Animal Assistance Therapy with Dr Herbie

Animal Assisted Therapy has been found to have significant positive outcomes within the context of therapeutic goals specific to impacts of crisis, trauma and grief, enabling nurturing and safer environments for clients. 

The inclusion of Animal Assisted Therapy  in psychotherapy and counselling sessions can assist with emotional regulation and improve mental and social wellbeing. 

Dr Herbie is available to provide additional therapeutic support in psychotherapy, counselling and professional sessions. 

Dr Herbie was bred by Guide Dogs NSW and puppy-raised at Frank Baxter Detention Centre (NSW). He completed the Guide Dogs NSW program with a qualification in Animal Assisted Therapy (one level below a service Guide Dog). Dr Herbie is proud of the career choice not to be a fully pledged service dog but instead focus on being a therapist, as this gives him far greater reward and creative expression in working with young people, adults and groups as well as professional colleagues.

Herbie has worked with Andrea for 5 years within government, non-government and community sectors supporting young people, adults and families through complex trauma, grief, family separation and mental health. 

Woofs, I'm Dr Herbie, a 7yr old Labrador-Golden Retriever. 

I really dig meeting people, making fur friends, running, walking, sniffing, laying about in the sun, playing chase, being patted, swimming, getting scratched under the chin and behind my ears, eating and being in my bed office.

My favourite foods are too long to list but some of them include watermelon, broccoli, cooked meats, salmon, dew on grass (which is like drinking nectar), Greek yoghurt (straight from the pot), carrots, bananas and sticks. 

Ultimately, what I enjoy the most is working alongside young people, adults and families who are healing from complex trauma, grief and working through mental health issues.