Loki may not have a counseling degree, but he’s already making a difference at the C+FS mental health clinic. The four-year-old Siberian Husky recently joined the C+FS Counseling Program as a certified therapy dog.
Brittany Jordon, Senior Mental Health Counselor at C+FS, has had Loki since he was a puppy. She noticed how his calm demeanor naturally put those around him at ease and knew this ability could help clients feel more comfortable during their sessions.
Before beginning at C+FS, Loki completed basic obedience training, passed the Canine Good Citizen Test and completed training and an evaluation through the American Working Dog Association. He also practiced his skills in nursing homes and other settings, to the delight of everyone he encountered.
Bringing Loki into a clinical setting required preparation beyond his training. As C+FS prepared to welcome him into sessions, the Agency developed program policies and client consent forms to make sure all the clients agreed to interact with Loki. Loki’s own feelings also needed to be considered.
“We had to make sure Loki was comfortable in the environment, too,” Brittany shared. “I started by bringing him to the clinic when there were few or no other people in the building, then gradually increased his visits as he became more comfortable.”
Today, Loki joins Brittany during sessions with select clients. Because every client has an individualized treatment plan, Loki’s role can look different from one person to another. Some choose to pet or interact with Loki. Others just feel his serene vibe in the room with them.
“The goal is to use the therapeutic presence of a therapy dog to promote emotional regulation, reduce anxiety, increase engagement and support a trusting therapeutic relationship,” Brittany explained.
For Brittany, bringing Loki into the clinic is another way to expand how C+FS supports the people it serves, creating a therapy environment where clients can feel more comfortable, connected and ready to engage in their mental health journey.