Supporting Families by mentoring young people with Anxiety

At Canine Comprehension, we focus on individual mentoring and supporting young individuals and their parents and families. We understand that emotional well-being is pivotal to a child's academic success. As a dedicated team committed to fostering positive school communities, we prioritise addressing anxiety to create an environment where every child can thrive academically and emotionally. We empower students to approach learning confidently by providing tailored support and mentorship. Here are five ways in which our dog-assisted interactions can specifically support students dealing with anxiety:

Emotional Support:

Dogs offer unconditional love and companionship, providing comfort and alleviating feelings of loneliness or isolation often associated with anxiety. Their presence alone can be calming, offering a sense of security to anxious children.

Stress Reduction:

Interacting with therapy dogs has been scientifically validated to reduce cortisol levels, the stress hormone, in both children and adults. Activities like petting, playing, or simply being in the presence of a dog can promote relaxation and alleviate anxiety symptoms.

Increased Socialisation:

Dogs act as a bridge for social interaction, making it easier for children with anxiety to engage with others. Practising social role-playing in sessions or dog-assisted reading encourages communication and teamwork, helping children develop social skills and build confidence.

Distraction and Coping Mechanism:

Structured activities with dogs provide a healthy distraction from anxious thoughts or situations. Grooming, walking, or training sessions offer opportunities for mindfulness and teach children effective coping strategies for managing their anxiety.

Promotion of Mindfulness:

Interacting with dogs encourages children to be present in the moment, focusing on the here and now rather than worrying about the past or future. Mindful interactions with therapy dogs, such as deep breathing exercises or observing the dog's behaviour, teach valuable mindfulness techniques for anxiety management.

NDIS

Canine Comprehension is a registered NDIS provider under Section 73E of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 and is recognised by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) for meeting high standards in quality, experience, qualifications, and competency. This accreditation enhances our credibility and allows us to connect with a broader range of participants, including those with NDIA-managed funding.

Our status as a registered provider places us in a dynamic and competitive marketplace, distinguishing our services as NDIA-approved. This is a crucial aspect of our marketing strategy, appealing to clients seeking reliable, high-quality services. Our registration lets us expand our online visibility through the NDIS Provider Finder on the Myplace provider portal. It gives us access to essential training modules from the NDIS Commission, ensuring we remain at the forefront of service provision in our field.

NDIS Codes

0108- Assist-Travel/ Transport
0116- Innov Community Participation
0130- Assistance animals

By incorporating dog-assisted therapy into school environments, we not only support individual students but also contribute to the overall well-being of the school community. Through tailored mentorship and support, we strive to empower students to navigate their anxiety and embrace learning with confidence and resilience.

To book your child into our mentoring, please click here.