At Animal Assisted Counseling of Indiana (AACI), we provide dog-assisted teen therapy to address mental health issues early and prevent long-term consequences. Adolescence is a critical period of transition, and experiencing anxiety or depression during this time can significantly impact a teen's life, including their academic performance, relationships, and overall well-being. Our compassionate therapists, alongside our canine companions, guide young people in understanding their emotions, distinguishing between positive and negative reactions, and building resilience for a healthier future.
Teen therapy refers to psychotherapy and counseling services tailored specifically to adolescents. It provides a safe, judgment-free space for young people to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences with a mental health professional. Teen therapy sessions involve different techniques to help adolescents better understand themselves, build coping strategies, and work through different life challenges that are common during this period of development. Our counseling services, enhanced by the presence of canine co-therapists, are tailored to address the unique needs of teens struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. Animals are powerful facilitators of healing and psychological well-being.
Family therapy is an integral part of treating teenage issues and supporting healthy adolescent development. By involving adult clients (parents, siblings, and other family members) in the therapeutic process, the young person’s support system becomes better equipped to identify and respond appropriately to problematic behaviors.
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is one of the major techniques in modern professional psychology. We use it during individual counseling to treat teens struggling with anxiety, depression, anger problems, or low self-esteem. CBT helps adolescents identify and challenge negative thought patterns contributing to their problems. For example, a teen with depression may focus heavily on failures and disappointments. Through CBT, our therapist can teach the young person to examine this destructive thinking and intentionally shift perspective to see situations more realistically.
CBT also focuses on developing positive coping strategies. For instance, a teen might learn relaxation techniques for anxiety or behavioral strategies, such as taking a time-out when anger escalates. Teaching these skills empowers adolescents to better manage emotions and reactions, especially in challenging situations. Over time, the changes in thinking and coping can lead to improved mood and outlook.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) has become a common part of treatment for teenagers in recent years. DBT focuses on teaching adolescents new skills for dealing with intense emotions and impulsive urges. For example, teens can learn mindfulness techniques to stay grounded in the present moment, emotion regulation tactics to cope with anger or sadness, and distress tolerance skills for getting through crises without acting rashly.
Some adolescents struggle with feelings of persistent worry, dread, or sadness that interfere with daily life. Symptoms may include withdrawal from friends and activities, trouble concentrating, sleep issues, and suicidal thoughts. This condition may also contribute to eating disorders. Therapy can help them understand their emotions, challenge negative thinking patterns, and develop healthy coping strategies.
Adolescent behavioral issues may involve defiance, rule-breaking, aggression, or conduct problems at home or school. Therapy aims to understand the motivations and needs underlying problematic behaviors. Once factors driving their actions are identified, our teen therapist can teach them self-regulation techniques, communication skills, and how to meet needs appropriately.
Trauma exposure and PTSD can deeply impact adolescents’ mental health and relationships. Symptoms like flashbacks, emotional numbing, and hypervigilance reflect adaptations that become dysfunctional in daily life. Therapy facilitates trauma processing, coping skill development, and restoring a sense of emotional safety and stability.
Learning disorders (LD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affect concentration, impulse control, organization, and self-esteem. Our teen therapists help patients with LD/ADHD to develop self-awareness and better understand how their neurology impacts functioning. Adolescents are equipped with customized strategies for managing symptoms, meeting academic demands, and communicating needs to parents and teachers.
High academic, social, or family expectations can overwhelm young people's coping abilities. Therapy empowers stressed teens to set healthy boundaries, say no to extra obligations, and put their own needs first. Adolescents can also learn to reframe how they view success and use techniques for managing anxiety, frustration, or burnout.
Here are some of the common problems that can be effectively addressed through animal-assisted counseling for adults:
- DR. JULIANN STEINBEIGLE
Providing Unconditional Love and Support One of the most profound benefits of canine co-therapists is their ability to offer unconditional love and support. Unlike humans, animals do not judge or hold grudges. They offer affection freely and make themselves fully available to struggling individuals. The comfort of a furry companion by one’s side can provide a sense of safety and acceptance that facilitates opening up. Canine co-therapists seem to intuitively sense human emotional distress and often respond by resting a comforting paw or head on the person’s lap. Simply petting an animal can release oxytocin, dopamine, and other feel-good hormones that lift mood. With their loving, non-judgmental presence, canine co-therapists can support humans through difficult times and experiences. Their reliability and constancy can be incredibly healing.
Easing Anxiety and Stress One of the most well-documented benefits of dog-assisted therapy is its ability to ease feelings of anxiety and stress. Interacting with a therapy animal has been shown to lower cortisol and other stress hormones while also releasing endorphins that have a calming effect. Stroking a dog can decrease heart rate and blood pressure, providing a soothing effect for those feeling anxious. Additionally, the unconditional affection and comfort from a co-therapist create a favorable atmosphere that allows individuals to relax. With less anxiety and stress, patients are more at ease, making them more receptive to other aspects of treatment. The simple act of petting a dog can be an impactful way to promote overall well-being.
Offering Comfort and Companionship Interacting with a comforting canine companion can be very beneficial for troubled teens. The presence of a friendly canine co-therapist provides unconditional support, which may help teens to open up. Petting and playing with a docile dog also reduces loneliness. For adolescents who feel isolated or lack reliable social connections, bonding with a loving co-therapist can provide much-needed companionship. Simply having a loyal dog to talk to or cuddle with when times get tough can go a long way in making teens feel safe, soothed, and cared for. The companionship and comfort from a trusted furry friend may be critical for helping struggling adolescents manage mental health challenges.
Facilitating Communication and Trust-Building Interacting with canine co-therapists can help our teenage clients improve their communication skills and build trust. The playful, affectionate nature of our furry friends makes them ideal companions for adolescents to practice conversation openly and comfortably. Building rapport and sharing feelings or experiences with a caring, non-judgmental dog can help teens become more adept at vulnerability and foster trust. Additionally, the oxytocin released from positive interactions with the animal promotes connection and bonding. Over time, the communication and relationship skills built with canine co-therapists transfer to teens’ human relationships as well, preparing them for trusting, meaningful interactions with others.
The cost of a dog-assisted adolescent therapy session in North West Indiana ranges from $100 to $300. Factors like the provider’s experience level, the length of the visit, and any other specialized services can impact the cost. Typically, dog-assisted therapy sessions last 45-60 minutes.
For uninsured clients, Animal Assisted Counseling of Indiana offers cash payment options. We accept cash, checks, Health Savings Accounts, and major credit cards. By supporting various insurance plans and offering flexible payment options, our practice aims to provide accessible, animal-assisted therapy services to all patients.
Our practice utilizes canine co-therapists during sessions. The comforting presence of a certified canine co-therapist creates a nurturing environment where teens feel safe to open up. The animals bring joy and help to form connections that facilitate the healing process.
Our licensed therapists, Dr. Julie and Kimberly, work closely with each teen to understand their unique needs and challenges. We then develop customized treatment plans that leverage the adolescent's strengths and resilience. Our approach focuses on empowering young people.
Our compassionate team has over 20 years of experience helping teens overcome issues like anxiety, depression, and addiction. We bring expertise from various therapy settings and utilize proven techniques, such as exploring the root causes of problems and identifying emotional triggers.
From the therapy dogs to our friendly staff, our practice strives to provide a warm, welcoming environment where teens feel supported. Our amazing dogs help to break the ice and enable adolescents to open up at their own pace. We want every young person to feel cared for and live happily.
Use the Power of Animals for Your Self-care and Well-being.
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