Canine Therapy Perth – Healing Through the Power of Dogs
At Aligned Living, we offer gentle, impactful canine therapy in Perth designed to support emotional wellbeing, build confidence, and reduce anxiety through the therapeutic presence of trained dogs. Whether you’re navigating stress, trauma, developmental challenges, or simply need a calming connection, our therapy dogs and experienced facilitators provide a safe, warm environment for personal growth.
What is Canine Therapy?
Canine therapy is a form of animal assisted therapy where trained dogs are integrated into therapeutic sessions to support mental, emotional, and even physical wellbeing. Unlike service dogs who are trained for specific tasks, therapy dogs work alongside qualified professionals in structured sessions to help individuals improve their emotional health, resilience, and communication skills.
Dogs are natural companions. Their calm presence and non-judgemental nature create an emotionally safe space for people of all ages. Canine therapy may support children with autism, adults facing anxiety or depression, or older adults experiencing loneliness. Every session is tailored to meet the client’s emotional needs and comfort level.
How Canine Therapy Works at Aligned Living
Each session is grounded in compassion and choice. You’ll be welcomed by one of our trained facilitators and matched with a therapy dog whose temperament suits your needs. Sessions often include:
Initial Conversation – Discuss what you’re experiencing and what you’d like support with.
Gentle Introduction – You’ll meet the dog, build trust and connection, and observe your comfort level.
Interactive Activities – These may include petting, walking, grooming, gentle play, or mindfulness-based exercises.
Reflection & Integration – Your facilitator will help you reflect on your experience and explore how it may apply to your daily life.
Therapy dogs help create a sense of calm and groundedness. They’re particularly effective for those who find traditional counselling overwhelming or intimidating. The relaxed setting and intuitive nature of dogs may encourage more openness and authentic expression.
Who Can Benefit from Canine Therapy?
Canine therapy is suitable for a wide range of people and may support:
Children with Autism or ADHD – Build emotional regulation, social interaction, and confidence in a safe, low-pressure environment.
Teens and Adults with Anxiety or Depression – Reduce stress and learn grounding techniques through presence and connection with a therapy dog.
Trauma Survivors – Experience emotional safety, non-verbal connection, and support for nervous system regulation.
Seniors – Alleviate loneliness, improve mood, and create positive interaction with a friendly dog.
People Living with Disability (including NDIS participants) – Tailored
Benefits of Canine Therapy
Emotional Regulation – Therapy dogs may help calm the nervous system, promoting emotional balance.
Stress & Anxiety Relief – Simply being around a dog may reduce cortisol levels and encourage endorphin release.
Non-Verbal Communication – Improve empathy and relational skills through gentle, consistent interaction.
Confidence Building – For children and adults alike, guiding and bonding with a dog supports self-esteem and decision-making.
Connection & Trust – Therapy dogs offer unconditional presence, which may foster deeper trust in oneself and others.
Why Dogs?
Dogs are uniquely suited to therapy work because they are naturally attuned to human emotions. They offer companionship without expectation, listen without interruption, and love without judgement. Their intuitive responses to body language and tone help mirror a person’s emotional state, offering insight without pressure.
At Aligned Living, our therapy dogs are carefully selected and trained for their gentle, calming nature. They’re used to working with people of all ages and experiences, and sessions are always supervised by a trained facilitator.
What Makes Our Canine Therapy Different?
At Aligned Living, our approach to canine therapy in Perth blends therapeutic models with a compassionate, person-centred philosophy. Here’s what makes our sessions unique:
Tailored to You – Every session is different, shaped around your emotional needs, comfort level, and therapeutic goals.
NDIS Friendly – We support participants on NDIS plans and can integrate canine therapy as part of a broader wellbeing program.
Safe, Peaceful Setting – Our nature-based location just outside Perth offers the ideal backdrop for relaxed, healing interactions.
Trauma-Informed – Our facilitators are experienced in working with trauma and understand the importance of emotional safety and trust.
Take the First Step with Canine Therapy in Perth
If you’re ready for a gentle, grounding approach to emotional wellbeing, canine therapy at Aligned Living may be the ideal fit. Whether for yourself or a loved one, our therapy dogs and facilitators are here to support you with care, compassion, and presence.
Call us today or Book a session online to begin your journey with canine therapy in Perth.
Let the unconditional presence of a dog help you reconnect with yourself and find peace—one paw at a time.