A lot of people struggle with their mental health after an accident. Many of our clients know this all too well, so we’re always on the lookout for ways to support them.
Recently, we learned how a tiny companion can make a big impact during psychiatric consultations.
If an accident has affected your mental health, you might find yourself meeting with a psychiatrist or psychologist. These professionals play a crucial role in helping people look after their mental well-being, offering tools and treatment to navigate emotional challenges. In a legal setting, too, a psychiatric assessment can be an essential step in understanding how an accident has changed someone’s life.
But let’s be honest—talking to a psychiatrist isn’t always easy. It can feel intimidating, awkward, and sometimes distressing. So, how can we make this process easier?
Our team was recently invited to a seminar hosted by Verify Medico Legal Services, led by Dr. Lucas Murphy, a psychiatrist dedicated to improving patient experiences. Dr. Murphy shared a unique part of his approach: Bonnie.
Bonnie is a therapy dog. She’s trained, certified, and has been working her magic in consultations since she was a puppy. Bonnie’s role is simple yet powerful—she helps make the experience better.
Note: For those unsure of the steps after an accident, our guide on what to do if you’re involved in an accident can help get things started on the right path.
How Therapy Dogs Support Mental Health
Therapy dogs like Bonnie bring emotional comfort to people dealing with mental health challenges. These specially trained dogs provide a calm, friendly presence that helps ease the discomfort that sometimes comes with psychiatric consultations.
For many people dealing with post-traumatic stress, anxiety, or depression, even the thought of an appointment can raise stress levels. But having a calm, friendly dog in the room can work wonders.
Here’s why having a therapy dog in the room can be so impactful:
1. Easing Stress
Therapy dogs are incredible at relieving tension. Just petting a dog can release oxytocin, the “feel-good” hormone, which helps lower blood pressure and calm nerves. This can make it easier to focus on the consultation without feeling overwhelmed.
2. Creating a Safe Space
Therapy dogs help people open up. Their presence can make it easier to share personal, sometimes difficult experiences, leading to a more honest and effective conversation with the psychiatrist. This openness helps the psychiatrist gain clearer insights, leading to better assessments and outcomes.
3. Providing Grounding
A therapy dog offers a sense of grounding—something tangible and comforting to focus on. This is especially helpful when feelings of anxiety arise, making the entire experience more manageable and supportive.
Making Consultations More Accessible and Compassionate
Adding therapy dogs into psychiatric consultations is a step towards creating a more compassionate and holistic approach to mental health care. It’s not just about addressing symptoms but supporting the whole person in a way that makes the process feel more approachable and less daunting.
We loved meeting Bonnie and discovering this approach to making difficult appointments a bit easier for people who’ve been through so much.
If you’re feeling anxious about a psychiatric assessment or have questions about the claims process in general, contact us. Our team at Motorcycle Law is here to help you feel prepared and supported every step of the way.