Empathic Paws

In the bustling halls of high schools across the country, amidst the chatter of students and the ringing of bells, a new kind of support system is quietly at work. It doesn’t come in the form of a teacher, counselor, or peer, but rather, on four paws, with a wagging tail and a pair of soulful eyes.

Therapy dogs are becoming a fixture in high schools, offering a unique form of emotional support that aligns with the principles outlined in Dr. Marc Brackett’s “Permission to Feel.” Brackett, a professor at Yale University and the founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, advocates for the recognition, understanding, labeling, expressing, and regulating of emotions as essential components of emotional well-being. 

A Moment of Inspiration

The idea to explore this intersection between therapy dogs and emotional education came to me while scrolling through the social media platform “X.” Yesterday, Brackett posted a poignant reflection following a talk he gave at Yale reunion weekend. In his post, he shared, “I gave a talk today at @Yale reunion weekend. I shared how only 40% of us had someone in our childhood who gave us #PermissionToFeel. At the end of my talk, a man approached me and shared how he didn’t get an emotion education from his parents. But he did from his two daughters. I was moved that he shared this with me and by the fact that our children can be our teachers. This man felt blessed to have children that gave him permission to feel. Puts tears in my eyes just writing this. Tears of joy, of course.”

Brackett’s words resonated deeply with me, particularly the notion that emotional education can come from unexpected places, even from those younger than us. It prompted me to think about how therapy dogs in high schools grant teens the permission to feel, much like the daughters did for their father.

A Calming Presence

For many students, the school environment can be a source of significant stress and anxiety. Academic pressures, social dynamics, and personal challenges can create a cocktail of emotions that can be overwhelming (Maricevic, 2022). Therapy dogs offer a calming presence that helps students recognize their own emotional states. Many students report that seeing the therapy dog helps them feel a sense of calm, allowing the stress to melt away and enabling them to think more clearly about their feelings.

This initial recognition is a crucial first step. Therapy dogs help students become more aware of their emotions, which is often the most challenging part of emotional intelligence (Maricevic, 2022). 

Understanding and Reflecting

Interacting with therapy dogs also encourages students to understand the sources and reasons behind their feelings. The non-verbal communication and unconditional affection from a dog can prompt introspection and self-reflection. Students often find that spending time with the therapy dog helps them think more deeply about why they are feeling stressed or anxious, aiding them in understanding their emotions better.

Finding the Words

One of the most significant challenges in emotional development is the ability to accurately label emotions. Therapy dogs act as a bridge, making it easier for students to discuss their feelings with counselors or peers. The comfort provided by the dog can facilitate conversations that might otherwise be difficult. School counselors observe that students often find it easier to open up about their feelings when they’re with the dog, as the dog’s presence provides a sense of safety and acceptance.

Expressing and Managing Emotions

Expressing emotions is another critical component of Brackett’s framework. Therapy dogs provide a non-judgmental outlet for students to express their feelings (Maricevic, 2022). Students often feel that they can tell the dog anything, without fear of being judged or misunderstood (Maricevic, 2022).

Moreover, the presence of a therapy dog can help students develop strategies to regulate their emotions. Research has shown that interacting with dogs can reduce levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, and increase levels of oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and stress relief (Petersson et al., 2017). This physiological response can help students feel more balanced and in control. Many students report that the therapy dog helps them calm down when they’re feeling overwhelmed, serving as a furry therapist (Maricevic, 2022).

A Growing Trend

As more schools recognize the benefits of therapy dogs, their presence is becoming more common. Programs are being established across the country, bringing these gentle companions into the lives of students who need them most. School administrators note that the impact is profound, with noticeable improvements in students’ emotional well-being since introducing the therapy dog program (Maricevic, 2022).

In a world where teens are often bombarded with pressures and expectations, therapy dogs are providing a much-needed respite. They are giving students the permission to feel—fully, deeply, and without judgment. And in doing so, they are helping to foster a generation of emotionally intelligent and resilient young adults.