ACT -Addictions, Canine Therapy

Mindfullness

The bedrock of the Addiction Canine Therapy (ACT) program rests on the foundational principles of mindfulness, seamlessly intertwining the mind-body connection with the therapeutic presence of our canine companions. Mindfulness, assumes the role of a guiding force, empowering participants to engage consciously with the present moment. This deliberate engagement fosters not only self-awareness, emotional regulation, and introspection but also establishes a bridge between cognitive and somatic dimensions. ACT uniquely incorporates therapy dogs as active participants in the mindfulness process, elevating the practice to encompass the realm of interspecies connection. Through purposeful interactions with our therapy dogs. The result is a symphony of mindfulness principles resonating through both human and canine realms, enriching the therapeutic landscape. This interdisciplinary synergy not only bolsters the foundations of addiction recovery but also lays the cornerstone for sustained well-being, encapsulating the quintessence of ACT's holistic and integrative ethos.

Integrative Focus

The Addiction Canine Therapy (ACT) program stands as an exemplar of integrative therapeutic methodology. This approach seamlessly fuses multiple disciplines, weaving together neuroscience, psychology, behavior change theories, and the profound human-canine bond. The result is a comprehensive framework that addresses the multi-dimensional aspects of addiction recovery. Through carefully structured group therapy sessions, participants not only explore the intricacies of their own behaviors and triggers but also navigate the parallel journey of observing and emulating the adaptive behaviors of therapy dogs. This integrative approach not only bolsters emotional regulation and behavioral modification but also engenders a profound sense of connection and empowerment, setting the stage for enduring transformation on all levels.

Co-Regulation

Central to the efficacy of the Addiction Canine Therapy (ACT) program is the concept of co-regulation, substantiated by cutting-edge neuroscience. Neuroscientific research has illuminated the intricate neural pathways responsible for human-canine interactions, unveiling the capacity of these interactions to synchronize and modulate emotional states. In ACT, participants engage in purposeful interactions with therapy dogs, harnessing the innate empathetic behaviors of these animals to co-regulate their own emotional responses. This synchronized emotional exchange not only nurtures emotional resilience but also fosters the rewiring of neural circuits implicated in addiction and emotional dysregulation. By capitalizing on the neurobiological foundations of co-regulation, ACT pioneers a path to healing that is deeply rooted in empirical understanding and holistic well-being.