Anxiety Therapy Orlando: 5 Mental Health Benefits of Owning a Pet

Written By: Lauran Hahn, LMHC

Have you been thinking about how a pet can benefit your mental health? Are you ready to welcome a furry friend but needed a few more reasons to convince your family?

My name is Lauran Hahn, LMHC and I am the owner of Mindful Living Counseling, a therapy practice specializing in anxiety and trauma.

At Mindful Living Counseling we have a therapy dog named Opal who loves being around our team and clients. As Opal’s dog mom, I feel very passionate about the great benefits of owning a pet that they bring to your life. I sat down with my team of anxiety therapists and asked them to help me brainstorm and share some of the benefits of welcoming a furry friend into your life!

1. Reduces Depression, Anxiety, and Stress

Have you ever cuddled a dog or cat and felt a warm and fuzzy feeling all over your body? This cozy feeling is the result of your brain releasing feel-good hormones such as oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine. These happy hormones counter mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress. 

Oxytocin is known as the “love hormone” and is responsible for the bond that is created between pets and humans. When released, this hormone produces a calming effect all over the body.

Serotonin helps to regulate mood and promote a feeling of happiness. People with depression typically have low levels of serotonin. Enjoying a pet can naturally increase levels of serotonin in the brain.

Dopamine is linked to the pleasure center of the brain and helps with feeling satisfied and motivated. Playing with pets naturally boosts dopamine levels in your brain. 

Having pets in the house provides emotional support for people that are struggling with anxiety, stress, and depression. Coming home to your pet ready to cuddle and offer you, unconditional love takes the edge off of a long and stressful day. 

Taking your pet for a walk gets you outside and moving your body, all of which are natural mood boosters. Getting outside in the natural sunlight helps boost Vitamin D and exercise helps to pump more of those feel-good hormones through your body. It’s a win-win for all!

2. Helps With Emotional Trauma and PTSD

Caring for a pet releases feel-good hormones which help regulate your emotions by calming your nervous system. The pet can help create a sense of safety in the present moment, reminding the owner that they are safe now.

Being hijacked by the past is a primary symptom of trauma and PTSD. Being with your animal guides your brain to orient to the present moment. Feeling the animal’s fur, smelling their breath, and feeling their love requires present moment orientation, which is grounding and alleviates symptoms of PTSD.

Orlando Anxiety Therapist Shauna Hughes, RMHCI shares “There is strong evidence from scientific research that having a pet can have a positive impact on hormonal regulation. The bonding hormone oxytocin is released when people interact with pets, promoting a sense of connection and emotional well-being. Cortisol, the stress hormone, also decreases simultaneously, easing anxiety and fostering a sense of calmness.” Shauna adds “Since pets offer companionship, emotional support, and a sense of safety, all of which can aid your healing journey, these hormone changes are particularly significant for people who suffer from PTSD.”

3. Decreases Loneliness

The unconditional love animals provide reduces feelings of loneliness. Taking care of a pet requires developing a routine and structure for the pet and the owner. Taking these steps builds self-esteem because it requires planning and executing the plan. Enjoying the bond that is created between the animal and its owner relieves loneliness and boosts self-esteem. 

“Having a pet helps minimize feelings of loneliness by prompting the release of our connection hormone, oxytocin” says Orlando Anxiety Therapist Samantha Bickham, LMHC. Samantha also shared “Having a pet can also provide a sense of responsibility and motivate us to go on walks and engage in play, getting us unstuck from the isolating feeling of loneliness.”

Samantha and her family take their dog to the park to mingle with other people who adore their pets as much as she does. With animals as common ground, Samantha feels she is part of a larger community of animal lovers, alleviating feelings of loneliness and low self-esteem.

4. Offers a Sense of Purpose

Taking care of a pet requires the owner to think beyond themself and consider the well-being of another. Being responsible for a pet and realizing that the care you provide is nourishing and nurturing your animal provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment. 

Orlando Anxiety Therapist Elizabeth Yoak, LMHC shares “Having a furry friend rely on you for survival results in giving pet owners like myself a sense of purpose.” Elizabeth adds that her dogs have motivated her to create a structured routine like waking up early for walks, following feeding times, making vet appointments, and finding time during the weekends to visit the dog park. “The structure and motivation you need for a pet are just one of the many reasons I feel like pets give you a sense of purpose,” says Elizabeth.

5. Supports Emotional Connection

Pets can provide people with a sense of reciprocal emotional connection The unconditional love and acceptance that pets build self-worth and self-acceptance, which provides an overall sense of well-being. 

Orlando Anxiety Therapist Trissa Dodson, LMHC shared that her dog is the sweetest, silliest little companion. Trissa gets to learn about her particular personality, quirks, and how she acts more like a house cat than a dog. Trissa says, “Building this special bond with her continually reminds me to be patient, dependable, playful, and benevolent.” She adds, “Dogs are so emotionally attuned to humans, and they can experience traumatic relationships just like us. Building a loving, trusting relationship with a dog can be some of the most rewarding and special relationships in our lives!”

Thinking About What Type of Animal to Consider?

Which pet you choose to adopt is a personal preference. Caring for any animal can boost self-esteem and provide a sense of purpose. Mammals are like humans in that they are driven to bond and connect, so if you’re looking for cuddles, you will want to consider an animal with fur. If becoming part of a larger social group is important you should consider getting a dog because you can take your dog to the park and meet other dog owners. Additionally, some restaurants with outdoor seating will allow you to bring your dog to dine.

If you’re interested in a dog, check out the American Kennel Club they have created a quiz for you to take to find out what dog breed might be the best for you.

Interested in Anxiety Therapy Orlando?

The therapists at Mindful Living Counseling Orlando are here to help you navigate your anxiety and answer any other questions you may have about therapy. After reading this blog something might have resonated with you. We get it. To get started with one of our anxiety counselors:

1. Fill out our New Client Consultation Form

2. Schedule a consultation call with our Client Care Coordinator

3. Begin your healing journey!

Not Quite Ready for Anxiety Therapy Orlando?

At Mindful Living Counseling Orlando, our highly trained team will help you gain tools that will help you overcome anxiety. Check out our team of specialized anxiety therapists that are here to help! If you’re wanting to get some information before you make that first phone call. We understand. Check out these great resources we’ve put together for you.

Anxiety Therapy Orlando Resources

Anxiety Therapist: A Guide to Balancing Work and Mental Health

Orlando Therapist Shares About Anxiety Therapy

An Anxiety Therapist Shares Everything You Need to Know About Anxiety

How to Manage Perfectionism and Anxiety

Guided Meditation for Anxiety: Healing Light

Other Therapy Services Offered at Mindful Living Counseling Orlando

The team at Mindful Living Counseling understands that anxiety is just one challenge you may struggle with. But, there may be others. This is why we offer a variety of therapy services. Our therapy services include EMDR Therapy, Eating Disorder Therapy, Trauma Therapy, Teen Therapy, and Toxic Relationship Therapy. We also offer Guided Meditations. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out!

About Anxiety Therapist Lauran Hahn

As an Orlando Therapist, Lauran Hahn, LMHC, specializes in working with clients struggling with anxiety and healing from toxic relationships. Lauran is also a Certified EMDR therapist and an EMDRIA Approved EMDR Consultant. When she’s not seeing clients Lauran enjoys spending time with her family and her dog Opal.