Canine Assisted
Therapy

For lots of people, coming to therapy and opening up to a stranger can feel really daunting. It might be that these are things you haven't ever spoken about before, or that still feel really hard to talk about and make sense of.

​

But imagine you were doing so while having the soft ears of a dog to stroke. Or the feel of a dog sitting on your lap. A dog that you absolutely know accepts you for being you. 

​

Therapy Dog Jara is very experienced in working alongside Dr Charis in therapy sessions. She acts as a soft, safe and calming presence, and has an amazing way of seeming to know what her therapy clients need. 

​

Sessions will use the same therapy models as Dr Charis would generally use in practice, but will adapt these to work alongside Jara. 

​

Dr Charis is particularly interested in offering Canine Assisted EMDR.  In EMDR we are thinking about the past, present and future, and have 'one foot in the past and one foot in the present'. Working with therapy dog Jara in EMDR helps clients to feel safe enough to explore the past, and to stay grounded in the present moment. (See more about EMDR therapy). 

​

If you are unsure if therapy feels the right fit for you, Jara hopes to be able to

persuade you.