Animal-assisted counselling combines counselling with the addition of therapy dog Bear.
His presence can support you in feeling calm and safe.
He can support us building a therapeutic relationship where you feel ready to explore what brings you to counselling.
He can help lower stress levels and calm the nervous system which can then allow you to start processing trauma and emotions.
Animals can offer a safe secure attachment that we need but may have never experienced before. Some find it safer to attach to animals over humans due to previous bad experiences, having Bear with us can help us build a strong trusting therapeutic relationship. A space where you are accepted for who you are just being you.
Bear is a very calm empathic character. He shows his love openly and has the sweetest nature. His energy alone brings a sense of steadiness, warmth and acceptance and combine that with the calming effects of stroking him and your stress levels can reduce and feel-good chemicals be released in your body.
