Animal Assisted Therapy | Fair Lawn, NJ
Meet Louie—Your Gentle Therapy Companion
Louie isn’t just any dog—he’s a specially trained therapy animal who plays a vital role in creating a calming, emotionally safe space during sessions at Mati Sicherer Mental Health Services in Fair Lawn, NJ. His soft eyes, gentle energy, and intuitive presence have helped many clients feel grounded, less anxious, and more open to healing.
Whether you're struggling with anxiety, trauma, sensory overload, burnout, or difficulty connecting emotionally, Louie's presence can soften emotional intensity and help you feel truly seen. He offers a unique form of support that words often can't provide—helping you breathe a little easier, settle into the moment, and reconnect with your body and emotions in a safe and nurturing way.
Many People Find Comfort and Healing Through Animal-Assisted Therapy
You’re not alone if you’re seeking something different than traditional talk therapy. Animal-assisted therapy is a growing, evidence-supported modality used across the world to help people heal. From children with sensory needs to adults navigating anxiety, trauma, depression, or life transitions, therapy animals have made an extraordinary impact.
Research has shown that being in the presence of a calm, trained animal can:
Lower heart rate and blood pressure
Reduce cortisol (the stress hormone)
Promote oxytocin and other calming neurochemicals
Help regulate emotions and support nervous system recovery
Improve social connection and engagement, especially for neurodivergent individuals
For many clients—especially those who find eye contact or verbal expression overwhelming—the quiet, non-verbal comfort of a therapy animal opens new pathways to connection and healing.
How Louie and Therapy Work Together to Support You
When you come in for a session, Louie may greet you gently or stay nearby as you settle in. There's no pressure to engage with him—you’re in charge of the pace. He may sit quietly at your feet, curl up beside you, or even offer a paw if you’re open to it. His presence is soothing, grounding, and completely free of judgment.
Here’s what you can expect in a typical session with Louie involved:
A more embodied experience of safety: For many, physical presence and co-regulation with a calm animal can be more impactful than words.
Trauma-informed approaches: You won’t be pushed to do anything you’re not ready for. Louie’s gentle energy mirrors the pace we set together.
Neurodiversity-affirming therapy: Many of our neurodivergent clients feel more at ease with Louie in the room, especially when navigating overwhelm or shutdowns.
Mind-body integration: Louie’s calming energy naturally supports nervous system regulation, helping you access insight and healing more easily.
Whether you're talking through hard emotions, sitting in silence, or processing something deeply felt, Louie is a steady companion who meets you exactly where you are.
“But I’m Scared of Dogs!”— Your Boundaries Matter
It’s completely normal to have questions or concerns about including a therapy animal in your sessions. You may:
Have had a difficult experience with dogs in the past
Struggle with allergies or sensory sensitivity
Prefer more traditional approaches to therapy
Feel unsure how much a dog could really help
All of these feelings are welcome here. Your therapy experience is never one-size-fits-all, and your comfort always comes first. We will never introduce Louie into a session without your clear consent, and he’s only present when it enhances your experience—not when it distracts or overwhelms.
Many clients begin their journey unsure about Louie and come to see him as a warm, grounding presence. But if having a dog in session doesn’t feel right to you, that’s absolutely okay. You deserve therapy that meets your needs—and that includes honoring your space, boundaries, and preferences.
Who Can Benefit from Animal-Assisted Therapy?
Animal-assisted therapy with Louie may be especially helpful if you:
Feel anxious, dysregulated, or overwhelmed in therapy
Have experienced trauma, including developmental or relational trauma
Struggle with emotional expression or shutdowns
Are neurodivergent (Autistic, ADHD, SPD, etc.) and seek a more accessible form of support
Experience difficulty trusting or feeling safe with people
Are an adult who finds comfort in the presence of animals
Clients have reported:
Feeling more emotionally open and grounded
Reduced stress during sessions
Increased trust and ability to engage
More regulation in their day-to-day lives
Louie has supported individuals navigating grief, postpartum anxiety, burnout from caregiving, chronic illness, and high sensory sensitivity. His impact is quiet but powerful—like a steady heartbeat in the background of your healing process.
There’s Hope and Healing—With Louie By Your Side
You don’t have to do it all alone. Whether you’ve been in therapy before or are just starting to consider it, animal-assisted therapy can offer a different kind of support—one that’s gentle, safe, and deeply validating.
At Mati Sicherer Mental Health Services, we understand how important it is to feel safe, especially when therapy feels vulnerable. Louie is more than just a dog—he’s a bridge to healing for many of our clients. Together, we’ll build a space where you feel calm, connected, and supported every step of the way.
Ready to Meet Louie?
If you’re curious about how animal-assisted therapy could support your healing, let’s talk. We offer a free consultation to explore what feels right for you. Whether you want to try a session with Louie or simply learn more, you’re warmly invited to reach out.
Healing is possible—and you don’t have to do it alone.