Animal Assisted Therapy in Santa Barbara

Sophie standing beside a lounge chair in Jamie’s therapy office, with plants and a blue sofa.

Animal-Assisted Therapy is a research-supported approach that incorporates the presence of a trained therapy animal into the counseling process. Working alongside Sophie, clients often experience reduced stress, increased comfort, and improved ability to engage in the therapeutic process.

Begin Your Journey with Animal-Assisted Therapy

Sophie sitting on a wooded trail wearing a blue backpack.

If you’re interested in Animal-Assisted Therapy in Santa Barbara, I invite you to reach out for a consultation. Together, we’ll explore how incorporating Sophie into sessions may help you feel more grounded, connected, and supported.

Is working with Sophie optional?

Yes. Working with Sophie is optional. You can choose therapy without participating in animal-assisted work.

What if I have allergies or feel uncomfortable around dogs?

Sophie is a poodle. If you have allergies or feel uncomfortable around dogs, please contact me before your appointment so we can discuss your needs and options.

Sophie, a silver poodle, looking toward the camera with a fluffy topknot.
Sophie standing outdoors beside stone steps and garden trees.
Sophie resting with her front paws stretched out on a teal sofa.
Sophie wearing blue hair bows while standing on a wooden deck.
Sophie sitting on a wooded trail wearing a blue backpack.
Sophie wearing a festive headband indoors.
Sophie resting her chin on someone’s lap.
Sophie standing indoors in a costume with a light-up tulle skirt.
Sophie wearing a red plaid hat and matching scarf.
Sophie lying on the carpet wearing protective dog goggles.
Sophie relaxing on the sand beside the ocean.
Sophie standing on the carpet wearing a pink harness.
Sophie walking toward the camera along a grassy garden path.
Sophie exploring a garden filled with small yellow flowers.
Sophie stretching out on the living-room carpet beside a coffee table.
Sophie wearing a colorful outfit and hair bows on a patio.
Sophie standing indoors with blue hair bows and colorful accessories.
A closer view of Sophie’s face with blue hair bows.
Sophie sitting beside a door in a bright pink tutu.
Sophie lying on the carpet wearing a black-and-white neck scarf.

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS

Support, companionship,
and the next steps.

I offer emotional support animal evaluations and, when appropriate, recommendation letters as part of an ongoing clinical relationship.

Let’s talk
What is an emotional support animal?

An emotional support animal is a companion animal whose presence provides comfort and emotional support. Unlike a service animal, an ESA does not require specialized training. A recommendation comes from a licensed mental health professional.

Letters and housing accommodations

An ESA recommendation may support a request for reasonable housing accommodations, including in housing with pet restrictions. We can discuss your needs and whether an evaluation is appropriate for your situation.

How does the evaluation work?

We begin with a clinical relationship and an understanding of your needs. My process includes maintaining that relationship for at least 30 days before providing a recommendation. An evaluation does not guarantee a letter; the recommendation needs to be clinically appropriate.