Therapy Dogs: More Than Just Pets, They’re Mental Health Champions

Therapy dogs are increasingly being used in Australia to help people with mental health conditions. These dogs are specially trained to provide comfort and support to people who are feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed. They can also help people to build social skills and to develop a sense of self-worth. The stigma associated with mental illness is decreasing, or that there is a growing body of research that supports the use of therapy dogs for mental health.

There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that therapy dogs can be very effective in improving mental health outcomes. Therapy dogs can help to reduce anxiety and depression in children with autism spectrum disorder. Dogs can provide a sense of comfort and security that they can help children to learn social skills. Also, therapy dogs can help to reduce stress levels in people with chronic pain.

Therapy dogs are not a cure for mental health conditions, but they can be a valuable tool in helping people to manage their symptoms and to improve their quality of life. They can also help to break down the stigma associated with mental illness and to make it more acceptable for people to seek help.

In Australia, there are a number of organisations that provide therapy dogs to people with mental health conditions.

Here are just a couple of organisations:

Paws Pet Therapy is committed to bringing dogs into the lives of people in need. We have pooches that are full of doggy happiness in all shapes and sizes, trained and ready for love. Together with their big hearted owner they can’t wait to bring smiles to faces and joy to hearts. Just like our dogs, our clients come in various sizes – from the smallest of children to the elderly.

https://www.pawspettherapy.com/

Therapy Animals Australia is highly experienced in delivering programs that cater for the specific needs of individuals, workplace and community groups.

https://therapyanimals.org.au/

If you are interested in learning more about therapy dogs and how they can help people with mental health conditions, you can contact one of these organisations.

Here are some of the benefits of using therapy dogs to help people with mental health conditions:

Reduce stress and anxiety: Therapy dogs can help to reduce stress and anxiety by providing a calming presence. They can also help to distract people from their worries and to focus on the present moment.

Improve mood: Therapy dogs can help to improve mood by providing companionship and unconditional love. They can also help people to feel more connected to others and to the world around them.

Increase social skills: Therapy dogs can help people to develop social skills by providing them with opportunities to interact with others in a safe and supportive environment. They can also help people to learn how to read body language and to respond appropriately to social cues.

Boost self-esteem: Therapy dogs can help to boost self-esteem by providing people with a sense of purpose and accomplishment. They can also help people to feel more confident and capable.

It is very important to reach out and obtain professional help if you are struggling with mental health problems. One organisation who can certainly assist is Beyond Blue

www.beyondblue.org.au

Therapy dogs and a helpful addition to treatment, but that they are not a substitute for professional help.If you are considering using a therapy dog to help you with your mental health, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

Make sure the dog is well-trained: Therapy dogs should be well-trained and socialised. They should be able to handle a variety of situations, such as crowds, loud noises, and unfamiliar people.

Be patient: It may take some time for you to develop a bond with a therapy dog. Be patient and consistent with your interactions with the dog.

Get professional help: Therapy dogs can be a valuable tool in helping you to manage your mental health condition, but they are not a substitute for professional help. If you are struggling with mental health problems, be sure to seek professional help from a therapist or counsellor. Remember you are never alone and someone can always lend an ear or helping hand.You do not need to face your challenges alone and certainly do not feel ashamed or embarrassed