Animal Assisted Psychotherapy
It is well known that the presence of animals can have a significant, positive impact on human beings. Animals respond to human emotion, they are proven to reduce stress and lower blood pressure, and they provide a positive common-ground with which to connect to other humans. Children and adults alike love to talk about their animals, both past and present, and the human-animal bonds they experience. I have animal “assistants” (mostly cats) join me in the office as often as possible. As a long-term foster parent of homeless cats and kittens, you might see these assistants come and then go to new, great homes!
Arnie and I were registered through Therapy Dogs.
Shelter Work
It is a pleasure and privilege to partner with the University of New England as a Clinical Supervisor. Along with our social work intern at Midcoast Humane, we developed a pilot program in 2025 to assist humans faced with the difficult decision to surrender their pets. Not only might this situation require supportive conversations, but the discussions often lead to the discovery of previously unidentified needs such as safe housing, food, and affordable veterinary care.
We also provided support groups for shelter staff members who are affected by their difficult and emotional work in animal welfare.