When my dog, Garfield, was a puppy, he spent his time in my office, getting to know my patients. Before long, I noticed that he had become very important to some of them. The relationships took different forms. For some, Garfield was very soothing. In fact, somebody renamed him “Soothe.” Someone else called him “Buddha.” For another person who felt very lonely and unloved, Garfield lifted her spirits when he excitedly welcomed her each session. Garfield and other therapy dogs are able to provide a nonverbal presence that is uniquely therapeutic. And for me and others – including Sigmund Freud – our dogs’ presence help us be even better therapists to our patients.

Often people come to me feeling  as if their lives are falling apart. Others are managing life day-to-day, but something’s missing. They may feel dissatisfied with  relationships. Work may feel like a drag. These days, not having any work may be the greatest worry. Or finding enough confidence to meet people, start a romance, or seek a satisfying  job may seem impossible.

It’s time to look outside yourself for help. But it’s the hardest time to reach out. You may feel stuck in a rut, or even paralyzed by depression and anxiety. It’s a painful paradox – and a common one. It is also common that after the first phone call to a therapist or after you have your first session, you’ll feel tremendous relief. I hope you’ll take a chance!