Animal Assisted Therapy Near Me

Every pet owner knows that the bond between a person and their pet is uniquely special. Our beloved pets are a remarkable source of comfort that bring a sense of calm when we are stressed. While personal therapy pets have been around for awhile, Animal Assisted Therapy (ATT) has been one of the latest innovations in counseling. You may be wondering, is there any animal assisted therapy near me?

Benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy During Counseling

1. Enjoy an additional calming presence during your therapy sessions. Although many animals could qualify for ATT, dogs in particular are both social and emotional creatures. This allows them to develop strong bonds with the people they interact with. During therapy, a dog can sense emotions like distress or anxiety and provide comfort and feelings of security.
2. This is a scientifically studied therapy option. The benefits of being around an calming animal include emotional stability, decreased stress, and lowered blood pressure. In fact, just petting a dog is known to increase the likelihood of feeling connected to the fellow humans around you. Many collegiate programs are beginning to include ATT in their curriculum and there are now several studies acknowledging its positive effects.
3. ATT works successfully alongside a variety of counseling methods. No matter the methodology behind your counseling sessions or the reason you are attending, there are positive outcomes to engaging in ATT. Amy McCullough, Director of the American Humane Association’s National Animal-Assisted Therapy, describes ATT as “utilizing an animal as an adjunct to a therapeutic process.”

How Philly Family Life Counseling is Getting Involved

Philly Family Life Counseling is excited to announce a brand new co-therapist has joined our practice! Wyatt, the golden retriever, will be now available to assist during counseling sessions. Contact us about this service to begin experiencing the numerous benefits of having the calming presence of a lovable dog during your counseling sessions.

Animal Assisted Therapy in Counseling – in Northeast Philly!

Philly Family Life Counseling provides Philadelphia with therapy and counseling from our qualified professionals, Dr. Gene Devers & Associates. You can reach us via our online form or at 215/677-3810 to schedule an appointment with a qualified counselor and begin animal assisted therapy sessions. Philly Family Life Counseling is located in the vicinity of Grant Ave & Krewstown Rd in Northeast Philadelphia.