Jackson "Jack", Canine co-therapist

I’m an 11-year-old Australian Shepherd with over 10 years of experience providing animal-assisted therapy. I’ve supported clients in both residential and private practice settings, and I take my role in the therapeutic process very seriously—well, as seriously as a dog who loves attention, pets, treats, playing fetch, and naps can.

 I earned my Professional Therapy Dog certification through the Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals. My job is to greet clients, offer a calm and friendly presence, and help people feel comfortable and at ease during sessions. Whether I’m lying nearby, nudging a hand for a pets, or simply being a quiet companion, I work hard to create a sense of safety and connection.

As an Australian Shepherd, I come from a breed known for intelligence, sensitivity, and a strong desire to connect with people. 

Aussies are highly trainable, intuitive, and naturally attuned to human emotion—traits that make us especially well-suited for therapy work. We’re known for our loyal and affectionate nature, our playful energy, and our ability to read the room and respond thoughtfully. Even as I’ve grown older and mellowed, I still bring the curiosity, warmth, and attentiveness that my breed is loved for.

Most of all, I’m here to make therapy a little brighter, a little softer, and a little more comforting—for clients of all ages and backgrounds.

I specialize in Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT), a supportive and evidence-informed therapeutic approach that integrates trained therapy animals into the treatment process to enhance emotional, social, and behavioral well-being. AAT is intentionally incorporated into therapy to support engagement, strengthen the therapeutic alliance, and create a sense of safety and comfort within the clinical setting.

Research indicates that interaction with animals can reduce stress, lower physiological arousal, and support regulation of the nervous system. The presence of a therapy animal may help clients feel more at ease, increase emotional openness, and foster trust—particularly for individuals who find traditional talk therapy challenging or who have experienced trauma, anxiety, or difficulties with emotional regulation.

Animal-assisted therapy can involve gentle interaction, structured therapeutic exercises, or shared moments of calm and connection, depending on the client’s goals and readiness. These experiences can promote communication, emotional awareness, and relational skills, while also supporting motivation, coping skill development, and emotional resilience. By offering an alternative and relational pathway to healing, AAT allows clients to experience therapeutic connection in a meaningful, grounded, and accessible way.