Numerous studies have shown how dogs and cats can positively affect someone’s mental health. However, dogs and cats are not the best pets for everyone. Dogs, especially, are a big responsibility. They need a lot of training and exercise and can be quite expensive to care for. Luckily, dogs and cats aren’t the only pets […]
There are many stories out there today of cats helping their owners overcome difficulties or challenges with their mental health. In fact, many cat owners are convinced that their cat knows when they are anxious or experiencing high amounts of stress and will act accordingly to comfort them. However, it is often wondered if these […]
By Stephanie White, PsyD, PhD, LCSW, DCSW, BCD I often find that how we think and feel about ourselves can impact our emotional and physical health, and that impact has lasting effects on our psychological readiness. For example, do you ever notice how when you have thoughts such as, “I am not good enough, ”Nobody […]
It’s no secret amongst cat owners that their furry companion is one of the best things to turn to when experiencing low moods. However, many owners tend to wonder if the comfort that their cat provides is simple something unique to them or is actually backed up by scientific studies. Our article aims to answer […]
By: Stephanie White, PsyD, PhD, LCSW. DCSW Several hypotheses have been raised to understand the relationship between emotional support animals and conditions, such as anxiety, depression, autism, post-traumatic stress disorder, and bipolar disorder, in which changes in emotional activity and neurovegetative patterns may be mitigated as a result of daily interactions with an emotional support […]
Service dogs can offer life-changing assistance that makes it possible for those with disabilities to become more independent or participate in activities they otherwise couldn’t. Of course, service dogs are still animals and need care, so they may not be the best choice for everyone. For those that are ready to gain a furry assistant, […]
Service dogs are well-known for their role in helping individuals with disabilities have a better quality of life and more easily complete their day-to-day tasks. However, there are many different types of service dogs, and each one has a variety of different skills they can meet, so it is easy to get confused when considering […]
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an invisible disorder that affects around 1% of the population. While some people with autism may not appear to struggle, it doesn’t mean they don’t. Furthermore, because autism is a spectrum, there are some people who are affected by it far more severely than others. While autism cannot be cured, […]
Whether it’s a paw on your leg when you’re crying or the simple act of close companionship when you’re in a depressed mood, you are likely to have noticed your dog’s ability to pick up on your general emotions and act accordingly. And while some may just assume that this is coincidental or that your […]
Depression is often a daily struggle, and there are many different types of treatments, such as therapy and medication. Believe it or not, owning a dog can also be beneficial for those who suffer from depression. Though a dog cannot magically cure one’s depression, it can help one cope with it. Dogs provide comfort through […]