Dogs Can Be Amazing Therapists Too - Bruce Lee Therapy Pup Approved

If you haven’t yet checked out our Hello page on the website, you may not have ever seen Bruce Lee. Well, he’s a hot commodity around here, I can tell you that! Besides being adorable, some people may wonder what his role actually is in the therapy room. Today, this good boy is getting all the praise! 

Bruce’s job is to provide a safe, comfortable space for all of his clients. He is a source of comfort, support, and love (as long as he’s gotten his pre-session treats, of course). But, how does he do this? 

Well, dogs in the therapy room play key roles in supporting and maintaining mental and physical health. Though, regular therapy is definitely effective, having Bruce in the room gives the therapy sessions just a little extra love.

Animal-assisted therapy provides comfort and a positive way to cope with our stresses and anxieties. Oftentimes, when anxiety and depression begin to take over, isolation and loneliness are two common feelings that we struggle with. Having a dog around is found to decrease those feelings and provide that support and love that lifts our spirits.  Dogs naturally aid us in those feelings of optimism that we sometimes lack when suffering from anxiety. Bruce also helps decrease boredom if the session seems to have fallen into a lull. Most importantly, having a therapy dog in the room increases communication, socialization, and the sense of community in the individual who is participating. 

Not only does Bruce help our mental health in the therapy room, animal-assisted therapy also helps our physical health! 

It has been proven that being in the presence of a gentle, friendly dog can significantly affect our physiology. For example, pet therapy can actually decrease our blood pressure and improve our cardiovascular health. Imagine that! Being around a dog also increased the production of a variety of “feel-good” hormones, like dopamine and oxytocin, making our physical bodies feel more relaxed and in tune with our typical rhythm. 

Finally, Bruce encourages people to seek the help they deserve! He is a cutie for sure and truly draws in a crowd. If you were considering therapy before but was not sure if you could connect to it, let Bruce Lee be your sign!