Dog therapy GDAŃSK

Dog therapy is a unique form of support designed for children who need additional help with their emotional development, peer relationships or coping with various challenges. 

Classes in the presence of a therapy dog are particularly beneficial for children with autism, ADHD, anxiety disorders, concentration difficulties or adaptation problems.

  • At the MECAL Psychological Clinic in Gdańsk Oliwa, we offer professional, individually tailored dog therapy sessions that create a safe, friendly environment supporting a child's development.
  • The classes are based on the unique bond between a dog and a child. This warm relationship is the basis for multifaceted support of development. Thanks to a creative approach to dog therapy, we can stimulate all areas of a child's functioning. We provide help depending on individual needs, specialists' recommendations, and the suggestions of caregivers.

Dog therapy for children – what benefits does it bring

Dog therapy is more than just playing with a dog. Through contact with the dog, children learn empathy, communication and responsibility. Therapy boosts self-esteem, develops social skills, and also helps children express emotions, build self-confidence and increases motivation.

Dog therapy reduces levels of tension, stress and anxiety. Interaction with a dog can also help patients to build emotional bonds, increasing their sense of security and trust. In an atmosphere of acceptance provided by the presence of a dog, children find it easier to open up to cooperation and develop skills that have a positive impact on their daily lives.

  • Stress and anxiety reduction – interactions with a dog can lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and reduce feelings of anxiety and distress in patients.
  • Mood boost – the presence of a dog can evoke positive emotions, increasing feelings of joy and pleasure, which contributes to improving patients' moods.
  • Increasing motivation – working with a dog can be motivating for patients, particularly in the case of children or older people. Striving to achieve a therapeutic goal, such as teaching a dog new tricks, can be motivating and increase engagement in the therapeutic process.
  • Improving social skills – interacting with a dog can help improve social skills such as communication, empathy and relationship-building, which can be particularly beneficial for people with autism spectrum disorder or other difficulties in forming relationships.
  • Increasing physical activity – in some cases, dog therapy may require physical activity, for example through playing with a dog or going for a walk with it, which can contribute to improving patients' physical fitness.
  • Cognitive enhancement - interacting with a dog can stimulate cognitive skills such as concentration, memory and problem-solving abilities.
  • Ease of building relationships – dogs are known for easily forming relationships with people, which can be helpful in the therapeutic process, especially for individuals who have difficulty establishing interpersonal relationships.

Meet Miłka – our Lovely Therapist

Miłka, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, is an invaluable therapeutic assistant whose friendly nature helps children feel at ease and safe. Her gentle temperament, patience and sensitivity to children's emotions make Miłka ideally suited to the role of a therapy dog.

For many children, it is thanks to Miłka that the first steps in therapy become easier and contact with the therapist more natural.

How do dog therapy sessions work?

Every dog therapy session is tailored to the child's individual needs. At the beginning, the child gets used to Miłka and gets to know her at their own pace, under the supervision of our therapist. The sessions include elements of play and educational exercises – children learn to stroke the dog, give her commands and reward her, which builds their self-confidence and social skills. Our psychologist Martyna, who runs the sessions, constantly ensures the child's comfort and actively responds to their behaviour.

What role does a dog play in dog-assisted therapy sessions?

During the sessions, Miłka is an active participant – she responds to the child's commands and allows herself to be stroked and cuddled, which helps the child to open up more easily.

  • A therapy dog acts as both emotional support and a motivator to take on new challenges.
  • Every interaction with Miłka helps the child develop empathy, self-confidence and communication skills.
  • Miłka builds a bridge between the child and the therapist, helping the child to overcome their fears and open up to the therapeutic process.
  • Thanks to Miłka, the classes become a time of joy and free exploration for the children.

Meet Martyna

our psychologist who loves working with children 

Martyna is an experienced psychologist whose life and professional passion is helping children in a safe and effective way.

It supports children's development and the building of their self-confidence. 

She helps children overcome their fears and build better relationships with their family, loved ones and peers. Her individual approach, experience and ability to harness the potential of dog therapy make every session a valuable experience that positively impacts a child's development.

Martyna and Miłka make a great team, helping children open up, minimise stress and enjoy interacting with others.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – why is this breed suited to dog therapy?

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a dog breed that is ideally suited to therapy work due to its exceptionally gentle disposition. Dogs of this breed are patient, friendly and very empathetic, which enables them to quickly establish a connection with children. 

A dog motivates, relaxes, activates and always accepts.

Milka – our canine therapist – is a wonderful example of a dog that has supported and continues to support the development of dozens of children, while also deriving immense joy from interacting with the children and from the sessions themselves. At the same time, we cannot overlook the fact that Milka is also, quite simply, beautiful and utterly charming. This immediately encourages a child to interact with the little dog.


MECAL Psychological Clinic Gdańsk Oliwa – let's talk

If you are looking for a safe, welcoming space where your child can develop emotionally and socially, we invite you to the MECAL Psychological Clinic in Gdańsk. Thanks to the support of our psychologist Martyna and therapy dog Miłka, children gain valuable experiences that help them better cope with everyday challenges.

Dear Parents, please contact the MECAL Psychological Clinic to arrange an initial meeting – we will gladly answer all your questions. We will establish an individual session plan, including dog therapy or joint family sessions with parents or siblings.

We are here to provide real help to your child and your family.