by JENNIFER GOODSON, MA, LMHC
There are seasons in life when words feel hard to find. Grief settles in. Anxiety lingers. Trauma reshapes how safe the world feels. Last March, I shared about losing our Australian shepherd, Travis, and how deeply his absence was felt in our home. That experience reminded me just how powerful the presence of an animal can be. In moments when emotions feel heavy or overwhelming, their quiet companionship often brings a kind of comfort that is difficult to explain but easy to feel.
Many people notice they breathe differently when a gentle companion is nearby. Shoulders relax. Thoughts slow down. The room feels less heavy. It becomes easier to sit and just be. For those who struggle to put pain into words, that steady presence can open a meaningful door toward connection.
Animals don’t judge, rush, or expect us to have everything together. And sometimes that is where healing begins.
Time spent with an animal helps the body settle. Stress softens. Guarded walls lower. Children may talk more freely. Adults who feel shut down may begin to share little by little. Families walking through medical stress may find a moment of relief in the middle of uncertainty.
It is important to understand that not all animals in helping roles serve the same purpose. Those who visit counseling offices, hospitals, and schools are trained to interact safely with people. Service animals are trained to support one person with needs related to a disability. Emotional support animals provide comfort through companionship but are not trained for structured public settings.
This work carries responsibility. Not every animal is suited for it. Those who service in these environments must be calm, social, and able to handle new surroundings without becoming overwhelmed. The person guiding the animal plays an important role, paying attention to signs of stress and keeping interactions safe and respectful.
Animals remind us of simple truths we often forget. They live in the moment. They respond with loyalty and acceptance. In their presence, many people rediscover what it feels like to slow down and simply be human again.
As a family, we have decided to welcome a new puppy in the months ahead and begin the journey of training it for therapy work. It is a process that takes time, patience and intention. Not a decision we can take lightly, for sure. As we prepare for this new responsibility, we are reminded how important it is to understand what this path involves.
Considering a Therapy or Service Animal
For those thinking about this path, the decision deserves careful thought.
If someone is interested in a therapy animal, the process usually begins with temperament. The animal should be calm, friendly, and comfortable around unfamiliar people. Basic obedience training comes next, followed by preparation focused on social interaction and emotional steadiness. Many then work with an organization that evaluates readiness and connects teams with settings where visits can take place safely.
A service animal follows a different path. These animals are trained to support one individual with specific needs related to a disability. This often begins with guidance from a medical or mental health professional, followed by focused training that teaches the animal how to assist with daily functioning.
In both situations, responsibility extends beyond training. Ongoing care, advocacy, and awareness are essential. Not every animal is meant for this role, and not every situation calls for one. When partnership is the right fit, the impact can be deeply personal. Comfort returns. Connection grows. And sometimes, in the quiet presence of another living being, people begin to feel like themselves again.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jennifer Goodson, MA, LMHC, is a licensed mental health counselor with an office in Winter Haven, FL, a Professor of Psychology at Warner University in Lake Wales, FL, and a transformational speaker. She holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia. For more information, visit www.jennifergoodson.com.