Have you been nervous to try one-on-one therapy? Bridge to Balance in Piscataway, New Jersey, might offer the perfect solution. We are here to introduce you to animal-assisted therapy, a unique way to achieve emotional healing in the typical office environment. Our Pawsitivity Ambassador Program involves mild-mannered, highly trained therapy dogs and cats that join counseling sessions as a calming presence, helping clients of all ages feel more at ease as they work toward their goals.

How Can Therapy Dogs Help?

The presence of therapy animals has been shown to reduce stress and improve overall mood. Children often find it easier to express themselves when a therapy dog is nearby, while adults describe feeling more grounded and supported. These moments of comfort can make it easier to engage more fully in the therapeutic process.

How Animal-Assisted Therapy Works

Animal-assisted therapy is used as an enhancement to psychotherapy rather than a stand-alone method. During a session, therapy dogs may visit for 10 to 15 minutes, giving clients the opportunity to share space with them and interact if they like. This approach pairs well with trauma-informed therapies, such as:

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Dialectical Behavior therapy (DBT)
• Trauma Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

Each dog and its handler complete specialized training to ensure the dog is gentle, calm, and responsive to the needs of clients, so you won’t have to worry about constant barking or an animal jumping all over you while you try to talk. Ready to add some fun to your counseling journey with animal-assisted therapy? Contact Bridge to Balance today to get on our schedule! Our office in Piscataway offers both experienced mental health professionals and furry, four-legged assistants who can’t wait to meet you.