We all know how sensitive, intelligent and loving dogs can be, especially around children who have a hard time expressing themselves.
Popular family therapist Roseann Bennett, president of the northern chapter of the New Jersey Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, has found great success using Canine-Assisted Therapy at her practice in Hackensack, NJ. She believes that man’s best friend can dramatically help clients at nursing homes, libraries, mental health centers and other places. These wonderful dogs are specially trained to be comfortable and helpful in all kinds of social situations.
Roseann Bennett has been making a difference in the NJ area for more than a decade now. She also co-founded the Center for Assessment and Treatment that has already helped thousands of people. Bennett has given back to her community in several ways, including never turning away clients who cannot afford treatment.
Roseann Bennett has an excellent therapy dog named Jack, and he’s playful, respectful and delightful around her children clients. The therapy dog is different from a trained service dog in that the latter is great with people who have special needs. The therapy canine provides assistance with someone’s emotional needs. Anxiety, autism, shyness, etc. are something this dog can help a young client with.
Certain breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Beagles, German Shepherds and French Bulldogs make terrific therapy dogs. These loving animals are calming, and children respond well to them, Bennett says. Also, adults who might be lonely, despondent and not feeling well can benefit from canine-assisted therapy and improve mood, blood pressure and attitude. See Related Link for more information.
Bennett says that therapy dogs are especially adept at helping clients who have experienced trauma. Roseann Bennett is a certified clinical trauma professional and has seen how effective these special dogs can be in a person’s life.
To learn more about Bennett, follow her on Twitter.com.