Therapeutic Intervention in Schools
Therapeutic intervention in schools include counselling, support groups, art therapy, mindfulness programmes, and the incorporation of specialised professionals such as counsellors, psychologists, and even specially-trained therapy animals like dogs. This is where the Dog Mentor comes in. With a background in teaching and extensive experience as a dog trainer and study in neuro-linguistic programming, Jenny developed a specialised programme to help train dogs to be a positive therapeutic intervention in schools. Since 2013, the Dog Mentor programme has helped hundreds of schools in the UK and Europe experience the positive and life-changing impact of dogs, and nurture care and empathy from children.
"I have to say Jenny, this was the best training I’ve had in absolute ages. I knew Bella would have benefits for our school, but I didn’t realise how much a positive impact she would bring. We absolutely love her. Diolch yn fawr!"
JUDITH EDWARDS, HEADTEACHER
Abercanaid Community School, Merthyr Tydfil.
WELLBEING IN SCHOOL
The primary goal of therapeutic intervention in schools is to create a nurturing and inclusive environment that fosters emotional resilience, enhances academic success, and equips students with the tools to manage stress, anxiety, and other challenges effectively.
The programme suits all needs for dogs, staff, children and parents. It’s essential for dogs to equally benefit from the relationship and actively enjoy their time spent with children and adults. With the help of The Dog Mentor Programme, a school dog can nurture a comfortable and happy dynamic, enabling dogs to create a calming, positive influence on children.
A specially-trained school dog can play a pivotal role as a therapeutic intervention within educational settings.
-
What is therapeutic intervention in school?The primary goal of therapeutic intervention in schools is to create a nurturing and inclusive environment that fosters emotional resilience, enhances academic success, and equips students with the tools to manage stress, anxiety, and other challenges effectively.
-
What are therapeutic interventions in education?These encompass various techniques and programs aimed at supporting students' emotional and psychological needs. These may include counselling, support groups, art therapy, animals as therapy, mindfulness programs, and the involvement of specialised professionals to ensure students receive the necessary care and support.
-
How do schools promote health and wellbeing?Schools promote health and well-being through physical education, health education, nutritious meals, access to mental health support, creating safe and inclusive environments, and implementing programmes that focus on emotional and social development, such as the Dog Mentor programme.
-
How can you build communication skills in school?Communication skills can be developed in schools through activities that encourage speaking and listening, group discussions, presentations, debates, and projects that require effective written and verbal communication.
-
Why are communication skills important in school?Communication skills are essential in school because they facilitate effective learning, collaboration, and problem-solving for life. Strong communication skills enable students to express their thoughts and ideas clearly, engage in productive discussions, and excel academically. School dogs can help encourage expression in more withdrawn children and children who may not know how to express their feelings. Dogs provide a supportive and non-judgemental companion to us, whatever our age, and can provide a calm space for children to express their emotions without fear of judgement.
-
What can schools do to support mental health?Schools can support mental health by offering counselling services, organising mental health awareness programs, providing access to trained professionals, creating a stigma-free environment, and implementing strategies to address stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues among students. A school dog improves mental health and wellbeing in children. When feeling sad, a simple stroke or cuddle can help improve mood and reduce stress.
-
How do you comfort a stressed student?To comfort a stressed student, it's important to listen actively, offer emotional support, encourage open communication, provide relaxation techniques, and connect them with appropriate school resources or counselling services. “I find her comforting. I like her being here instead of people - she listens to me - Year Nine Boy”
-
How do you promote empathy?Empathy can be promoted in schools through activities like role-playing, discussions on diverse perspectives, literature that explores empathy, and encouraging students to actively listen and understand the feelings and experiences of others. Through building an important human-animal bond, dogs can help children learn to care for others and foster a culture of inclusivity and respect for both animals and humans.
-
How can the Dog Mentor be a good therapeutic intervention in school?The Dog Mentor programme trains your dog to be an important asset to the school. They can help provide valuable emotional support, wellbeing, reducing stress and improve focus alongside other wellbeing interventions the school offers. Find out more here.
The Latest Insights
We've been busy implementing the Dog Mentor Programme in new schools, as well as visiting over 500+ Dog Mentor Programme Schools who are already seeing the benefits from having a school dog. Have a look at some of the exciting work we've been doing!
