Therapy Dog Assisted Counseling in Orland Park, IL

Therapy Dog Assisted Counseling Orland Park

Therapy Dog Assisted Counseling Orland Park

Experience the Comfort and Healing Presence of Niffy, Our Certified Therapy Dog

Starting counseling can feel intimidating.

For many clients, simply walking through the door is the hardest step. That’s why Choice Counseling & Consulting offers the comforting presence of Niffy, our certified therapy dog, to help create a warm, welcoming environment where healing feels more natural.

For clients who choose to include her during sessions, Niffy provides calm companionship and emotional support that can help make counseling feel more relaxed and approachable.

Sometimes, a gentle presence can make all the difference.

What Is Therapy Dog Assisted Counseling?

Therapy Dog Assisted Counseling is a counseling experience where a certified therapy dog joins sessions to provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support alongside traditional counseling.

Niffy is not the counselor—but her calm demeanor often helps clients feel more at ease during difficult conversations.

Many children, teens, and adults find it easier to open up when a therapy dog is present. Her comforting presence can help reduce anxiety, create a greater sense of safety, and make the counseling experience feel less clinical and more personal.

Participation is always optional and based on each client’s comfort level.

How Niffy Can Support Your Counseling Journey

  • Creating a calm and welcoming environment
  • Helping reduce anxiety during sessions
  • Providing comfort during difficult conversations
  • Supporting children and adolescents during counseling
  • Encouraging emotional regulation
  • Making first counseling visits feel less intimidating
  • Offering quiet companionship
  • Helping clients feel more relaxed and present
  • Building a greater sense of safety
  • Supporting emotional healing alongside traditional counseling
Niffy’s role is to provide comfort and companionship while Barbara guides each counseling session with professional care and clinical expertise.

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Counseling That Feels Personal

Healing happens best when you feel comfortable.

Barbara Smurzynski, MA, LCPC, has been helping individuals, couples, teens, and families since 2009. She believes meaningful growth begins with trust, compassion, and creating an environment where clients feel heard without judgment.

Our office was designed to feel welcoming rather than clinical. Many clients also find comfort in spending time with Niffy, our certified therapy dog, whose calm and gentle presence helps make counseling feel more relaxed and approachable.

Sometimes the hardest part is simply taking that first step.

Therapy Dog Assisted Counseling Orland Park

Who May Benefit From Therapy Dog Assisted Counseling

Therapy dog support may be especially helpful for clients who:
  • Feel nervous about beginning counseling
  • Experience anxiety or excessive worry
  • Have difficulty opening up during conversations
  • Are processing grief or loss
  • Are children or teenagers attending counseling
  • Prefer a warm, comforting environment
  • Appreciate the calming presence of animals
  • Want counseling to feel more relaxed and approachable
Every counseling experience is unique. Niffy’s participation is always optional and can be discussed before or during your appointment.

Therapy Dog Assisted Counseling Frequently Asked Questions

Will Niffy be present during every counseling session?

Niffy is available for many sessions, but her participation depends on scheduling and each client’s preferences. If you would like Niffy to be part of your counseling experience, simply let us know when scheduling your appointment.

Is therapy dog support only for children?

Not at all. Adults, couples, teenagers, and families often enjoy having Niffy present during counseling sessions. People of all ages can benefit from the calming and supportive environment she helps create.

What if I’m uncomfortable around dogs?

That’s completely okay. Niffy’s presence is always optional, and counseling sessions can be conducted without her. Your comfort is our highest priority.

Is Niffy certified?

Yes. Niffy is a certified therapy dog with credentials through the American Kennel Club (AKC), Canine Good Citizen (CGC), Urban Canine Good Citizen (CGCU), and Therapy Dog International (TDI). She has been working alongside Barbara since 2023, helping create a welcoming environment for clients seeking support and healing.

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Serving Orland Park and Nearby Communities

Choice Counseling & Consulting proudly provides life transition counseling for individuals throughout Orland Park and neighboring communities, including Tinley Park, Homer Glen, Palos Heights, Frankfort, Mokena, New Lenox, and the surrounding southwest Chicago suburbs.

Whether you’re navigating a planned life change or an unexpected challenge, we’re here to help you take the next step forward.

Why Choose Choice Counseling & Consulting?

When you’re facing uncertainty, having the right counselor can make all the difference.out Orland Park choose Choice Counseling & Consulting because we offer:

15+ Years Experience

More than 15 years of counseling experience

Bespoke Counseling

Individualized counseling tailored to your goals

Comfortable Space

A warm, welcoming office environment

Therapy Dog

Certified therapy dog support available during sessions

Milestone Support

Experience helping individuals through many stages of life

Compassionate

Compassionate, judgment-free care

When you’re facing uncertainty, having the right counselor can make all the difference.out Orland Park choose Choice Counseling & Consulting because we offer:

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Every new season of life comes with uncertainty—but it also brings opportunity for growth.

If you’re looking for compassionate life transition counseling in Orland Park, Barbara Smurzynski and the team at Choice Counseling & Consulting are here to help you navigate change with confidence and support.

Call Us

815 - 904 - 4555

Email Us

info@choicecounselingc3.com

Meet Us

11516 183rd Place Suite NW Orland Park, IL 60467-9472

Begin Your Next Chapter