Art therapy and talk therapy for anxiety, trauma, and personal growth.
Edmonton Counselling Support for Service Dog Handlers
Training a service dog can be a life-changing experience—but it also comes with emotional strain, uncertainty, and setbacks. As an Edmonton-based mental health professional with research experience in service dogs and firsthand involvement in the training process, I provide specialized counselling support to individuals and families navigating this unique journey.
Whether you're considering a service dog for anxiety, PTSD, chronic illness, or disability-related needs, I offer compassionate, evidence-informed therapy to help you manage stress, stay grounded, and build resilience throughout the process. If you're in Edmonton and seeking mental health support while training or living with a service dog, or considering a service dog, I’m here to help.
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
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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.
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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.
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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.