Qualified therapy dog joins Heathfield counsellor to support young people

Qualified therapy dog, Lucy, joins Heathfield counsellor to support young people

Good news! A local counsellor is expanding the support available to children and young people with the help of a newly qualified therapy dog.

Luna has successfully passed her assessment to become a fully qualified therapy dog and is now fully insured to work alongside Vicki of The Youth Fairy. From this month, Luna will be available to join one-to-one therapy sessions where requested by clients, offering a calm and reassuring presence to help young people feel more relaxed and supported during appointments.

Research has shown the benefits of using therapy dogs

Research has shown that therapy dogs can help reduce anxiety, encourage communication, improve emotional regulation and create a welcoming environment, making them a valuable addition to therapeutic support for children and young adults.

As well as assisting during individual therapy sessions, Luna will accompany Vicki in delivering a range of wellbeing services across the local community. These include Read to Dogs programmes in schools, designed to help children develop confidence and literacy skills, as well as wellbeing visits to schools, colleges, universities, care homes, hospitals, hospices, emergency service teams, businesses and community organisations.

Schools have the option to include Luna in selected sessions

Schools taking part in The Youth Fairy’s School Wellbeing Programme will also have the option of including Luna in selected sessions, providing an additional source of comfort and engagement for pupils who may benefit from animal-assisted support.

Vicki hopes Luna’s arrival will encourage more families to seek support for children and young people who may be struggling with anxiety, low mood, confidence, emotional wellbeing or other challenges.

Parents, carers, schools and organisations interested in finding out more about one-to-one therapy, the Read to Dogs programme, the School Wellbeing Programme or arranging a wellbeing visit are invited to get in touch.

For further information or to book a free initial consultation, email vicki@theyouthfairy.com.