Animal Assisted Therapy is a guided interaction between a person and a trained animal. It also involves the animal’s handler – the therapist. The purpose of Animal Assisted Therapy is to help someone recover from or cope with mental health conditions. While many types of animals can be used in Animal Assisted Therapy, Dogs are the animal of choice at Rum River Counseling. ​
Animal Assisted Therapy builds on the pre-existing human-animal bond. Interacting with a friendly pet can help many physical and mental issues. It can help reduce blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health. It can also release endorphins that produce a calming effect. This can help alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve your overall psychological state.​
​Animal Assisted Therapy can be used in many different ways. Defined objectives are an important part of therapy, and your progress will be observed during your sessions.
​The goals of a Animal Assisted Therapy program can include:
  • ​increasing self-esteem
  • increasing verbal communication
  • developing social skills
  • increasing willingness to join in activities
  • improving interactions with others
  • motivating willingness to exercise
​Other benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy include:
  • ​making you happier, lessening depression, and improving your outlook on life
  • reducing anxiety because of its calming effects
  • helping children learn empathic and nurturing skills
  • improving the relationship between you and your therapist
​The success of Animal Assisted Therapy depends on establishing realistic goals and expectations and meeting those goals. 
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Animal Assisted Therapy can help both children and adults with a variety of physical and mental issues. It can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and increase positivity and socialization. 

Meet Dino

​Dino is a certified therapy dog through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD).  After months of training, he is excited to meet you and assist you through the process of healing. He works with his handler, Jessica. Dino is a Lab/Hound mix, originally from Alabama. He is a rescue dog that has experiencing his own share of healing in his short life. Jessica and Dino will work together under the philosophy of ADT and human-animal bond and connection.  Dino and Jessica hope to bring an increased sense of comfort and ease during your sessions.  Additionally providing increased and innovative ways to decompress and find emotional comfort.