Animal-Assisted Therapy
COUNSELING WITH THE COMFORT
AND SUPPORT OF CERTIFIED THERAPY DOGS
For many people, beginning counseling can feel intimidating. The presence of a friendly, well-trained therapy dog can help create a more relaxed, welcoming environment where clients feel comfortable, supported, and understood.
At Gibbs Treatment Solutions, Animal-Assisted Therapy gives clients the opportunity to interact with certified therapy dogs as part of the counseling process when it supports their comfort and treatment goals.
Interaction with the dogs is always optional, but many clients quickly discover that Doc and Benson become some of the most popular members of the practice.
Meet Doc & Benson
Doctor Josh
Certified Therapy Dog
Doc's calm, gentle presence helps many clients feel more at ease, especially during difficult conversations.
Whether quietly resting nearby or offering comfort, Doc helps create an environment where clients feel relaxed and supported.
Benson
Therapy Dog in Training
Benson's friendly, playful personality helps many clients feel comfortable and creates natural moments of connection.
As he continues his therapy dog training, Benson is already becoming a favorite with many clients.
Every client is different. Some enjoy interacting with the dogs throughout their session, while others simply appreciate their quiet presence nearby. Participation is always optional.
Why Clients Appreciate Having Therapy Dogs Present
A Calming Presence
Easier Conversations
Emotional Comfort
Increased Engagement
Reduced Stress
A More Welcoming Environment
Helping clients feel more relaxed.
Making difficult converstaions feel easier.
Offering comfort during challenging moments.
Helping clients open up more naturally.
Creating a calmer counseling experience.
Making the office feel warm and inviting.
Animal-Assisted Therapy Can Be Helpful For:
Anxiety
Reducing stress, nervousness,
and feelings of overwhelm.
First-Time Counseling Clients
Making the counseling process
feel more approachable.
Trauma Recovery
Supporting emotional safety
and regulation.
ADHD
Increasing engagement and
creating a more positive
counseling experience.
Teens
Helping adolescents feel
comfortable and connected
during sessions.
People Who Feel Nervous
About Counseling
Helping counseling feel less
intimidating and more comfortable
from the very first visit.
What Does
Animal-Assisted
Therapy Look Like?
Animal-Assisted Therapy doesn't mean the dogs are involved in every session.
Some clients simply enjoy having them nearby, while others interact with them through petting, play, or therapeutic activities.
Every session is tailored to each client's comfort and treatment goals.
Participation is always optional.
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPY
Q: How do I know if Animal-Assisted Therapy is right for me? Animal-Assisted Therapy can be helpful for many people, but it isn't necessary for effective counseling. During your initial appointment, we'll talk about your goals, preferences, and comfort level to determine whether including one of our therapy dogs would be beneficial. Some clients find that having a calm, friendly dog nearby helps them feel more relaxed and open, while others prefer traditional counseling without the dogs. Together, we'll choose the approach that best supports your needs.
Q: Do I have to interact with the dogs? No. Interaction with the dogs is always your choice. Some clients enjoy petting or engaging with them throughout their session, while others simply appreciate their calm presence. If you prefer not to interact with the dogs at all, that's completely okay. Your therapy will always be tailored to your comfort level and preferences.
Q: Are the dogs in every session? No. Animal-Assisted Therapy is an optional part of treatment, not a requirement. If you'd like the dogs to be part of your sessions, we'll discuss how they may best support your goals. If you would rather not have them present, they will simply remain out of your session. Your counseling experience and quality of care will be the same either way.
Q: What if I'm allergic to dogs? Your comfort and health are important. If you have a dog allergy, simply let us know before your appointment. We can schedule your session without the dogs present and take additional steps to minimize exposure so you can receive counseling comfortably.
Q: What if I'm afraid of dogs? That's completely okay. You are never expected to interact with the dogs if you don't want to. If you're uncomfortable around dogs, we will simply keep them out of your session. Our goal is to create an environment where you feel safe, relaxed, and able to focus on your therapy.
Q: Are the dogs certified? Yes. Doc is a certified therapy dog and has been evaluated for temperament, obedience, and appropriate behavior in therapeutic settings. Benson is currently in training to become a certified therapy dog and is carefully introduced into sessions only when appropriate. Both dogs receive ongoing training and are selected for their calm, gentle personalities.
More Than Therapy Dogs
Doc and Benson help create an environment where
clients feel welcomed, accepted, and comfortable
being themselves.
For many clients, that sense of comfort makes it easier to take the first step - and to keep coming back.
