Family & Healing Friday: Animal Assisted Counseling of Indiana
đź’š Family & Healing Friday: Support for Teens Through Connection, Compassion, and Counseling
Why Support for Teens Matters Now More Than Ever
The teen years are full of change, challenges, and transitions. From academic stress and social pressure to identity development and emotional ups and downs, today’s teens are navigating more than ever. At Animal Assisted Counseling of Indiana (AACI), we believe that support for teens isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
According to a recent Pew Research Center study, 70% of teens report anxiety or depression as a “major problem” among their peers. This tells us something loud and clear: teens need more safe spaces to process what they’re going through—and more adults who truly listen.
The Power of Being Seen, Heard, and Understood
Support for teens starts with presence and empathy. It’s not about fixing, judging, or rushing through hard emotions—it’s about showing up and saying, “I see you, and you don’t have to go through this alone.”
Whether your teen is struggling with:
Anxiety, sadness, or panic attacks
Withdrawal from friends or activities they used to enjoy
Academic overwhelm
Low self-esteem or confidence
Difficulty expressing emotions
…they need a space where they can be honest without fear. That’s where counseling—and in our case, animal-assisted counseling—can make a real difference.
How Animal-Assisted Counseling Supports Teens
At AACI, we specialize in combining evidence-based therapy with the warmth of animal connection. Our therapy dog Sadie, a sweet and gentle Saint Bernard, helps teens feel safe, grounded, and less self-conscious.
Here’s how therapy with animals supports teens emotionally:
Builds trust faster: Many teens open up more easily with a therapy dog nearby.
Eases anxiety: Physical touch, like petting Sadie, can soothe the nervous system.
Helps with emotional regulation: Animals model calmness and non-judgment, which helps teens mirror the same.
Reduces pressure to “perform”: Teens often feel more relaxed and themselves around animals.
đź“– Curious about how this works? Read more:
👉 What to Expect in Animal-Assisted Therapy
Encouraging Mental Wellness at Home
In addition to therapy, support for teens at home is vital. You don’t have to have all the right words—just start with presence and curiosity.
Try this:
Ask open-ended questions like “What’s something that felt hard today?”
Validate their emotions instead of minimizing (“That sounds really tough.”)
Encourage small mental health breaks: walks, quiet time, journaling, time with pets
Offer therapy as a supportive tool, not a punishment or fix
Need a guide for starting the conversation? This article by The Jed Foundation offers compassionate tips for parents.
Ready to Offer Your Teen Support?
You don’t have to wait for a crisis. Therapy can be a proactive step toward self-awareness, confidence, and emotional health. And with the added presence of a trained therapy dog, teens often find the courage to begin.
At AACI, we’re here to walk alongside your family with warmth, skill, and support. 💛