Animal Assisted Therapy Program

Paws for Transitions North Spring Behavioral Health is proud to offer two animal-assisted treatment options for children and adolescents who are assessed to be in need of these modalities. Through a partnership with a local horseback riding organization we are able to provide therapeutic riding on a weekly basis. We are also proud to number among our staff a member of Paws4People and her dog. Using an innovative approach to foster a sense of competence and connection between the child and the dog, she is an integral part of our treatment approach.

Program Objectives

To provide a means of unconditional love, via the emotional safety an animal can provide
To enhance current therapeutic and schooling services, often by overcoming traditional resistances that have built up through years of frustration and failure
To make the transition into, and out of the program easier
To provide a forum for improving social skills via the introduction of concepts such as limit setting, consequences, and boundaries via the relationship with the animal
To utilize the human-animal bond to effect treatment outcomes

“A dog can provide the needed adjunct therapy in a youth's therapy treatment process. Dogs can help the youth learn confidence, trust, responsibility, patience and skills that can help them in the future.” — Elaine Johnson, Activity Coordinator

Mental Health Applications:

Emotional Safety
Attachment Problems
Grief and Loss
Overcoming Resistance

Reality Orientation
Socialization
Play and Laughter
Anxiety

We have witnessed the power of these modalities, especially with highly complex cases that encompass attachment problems, neurologic/physiologic disability, and an extremely low sense of self-efficacy. We are therefore strongly committed to the use of animal assisted therapeutic activities with our client population, and look forward to expanding these programs in the future.