Meet CharLee
the therapy dog!
“Animals are such agreeable friends—they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms.”
–George Eliot
This, of course, is why they make great therapists, well, more like a therapist’s furry assistant.
I am so excited to be adding an Unapologetically Dope furry friend to my practice to bring the additional benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy to my clients!
Animal Assisted Therapy At The People Place Counseling Center
Meet CharLee
Bernedoodle Therapy Dog In-Training
CharLee was born on December 8, 2020, and is a Bernedoodle puppy which is a crossbreed between Bernese Mountain Dog + Poodle. While still young, CharLee is already jumping into the family business and is actively training to become an official therapy dog. CharLee lives with Corretta and her family where he is loved and cared for outside of the office!
CharLee enjoys short walks, long belly rubs, and will do almost anything for a treat. We mean it...
CharLee is really becoming very fond of humans and looks forward to coming into the office daily.
While in the office, CharLee will allow Corretta to provide Animal Assisted Therapy and for clients to reap the benefits of human-animal interactions. Once fully grown, CharLee will be about 80 pounds adding 80 pounds of unconditional love and support to each session.
I am excited for you all to meet CharLee, he will bring our practice to a new level!
-Corretta, Your Dope Therapist
Benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy
If you are a pet owner yourself, you may already understand the benefits pets can reap. When animals are trained to provide therapeutic benefits, the entire therapeutic process can be more meaningful. If you have ever considered how meaningful it would be to have your own pet with you while having difficult conversations with your therapist, CharLee will be there for you!
Not a pet owner? Animal Assisted Therapy can provide additional emotional and physical support extending past the boundaries of a human therapist!
Provides Comfort.
Increases Socialization & Sense of Community.
Helps Motivate Fast Recovery.
Encourages Communication.
Therapy animals can be the perfect fidget tool in tough sessions. Petting CharLee's soft fur and looking into his eyes can help alleviate some of the pressures of making eye contact with your therapist through difficult subjects.
Decreases Anxiety.
Research shows that when humans pet animals, the feel-good neurochemical, Oxytocin, is released the same way it does when we hug a loved one). On top of this, our stress hormone, Cortisol, also dips.
Lifts Spirits & Lessens Depression.
There is a reason so many people send puppy and dog videos to cheer each other up. Dogs have natural happy energy that can be infectious. Sometimes dogs just make you want to smile!
Helps Children Overcome Speech & Emotional Disorders.
Children with speech and emotional disorders struggle to connect in social settings and therapy dogs can help children to open up more confidently to reveal any underlying problems. Animals can also give them a higher tolerance to endure tough communication is a great step towards making growth.
Reduces Loneliness.
After 2020, we have never felt more alone, let’s change that. CharLee will add not one but four legs of furry friendliness to end your days of feeling alone. Now you will be able to have two support systems, non-judgemental, unbiased individual souls to help you on your journey to healing.
Bernedoodle
Facts
The Bernedoodle is a companion dog, through and through. With intelligence inherited from Poodle parents with the caring, playful, happy temperament of the Bernese Mountain Dog, they make a great dog for Animal Assisted Therapy.
Bernedoodles are happiest when they're around people which is why he fits the job so well!
Bernese Mountain Dog + Poodle.
Above all, CharLee is Caring & Affectionate.
Hypoallergenic.
Poodles are well known for their hypoallergenic coats which make them desirable for most. Bernedoodles are majority hypoallergenic and will not create dander the way other dogs might with shedding.
Kid-Friendly.
Along with already being a sweet playful breed, CharLee lives with the Corretta Woodard Family making him a pro at working with kids.
Playful.
Although CharLee is a playful breed, he will get all his energy out before sessions to ensure he is there to focus on you!
Docile.
Even though once fully grown he will be a large dog, his temperament will remain submissive and calm.
Animal Therapy: Frequently Asked Questions
What if I am afraid of dogs?
Please let me know if you have any fears and phobias towards dogs and CharLee will be put on desk duty for your session! No problem at all!
What if I am allergic to dogs?
CharLee is a Benedoodle putting him in the hypoallergenic family of dogs. Hypoallergenic dogs are the suggested breeds for those with dog allergies. Please reach out to me directly if you are concerned about your own allergy tolerance.
Will it cost extra to have Animal Assisted Therapy?
CharLee is another part of our mission to be an Unapologetically Dope therapy practice in Arkansas. He will be open to join all sessions as long as clients approve of his presence.
When will he finish therapy training?
CharLee is working hard to receive his training by Spring 2022.
We are excited for him to help make a difference in the lives we touch!
Welcome CharLee!
Interested in having CharLee by your side?
Reach out to set up Animal Assisted Therapy sessions with Corretta and CharLee!