The Healing Power of Dogs: Colleen Dell's Journey in Trauma and Addiction Recovery
Animals come from a place that is before judgment, because of this, people who have been stigmatized are able to open up to them without fear of persecution.
Imagine finding the most effective solution to trauma and addiction in the wagging tail of a dog. Colleen Dell, a seasoned researcher from the University of Saskatchewan, shares her remarkable journey in this episode of 'Hard Knox Talks'. With over 25 years of experience, Colleen reveals how animals, especially dogs, can break down barriers that humans often struggle with.
“Animals come from a place before judgment”, she explains, highlighting how they create a safe space for those stigmatized by addiction to open up without fear. Colleen's work spans various impactful projects, including her involvement with The Thunderbird Partnership Foundation. Here, she integrates an Indigenous perspective into addiction and mental health training, emphasizing the importance of allyship.
Her passion also extends to the 'Stilettos to Moccasins' project and canine therapy for incarcerated individuals, showcasing how dogs can aid in recovery across different environments. In this episode, Colleen dives into the practicalities of animal-assisted therapy. She discusses the training process for therapy dogs and how these furry companions can be woven into treatment plans for addiction and mental health issues.
Despite the evident benefits, she doesn't shy away from addressing the challenges and resistance faced when implementing such programs. Listeners will find this episode both heartwarming and enlightening as it sheds light on the untapped potential of animal-assisted therapy. Colleen's insights offer a fresh perspective on healing, showing that sometimes, man's best friend can be the best therapist too.