Julie "Jules", Canine co-therapist, In training

I am a 5-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer mix with a big heart and an even bigger love for people. I thrive on attention, affection, and making new friends—whether they have two legs or four. I’m incredibly sweet and eager to connect, though I’m still learning a few important boundaries… like understanding that face kisses aren’t always appreciated (but I mean well!).

I take my role seriously: my job is to provide comfort, support, reduce anxiety, and help create and strengthen positive connections. I’m currently in school, working hard to learn how to interact appropriately and be the best partner I can be.

Being part German Shorthaired Pointer means I bring some special strengths to my work. My breed is known for being highly intelligent, eager to please, and very people-oriented—qualities that help me connect with individuals and respond to their emotional needs. 

I’m naturally energetic and alert, and with proper training and structure, I channel that energy into positive, focused interactions that make people feel supported and safe. Of course, my GSP side also means I’m active and playful at heart! I do best when I have opportunities to move, play, and stay mentally stimulated—so I come into every session happy, balanced, and ready to share calm, comforting companionship.

 I am working hard to earn my Professional Therapy Dog certification through the Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals. When I’m not studying or working, you can find me doing what I do best—playing with toys, chewing on pillows (oops!), and happily accepting treats. I bring joy, energy, and warmth wherever I go, and I’m always ready to brighten someone’s day.

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.