Releasing Emotional Baggage with Therapy Animals: Meet Teddy 🐾
We often think of emotions as something that lives in the mind — thoughts, worries, or internal struggles. But the truth is, emotions are embodied. We carry them in our posture, our breath, our nervous system, and even in subtle energetic patterns we may not be consciously aware of.
Stress, grief, anxiety, overwhelm — these are not just mental experiences. They are whole-body experiences. And sometimes, we need more than words to release what we are holding.
That is where therapy animals come in. And that is where Teddy, our beloved Assistance Dog at Holistic Mind Spa, makes all the difference.
More Than Comfort — A Canine Catalyst for Healing
Teddy is not just a cute face or a fluffy companion (though he is definitely that, too). He is a deeply intuitive, grounding presence. His role in sessions is not passive — it is purposeful.
Here is how Teddy supports the healing journey:
🐾 Creates Emotional Safety
Teddy's gentle energy helps clients feel safe, seen, and supported. His presence allows emotions to surface naturally — without fear, pressure, or judgment.
🐾 Reduces Stress & Anxiety
Studies have shown that simply being near a calm animal can lower cortisol (the stress hormone), regulate breathing, and even improve heart rate variability — a key marker of nervous system balance.
🐾 Supports Nonverbal Healing
Some emotions are hard to put into words. Teddy offers a compassionate, nonverbal space where clients can release what has been stored in the body — sometimes without even needing to speak.
Why Therapy Animals Work
The healing power of animals is more than anecdotal — it is scientific.
- Touching or interacting with animals has been linked to increased oxytocin, the "bonding hormone" that helps us feel connected and calm.
- Animal-assisted therapy has been shown to reduce symptoms of PTSD, depression, and chronic anxiety.
- For many, therapy animals create a bridge between the emotional self and the physical self — helping to process experiences that traditional talk therapy might not reach on its own.
Teddy’s presence in a session invites softness, presence, and permission to let go — especially for those who carry a lot but say very little.
Bring Teddy to You
Whether you are an individual navigating personal stress, a team seeking wellness support, or a group looking to create a space of emotional care, Teddy is available for:
🐾 Individual healing sessions
🐾 Team wellness visits
🐾 Group emotional support events
His impact is immediate, lasting, and deeply human — even though he is not.
Healing Happens When We Feel Safe Enough to Let Go
Sometimes, the most powerful breakthroughs come not from words, but from the quiet support of a trusted companion who simply says, “You are safe here.”
Let Teddy help you lighten the emotional load — one paw, one breath, one healing moment at a time.