you achieve that. She has a lot to master on the specifics of Animal-Assisted Therapy, and she is ready to roll up her bandana and learn!
Do you know a teen or young adult interested in working with a therapist/dog team? Ask about making an appointment with Elsy and Winnie! They can’t wait to meet you.
Animal Assisted Therapy Podcast Episode
If you want to learn more about animal-assisted therapy, check out Dr. Elizabeth Carr’s podcast on Mastering Counseling on Spotify or click the play button below:
Follow Riley!
Come to Riley’s Instagram page to see what he does when he’s not at work.
View this profile on Instagram.
Follow Winnie!
Come to Winnie’s Instagram page to see what she’s up to on and off the clock!
View this profile on Instagram.
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