It can be difficult not to show affection to service dogs when you see them out in public, as most of these dogs are adorable, well-trained, and dedicated to the help of their handler. However, attempting to pet a service dog or otherwise distracting them from their job can have negative consequences and result in […]
Anxiety can be debilitating, holding you back from activities, careers, friendships, or other opportunities. Traditional methods of managing anxiety typically include therapy and medication. While these are great options that can help a lot, they may not be easily accessible to everyone. Believe it or not, owning a pet can help people cope with and […]
Whether an individual has a physical, mental, or medical disability, service dogs can provide symptom relief and assistance through strict training regimes targeting certain needs. The tasks that service dogs can complete for individuals may make it easier for the person to maintain a high quality of life and achieve daily tasks without as much […]
If you own a cat, you have most likely experienced a moment where it seems like you and your pet are in perfect sync – your cat does exactly what you need them to do in a moment to comfort you, and relieve your stress or negative emotions. However, you may be wondering whether this […]
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, […]