What is animal assisted therapy? Meet Griz.

If you've looked into therapy options in the Lone Tree area and come across the term "animal assisted therapy," you might be wondering what that actually looks like in a real session. Does a dog just sit in the corner? Is it just a cute perk? And does it actually help?

I get these questions a lot. So let me tell you about Griz.

Griz is my ten-year-old black lab mix. He has been coming to work with me since I opened KT Counseling, and at this point I genuinely cannot imagine the practice without him. He's calm, he's intuitive in a way that still surprises me, and he has a gift for knowing when someone needs him to just come over and sit close.

Animal Assisted Therapy vs. Animal Assisted Services

Here's something worth clarifying, because you'll see both terms used online and they mean slightly different things.

"Animal assisted therapy" is the phrase most people search for, and it generally refers to any therapeutic work that intentionally incorporates an animal. "Animal assisted services" is a broader, more formal term that covers a range of structured, goal-oriented interventions where an animal is part of the clinical process.

What I do with Griz falls under animal assisted services. It's not casual or incidental. His presence is purposeful, and the way I incorporate him into sessions is informed by my clinical training and the specific needs of each client.

What Does It Actually Look Like?

It depends entirely on the person and what they're working on.

For some clients, especially teens who walk in guarded and unsure what to say, Griz gives them somewhere to put their attention that doesn't feel threatening. Petting a dog is something to do. It takes the pressure off eye contact and the silence that can feel so loaded in a first session. By the time they've spent a few minutes with him, something has usually shifted.

For moms who are completely depleted and running on empty, there's something about a dog who has absolutely no agenda that can feel like a relief. He's not asking anything of them. He's just there.

For clients doing deeper work around anxiety or trauma, Griz can serve as a kind of anchor. Focusing on the physical sensation of petting him, his breathing, his warmth, is grounding in a way that is hard to replicate with words alone.

Not every client engages with him the same way, and that's okay. Some people love having him nearby, some prefer he just hang out on his bed across the room, and some have allergies or fears that mean he stays out entirely. It's always the client's call.

Why It Works

The research on animal assisted interventions is pretty compelling. Interaction with a calm, friendly dog has been shown to lower cortisol levels, reduce heart rate, and decrease anxiety. For people who struggle to connect in traditional talk therapy, an animal can create an opening that might otherwise take months to find.

There's also something about the unconditional quality of a dog's presence. Griz doesn't care what you said last week or whether you cried or whether you feel like you're making progress. He's just happy you're here. For clients who carry a lot of shame or self-criticism, that kind of uncomplicated acceptance can be quietly powerful.

Is This Right for You?

If you're in the Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, Castle Pines, or Parker area and you're curious about therapy that feels a little less clinical and a little more human, I'd love to hear from you. Whether you're a mom navigating burnout, a teen struggling with anxiety, or a young adult figuring out what comes next, Griz and I are here.

You can reach out through the contact page to ask questions or schedule a free consultation. No pressure, no commitment. Just a conversation.

And if you have a dog allergy, no worries at all. We can absolutely make it work without him.