_edited_pn.png){kind=logo}
🐾 Meet Max the therapy dog 🐾
Helping students return to school
Taking the first step towards seeking help for school refusal can be challenging. To ease this process, we invite you to meet Max, our accredited Therapy Dog, trained to provide emotional and psychological support during your child's therapy sessions.
Why a Therapy Dog?
Therapy dogs like Max serve a unique purpose in providing emotional support and comfort. They differ from Service Dogs, which are trained to fulfill specific medical needs.
Max is a trained member of our pet therapy team, accredited to engage in emotional support roles within clinical and educational settings.
As per our accrediting body, "Pet therapy is one of the most effective 'medicines'," serving as a natural, non-judgmental facilitator of emotional well-being.
Max's Role and Training
Max has been accredited through a specialised Therapy Dog training program, which certifies him to be a part of a variety of emotional support environments, including clinics, schools, and group settings.
Providing a Safe Environment
For your peace of mind, Max undergoes regular health check-ups to ensure he meets all hygiene standards.
What to Expect in Initial and Ongoing Sessions
The First Step with Max
During the first session with Max, Max excels at building an instant rapport with your child, offering comfort, pats, and simple tricks. Max's presence works as a buffer, allowing children to ease into the therapeutic process.
Walk & Talk (W&T) Sessions
Our follow-up sessions may include outdoor activities where Max engages with your child, supporting therapeutic activities like drone chasing, RC car racing. Max's presence ensures supports positive dialogue and rapport whether we are engaged in an supervised activity or simply walking and talking.
School Visits
In school settings, Max supports us during the process of creating tailored 'Return to School Plans'. These school meetings are typically between us acting as a liaison between parents and the school. Often with your child's teacher, principal and well-being counsellor in attendance.
Group Sessions
Max plays an integral role in our group therapy sessions and school holiday programs. These sessions are designed to bolster social skills and instill confidence in a nurturing and enjoyable setting. With Max's calming presence, children are naturally encouraged, experiencing enhanced self-esteem and improved group social interaction.
Max offering his supportive presence
Max's favourite: Walk & Talk Therapy
Max in his handsome therapy vest with John Chellew, Director and Senior Clinician
Did someone say activities!?
Today we had wheels and paws in attendance.
Paws & Joysticks
We flew a drone today, woooosh!
Gone' Fishin'
Max assisting an outdoor fishing activity!
Pawcasso!
Sharing how we feel with chalk is always fun
I'm ready for my close-up!
Max Met ABC Breakfast News hosts Michael Rowland and Virginia Trioli, and some interesting swivelling cameras.
Follow MAX on Social Media
Ready to Meet Max?
Contact Us to Schedule Your First Session
Schedule your first session today and embark on a comforting journey towards a return to school, encouraged by our little Mascot.
Call John Chellew on 0409 024 485 and we can elaborate on Max's training and role, in addition to addressing any questions or concerns you might have about incorporating a therapy dog into your child’s therapeutic process.