Dog-Assisted
Counseling
Why Dog-Assisted Counseling?
If you’ve ever had a pet, you already know.
Interacting with animals, especially dogs, can help us feel calmer, happier, and healthier.
That’s not just our opinion as dog lovers, either — the scientific research supports it. Dog-assisted counseling has been proven to reduce pain and anxiety in people with a variety of health problems.¹
How our counseling dogs can help you
Paula Lain Counseling is the only therapeutic agency in Sioux Falls to offer a variety of options for dog-assisted counseling.
We currently have three counseling dogs in Sioux Falls to help you find relief from mental health issues.
During your session, you can interact with your counseling dog however you’d like. Our clients — especially kids — find that our dogs’ presence helps them feel comfortable and loved while talking about hard things.
Our therapists are connected and bonded to their dogs that they use in session with you. Not all therapists are bonded or have a counseling dog. If you're matched with a therapist without a dog and if it's approved to add your dog to the session, we invite you to do so within safety guidelines, ask your therapist for more info.
“Paula's dedication to her work is evident in the way she has integrated her dog, Ollie, into her practice. Ollie’s gentle and reassuring presence, make it easier to share thoughts and feelings”
– Paula Lain Counseling Client
Benefits of Dog-Assisted Counseling
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![Woman petting therapy dog]()
Reduced anxiety
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![Boy hugging therapy dog]()
Increased comfort
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![Woman hugging therapy dog]()
More self-esteem
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![Therapy dogs in Sioux Falls]()
Boosted motivation
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![Boy during animal-assisted therapy session]()
Reduced loneliness
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![Therapy dogs in Sioux Falls]()
Enhanced wellbeing
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![Therapy dogs in Sioux Falls]()
Improved physical health
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![Woman holding therapy dog in Sioux Falls]()
Diminished pain
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![Therapy dog in Sioux Falls]()
Lower blood pressure
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![Therapy dog with therapist in Sioux Falls]()
Sense of relaxation
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![Girl playing with therapy dog]()
Improved social skills
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![Boy playing with therapy dog]()
Mental stimulation
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![Therapy dog in Sioux Falls]()
Better coping with symptoms
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![Animal-assisted therapy session in Sioux Falls]()
More empathy
Who should consider dog-assisted counseling?
✓ People with anxiety or depression
✓ People with other mental health conditions (personality or mood disorders, negative thinking distortions, attention deficit disorder, etc.)
✓ Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder
✓ Children with autism
✓ Adults, children, and families receiving cancer treatment
✓ People of all ages and backgrounds
✓ Anyone seeking to improve their mental or physical health!