Welcome to my website! My name is Dr. Julie and I am a licensed clinical therapist with a passion for exploring the connection between pets and mental health. I believe that pets can play a vital role in our emotional well-being and have dedicated my career to studying and advocating for the benefits of human animal bond in mental health care.
I have always been a pet lover and have owned various pets throughout my life, including dogs, turtles, and even a African grey parrot. As a clinical therapist, I noticed the positive impact that pets were having on my clients’ mental health. This led me to pursue research on the topic of the benefits of a canine therapy partner in the therapeutic setting and to develop a mental health private practice that incorporate a therapy dog into the treatment of my clients.
Over the years, I have seen firsthand how pets can help us in so many ways. They provide unconditional love and companionship, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety. They offer a sense of purpose and responsibility, which can help to boost our self-esteem and confidence. They encourage us to engage in physical activity and outdoor time, which is important for maintaining good mental health.
Through my work, I have also seen how pets can be particularly beneficial for individuals with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. They can provide a source of comfort and support and can even help to reduce symptoms and improve overall quality of life.
On this website, I aim to share my knowledge and experience with pet owners and mental health professionals alike. I hope to provide a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the connection between pets and mental health and to promote the benefits of pet ownership for our emotional well-being.
Thank you for visiting my website and I hope that you find the information here helpful and informative.