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Psychology That’s Professional & Personal

Animal Assisted Therapy

Anita works with two therapy dogs that have undergone training through Therapy Dogs Australia. Tszyu (Zoo) is an English Staffordshire Terrier – commonly known as a Staffy.  He is now10 years old and has a few quirky traits. Tszyu is much loved for his quirky traits though, as it reminds everyone of the individual-ness of every living thing in nature, and how we all deserve love even if we get things wrong… Anita can definitely tell you some great stories of Tszyu getting things wrong. Noah is a Maltese X rescue dog that was adopted as Tszyu’s mate. Noah is 18 months old and was quickly identified as a friendly, funny and very intelligent little dog – and despite common sense he is also believed to be crossed with an Irish Wolfhound (That’s probably a story… it could be a Schnauzer)!

Both dogs were identified as having caring and calm temperaments and just perfect for the role of lowering anxiety and promoting relaxation. Evidence has shown that being around animals (whether they are your own or someone else’s) has a positive impact on wellbeing and having the dogs in the studio provides you with an emotionally safe and nurturing space to explore the distress you are feeling, without getting lost in it. The dogs are there as a welcome sensory connection to the present moment.

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Animal Assisted Therapy

Anita works with two therapy dogs that have undergone training through Therapy Dogs Australia. Tszyu (Zoo) is an English Staffordshire Terrier – commonly known as a Staffy.  He is now10 years old and has a few quirky traits. Tszyu is much loved for his quirky traits though, as it reminds everyone of the individual-ness of every living thing in nature, and how we all deserve love even if we get things wrong… Anita can definitely tell you some great stories of Tszyu getting things wrong. Noah is a Maltese X rescue dog that was adopted as Tszyu’s mate. Noah is 18 months old and was quickly identified as a friendly, funny and very intelligent little dog – and despite common sense he is also believed to be crossed with an Irish Wolfhound (That’s probably a story… it could be a Schnauzer)!

Both dogs were identified as having caring and calm temperaments and just perfect for the role of lowering anxiety and promoting relaxation. Evidence has shown that being around animals (whether they are your own or someone else’s) has a positive impact on wellbeing and having the dogs in the studio provides you with an emotionally safe and nurturing space to explore the distress you are feeling, without getting lost in it. The dogs are there as a welcome sensory connection to the present moment.

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Art in Therapy

Anita often uses art to enhance the work that is being accomplished together. Some modalities such as picture cards are fantastic for people who are shy to create in front of other people, otherwise there are paint and a range of basket weaving materials that are all ready to be used.

Basket weaving is the predominant art that is used at Sandrock Psychology, as weaving is a rhythmic and mindful activity that can be used to support the learning of relaxation and mindfulness strategies. It can also be used as a medium for story-telling and sharing emotional content, by way of colour, texture and metaphors. Weaving groups are also used to create emotionally safe spaces and connection for those with social anxieties.

Mindfulness is an approach that we personally practice and passionately advocate. Mindfulness is the act of maintaining moment by moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations and surrounding environment. In a state of mindfulness we are able to achieve greater levels of calm, and clarity. Mindfulness can be very empowering for many people, but can also be very difficult and somewhat terrifying for others. As per all of the interventions used at Sandrock Psychology, it is up to you whether this is the activity you choose to move forward in your life. 

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