Announcing Therapy Dogs of Sanford!

therapy dogs of Sanford

Corgi Apollonia and Bernese Mountain Dog Lola are pets, too – resting at home after a long day.

Sanford Behavioral Health is launching a new Instagram account called @therapydogsofsanford. Jacqueline Campbell (Jacq), a licensed vet tech with a certification in animal-assisted therapy, spearheads the account. Jacq is also the daughter of Sanford Founders Rae and David Green. She is familiar with the beneficial experience of communicating withย  Apollonia (Apol) and Lola, Sanford’s working therapy dogs. Sanford Founder Rae Green, who is an addiction therapist, partners with Apol, and they are often seen walking in the halls of Sanford West Behavioral Health Campus.

 

Therapy Dogs of Sanford was created to showcase Sanford’s beloved therapy dogs. It is also a safe and approachable way to discuss some difficult subjects like depression, trauma, loneliness, and addiction. Jacq says, “Thereโ€™s something magical about the presence of a therapy dog. For many, therapy dogs are a reminder of unconditional love, providing moments of peace and connection that spark hope and healing on even the hardest days. They donโ€™t need words to comfort and connect. For many of our clients, interacting with Lola or Apollonia feels like a warm hug they didnโ€™t know they needed.

 

Like well-trained pets, therapy dogs interact with all sorts of people and provide comfort and support. They are often found in hospitals, assisted living facilities, schools, disaster areas, and, of course, behavioral health organizations. Therapy dogs positively interact with all three influences of human health and well-being: biological, psychological, and social.

 

Why an Instagram Profile?

At Sanford, we are always looking for new ways to connect with and help people. Our therapy dogs have provided comfort and companionship to our clients, and we think they are great ambassadors for Sanford. Of course, Apol and Lola are always paired with a therapist. Likewise, many of our Instagram posts will mirror the activity and programming at Sanford Behavioral Health. Mindful Mondays and Therapeutic Thursdays will draw on actual programming, events, and innovations in mental health.

 

Jacq says, “For someone navigating the complexities of mental health and recovery, a therapy dog’s intuitive ability to sense when someone needs a little extra affection or encouragement is nothing short of extraordinary. Clients often describe feeling an immediate sense of calm in their presence, as if the dogs intuitively understand their pain. We want to replicate that experience on our Instagram profile and perhaps encourage someone who is struggling to get help.”

 

ย Announcing Therapy Dogs of Sanford!

To go to our Instagram account, scan or click the link below!

 

therapy dogs of Sanford examples

Introductory posts are published on Instagram!

 

@therapydogsofsanfordย  ย 

 

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The Benefits of a Therapy Dog

Jacq Campbell says, โ€œOne of the most important benefits that therapy dogs offer is a calming physical connection and presence that humans canโ€™t emulate. Itโ€™s not like you can sit and pet your therapist! But you can sit and pet a cute Corgi or Berner. This can add comfort to discussing and processing difficult emotions, including trauma.โ€

There are benefits to being with a therapy dog, including:

  • Dogs decrease stress and anxiety.
  • Therapy dogs provide comfort and encourage sharing.
  • Hanging out with dogs also produces a marked decrease in depression, loneliness, and feelings of isolation.
  • Therapy dogs make you feel happier.
  • With a therapy dog, clients can begin to realize an outward focus. It feels great to take care of someone or something and do it well!
  • A therapy dog brings positive mental stimulation.
  • For the recovering person, there is an increase in self-esteem and the feeling of acceptance and social involvement when being with a dog.

 

therapy dogs of Sanford Rae and Jacque with Apol

It’s not all work – Jacq Campbell (holding Apol) and Rae Green, JD, LPC, CAADC, at a birthday party for Apol at Sanford West Behavioral Health Campus!

 

Being with a therapy dog makes youย feelย better โ€“ hereโ€™s why:

  • Studies show that communing with an animal can decrease blood pressure and heart rate.
  • Likeย walking outdoors on a beautiful day, being with a dog decreases the stress hormone cortisol.
  • It increases hormones associated with health and well-being, such as beta-endorphin, dopamine, and serotonin.
  • Taking care of a dog can stimulate a person to move for joy outdoors.
  • There is an improvement in fine motor skills, balance, and other physical skills when handling an animal.
  • There is a sense of accomplishment when taking care of an animal.

 

Careful and Intentional

Animal-assisted therapy must be used carefully and intentionally. Some individuals may have grown up in a culture where dogs are not acceptable or suffered a dog bite earlier in life that caused them to be fearful. They may not like animals. Or perhaps while in treatment, a patient has been separated from their beloved pet, and seeing a different one triggers a negative emotional response (the opposite of what weโ€™re trying to do)! For individuals who enjoy animals, the benefits of having a therapy dog far outweigh any downsidesโ€”especially dogs like Apollonia. and Lola.

 

Jacq Campbell says, โ€œThe presence of animals has been shown to lower blood pressure and cortisol (stress hormone) levels, which also makes them everyoneโ€™s favorite coworker. Studies show that team morale is likely to increase in the presence of animals because it gives everyone neutral common ground and a shared distraction. This can also be beneficial in family therapy sessions where certain relationships may be strained. Aย therapy dog can add levity and innocence to tough situations, and we intend to showcase that in Therapy Dogs of Sanford.

 

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, eating disorders, or co-occurring mental health conditions, donโ€™t wait to change your life. Click the link below to speak with a Sanford Behavioral Health admissions specialist today.

 

Sanford Behavioral Health is licensed and accredited as an addiction, eating disorder, and co-occurring mental health treatment facility, serving all of Michigan and beyond. Each of Sanfordโ€™s facilities in Greater Grand Rapids is carefully and diligently crafted to create a welcoming and comforting environment. Sanford is led by a psychiatrist-led team of medical, clinical, and support personnel providing medication-assisted, evidenced-based treatment to residential, outpatient, and telehealth patients. For more information, visit www.sanfordbehavioralhealth.com.