Through the help of a close friend and colleague, Tena Youngberg was introduced to Animal Assisted Therapy. Realizing the benefits that could be accomplished by this form of counseling she enrolled her 6 lb. fluffy white Maltese puppy in obedience classes.  Once ‘Issa’ and Tena completed two levels of obedience, they were ready to participate in classes that would prepare both of them for the rigorous test to be Internationally registered with the Delta Society.

Issa has a unique way of meeting and greeting clients that come in for counseling.  Once it has been established that the client is comfortable with dogs, Issa impatiently waits for an invitation to sit in their lap.  Many clients state they would not have been able to get through difficult sessions had Issa not been there while discussing challenging issues. Once Issa begins to ‘know’ clients, she actually greets them with an enthusiastic ‘conversation’ when they come through the door.

Issa’s expertise was truly put to the test one day at school; when a young person came into the counseling office after experiencing a significant trauma.  A young female student fell on to the floor yelling with tears streaming down her face.  It appeared that she was unreachable by counseling staff until Issa was brought into the room.  Once in the room and in the arms of the young girl, Tena was able to start working with her establishing a bond of trust.  The experience was so profound that it left little doubt to the benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy.

Once while working with a gang related student, Issa waited eagerly to sit on his lap. He stated several times that he did not like dogs but would not permit her to be put in her crate.  As she inched her way closer to him, he kept insisting his dislike for dogs, still refusing to let her be crated.  Issa waited patiently in the chair next to the client and put out her paw to step into his lap.  He allowed her to sit in his lap as he began talking about the abuse he had experienced as a child.

Animal Assisted Therapy is an option, not all people are comfortable with dogs and this is respected at Capella Counseling.