LOVELY MINDS COUNSELING
Mishka, Therapy Dog
ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY IN DENVER, COLORADO
Meet Mishka
Mishka is a 5 and half year old Golden Retriever. She weighs only 50 pounds, which makes her the perfect cuddle buddy. Mishka is a Certified Therapy Dog through Professional Therapy Dogs of Colorado. Mishka and Svetlana are also a volunteer therapy animal team through Denver Pet Partners.
Mishka gets excited to meet her clients at the door, however her temperament is mellow and she will likely snooze and curl up near you during session. We keep a basket full of toys, treats, and a lint roller handy in case you are in the mood to receive some extra affection.
Fun Facts About Mishka
Mishka’s name means “Little Bear” in Russian.
Her favorite treats of all time are red peppers!
She loves to play tag and run around.
Mishka got her first taste of snow in Dec 2021.
This Florida pup hiked a 14er!
Trainings/Certifications
Certified Therapy Dog - Professional Therapy Dogs of Colorado Registered
Volunteer Therapy Animal Team - Denver Pet Partners / Pet Partners
Obedience Training Certification Levels 1, 2, 3, & 4 - Denver Paw School
The Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals
What to expect
On the days that Mishka goes to work, she loves to greet everyone at our office in Greenwood Village/DTC. At the time of your counseling session she settles in and provides unconditional support for you. Mishka provides a calming source of energy in the therapy room. Most clients find that having a dog in the room increases their ability to relax. Your level of interaction with Mishka, is all up to you. Some clients enjoy playing tug of war while processing their day, other clients like to have Mishka lay down next to them while gently petting her.
Animal Assisted Therapy consists of interventions that include Mishka to accomplish treatment plan goals, such as working with clients on building social communication skills, breathing techniques, facilitating trauma narratives, distress tolerance skills, etc. This is an option for clients who wish to have a much more in-depth setting with Mishka.
Mishka engages in frequent training to ensure that her skills are up to date. Mishka does not bite, bark, grab food, or engage in any aggressive behaviors. Mishka is only present in session with your consent. The office space is cleaned daily and Mishka is groomed regularly, to ensure proper hygiene.
More About Animal Assisted Therapy in Denver
Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) uses companion animals, such as dogs, to provide opportunities for motivation, education, or recreation to improve a person’s quality of life. In such therapies, these animals are an integral part of the treatment process and meant to improve the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive functions of humans. Generally, AAT involves a licensed therapist who guides interactions between a patient and an animal to reach specific goals. AAT encourages and facilitates client motivation and participation, enhances the client–therapist relationship, stimulates client focus and attention to task, and reinforces positive client change.
Through interacting with animals, people of all ages can experience the power of the human-animal bond. This bond can produce a calming state in the person. Animals seem to be particularly helpful in facilitating the therapeutic alliance, which we know to be a major part of what makes counseling effective. Animals, canines specifically, offer an atmosphere of unconditional support along with having an ability to respond to and understand unspoken human emotions.
Animal Assisted Therapy incorporates structured interventions and activities, or can be informal by allowing the animal to interact naturally with the client, to accomplish treatment goals. For instance, if a client has gone through some type of traumatic event (like the death of a parent, a divorce or separation, or even abuse) having an animal present can make the therapy process seem much less threatening. A client who isn’t comfortable sharing their trauma with the therapist might be encouraged to gently pet and share their story to the therapy dog. A client experiencing anxiety may engage in slow breathing exercises with an animal. Or even, a client who has difficulty connecting with others, may work one-on-one with an animal to form an attachment. Clients' engagement with a therapy animal is entirely consensual. Clients have the option to pet or play with the therapy animal, or limit interactions entirely.
Benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy
There are a variety of potential benefits for clients participating in animal-assisted therapy:
The simple act of petting animals releases an automatic relaxation response. It has been found that humans interacting with animals, such as petting, promotes the release of serotonin, prolactin, and oxytocin- all hormones that can play a part in elevating moods.
Lowers anxiety and promotes relaxation
Decreases heart rate and blood pressure
Provides comfort
Reduces loneliness
Improves self-esteem, patience, and trust
Provides a sense of empowerment
Increases mental stimulation. Assists in recall of memories and helps sequence temporal events in patients with head injuries or chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Provides an escape or happy distraction
Acts as catalysts in the therapy process
Helps “break the ice” in therapy sessions
Reduces the initial resistance that might accompany therapy
Reduces anger and aggression
Decreases hostility toward the self and others
Improves social interactions
Volunteering in the Denver, Colorado Community
Mishka and Svetlana are part of Denver Pet Partners, a nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to enhancing the human-animal bond to the community. Below are some pictures of Mishka bringing endless smiles throughout the community!
Ready to take the next step?
FAQ’s on Therapy Dog
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That ultimately depends on you! You can choose if you would like to play and interact with Mishka. Some clients enjoy having her presence in the room. Some clients do not feel comfortable. Both are perfectly okay! Prior to our first in-person session, you get to choose if you would like to have Mishka present.
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All allergies, fear/phobias of animals, and history of trauma involving a dog must be discussed before beginning treatment so the proper precautionary measures can be taken, and the appropriate fit for Animal Assisted Therapy can be determined. Please let me know during our consultation call about any concerns. This way, I can accommodate your needs and safety. I understand that therapy dogs are not for everyone. Mishka will not be present in the office without receiving prior consent from you.
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According to the American Kennel Association, “therapy dogs are naturally calm, friendly, and affectionate to strangers. They are also well-trained in basic obedience, and easily adaptable to novel noises, places, smells, and equipment. Most therapy dog organizations also require that dogs be healthy and well-groomed, with regular health and wellness check-ups.”
Mishka will remain current on her vaccinations and health screenings. I encourage clients and their family members to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before and after interacting with Mishka. Mishka does shed, some of her hair may end up on your clothes, a lint roller is provided for your use.
Mishka’s breed is a Golden Retriever (lots of fur). Though Mishka is well groomed regularly and the office is cleaned daily, hair will be present in the therapy office. If you have a severe allergy, it would not be recommended to have Mishka present during session. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out.
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I will always take the well-being of both my client and Mishka into consideration before bringing her to session. Because Mishka needs some vacation time, I cannot guarantee that she will be at every session. Additionally, if animal-assisted counseling is not a good fit for you, I am happy to work with you solo!
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Schedule your free 15 minute phone consultation! This is a chance for us both get to know one another and see if we are a good fit based on your therapy needs. Additionally, a time for myself to help answer any questions you may have about therapy or expectations.