Mental Health Monday: Animal Assisted Counseling of Indiana
🐾 Mental Health Monday: Is It Time to Try Animal Assisted Therapy?
Mental health challenges show up in many ways—persistent anxiety, mood swings, emotional shutdowns, or difficulty managing stress. For some, the symptoms are loud and disruptive. For others, they’re quiet, internal, and harder to identify. Whatever it looks like, animal assisted therapy in Indiana may be the compassionate approach you or your child needs.
At Animal Assisted Counseling of Indiana (AACI), we offer a unique counseling experience—blending traditional therapy with the soothing presence of a therapy dog. Whether you’re new to therapy or looking for something that feels more approachable, this integrative method provides a warm welcome into the healing process.
When Should You Consider Therapy?
You might wonder, “Is this serious enough for therapy?” The truth is, therapy isn’t only for crises. It’s a proactive tool for building coping skills, emotional resilience, and healthier relationships.
Here are common signs therapy could help:
Increased irritability or withdrawal in teens
Trouble focusing or managing emotions in children
Persistent stress, anxiety, or low motivation in adults
Difficulty sleeping, eating, or functioning at school/work
Feeling emotionally overwhelmed or “stuck”
If any of these sound familiar, support is available—and you don’t have to face it alone.
Need help starting the conversation? The Child Mind Institute publication “Should I Get Care for My Child?” offers clear questions and checklists to determine if it’s time to seek help.
When life starts to feel unmanageable—whether it’s anxiety that never lets up or relationship issues that feel too heavy—these trusted sources can help you decide if it’s time for professional help:
GoodTherapy: “9 Signs It’s Time to See a Therapist”
American Psychological Association: “How Do I Know if I Need Therapy?”
How Animal Assisted Therapy in Indiana Makes a Difference
Therapy animals like our beloved Saint Bernard, Sadie, bring something special into the room: trust without pressure, presence without judgment. Their calm, steady companionship eases tension and helps clients—especially children and teens—feel comfortable enough to open up.
Benefits of animal-assisted therapy include:
Lowered stress and anxiety responses
Enhanced social and emotional engagement
Reduced resistance to therapy in children and adolescents
A natural sense of safety and connection
Additionally, a clinical study found that dog–owner interaction significantly increased oxytocin and decreased cortisol in humans—supporting the idea that therapy animals help create a calm, receptive state that’s ideal for counseling .
What Happens in a Session at AACI?
When you arrive at AACI’s Munster, Indiana office, you’ll be greeted with a friendly atmosphere and (if appropriate for your session) a wagging tail. Whether you’re here for individual counseling, child therapy, or family support, our approach is centered on comfort, connection, and clarity.
We start with a conversation—getting to know you, your goals, and your story. Our therapy dog’s presence acts as a gentle icebreaker, especially for those feeling nervous about opening up. There’s no pressure—just space to breathe, be heard, and begin healing.
Why Clients Choose Animal Assisted Counseling of Indiana
At AACI, our clients come from all walks of life—parents seeking help for a struggling child, teens facing anxiety, and adults navigating trauma, depression, or burnout. What unites them is a desire to feel safe, seen, and supported.
We believe in:
Evidence-based counseling practices
Trauma-informed care
A personalized approach for each individual
The therapeutic power of human-animal connection
Whether you’re navigating life transitions or deep-rooted emotional challenges, AACI is here with a holistic, heart-centered approach.
📞 Ready to Take the Next Step?
Animal assisted therapy in Indiana is more than a calming presence—it’s a bridge to deeper connection, emotional safety, and long-term healing.
👉 Contact us today to schedule your first session
👉 Meet Our Therapy Team and get to know Sadie
👉 Learn more about services for kids, teens, and adults
