Paws for Wellbeing Sessions

Therapy Dog-Assisted Wellbeing for schools, workplaces and community groups in Bayside Melbourne

Paws for Wellbeing offers structured therapy dog-assisted wellbeing sessions designed to support connection, emotional wellbeing and positive engagement. Sessions can be tailored for schools, workplaces, community groups and other settings where a calm, inclusive approach to wellbeing is appropriate.

The presence of a certified therapy dog can create a welcoming environment and provide opportunities for connection, participation and positive interaction. Sessions may incorporate activities that encourage emotional awareness, confidence, communication, social connection and self-regulation.

Paws for Wellbeing focuses on promoting wellbeing rather than providing clinical therapy and does not replace individual counselling or psychological treatment.

School Wellbeing and Therapy Dog Visits

A school therapy dog can be a positive addition to a school's existing wellbeing initiatives, providing students and staff with opportunities to connect, engage and experience the benefits of spending time with a trained therapy dog.

Paws for Wellbeing sessions can be tailored to the needs of each school and may be offered as a one-off visit, a series of sessions or an ongoing wellbeing initiative. Activities and session structure can be discussed with the school to ensure they are appropriate for the students, staff and setting.

All sessions prioritise safety, consent, professional boundaries and the wellbeing of both participants and the therapy dog.

Wellbeing Group Programs

Group programs can provide young people with an engaging and supportive way to explore wellbeing while learning alongside others. Therapy dog-assisted activities can create opportunities to develop skills such as communication, emotional awareness, confidence, cooperation and self-regulation.

Calming Paws Therapy has group wellbeing programs that incorporate the presence of a therapy dog alongside structured, age-appropriate activities. Programs can be designed around the needs of a particular group or setting.

Who Can Benefit from Paws for Wellbeing?

Paws for Wellbeing may be suitable for school communities, workplaces, community groups and other organisations looking for an engaging approach to supporting wellbeing and connection. Sessions may be particularly useful where participants benefit from practical, interactive or animal-assisted activities rather than a traditional presentation-style approach.

Programs can be adapted to suit different ages, group sizes, settings and wellbeing goals.

A Safe and Thoughtful Approach

The wellbeing of participants and the therapy dog is central to every session. Planning considers the environment, group size, participant needs, activities and the welfare of the therapy dog.

Participation with the therapy dog is always voluntary. Sessions are designed to create positive opportunities for interaction without requiring anyone to engage directly with the dog.

Paws for Wellbeing sessions are delivered with professional boundaries and in line with the Australian Counselling Association Code of Ethics.

Melbourne and Bayside

Paws for Wellbeing is available to schools, workplaces and community organisations across Melbourne and Melbourne's Bayside area, including Highett, Hampton, Sandringham, Black Rock, Beaumaris, Cheltenham, Moorabbin and Brighton.

If you're interested in a therapy dog visit, wellbeing session or group program, get in touch to discuss your setting, the needs of your group and what type of approach may be suitable.