Animal-included and Nature-based Therapy
Numerous studies have shown that the incorporation of animals and the outdoors in therapy can help clients to instinctively feel a greater sense of safety, calmness, and connectedness. By stepping outside of artificial interior environments and into a natural setting, clients can start to regain a greater sense of mindful awareness, balance, and ease. Through realigning with their here-and-now experience, clients can begin to release emotional pain held in the body and to let go of trauma-based narratives that no longer serve them.
Many clients feel more comfortable with animals than they do with people since animals are intrinsically intuitive and nonjudgemental and can often provide them with a grounded and accepting presence. How an animal responds to a given client may serve as a mirror for what they are going through internally. I facilitate and monitor these interactions in-session and offer my observations and guidance based on the animal's and the client's behavioural cues.
I support clients in exploring potential links between their dynamics with the animal and how they show up relationally with others. I empower clients to build a secure and trusting bond with animals through assisting them in establishing mutually-negotiated boundaries and accessing opportunities for co-regulation. Although my specific treatment method varies depending on what a client is hoping to work on, this outlines the general approach to and intention behind animal-included and nature-based therapy
Clients of any age group can participate in animal-included and nature-based therapy and it can be utilized to address a vast range of clinical concerns. Those who are neurodiverse or younger in age may particularly resonate with this treatment format since it provides outlets for nonverbal modes of communication and eliminates the often rigid or even intimating face-to-face structure of traditional talk-based formats.
Clinic Policies
Payment Policy
Payment is due either right before or immediately after a scheduled appointment. Accepted payment methods include interac e-transfer to info@pawsandpalettescounselling.ca or credit card through Jane Ap.
If payment is not received by interac e-transfer after 24 hours of a counselling service being rendered, the credit card on the client's file will automatically be charged through Jane Ap. Unfortunately, I am unable to allow for unpaid sessions to accumulate.
Please note: Clinical counsellor fees are not covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP) for British Columbia (BC), but may be completely or partially covered by a client's extended health benefits plan or possibly deductible as a medical expense on income taxes. It is the client's full responsibility to determine their own level of coverage. I do not provide direct billing to insurance companies, but I do provide invoices that clients can submit to their insurance for reimbursement if approved.
Cancellation Policy
Your appointment time is reserved just for you. A late cancellation or missed visit leaves a hole in my day that could have been filled by another client. As such, 24 hours notice is required for any cancellations or changes to your appointment. 48 hours notice is preferred and much appreciated. Clients who provide less than 24 hours notice, or miss their appointment, will be charged the full session fee to the credit card on file.
