Pet Therapy for Anxiety in
Oxford, OH
Pet Therapy to reduce anxiety in Oxford, Ohio
You’re having one of those days where everything feels heavy your mind is full, your body is tense, and even small things feel overwhelming. Then, out of nowhere, you catch a glimpse of a dog maybe in the car next to you or walking by and for just a moment, something shifts. You find yourself smiling without even trying, and the weight you were carrying feels just a little lighter.
That’s the kind of feeling pet therapy can bring into the room. When you come into my office and meet Nico, you don’t have to force yourself to relax or have the right words right away. His calm, friendly presence naturally helps take the edge off, making it easier to settle in and just be yourself.
Meet Nico therapy dog in Oxford, OH
Your whole life you loved the comfort of a furry companion and the peace they brought. Sometime you even prefer them over your human friends.
Come meet Nico who is my 6-year-old golden retriever who brings a quiet sense of comfort to the therapy space. With his calm, easygoing nature, he has a way of helping you feel more at ease the moment you walk in. Whether he’s resting nearby or offering a soft, friendly presence, Nico naturally makes the room feel warmer and more relaxed.
When he’s not at work, Nico loves grabbing any cardboard box he can find and turning it into a big, joyful mess in the yard(thanks Nico!). He also enjoys snuggling on the couch, often dropping a toy squeaker in your lap with a wagging tail(with a slightly guilty look) ready for a little play or companionship.
How does pet therapy for anxiety and trauma in Oxford OH work?
Helps you feel calmer and more at ease
Reduces stress and promotes relaxation
Brings comfort and a sense of safety
Makes it easier to open up and connect
Supports emotional balance and mindfulness
Adds warmth, joy, and a gentle presence to therapy
About your pet therapist and Nico in Oxford, Ohio
About Kelly Cole MSW, LISW-S
Hi, I’m Kelly. I’m an anxiety and relationship therapist in the Oxford, Ohio area, and I work with people who may look “fine” on the outside but feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or exhausted on the inside.
I believe anxiety and relationship struggles aren’t flaws they’re patterns that can be understood and changed. In our work together, we slow things down, make sense of what’s underneath your reactions, and help you feel more grounded, confident, and secure in yourself and your relationships.
During sessions, my golden retriever Nico is often by our side. I intentionally incorporate him to help ease anxiety, create a sense of comfort, and make it easier for you to relax and open up.
We believe the soft presence of a dog eases us and allows the healing to begin.
What Therapy Sessions with Nico Can Feel Like
Calm and Comfort
Nico’s gentle, steady presence helps create a sense of ease in the room. For many clients, this can make it easier to relax, settle your nervous system, and feel more grounded during sessions.
Connection and Openness
Having Nico nearby often softens the space, making it feel less intimidating to open up. His presence can help you feel more emotionally safe, allowing conversations to flow more naturally.
Lightness and Warmth
Therapy doesn’t always have to feel heavy. Nico brings moments of warmth, softness, and even a little joy — helping balance the harder parts of the work with comfort and ease. 🐾
How the Therapy process in Oxford, OH begins
A free 15-minute consultation is a simple, low-pressure way for us to connect and see if working together feels like the right fit.
During this call, you can share a little about what’s been going on whether that’s anxiety, overthinking, or challenges in your relationships and I’ll ask a few thoughtful questions to better understand what you’re needing.
1st
15 Minute Consultation Call
Your intake session is a space for us to slow down and really understand what’s been going on for you. We’ll talk through what’s bringing you to therapy right now, as well as your history with anxiety, relationships, and any patterns you’ve noticed over time. I’ll ask thoughtful questions to get a fuller picture of your experiences, but there’s no pressure to share everything all at once we’ll go at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
2nd
Intake
A typical 45–60 minute session is a space for you to slow down, talk through what’s been coming up, and start making sense of it in a deeper way. We might begin by checking in on your week what felt hard, what stood out, and where anxiety or relationship patterns showed up.
From there, we’ll gently explore those moments together, and a greater understanding of these moments.
3rd
Session
FAQs
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Having a therapy dog in session creates a more relaxed, comfortable environment. Nico is calm, friendly, and intuitive, he often sits nearby, offers quiet companionship, or comes over for pets when you need a moment to ground yourself. There’s no pressure to interact with him, but many clients find his presence helps them feel more at ease and open.
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Not at all. Your comfort comes first. Some clients naturally connect with him right away, while others prefer to focus solely on the conversation. Nico is there as an option for support, not a requirement.
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Spending time with a therapy dog can help calm your nervous system, reduce stress, and make it easier to feel present. When anxiety shows up in session, petting or simply being near Nico can help you regulate in the moment, making it easier to talk through difficult thoughts or emotions without feeling overwhelmed.
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That’s completely okay. We can go at your pace. Nico is very gentle and well-trained, and I’ll always make sure you feel comfortable. If you prefer more space or minimal interaction, we can easily adjust so the session still feels safe for you.
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Most of the time, yes, Nico is a consistent part of the therapy environment. However, if you ever prefer a session without him for any reason, that’s always an option. Your comfort and preferences come first.
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Yes! this is actually one of the biggest benefits. Many clients find that having Nico in the room takes the pressure off and makes the space feel less formal. It often becomes easier to relax, gather your thoughts, and start sharing at your own pace.