WHEN it comes to keeping the black dogs at bay, sometimes it takes two.
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Like Tamworth psychologist Jennifer Black who now has a trusty sidekick in tow when she’s providing counselling. It’s Gracie, the therapy dog.
“I am the psychologist and she’s the natural therapist, the paw-some therapist,” Ms Black said.
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Different from an assistance or support dog, Gracie sits in on the psychologist’s sessions and helps clients achieve their therapy goals, in a way only a canine can.
“The research tells us dogs actually work on our Oxytocin, which is the feel good chemical which is released and lowers stress,” Ms Black said.
While a dog can bring a smile to most faces, the psychologist said it took about a year to find the perfect pooch, as well as hours of training and relevant certification.
Animal-assisted therapy is nothing new for Ms Black who previously practiced therapy with a horse.
She said Gracie was more portable than the horse and her canine companion had taught her a few things about counselling.
“Gracie has taught me about slowing things down and allowing time to connect with people,” she said.
“Sometimes just sitting with a person and sharing space is healing.
“It allows them to have a sense of control about, it’s all about them, it’s not about me, it’s not about Gracie, it’s about the person in that room.”