by Alicia Hagstrom
As a Licensed Mental Health and Addiction Counselor with a primary focus on trauma, mood disorders, and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), I’ve had the privilege to witness the transformative power of therapy in the lives of my clients. Therapy, in its essence, is a journey—a path we embark on together to navigate through the complexities of emotions, thoughts, and behaviors that challenge us. It’s about finding balance, understanding, and, ultimately, healing. MK Counseling, is continuously exploring innovative approaches to enhance this journey, and one of the most heartwarming and effective methods that they embraced involves the gentle presence and use of my therapy dog, Lincoln.
The Essence of Therapy
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) describes psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) as a variety of treatments designed to help individuals change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Through methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and more, we work together to uncover the roots of distress and develop strategies to cope more effectively with life’s challenges.
The Unique Support of Therapy Dogs
Integrating a therapy dog into my sessions at MK Counseling has opened up new avenues for healing and comfort. Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a recognized health intervention aimed at improving physical, social, emotional, or cognitive functioning, with animals playing a crucial part in the treatment. Here’s how therapy dogs make a difference:
- Constant Calming Presence: Their unconditional love and companionship offer a sense of security, making it easier for clients to engage deeply in the therapeutic process.
- Creating a Safe Space: The non-judgmental nature of dogs encourages openness, allowing clients to discuss their mental health, stress, and trauma freely.
- Reducing Anxiety and Depression: Simply being in the presence of a therapy dog can help calm the nervous system, lowering anxiety levels and improving depression significantly.
- Enhancing Control and Empowerment: Interacting with dogs can boost clients’ feelings of control over their environment and themselves.
- Fostering Empathy and Compassion: Therapy dogs help cultivate these essential qualities, which are vital for emotional healing and growth.
- Aiding in Skill Development: They also serve as gentle teachers, facilitating the learning and application of therapeutic techniques and skills.
Choosing the Right Fit for You
Finding the right therapist (and therapy dog) is a critical step in your healing journey. It’s important to consider what you’re seeking support for, the cost, and whether you’ll be using insurance, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), or self-pay. Understanding a therapist’s credentials and the therapeutic modalities they offer can also help you make an informed decision. I encourage potential clients to reach out, ask questions, and even try a few sessions to ensure a good fit.
My Commitment to You
At MK Counseling, my therapy dog, Lincoln, and I are dedicated to providing a warm, compassionate environment where healing and growth can flourish. Whether you’re navigating the challenges of trauma, mood disorders, or BPD, Lincoln and I are here to support you every step of the way. The journey toward mental health and well-being is deeply personal, and together, with the help of our four-legged therapist, we can explore paths to healing that resonate with your unique needs and experiences.
If you’re curious about how therapy, enhanced by the comforting presence of a therapy dog, can support your journey, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s embark on this path to healing together.
Warm regards,
Alicia Hagstrom