Animal-Assisted Therapy with Jennesa & Charlotte

Inner Harmony 〰️ Emotional Freedom 〰️ Self-Acceptance 〰️ Authentic Connection 〰️ Clarity of Mind 〰️ Emotional resilience 〰️ Wholeness

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Inner Harmony 〰️ Emotional Freedom 〰️ Self-Acceptance 〰️ Authentic Connection 〰️ Clarity of Mind 〰️ Emotional resilience 〰️ Wholeness 〰️

When a Therapy Dog Can Help

Charlotte occasionally joins sessions with Jennesa, offering a warm, grounding presence that helps both children and adults feel calmer and more at ease. As a certified therapy dog, she is trained to support emotional regulation, connection, and healing.

She has provided comfort in a wide range of settings including schools, grief centers, nursing homes, hospitals, foster programs, hospice facilities, and more. Whether sitting quietly beside someone in pain or offering gentle reassurance during difficult moments, Charlotte helps therapy feel more accessible and less overwhelming.

At Thrive, Jennesa integrates animal assisted therapy in a thoughtful and intentional way. When aligned with a client’s goals, Charlotte may support:

• Emotional regulation
• Grounding during trauma or anxiety work
• A sense of safety and trust
• Children who hesitate to open up
• Comfort during grief or major transitions
• Co regulation and connection

Jennesa maintains a calm and structured environment where Charlotte’s presence enhances, rather than replaces, evidence based therapeutic care.

Charlotte will only join sessions when a client specifically requests her and gives permission. If you would like her included, simply let us know. She will be part of your therapy experience only when it feels supportive and welcome.

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How Therapy Dogs Support Healing: What Research Shows

Beyond comfort and companionship, therapy dogs can play a meaningful clinical role in supporting emotional and physiological regulation. Research in the fields of trauma, neuroscience, and human–animal interaction shows that interacting with a calm, well trained dog can:

• Lower heart rate and blood pressure
• Reduce cortisol (the stress hormone)
• Increase oxytocin, which enhances bonding and feelings of safety
• Improve emotional regulation, especially during difficult or vulnerable conversations
• Strengthen a client’s ability to stay present rather than shutting down

For children, therapy dogs can also support social-emotional learning: encouraging expression through play, modeling calm behavior, and offering a nonjudgmental companion when words feel hard to access. Adults may find that petting or sitting near a therapy dog makes it easier to explore painful experiences, tolerate discomfort, or remain open during trauma or relational work.

In these ways, Charlotte gently supports the therapeutic process by helping clients feel grounded enough to engage more deeply, safely, and effectively in their treatment.

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Is Animal Assisted Therapy Right For You?

Animal assisted therapy can be especially helpful for:

Individuals with anxiety, trauma, or heightened physiological arousal
Children who struggle with verbal expression or trusting new adults
Teens who feel guarded or self conscious in traditional therapy
Adults working through grief, depression, or overwhelming transitions
Clients with sensory needs who benefit from tactile grounding
Individuals seeking a gentler entry into emotionally difficult work

Clients who do not prefer dogs can still receive full, high quality therapy without Charlotte present.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if I’m not used to dogs?
Charlotte will only be present if requested. You can say no at any time.

Is there an extra fee?
No. Animal assisted therapy is simply one of the supportive tools we offer.

Can therapy dogs help with trauma?
Yes. Research supports animal assisted therapy as a helpful grounding tool for trauma recovery when used by a trained clinician.

Is Charlotte hypoallergenic?
Charlotte is a Great Pyrenees mix, so she is not hypoallergenic and does shed. If you have allergies or sensitivities, just let us know. Charlotte will only join sessions when specifically requested, and we are always happy to structure your care in a way that keeps you fully comfortable and safe.

How Animal Assisted Therapy Works in Session

Animal assisted therapy is always intentional and guided by the therapist. Charlotte is never used as a distraction or entertainment. Instead, Jennesa incorporates her in ways that support specific therapeutic goals, such as:

Helping clients practice grounding skills with a living, breathing anchor
Encouraging gentle exposure for clients uncomfortable with closeness, connection, or vulnerability
Supporting body based regulation through tactile soothing
Creating a bridge for clients who find direct eye contact or talking difficult
Offering an external focus during trauma processing or distressing emotions

This approach keeps therapy structured, safe, and clinically aligned.

What to Expect the First Time Charlotte Joins

If you request Charlotte’s presence, Jennesa will introduce her gently and slowly. Clients are invited to approach at their own pace, whether that means simply having Charlotte rest nearby or engaging in light interaction. At any point, a client can pause, change distance, or ask for Charlotte to step out. Comfort and consent guide every moment.

Curious If Charlotte Could Support Your Healing?

If you are curious about how animal assisted therapy might support your healing, we would be happy to talk with you. Just let us know, and we can explore whether including Charlotte in your therapeutic journey feels right for you.

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