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  • Animal Assisted Therapy, Uncategorized

Healing Through the Power of Pets

Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a unique and effective form of treatment that leverages the bond between humans and animals to promote emotional, physical, and mental well-being. At Connected Brain Counseling, we offer Animal Assisted Therapy to help individuals experience the healing power of pets.

What is Animal Assisted Therapy?

Animal Assisted Therapy involves the use of trained animals to assist in the therapeutic process. These animals, often dogs or horses, work alongside therapists to help clients achieve specific goals. AAT can be used in various settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and mental health clinics, and is beneficial for people of all ages.

The Benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy

Animal Assisted Therapy offers numerous benefits for individuals seeking support for mental health issues. The presence of animals can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Interacting with animals can also lower blood pressure, improve cardiovascular health, and boost overall mood. Animals provide unconditional love and companionship, which can be incredibly comforting and therapeutic.

How Animal Assisted Therapy Works

In AAT sessions, a trained therapist guides interactions between the client and the therapy animal. These interactions are designed to achieve specific therapeutic goals, such as improving social skills, enhancing emotional regulation, or providing comfort and support. The animal’s presence can create a calming effect, making it easier for clients to open up and engage in therapy.

Who Can Benefit from Animal Assisted Therapy?

Animal Assisted Therapy can benefit a wide range of individuals, including children, adults, and the elderly. It is particularly helpful for those struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health conditions. AAT is also beneficial for individuals with physical disabilities or chronic illnesses, as the animals can provide motivation and support for physical rehabilitation.

How Connected Brain Counseling Can Help

Connected Brain Counseling specializes in Animal Assisted Therapy, offering personalized sessions to meet the unique needs of each client. Our trained therapists work with certified therapy animals to create a supportive and healing environment. Whether you are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues, AAT can provide a unique and effective path to healing.

Animal-Assisted-Therapy

Real Results

Many individuals have experienced significant improvements in their mental health through Animal Assisted Therapy. Research shows that AAT can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and improve overall well-being. Therapy animals provide a unique form of support that can enhance the therapeutic process and promote lasting change.

Pet Partners offers valuable insights into the benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy and the role of therapy animals in mental health treatment.

The American Psychological Association (APA) provides research and information on the effectiveness of Animal Assisted Therapy in various therapeutic settings.

Animal Assisted Therapy offers a powerful and unique approach to mental health treatment. At Connected Brain Counseling, we are committed to helping individuals heal and thrive through the power of pets. Don’t wait to experience the benefits of AAT. Book your free consultation and take the first step toward a happier, healthier future.

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Pauly Munn, MA, LPC

Individual & Couples Counselor; Neurofeedback Clinician; EMDR-Trained (PhD Candidate)

Pauly is a Colorado native who received his MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Regis University, and is a current doctoral candidate for a PhD in Clinical Psychology program at Fielding Graduate University. Pauly is an empathetic counselor who believes in a compassionate, yet direct approach to therapy. Pauly believes his clients are the experts of their experience. Through a collaborative lens, clients who work with Pauly are able to gain meaningful insight into their experience which in-turn provides the essential resources for navigating change and/or healing emotional wounds. Pauly utilizes an integrated trauma-informed lens blended with evidence-based modalities including ACT, CBT, EFT, and more. Pauly specializes in working with adult individuals and couples, with several years of experience working directly with a broad range of presenting challenges including relationship challenges, PTSD & complex trauma, substance use disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, and more. More importantly, Pauly believes in building a safe space in which each and every one of his clients feels seen & heard. Pauly identifies as a Latino-American, and is passionate about conducting therapy utilizing a social justice & diversity-informed lens. Pauly has a strong background working with multicultural identities, and believes in the importance of recognizing our unique differences. Pauly loves staying active through basketball, tennis, volleyball, hiking, dancing, strength training, and more. Additionally, Pauly spends time actively engaging in ongoing research projects in trauma, social justice, and neuropsychology.

Pauly's Specialties

  • Depression
  • Complex Trauma
  • Couples Counseling
  • EMDR Trained
Work With Pauly

Brianna Herrera, MA, LPCC

Individual & Couples Counselor; Neurofeedback Clinician

Brianna believes in a holistic approach to counseling, integrating mind, body, and spirit in her work with clients. She strives to help clients weave the various aspects of their lives together through a collaborative approach, meeting her clients where they’re at and partnering with them to create lasting change and a greater sense of wholeness in their lives. Brianna seeks to create a grounding and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences with freedom and authenticity. She embraces a variety of evidence-based treatment modalities to best meet her clients’ specific needs and goals, such as trauma-informed CBT, DBT, mindfulness-based techniques, solution-focused therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and humanistic approaches. In her work with couples, Brianna focuses on helping partners improve communication, strengthen their emotional connection, and navigate challenges such as conflict resolution, intimacy issues, and life transitions. She believes that life-giving, functioning relationships are foundational to a person’s sense of well-being. Brianna is certified in facilitating both SYMBIS and Prepare-Enrich couples counseling sessions. In her free time, she can often be found adventuring outside with her husband and pup, hosting a game night, or enjoying time with community.

Brianna's Specialties

  • Couples + Dating Therapy
  • Pre/Postpartum
  • Anxiety
  • Women's Issues
Work With Brianna

Sydney Focht, MA, LPC

Clinical Director & Counselor

I specialize in working with women in their 20s to 50s who struggle with self-worth, self-esteem, and the guilt that often comes with prioritizing themselves. Finding self-trust and the ability to feel worthy of happiness are common topics in my work. My clients tend to put off therapy because they downplay their struggles, describing their pain as ‘not that big of a deal.’ Many of them grew up in households where expressing emotions wasn’t encouraged and they are still looking for security now. My goal is to create a space where you feel completely free to be yourself—no pressure, no expectations. Therapy with me isn’t about either of us being ‘perfect’—it’s more about you feeling safe, seen, and supported as you figure things out in a way that works for you. I prioritize meaningful conversations that get to the heart of the issue, getting to the root and out of surface level conversation quickly. Going through my own therapy has given me a deeper understanding of what it’s like to be in the client’s seat, and it’s made me even more passionate about helping others find the support that truly works for them. My clients describe me as focused, compassionate, nonjudgmental, and down-to-earth. I truly love what I do and that comes through in my work! I’m a person-centered therapist, but I often integrate elements of Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and IFS.

Sydney's Specialties

  • Perfectionism
  • Eating Disorders
  • Grief/Loss
  • Women's Issues
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Cassandra Keller, MA, LPCC

Neurofeedback Clinician & Counselor (EMDR-Trained)

I support adults and teens (15+) who are ready to find relief from trauma, anxiety, depression, or feeling stuck in life, career, or identity transitions. Using a compassionate, trauma-informed, and integrative approach, I help clients reconnect with themselves and move toward balance and resilience. I’m EMDR-trained and draw from person-centered, gestalt, DBT, and somatic practices. Whether we’re working with the nervous system, processing painful memories, or exploring patterns with curiosity, my goal is to create a safe, collaborative space where you feel supported, present, and empowered to grow. I especially enjoy working with athletes, creative people, students, and outdoor adventurers who value resilience, beauty, and balance. Alongside therapy and grounding practices, I also offer neurofeedback as another powerful pathway for nervous system regulation and healing. Outside the office, you’ll often find me climbing, fly fishing, running trails, foraging, or relaxing in the grass under the aspens. My love for movement, play, and nature continually inspires how I show up with clients.

Cassandra's Specialties

  • Trauma and Developmental Trauma
  • Nervous System Regulation
  • Anxiety
  • Mind-Body Connection
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