Violet

Violet is a gentle Golden Retriever and our Canine-Assisted Therapy Dog. She is assisted by her co-therapist, Sarah, and together they provide support through Canine-Assisted Therapy.

Canine-Assisted Therapy is offered intentionally to children and families when it aligns with their therapeutic goals. Violet’s calm presence and warm demeanor help create a sense of safety, reduce anxiety, and support emotional regulation during sessions.

What does a typical session look like?

Canine-Assisted Therapy with Violet includes both talk and play therapy. During play therapy, Violet’s presence creates opportunities for children to identify and reflect on emotions while engaging in positive, purposeful interactions. Children may play ball with Violet or practice simple commands such as “stay,” “come,” and “go.” These activities encourage skills such as impulse control, memory, and self-confidence.
Through interacting with Violet, children learn to exercise control within both their internal and external environments. Obedience-based activities can help strengthen self-discipline, confidence, and problem-solving abilities.

In talk therapy sessions, the therapist may use Violet to help children explore thoughts and feelings in a non-threatening way. For example, a therapist might say, “Violet seems a little uncertain today. What do you think she needs?” This approach can help children recognize and accept their own emotions and behaviours by seeing them reflected through a trusted canine companion.

Research has shown that Canine-Assisted Therapy can support growth in several important areas, including:

-Attachment and healthy relationships
-Empathy and compassion
-Self-regulation, including emotional identification and expression
-Problem-solving skills
-Self-efficacy and confidence

By interacting with Violet, children can build social skills, decrease aggressive or impulsive behaviours, increase empathy, strengthen emotional regulation, and foster healthy attachment through connection with a trusted canine friend.

If you are interested in Animal-Assisted Therapy as part of your child’s therapeutic journey, please speak with Sarah to determine whether this approach may be a good fit for your family.