The Healing Benefits of Animal-Assisted Therapy

In recent years, animal-assisted therapy has become an increasingly valued approach in mental health care, and for good reason.

What Is Animal-Assisted Therapy?

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a structured, goal-oriented intervention that intentionally includes animals as part of the therapeutic process. Led by trained clinicians and supported by specially trained therapy animals, AAT is designed to support emotional, social, and psychological well-being.

While many types of animals can be involved, dogs are by far the most common—and often the most impactful—in counseling settings.

Why Dogs Make Such Powerful Therapy Partners

Dogs have a unique ability to connect with humans in a way that feels immediate, safe, and nonjudgmental. In therapy sessions, their presence can:

• Reduce anxiety and stress: Petting a dog has been shown to lower cortisol levels and promote relaxation.
• Increase feelings of safety: For clients who feel guarded or overwhelmed, a dog can help soften the environment.
• Encourage openness: It can be easier to talk about difficult topics when there’s a comforting presence nearby.
• Support emotional regulation: Interacting with a dog can help ground clients during moments of distress.
• Build trust and rapport: Especially for children and teens, a dog can serve as a bridge to connecting with the therapist.

For some clients, simply having a dog in the room makes the idea of therapy feel more approachable and less intimidating.

Animal-Assisted Therapy for Children, Teens, and Adults

Animal-assisted therapy can benefit individuals across all age groups:

• Children may find it easier to express themselves through play and interaction with a dog.
• Teens often experience reduced social pressure, allowing for more authentic conversations.
• Adults can experience decreased stress and a greater sense of emotional ease during sessions.

Whether someone is navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, or life transitions, the presence of a therapy dog can gently support the work being done.

Meet Lexie 

At G3, we are incredibly proud to have our very own certified therapy dog, Lexie, as part of our clinical team.

Lexie brings warmth, calm, and a whole lot of heart into the therapy space. Whether she’s quietly resting beside a client, offering a gentle nudge for connection, or simply being her steady, comforting self, Lexie helps create an environment where clients feel safe to be exactly who they are.  Lexie was professionally trained by a dog trainer who specializes in training Service Dogs and Therapy Dogs.  Lexie went through intensive training and certification processes to become a Certified Therapy dog, which is unique to Galvin Growth Group.  Many practices say they have a “therapy dog,” but the dogs don’t have the professional training that is is needed for Animal Assisted Therapy.  

Her presence is especially impactful for clients who may feel anxious about starting therapy or who benefit from a more sensory, grounding experience during sessions.

A Gentle Reminder: Therapy Looks Different for Everyone

Animal-assisted therapy is not about replacing traditional therapy—it’s about enhancing it. For some clients, the addition of a therapy dog like Lexie can make a meaningful difference in how safe, connected, and supported they feel.

At its core, therapy is about building trust, fostering growth, and creating a space where healing can happen. Sometimes, that space just feels a little more accessible with a wagging tail nearby.

If you’re curious about whether animal-assisted therapy might be a good fit for you or your child, we’d love to talk more.