DOG THERAPY UK
Dog-Assisted Psychotherapy
Where qualified therapists and registered therapy dogs come together to provide an unique service to young people
CONTACT
Victoria Rash CEO & Founder
victoriarash@outlook.com
(07887) 878737
We care about you
Together, with registered therapy dogs, we deliver Dog Assisted Creative Psychotherapy to young people between the ages of 4 - 18, to address the need for therapeutic intervention in schools at an affordable price. With a growing level of SEMH and SEND students within mainstream schools, we work with students with a variety of needs and conditions to assist in improving self esteem, confidence, awareness, behaviour, attendance and overall school morale. We combine dog therapy with creative modalities so that every student is able to access the service, no matter what their preferred method of communication is.
QUALIFIED THERAPY DOGS
Currently I have 2 German Shepherd dogs that started their working careers with The Guide Dogs Association. They have both lived with me since they were 12 months old. Gene is now 7 years old and his son, Reef is 3 years old. They are actually related (Gene is Reef’s Dad!) however, they have very different personalities which makes them ideal for Therapeutic Intervention.
Victoria, gene & reef
Gene has always been a very calm, gentle, caring soul. Even from when he was a little puppy. He was know at Guides Dogs as “Gentleman Gene”. During sessions he will lie down and enjoy a stroke! He will often, affectionately, place his head on student’s knees. Meanwhile Reef has lots of energy and will light up around people. He is active and will encourage young people to make a fuss of him.
What Makes Our service Special
Dog therapy
COUNSELING
Creative therapy
doesn't delve into past experiences
laban movement
humanistic
role play
holistic
person-centered
drama and movement therapy
stories & myths
gestalt
therapy
focused on a person's present life
embodied play
Therapeutic Modalities
helps clients feel relaxed
talking therapy
psychotherapy & counselling
analysis
increases ocytocin levels
dog
therapy
symbolism
reduces stress & anxiety
reduces blood pressure
exploring past trauma
projected play
sand play
play
therapy
art materials
modelling clay
Every student is different and therefore it’s important to offer different modalities to be able to understand and work through their difficulties.
I have spent over 17 years training and upskilling to be able to meet every young persons’ needs and, following assessment, will choose the best course of therapy for them.
what does that mean
for your students
Dog Therapy, or Interacting with a dog may help lower blood pressure, increase the mood-boosting Oxytocin and decrease the stress hormone cortisol. Many therapists believe a pet or dog in the therapist's office appears to enhance the patient's ability to cope and possibly heighten the individual's sense of safety. “Clients were comforted by the dog, there was a perception of the dog as being accepting and non-judgemental, clients developed a special relationship to the dog, the dog provided a connection to the therapist.” (Research by Dr Theresa DePorter, Psychology Today, 25.01.2015)
Sand Play Therapy is a nonverbal, indirect therapeutic intervention that makes use of a sandbox and toy figures to create a scene of miniature worlds that reflect a person's inner thoughts, struggles and concerns.
This is a form of play therapy; other methods include imaginary play with toys and puppets or myths and fables, that uses literature to help a client interpret stories and how they may relate to the client's own difficulties.
Sand play is practiced along with talking therapy, using the sandbox and figures as communication tools.
MENTAL HEALTH AND
EMOTIONAL WELLBEING
Good mental and emotional wellbeing is an integral part of children and young people’s holistic development. When this development is inhibited, counselling can be an effective and important resource. The aims of counselling are to assist the child or young person to achieve a greater understanding of themselves and their relationship to their world, to create a greater awareness and utilisation of their personal resources, to build their resilience, and to support their ability to address problems and pursue meaningful goals.
As a result; some of the areas improvements seen are:
- Improved relationships with peers
- Improved behaviour towards staff
- Informed classroom strategies
- Increased attendance
- Better focus in the classroom
- Better communication skills
what does that mean for your school
Dog Assisted Creative Therapy sessions, when taking place within a suitable area of the school, can be used to - not only - support the individual students and wider family but also the school itself, by helping to reduce suspensions and permanent exclusions. Where appropriate; Dog Therapy UK can be used to form a part of an Alternative Curriculum Pathway. When many school refusers engage with therapeutic intervention, it acts a catalyst for school attendance, enabling both morning and afternoon sessions to be accounted for. Similarly, the sessions can be used as part of a Section 19 Students Appropriate Pathway.
Future in Mind, the Government report of the Children and Young People’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Taskforce, recognises the crucial role that schools can play; working alongside health and community and voluntary services, in helping to support good mental health and in preventing and identifying mental health issues in children and young people. Most schools attach considerable importance to ensuring pupils’ wellbeing, developing character and resilience and supporting pupils with problems. They increasingly play a valuable role in early intervention and support for mental health issues, in particular through growing use of school based counsellors.
Our therapeutic intervention and support service fits within a 'whole school' approach to mental health and wellbeing; covering issues such as improving wellbeing and resilience, raising awareness of mental health issues through the consistent presence of therapeutic support within school and reducing the stigma around mental health. It is not only the students who can benefit from our presence and service but also the staff. My dogs are experienced school dogs and are insured to be kept within school offices and designated areas so that the staff wellbeing can be nurtured through therapeutic interactions.
We are committed to growth and development
Since qualifying as a Drama and Movement Therapist in 2008, I’ve continually refined and adapted therapeutic practices to ensure they are accessible to all, especially within school settings. I founded this company in 2022, a time when the importance of mental health services in schools was becoming increasingly recognized. Over the last 2 years, we’ve grown and expanded throughout the West Midlands, supporting young people in a variety of ways.
Every young person communicates differently, with some finding it difficult to express themselves verbally, while others naturally rely on talking to share their thoughts and feelings. However, I've discovered that most young people, regardless of their communication style, can channel their emotions effectively through creative materials. Additionally, many of them form deep connections with animals, which plays a key role in their healing journey.
All the therapeutic modalities we offer are outlined in this brochure, and every session is fully tailored to the individual, ensuring that the client leads the way.
Victoria Rash
get in touch
PHONE
07887 878737
victoriarash@outlook.com
SOCIAL
https://www.facebook.com/dogtherapyuk