The Power of Animals in Therapy: Supporting Your Child’s Emotional Wellbeing

Benefits of Animal-Assisted Therapy for Children and Teens

Research and clinical experience show that animal-assisted therapy can support children and adolescents in many ways:

1. Reduce Anxiety and Stress: Spending time with a therapy animal can help children feel calmer, making it easier for them to engage in sessions.

2. Build Trust and Connection: Children who struggle to open up to adults often find it easier to engage with the presence of a friendly therapy animal.

3. Enhance Emotional Regulation: Interacting with animals can teach empathy, patience, and self-control, helping children manage their emotions more effectively.

4. Encourage Communication: Therapy animals provide a non-judgmental, comforting presence, encouraging children to express thoughts and feelings.

5. Support Social Skills and Confidence: Animals promote playful interaction and cooperation, helping children develop confidence in both individual and group therapy settings.

Why Choose Melbourne Children’s Psychology Clinic

At Melbourne Children’s Psychology Clinic, animal-assisted therapy is more than just having animals in the room—it’s a structured, intentional part of each child’s therapy plan. Maisie, Nova, and Nellie are trained companions who help children feel at ease, engage more fully, and achieve therapy goals in a nurturing and supportive environment.

Is Animal-Assisted Therapy Right for Your Child?

If your child experiences anxiety, emotional challenges, or difficulties with social confidence, animal-assisted therapy at our Ivanhoe or Hampton clinics may be a helpful and engaging option. Our team combines traditional therapies with the comfort and motivation of therapy animals to provide a holistic, child-focused approach to mental health.

At Melbourne Children’s Psychology Clinic, our therapy animals are ready to help your child take positive steps toward wellbeing—one paw, whisker, or wag at a time.