Animal-Assisted Counseling

Healing through connection—with the help of a four-legged friend.

At Zoey’s Friends, therapy often includes a calm, gentle, and furry co-therapist—my certified therapy dog, Zoey. Her presence brings comfort, safety, and even a little fun into the counseling space. But this isn’t just about petting a sweet dog (though that definitely happens). It’s a thoughtfully integrated, evidence-based approach called Animal-Assisted Counseling (AAC).

“Dogs leave pawprints on our hearts.”

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What is Animal-Assisted Counseling?

Animal-Assisted Counseling (AAC) is a process where a trained therapy animal works in partnership with a licensed mental health professional to help clients reach clinical goals. That means Zoey isn’t just “in the room”—she’s part of the work.

In sessions, she may:

  • Offer calm presence during moments of emotional overwhelm

  • Join you in a grounding or mindfulness exercise

  • Model trust, connection, and nonverbal communication

  • Participate in specific interventions (like teaching her a new skill or giving commands as a form of empowerment or emotional expression)

AAC enhances the therapeutic relationship and creates moments of comfort, curiosity, and growth—especially for kids and teens who struggle to open up in more traditional settings.

Why It Works

Research shows that therapy animals can:

  • Lower stress and anxiety

  • Improve emotional regulation

  • Increase motivation to engage in therapy

  • Build social and relational trust

  • Help clients feel safer when processing hard emotions

Zoey often helps clients relax into the space, feel less “on the spot,” and experience connection without pressure. For many, this makes therapy feel more accessible—and more effective.

Zoey’s Training & Certification

Zoey is certified through the Animal-Assisted Counseling Academy at Texas State University, where we completed:

  • Coursework and structured evaluation

  • A supervised practicum and live observation

  • Fieldwork in real-world clinical settings

She is also Canine Good Citizen certified and registered with the AKC (American Kennel Club).

Her work is not just intuitive—it’s professionally trained, ethically integrated, and always tailored to your comfort level.

Safety, Training & Boundaries

We take your emotional and physical safety—and Zoey’s—seriously. Zoey will never be forced to interact if she shows signs of discomfort, and all interactions are supervised and guided. Clients are never left alone with her, and everyone is encouraged to use hand sanitizer before and after engaging with Zoey.

She’s up to date on all health screenings and vaccinations, and I’ve been trained in how to read and respond to her cues, just as I do with yours.

What If I’m Unsure About Working With a Dog?

Totally okay. Some clients love having Zoey nearby right away. Others need time—or prefer not to work with her at all. We always follow your lead. If AAC isn’t the right fit for you or your child, sessions are just as meaningful and effective without her.

Curious About How Zoey Might Fit Into Your Journey?

Every client is different. Zoey’s involvement will always be intentional, respectful, and designed around your goals. Whether she’s lying at your feet, participating in an activity, or offering a quiet moment of connection—Zoey’s presence is never random. It’s part of the heart of this practice.