Walk into any school, and you’ll find plenty of students trying to juggle more than classes, and that pressure can add up fast. That’s one reason a Minnesota nonprofit has been bringing a different kind of support directly into schools. The group, You’re Not Alone, is actively bringing trained therapy dogs directly to students in schools. The visits give students and staff a chance to slow down, take a breath, and spend a few minutes with a friendly dog. In a recent interview with FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul, founder Amy Thiessen-Walls sat down with Willow, a therapy dog who seemed completely unfazed by the cameras.
Therapy dogs help support students’ mental health and reduce stigma in Minnesota schools
It started three years ago with a single building. But demand skyrocketed as schools placed greater emphasis on student well-being and mental health support. Now, the organization partners with 64 campuses. Founder Amy Thiessen-Walls told FOX 9 they have 70 active teams working right now. And the service is completely free. They survive entirely on donations and fundraisers.
There is research behind why these visits work. Petting a dog releases oxytocin in the brain. That happy chemical lowers blood pressure and slows a racing pulse. Thiessen-Walls said in the interview that today, even second-graders understand anxiety. But sometimes it’s easier for a child to open up when there’s a dog nearby.
Students aren’t the only ones who benefit from the visits. Teachers, counselors, and other school staff also spend time with them. Thiessen-Walls told FOX 9 that professional development days often include therapy dog visits because educators face their own pressures and challenges throughout the school year.
Thiessen-Walls told FOX 9 that the dogs’ “unconditional love just brings a sense of calm to everyone and happiness.” The organization’s website says its programs focus on supporting students, staff, and communities through visits that encourage conversations about mental health, acceptance, empathy, and well-being.
Conversations about mental health can start small, sometimes with a dog asking for scratches. Anyone interested in volunteering or getting their district involved can check out ynausa.org. Hopefully, more students in schools will soon be able to welcome these therapy dogs into their hallways.
The post How Therapy Dogs Help Support Students’ Mental Health in US Schools appeared first on DogTime.