Historically, including animals in therapy was thought to be largely ‘feel-good’ in nature, however, research has shown there to a be multitude of much deeper benefits for the client.

Research shows that AAT is effective in increasing positive social behaviours and decreasing behaviour problems, enhancing self- esteem and decreasing depression and anxiety, enhancing psychophysiological health and healing, increasing motivation to participate in counselling and has a calming effect which increases a sense of safety. 

Animals have been shown to meet the human needs of attention, affection and connection with others, resulting in positive effects on the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety in the body to promote communication and improve rational thinking and problem-solving.

Our Lead Therapist, Anita, combines quality therapy with her fully trained and certified therapy dogs Bacardi and Kaluah, engaging her clients through delivering a therapeutic team of self, client and therapy dog.

Anita first began the process of certification for both herself and 4-year-old Labrador Bacardi in 2019 after noticing a natural longing for Bacardi to offer comfort to others. Anita recognised that these innate skills demonstrated by Bacardi, when combined with her experience of working successfully with adults and children who have experienced trauma, could offer children, young people and adults a meaningful and highly valuable therapeutic experience.

Since the beginning of Insight Therapies Counselling and Consultancy in early 2020, Bacardi has been joined by her daughters Kaluah and Bailey and therapists Karen and Rebecca who are now also certified Animal Assisted Therapy teams.

Bacardi is a strong and independent female with a grounding presence and the ability to make you feel secure and safe even when you feel like your world is spinning. Clients who have worked with Bacardi often say that they feel calm and understood when she is around and that they couldn’t imagine therapy without her.

She has a deep understanding of what is happening for clients, even when they may not be fully aware themselves. She is often the first to bring awareness to a client’s internal struggle by putting a paw on their leg or her nose up to their face, causing the session to pause so that we can notice and settle whatever is happening internally for that client.

Bacardi’s intuitive nature helps her share her wisdom with us every day, but she can also be quite stubborn and cheeky at times with a playful side too. Children love her and she has been pivotal for many in learning how to set personal boundaries and in recognising the boundaries of others. She is loyal and is always excited to see you, showing off her favourite toys (but very rarely sharing!) and nuzzling close for a pat. She has ears like velvet and eyes that are as deep as the ocean making her one of the most amazing and beautiful dogs you will ever meet.

Introducing Bailey, a beautiful 2-year-old Labrador Retriever with a kind and wise soul that surpasses her years. Since becoming certified in late 2022, Bailey has thrived in her role as a therapy dog alongside our dedicated play therapist, Bec. Possessing a blend of traits inherited from her mother Bacardi and sister Kaluah, Bailey is gentle, intelligent, and playful, among other endearing qualities. As the newest member of our team, she possesses all the qualities necessary to provide care, safety, and connection to those who engage with her. With her calm demeanour and expressive eyes, Bailey looks deeply into your being, reflecting her understanding and care for your true essence.

Bailey begins her day with park meetups, indulging in activities like swimming, fetching balls, and frolicking freely. She takes great delight in a game of hide and seek, eagerly searching for toys when hidden, always seeking to please and bringing joy with her playful antics. Although she is still learning the ropes, Bailey receives guidance from her mother and sister, making her a little reserved until she familiarises herself with you. This inherent shyness makes her an ideal companion for children who struggle with anxiety, as she normalises their feelings and offers a gentle and reassuring presence, helping them develop a sense of safety and confidence.

Bailey eagerly anticipates continuing her role in providing children with a calm and settled presence in the play therapy space. Through her unwavering love and acceptance, she enables children to grow, learn, and feel truly embraced. Experience the transformative power of Bailey’s presence as she accompanies children on their therapeutic journey, fostering an environment of unconditional love and acceptance.

At Insight Therapies Counselling and Consultancy in Albury Wodonga, we recognise the profound impact of animal-assisted therapy, and with Bailey’s unwavering support, we strive to optimise the healing experiences of our clients.

Although only young, Kaluah is a beautiful and gentle soul. She loves nothing more than to rest her head on your knee and be close, offering friendship and comfort. She needs little more than to feel loved and enjoys being patted and cuddled by those big and small. She is always happy to sit by your side and has a face that is full of expression, often showing what can only be described as a big, beautiful and contagious grin!

Kaluah is gentle, and not as confident as her mum Bacardi, so when we teach her new skills we have to be mindful of giving clear instructions and allowing her some extra time so she doesn’t feel overwhelmed or confused. Helping Kaluah learn can be a very useful experience for some clients who also struggle with confidence or find it difficult to communicate. She shows them that its ok to feel anxious, to struggle to express yourself or to understand others and that with a little extra help you can learn and experience new and exciting things.

Kaluah loves to help people see and feel their own value and is happiest when she can see that you feel safe and comforted. She is always happy to lay beside you, sharing her calm and offering a little smile to make you feel at ease.

Introducing Winston, the adorable one-year-old Cavoodle who is an integral part of the Insight Therapies Counselling and Consultancy team. While he is currently relishing his puppyhood and hasn’t completed his therapy dog training and certification yet, we have high hopes that he will soon join our team to assist our clients in their healing journeys. Winston is playful, exceptionally clever, and always eager to learn new tricks. He often engages in playful wrestling matches with his loving big sisters, Bacardi and Kaluah, infusing joy into every interaction. Though he may occasionally indulge in mischievous antics like pulling out stuffing from anything he can find, underneath his playfulness lies a gentle and caring soul. Winston’s innate ability to offer comforting snuggles serves as a reminder of just how profoundly significant you are. As we eagerly await his readiness to provide animal-assisted therapy, his presence promises to enhance our therapeutic environment in Albury Wodonga, where Insight Therapies prioritizes the well-being and healing of our clients.