Working in the personal injury and compensation law space, we understand that the aftermath of an accident or injury can be an incredibly traumatic experience. The physical pain is often just the beginning; the emotional and psychological toll can be just as overwhelming. As support in the arduous claim process for our clients, we strive to offer not only expert legal advice but also a compassionate, supportive environment. From this mindset, alongside my team in Cairns, we decided to extend our commitment to caring for those who have experienced trauma by introducing to our team our therapy dog, Charlie.
The idea to bring a therapy dog into the firm actually came from feedback from existing clients who shared their positive experiences with therapy dogs. Many of our clients who had therapy dogs of their own mentioned how much comfort these dogs provided during their healing journeys. Inspired by their stories, we decided to bring that same comfort to the Cairns office. Charlie, a gentle and loving Groodle pup currently undergoing her therapy dog training, has already proven to be an invaluable source of support. While she’s still in the process of completing her certification, she’s already brightened the office and offered much-needed emotional support to our clients.
Whether it’s a client struggling with the aftermath of an accident or someone feeling anxious about the legal process, Charlie has a unique ability to calm nerves and provide emotional support during difficult times. And let’s be honest – she’s much loved by my team, too! When things get stressful in the office, we all know that a quick cuddle with Charlie can work wonders. She’s become an office mascot and a reminder that sometimes, a little love and a wagging tail is all we need to recharge.
Research shows that therapy dogs can have a profound impact on mental health, especially for those dealing with trauma. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology[1] found that interaction with therapy animals can significantly reduce cortisol levels and lower heart rates, both of which are indicators of reduced stress. The study also highlighted that therapy animals have a calming effect that encourages emotional regulation and social interaction. In fact, participants in the study reported “feeling less anxious, more at ease, and more able to cope with their situations” after spending time with therapy dogs. These benefits are especially meaningful for our clients, many of whom are coping with the emotional and physical aftermath of life-changing injuries.
The positive impact of therapy dogs in legal settings is becoming more widely recognised. In Australia, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia recently expanded their Court Dog Program, adding three new facility dogs to operate in the Sydney, Parramatta, and Newcastle registries. The success of this program is evident, as these dogs have helped reduce anxiety and improve communication for individuals going through emotionally charged family law proceedings.
At TSP we believe that providing support goes beyond just legal expertise. Having a therapy dog is a rare servicing offering in Queensland, particularly in the personal injury space. With Charlie’s presence, we aim to offer a space where our Cairns-based clients can not only seek justice but also begin the healing process. As she continues her training, we look forward to the even greater comfort and assistance she will bring to those who need it most.
As published in QLS Proctor.
Photo: BlueClick Photography
[1] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01627/full
