The selflessness an animal shows us can brighten our day, heal our spirits, and reaffirm that we are worthy of love.
Animal Assisted Therapy
Animal-Assisted Therapy is a therapeutic approach that incorporates trained animals into the treatment process to support emotional, mental, and sometimes physical healing. Under the guidance of a licensed therapist, animals help create a calming environment, encourage connection, and reduce stress.
Benefits include:
Reduced anxiety and depression
Improved mood and emotional regulation
Enhanced social skills and trust-building
Increased motivation for therapy participation
Animal-Assisted Therapy can be especially helpful for individuals dealing with trauma, anxiety, autism, or social isolation, offering comfort and nonjudgmental companionship throughout the session.
Meet Lucas
We’re excited to introduce Lucas, the newest member of the team at M.J.A. Behavioral Health and Wellness! Lucas is a three-year-old Cavapoo (a mix of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle) and a therapy dog in training. He’ll soon be continuing his journey toward becoming a certified therapy dog, ready to provide animal-assisted therapy at our practice.
Lucas is known for his affectionate nature—he loves snuggling, playing with his toys, and, most of all, being around people. As a Cavapoo, he’s considered hypoallergenic, making him a great companion for many of our clients. We’re thrilled to have him as part of our therapeutic community!
