Meet Sadie, the Therapy Dog

Sadie, who completed a thorough training program at Pawsibility in Frankfort is a fully-insured and certified Therapy Dog. She will be available for sessions in our outpatient counseling program Renewal on Wednesday in our Portland neighborhood office.

Animal-assisted therapy like the kind Sadie provides can help kids ease anxiety, encourage interpersonal connection, and relieve stress.

An exhaustive list of mental health benefits is below, per UCLA Health:

• The simple act of petting animals releases an automatic relaxation response.
  
  • Humans interacting with animals have found that petting the animal promoted the release of serotonin, prolactin and oxytocin- all hormones that can play a part in elevating moods.
• Lowers anxiety and helps people relax.
• Provides comfort.
• Reduces loneliness.
• Increases mental stimulation.
  
  • Assist in recall of memories and help sequence temporal events in patients with head injuries or chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.
• Can provide an escape or happy distraction.
• Can act as catalysts in the therapy process.
  
  • May help break the ice.
  • May reduce the initial resistance that might accompany therapy.

Welcome Sadie!