Counseling How

Animal-Assisted Therapy in Loveland, Colorado

A calm partner in the room, when available

Animal-assisted therapy in Loveland at Foundations Counseling means including a therapy animal, usually a dog, as a calming presence in talk therapy. It is offered on a limited basis, so ask when you reach out whether it is available. Counseling is private pay, about $200 per session, with a free consultation and a first appointment usually within 48 hours.

What is animal-assisted therapy at Foundations?

Animal-assisted therapy in Loveland at Foundations Counseling means including a therapy animal, usually a dog, as a calming presence in talk therapy. It is offered on a limited basis, so ask when you reach out whether it is available. Counseling is private pay, about $200 per session, with a free consultation and a first appointment usually within 48 hours.

We cannot promise that an animal will be part of your sessions. Availability can change, and an animal is only included when it fits your goals and your comfort. Talk therapy without an animal is always an option.

What is animal-assisted therapy?

In animal assisted therapy, a counselor includes a therapy animal in sessions on purpose, as part of the plan for your care. The animal is there to help someone settle, open up, or practice things like noticing body cues, setting gentle limits, or giving and receiving calm attention. It is different from simply having a pet, from an emotional support animal that lives with you, and from a service animal trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability.

How can animals help in counseling?

Researchers interviewed by NIH News in Health describe animals as a way of building a bridge for social interaction and note that dogs can be very present with someone who is struggling. A Mayo Clinic report says pet therapy can help people recover from, or better cope with, health problems that include mental health disorders. In practice, a calm dog in the room can make a first session feel less intimidating, give an anxious child or teen something to focus on, or help someone who finds eye contact hard begin to talk.

Is animal-assisted therapy right for everyone?

No. The same NIH article notes that research on human and animal interaction is still relatively new, that results have been mixed, and that animals can do more harm than good for people with allergies. A fear of dogs, allergies, asthma, a weakened immune system, or past trauma involving animals are all good reasons to choose a different approach. That is a perfectly good choice, and it does not limit the help you can get.

What if an animal is not available?

You can still start counseling right away. If you or your child do better with something hands on, play therapy and art therapy offer other ways in that rely less on talking. If you are drawn to animal assisted work because of anxiety or past trauma, trauma counseling and other talk therapy approaches can help on their own.

Who will I work with?

Animal assisted therapy is offered on a limited basis by a smaller number of Foundations counselors. When you reach out by calling 970.227.2770 or booking online, ask whether it is currently available. We will match you with a counselor who fits what you need, and your first meeting with that counselor is a free consultation. If the match does not feel right, our Counselor Match Guarantee means we will find another counselor who is.

Animal assisted sessions, when available, take place in person at our Loveland office. Regular counseling is also available through online counseling anywhere in Colorado.

What this page does not cover

This page does not cover emotional support animal letters, service animal training or horse based programs; ask when you reach out if you have questions about those. Counseling here is outpatient and is not crisis care. If you are thinking about suicide or feel unsafe, call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7, or call 911 in an emergency.

Ready to talk?

For more on the bond between people and animals, read the many ways having a pet can benefit your mental health. When you are ready, book a free consultation or call 970.227.2770.

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GUARANTEED COUNSELOR MATCH

The right fit matters more than any one technique. If your first match does not feel right, with or without an animal, we will find another Foundations counselor who is. How the Counselor Match Guarantee works.

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HOW WE APPROACH ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPY

When it is available and a good fit, a therapy animal joins talk therapy as a calm partner, never as a replacement for it.

• Ask when you reach out whether animal assisted sessions are currently available
• Your comfort, allergies and history with animals come first
• Other hands on approaches such as play therapy and art therapy

All Therapies

Do You Feel...

What brings people to counseling rarely arrives as one clear moment. More often it builds quietly: a feeling that lingers, a pattern that keeps repeating, a sense that something is off. If any of these sound familiar, reaching out to Foundations is a simple first step.

Hard to Open Up

Does sitting across from a counselor and talking about yourself feel intimidating? A calm animal nearby can make it easier for some people to settle in and start speaking.

Anxious in New Settings

Walking into an unfamiliar office can set your heart racing. Some people find that a gentle animal presence helps their body relax enough to talk.

Feeling Lonely or Disconnected

When people feel hard to trust, the quiet, steady attention of an animal can be a soft place to begin reconnecting with others and with yourself.

A Child Who Struggles to Talk

Some children and teens freeze up with adults but light up around a dog. Having something to focus on can lower the pressure to find the right words.

Trust That Has Been Broken

After hurt in past relationships, letting anyone close can feel unsafe. Gentle, predictable time with an animal can be a low pressure way to practice trust again.

Missing a Sense of Calm

Your days may feel tense and rushed, with few moments of comfort. Sitting with a calm animal can help some people slow down, breathe and feel grounded.

Out of Touch With Your Body

Do you only notice stress once it boils over? Paying attention to how an animal responds to you can help you notice your own tension and energy sooner.

Practicing Gentle Boundaries

Saying no, asking for space or offering calm attention can feel hard with people. Practicing those skills alongside an animal can feel safer and more natural.

Wanting Therapy to Feel Warmer

Are you hoping counseling can feel a little warmer and less formal? A therapy animal, when one is available and a good fit, can help sessions feel more relaxed.

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Find the Right Match

We understand that the journey to emotional well-being begins with connecting you to the right counselor. That's why we proudly offer our unique Counselor Match Guarantee. We don't just pair you with any counselor; we meticulously match you with someone who aligns with your specific needs, preferences, and goals for healing and growth. If the initial pairing needs to be corrected, we encourage you to explore our diverse and experienced team until you find the perfect fit.

Your comfort and progress are paramount, so we ensure you always have a supportive and confidential environment to pursue your journey of self-discovery and healing. Choose us as your trusted partner in this transformative experience—because your well-being deserves the utmost care.

Begin your journey today and take the first step towards a brighter, more fulfilling tomorrow. Let us guide you to emotional wellness with our dedicated and compassionate counseling services.

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