Art therapy, equine-assisted counselling, and psychotherapy for anxiety, trauma, and emotional wellbeing
Service Dog Support for Handlers | Counselling in Victoria BC & Online Canada
Training a service dog can be a life-changing experience, but it can also bring emotional challenges, uncertainty, setbacks, and major life adjustments. As a mental health professional with research experience in service dogs and personal involvement in the training process, I provide counselling support for individuals and families navigating the service dog journey.
Whether you are considering a service dog for anxiety, PTSD, mental health needs, chronic illness, or disability-related support, I offer compassionate, evidence-informed counselling to help you manage stress, build resilience, and navigate the emotional aspects of this process.
I provide service dog support counselling in Victoria, BC and online across Canada for individuals and families preparing for, training, or adjusting to life with a service dog.
Some of the ways I can help support you...
Is a service dog right for me?
A service dog can offer meaningful support for individuals experiencing anxiety, PTSD, sensory sensitivities, mobility limitations, or chronic illness. But the decision to bring a service animal into your life requires careful consideration of your mental health needs, lifestyle, and caregiving capacity. As an Edmonton-based counsellor, I support clients in exploring this decision realistically—without pressure or judgment
Should I owner-train or apply for a fully trained service dog?
Owner-training a service dog can be more cost-effective and emotionally rewarding, but it also demands consistent structure, emotional regulation, and long-term commitment. Fully trained service dogs may be easier to integrate, but can be costly and involve long wait times. Through counselling, I help you reflect on your personal situation and decide which route aligns best with your strengths, support systems, and mental wellness.
What are the emotional challenges of training a service dog?
Training a service dog—especially while managing a disability, trauma, or caregiving role—can take a toll. Many people face exhaustion, discouragement, setbacks in training, and the stress of unexpected vet visits or behavioral regressions. I provide counselling for people in Edmonton and surrounding areas to help manage the emotional weight of this process, build resilience, and support your mental health along the way.
What does the research say about service dogs and mental health?
Research shows that working with dogs in therapeutic settings enhances self-esteem, stabilizes mood, and boosts emotional well-being. Holding or interacting with a dog activates the nervous system in a way that increases heart rate and physiological arousal associated with joy, happiness, and connection (Shotwell & Karen, 2019; Schuck et al., 2018b). These benefits apply across a wide range of conditions, not just specific diagnoses.