Licensed Psychologist
2203 Thorndyke Ave W.
Seattle, WA 98199
(206) 926-3866
This practice has a resident therapy dog. Babette is a shy, French Bulldog-Boston Terrier mix with a sweet disposition and a talent for keeping secrets. Babette loves people but is reserved by nature, so she's not a licker or a jumper.
Since therapy is by phone or video, you would not meet Babette "in person" unless we decided to do our first session in my office. On that occasion, Babette would be in the room with us, almost certainly.. This is something to consider if you have allergies or don't care for dogs.
Though she wouldn't be right next to you unless you requested it, Babette does hope for a treat every time a client enters the therapy office (I mean, why shouldn't she expect people to carry lamb lung?) Thus, she'd probably approach you. There's always a container of dog nibbles in the waiting room, so clients may be prepared for the treat ritual.
If having a dog present is not a therapy setting you desire, that's perfectly understandable! We simply would not plan a session at my office. Do feel free to ask questions about possible therapy: danafalk@icloud.com
Babette mostly retires to her own bed for a nap, contributing occasional flatulence to keep us grounded (pictured in the therapy office here.) She's never on my lap or walking around the room. Babette has excellent empathy, having gotten help with anxiety herself as a puppy (no lie.)
Babette's presence is meant to impart a warm, therapeutic vibe; her role is to help us get to work, not to distract us from it. She is not an official "therapy dog" (a very rigorous credential.) Rather, she is therapeutic! Babette and I passed the AKC Canine Good Citizen exam together, so here's the big picture:
a frightened puppy has become a secure dog.
Animals help us keep perspective and remind us how important it is to be needed. I believe that pets provide the non-judgmental ear and the comedy that are so essential to a meaningful life and a productive therapy session.
I offer support for Pet Loss with special awareness of the complexity of this relationship. Grief might actually be more profound when the family member you are missing (or preparing to miss) is not a person!
Babette's Canine Good Citizen certificate from the American Kennel Club hangs right next to my license to practice Psychology in the waiting room.
Displaying our "credentials" together is just for fun, but it gives you a sense of my commitment to having a dog with manners in your sessions. Babette completing this course with me and passing the exam demonstrates that she will "leave it" when asked, go to her bed when directed and so on.
By the way, the Canine Good Citizen course and test are overseen by the AKC, but Babette is not a purebred dog; she's part Frenchie/part Boston Terrier.
Even if you don't ever meet Babette, I hope the fact that there's a dog in this practice speaks to you. It's not about being a "dog person," it's about us both valuing the opportunity to care for people or animals who need us.