🐾 What to Expect in a Therapy Session with Oliver, Our Therapy Dog
You’ve probably seen the term “therapy dog” before — but what does it actually look like when a dog is part of your counselling session?
At Cinnamon Counselling in Vancouver, if you book with Aleesa Sutton, RCC, you’ll always find Oliver, her gentle therapy dog, in the room.
Oliver isn’t a replacement for therapy — he’s a consistent, calming presence that helps many clients feel safer, more grounded, and more open during counselling.
In this post, we’ll walk you through what a session with Aleesa and Oliver looks like, who benefits most, and how to book your own session.
What a session with Oliver feels like
When you work with Aleesa, Oliver is always part of the process. He’ll usually find his favourite spot on the floor or the couch next to you, offering quiet companionship while you talk.
Many clients naturally use Oliver as a grounding presence — stroking his fur to steady their breathing, ease anxiety, or stay present when exploring difficult emotions. His calm, steady nature helps create a sense of safety and connection, making the counselling space feel more comfortable and supportive.
Why People Choose Therapy with a Dog
Research shows that therapy dogs can:
Reduce stress hormones (cortisol) and increase oxytocin, the hormone tied to feelings of safety and connection
Ease anxiety and improve well-being in healthcare and counselling settings
Offer comfort, reduce loneliness, and make vulnerable conversations feel more manageable
At Cinnamon Counselling, Oliver’s presence is a natural part of Aleesa’s work — helping you feel grounded and supported in the room.
Research consistently shows human–dog interaction offers measurable mental-health benefits. For example, petting a dog can lower cortisol levels (the “stress hormone”) while raising oxytocin, a neurochemical tied to calm and connection. Brief, casual sessions with therapy dogs have also been found to significantly lower anxiety and distress.
Moreover, there are studies that reveal that having a dog present in therapeutic spaces can enhance emotional regulation—improving heart rate variability and reducing physiological arousal—as well as increase client engagement and commitment to the therapy process.
For individuals working with trauma or PTSD, therapy-animal presence can help reduce anxious arousal and support grounding, particularly when used alongside talk-based interventions.
Safety, Comfort & Choice
We recognize that everyone’s relationship with animals is different. That’s why we’re clear from the start: Oliver is always part of Aleesa’s sessions.
If you’d prefer counselling without a therapy dog, other members of the Cinnamon Counselling team offer dog-free options so you can find the right therapeutic style for you.
Is a Therapy Dog Right for You?
You may find Oliver’s presence especially helpful if you:
Live with stress, anxiety, or trauma and want extra grounding in the room
Feel more comfortable sharing when an animal is present
Appreciate the steady, non-judgmental support that comes from being near a dog
Oliver may not be the right fit if you:
Have severe allergies or a strong phobia of dogs
Are immunocompromised and prefer to avoid animal contact
Simply prefer a counsellor without animals present
In those cases, we recommend working with one of our other counsellors who do not include Oliver in their sessions.
How to Book a Session with Aleesa and Oliver
Booking is simple. When you book with Aleesa, Oliver will be there, too.
Learn more about our Rates
Explore Individual Counselling
Looking for deeper work? Check our Therapy Intensives
Ready to experience the calming presence of Oliver during your session with Aleesa?
👉 Book Your Session Today
Final Thoughts
Therapy can feel vulnerable — but it doesn’t have to feel cold or clinical. With Oliver by your side, Aleesa’s sessions offer a sense of warmth, grounding, and safety that many clients find deeply supportive.
At Cinnamon Counselling, your comfort and choice are always prioritized. Whether you work with Aleesa and Oliver, or choose another counsellor on our team, you’ll find a safe space to begin your journey toward healing and growth.
