Animal Therapy Gold Coast

If you’ve been looking around for animal therapy on the Gold Coast - you’ve found it! Jeffers Psychology has its very own Dio the Doggo, a Gold Coast local. He loves stretching his legs on the sands of Broadbeach after enjoying all the pats he received being your emotional support. He seems proud to be a therapy dog to us!

Therapy Dogs for Animal Assisted Therapies

Furry, four-legged therapists have an incredible ability to connect with people, reducing anxiety, stress and depression while promoting feelings of relaxation and happiness. Animal therapy using therapy animals isn’t just about the warm fuzzies, though—it's legit science-backed stuff. 

A therapy animal can boost your mood, reduce anxiety and help you open up to connect in ways you might not with humans alone. So, if you're all about getting some non-judgmental, unconditional love in your therapy sessions, animal-assisted therapy might just be your jam. There’s no denying that human-animal bond. Animal-assisted intervention is definitely worth trying - especially if you’re a little nervous about therapeutic settings.

Our canine-assisted therapy, with “human’s best friend” Dio at your side, gives you a double dose of feel-good vibes for your mental well-being!

  • Hi, I’m Dio and I’m here to heal your heart and soothe your soul. I’m a therapy dog which means I went to a special school for extra-good pups to become certified—I got a piece of paper, kinda like Mum, which means I can offer you the best support. 


    Whether you're facing a tough time, feeling overwhelmed, or simply craving some canine companionship, I’m here for you (to pat). I want to create a safe space where you can open up, relax, and explore your difficulties with me by your side. I’ll help you on your journey, so it doesn’t feel so scary anymore.  


Animal Assist Therapy

Animal-assisted therapies are a heartwarming and effective approach to improving mental and emotional well-being. In this therapeutic modality, specially trained animals partner with healthcare professionals to provide comfort, support and companionship to individuals facing various challenges. We’ve found that the use of therapy dogs, like the loveable Dio, is a much-loved addition to our clinical practice.

Animal-assisted interventions have proven to be effective for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who have sensory processing difficulties or need to build communication skills. 

Many aspects of spending time with animals can have positive effects on overall well being. The potential benefits include motivational effectiveness, self awareness, boosts in self esteem and even cognitive functioning during the therapy session.

Therapy animals can provide comfort and companionship when dealing with the complexities of depression or anxiety, leading to reduced symptoms, especially in children and adolescents. Emotional support animals can offer a safe space for those who have experienced trauma or are opening up about their post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Pet therapy promotes feelings of safety and support.

Personally, we think everything’s a little better when there’s animals involved! If Animal-assisted therapy is not your thing - that’s fine too. You can attend a therapy session at Jeffers with or without Dio the Doggo.

Benefits of Animal-Assisted Therapy

If you’re still not convinced about animal-assisted activity, or if you’re a little unsure about it, the following list shows the numerous benefits of animal-assisted therapy for mental health conditions.

Reduction in Anxiety and Stress

Interacting with animals can help lower cortisol levels (a stress hormone) and increase the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness. This can lead to a reduction in symptoms associated with anxiety and stress.

Improved Mood

Animals can provide companionship and unconditional love, which can help improve mood and reduce feelings of loneliness and depression. The act of petting animals can also release endorphins, which are natural mood lifters.

Enhanced Social Interaction

Animal-assisted therapy can encourage social interaction among clients. Animals often serve as social catalysts, making it easier for individuals to initiate conversations and develop relationships, which can be particularly beneficial for those with social anxiety or autism spectrum disorders.

Increased Educational and Motivational Effectiveness

Animal-assisted therapy can enhance both educational and motivational effectiveness by creating a supportive, engaging and enjoyable environment. Through the unique bond formed with animals, individuals are encouraged to participate more actively, set and achieve goals, and develop essential skills, ultimately leading to better overall outcomes.

The presence of animals can motivate individuals to participate more actively in therapy sessions. This increased engagement can lead to better compliance with treatment plans and improved overall outcomes.

Emotional Support

Animals can provide a sense of comfort and security, helping individuals deal with emotional trauma and grief. Their presence can be calming and reassuring, offering a non-judgmental source of support.

Improved Self-Esteem and Confidence

Caring for and training animals can boost self-esteem and confidence. Successfully interacting with and caring for an animal can give individuals a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

Cognitive Benefits

Engaging with animals can stimulate cognitive function and improve attention, concentration, and memory. This is particularly beneficial for older adults and individuals with cognitive impairments.

Development of Empathy

Interacting with animals can help individuals develop empathy and understanding, as they learn to interpret and respond to the animal’s needs and behaviours. This can translate into improved interpersonal skills and relationships.

Spending time with Hannah and Dio, at Jeffers Psychology, offers a wide range of mental health benefits, making Animal-assisted therapy an effective complementary treatment for various psychological conditions. It promotes emotional healing, enhances social skills, and provides a unique and enjoyable way to support overall mental well-being.