Mia, 5 year old “Bassador” (Basset/Lab) Mix

Mia’s specialty is in working with children and adolescents who are at-risk, substance abusing, or who are impacted by a loved one’s substance use.  She also specializes in working with adolescent girls struggling with issues such as: body image, self-esteem, substance use, and co-occurring issues.
 
We adopted Mia from Washington Basset Rescue. She had a very rough start in life. She was both abandoned and in several homes before we adopted her- a complete mystery to us!  Mia has taught clients how to trust and be openly vulnerable. She has also taught them about embracing their own individuality and accepting the differences in others. With her light-hearted, confident , and gregarious nature, Mia inspires confidence and self-esteem in clients.

Mia currently provides therapy to children and adolescents in the private practice counseling setting. For 3 years, Mia provided therapy to adolescents in the clincial setting and to students in two junior high schools in a local school district.  She works with students individually and in the group setting who are at-risk, substance abusing, or who are impacted by a loved one's substance use.

Mia is a registered Delta Society Pet Partner (therapy dog). Please contact us, if you would like a counseling session with Mia.

Byron, 5 year old Flat-Coated Retriever

Byron’s speciality is in working with older adolescents and adults facing substance use, co-occurring issues, and life-threatening illnesses.  We adopted Byron as a puppy, after he was rescued from being abandoned. As a therapy dog, Byron is very much a “mother hen” and takes his job very seriously. He is a very friendly, compassionate, caring soul. Byron excels at working with individuals facing multifaceted issues. Byron instinctively knows which individual person needs extra attention….whether this be the client, a family member, or staff working on the case.

Byron has provided therapy work to adolescents in the clinical setting, and has volunteered at Bailey Boushay House for the past 4 years. Bailey Boushay House, located in Seattle, WA, is a facility for patients struggling with HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses. In addition, a number of patients are facing a host of other issues, such as: chemical dependency, mental illness, dual-diagnosis, and grief/loss.

Byron is a registered Delta Society Pet Partner (therapy dog). Please contact us if you would like a counseling session with Byron.

Rachel utilizes Byron and Mia’s rescue stories in her work with clients, patients, and students. Utilizing both of the dogs' "stories" and different personalities, Rachel tailors her approach to specifically fit the needs of the individual client.  

Please click here to see an example of Animal-Assisted Therapy.

"God gave us angels to watch over and protect us. Some have wings, but most have paws."

~ Anonymous