Rachel Meadows works with a golden Labrador called Caramello who is a trained and accredited Therapy Dog. She has worked with Rachel in places such as Headspace, GP rooms and Community Health Services.
Caramello provides comfort and support to clients and there is something very calming about having her being in the room whilst having a counseling session. Her fur is soft, so she feels lovely to pat and she loves a cuddle.
There have been many studies regarding the psychological benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy. The presence of dogs has been found to reduce physiological symptoms, such as heart rate and blood pressure of stress, anxiety and trauma. There have been studies in the role of dogs in therapy for victims of child sexual and physical abuse (see Dietz et al. 2012) and on patients with Post- traumatic stress disorder (lefkowitz et ak.2005).
Rachel keeps Caramello well groomed and is always up to date with health checks, flea and worming treatment. Caramello was trained and assessed through K9 Support.
All clients have the option to request that Caramello is placed elsewhere whilst they have their session.